PCS orders in hand and eyeing a move from Fort Liberty to Cary? You’re not alone. The Triangle’s job market and amenities pull many military families north, but the shift can feel big: new commute patterns, different housing types, higher prices, and school transfers to sort out. This guide gives you clear, practical steps to plan your move with confidence, from commute realities to VA loan timing and closing in two counties. Let’s dive in.
Fort Liberty to Cary at a glance
You’re moving from the Fort Liberty and Fayetteville area into western Wake County, where Cary sits inside the Raleigh–Durham–Chapel Hill Triangle. Daily life here is shaped by a larger tech, healthcare, research, and education job base. That stronger demand often shows up in housing prices and competition compared with Cumberland County.
For many military families, the reason for Cary is simple: you’re transitioning to Triangle employers, staying in a DoD-contractor role, or supporting a service member with new orders. Each case shapes priorities like your commute corridor, budget, and needs for schools or amenities.
Commute realities between Fort Liberty and Cary
Driving is the primary option
Most people who travel between the Fort Liberty area and Cary drive. You’ll use interstate and state highways, and the exact route depends on your base gate and your destination in Cary. Expect variability by time of day, especially near Raleigh and Cary during peak hours.
Know the limits of public transit
There is currently no frequent commuter rail connecting Fayetteville and the Triangle, and local transit agencies do not run a high-frequency, direct commuter service for this corridor. Intercity buses and Amtrak exist but are aimed at longer trips rather than daily commuting.
Manageable strategies for a long commute
Door-to-door travel can run an hour or more during certain times. Plan with real-time tools for your typical departure windows. Ask your employer about flexible hours, compressed schedules, telework, carpooling, or company shuttles. Parking in Cary varies by workplace and neighborhood, and some offices or apartment communities include it.
Cary housing types and neighborhoods
What you’ll find on the ground
Cary has a wide mix of homes. Single-family detached homes dominate, often in master-planned subdivisions. You’ll also see townhomes and planned communities, newer mixed-use developments, and some condos or small-lot infill options near downtown Cary. Many buyers here prioritize proximity to work in RTP or Raleigh, neighborhood amenities, and yard space.
Costs to plan for
Budget for property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and potential HOA dues. HOAs are common in planned communities and townhome developments, and fees vary by services and amenities. Newer subdivisions can carry higher utility usage from features like irrigation and larger HVAC systems, while older homes may need more maintenance and repair.
Market conditions to expect
The Triangle has seen stronger price growth and demand than many national markets over the past decade. In practical terms, you should expect higher prices and a different inventory mix in Cary compared with the Fort Liberty area. For current snapshots of median prices, inventory, and days on market, review local market reports before you tour homes.
Budgeting and financing with a military lens
Build a realistic line-item budget
Plan for upfront costs like your down payment, earnest money, inspections, appraisal, lender fees, and closing costs. Ongoing costs include your mortgage payment, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, HOA dues if applicable, utilities, and routine maintenance. Add moving and transition costs, such as TMO-coordinated shipments, temporary lodging, storage, travel, and any childcare or school transition expenses.
Understand BAH and PCS entitlements
Your Basic Allowance for Housing depends on rank, dependency status, and the Cary ZIP code. It can offset rent, and you can include it in your household budget when purchasing. Review PCS entitlements early, including full or partial DITY options, government shipment of household goods, and temporary lodging benefits. Coordinate with the Fort Liberty Relocation Office and your finance or transportation office well in advance.
Using a VA loan in Cary
VA loans are common for service members moving between regions. Expect VA appraisal and Minimum Property Requirements that may trigger repairs before closing. VA loans typically require occupancy within a reasonable time, so discuss timing and any temporary occupancy questions with a VA-experienced lender. If you’re selling a home with an existing VA loan, ask about restoring entitlement or potential assumption by the buyer.
Closing and taxes across counties
Selling in Cumberland County while buying in Wake County requires coordination with closing attorneys or settlement companies that know each locale’s recording and excise tax practices. Property taxes are prorated at closing and vary by county and any special districts. Check estimated tax bills for the specific property before you make an offer, and consult a tax professional for personal tax guidance.
Selling near Fort Liberty and buying in Cary
Sell first vs buy first
Sell first: You reduce financial overlap and avoid carrying two mortgages. The tradeoff is you might need temporary housing and could have less leverage in a competitive Cary market.
Buy first: You secure a home in Cary before selling. This can require bridge financing, a HELOC, or other strategies to cover your down payment until your sale closes. It may also increase short-term financial risk.
Contingent offers: You can write an offer contingent on selling your current home. In more competitive Cary neighborhoods, some sellers prefer non-contingent buyers.
Tools to bridge the gap
Discuss bridge loans or a HELOC with your lender. Consider a rent-back with the buyer of your Fort Liberty-area home if you need extra days after closing. In some cases, renting out your current home short term during a PCS can be a practical stopgap. Always review timing and lender rules if you plan to use a VA loan for back-to-back transactions.
Align your timelines
VA appraisals have their own timelines, and cross-county recordings can affect possession dates. Build in buffer time for inspection repairs, appraisal rechecks, and household-goods delivery windows. Your agent and lender can help lock in dates that work on both transactions.
Schools and family logistics
Enrollment and transfers
Cary is primarily served by the Wake County Public School System. School assignments vary by address, so check the district’s assignment tools and contact the school for enrollment steps, records, and immunizations. If you’re moving mid-year, the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission offers guidance that can smooth transfers for military students.
After you arrive
Plan to switch utilities, update your address with USPS and your military pay office, and register for local services. If you have medical specialists or therapy providers, start those referrals early so care continues without a gap.
Step-by-step PCS checklist
- Confirm military relocation entitlements and your BAH for Cary ZIP codes with the Fort Liberty Relocation Office and your finance or PCS counselor.
- Build your budget with Cary-level housing costs, including taxes, HOA dues, insurance, and utilities.
- Interview a Cary buyer’s agent and a Fort Liberty-area listing agent who routinely handle cross-county moves for military families.
- Decide on a sell-first or buy-first strategy and review bridge options and contingencies with your lender and agent.
- If using a VA loan, get prequalified with a VA-experienced lender and confirm entitlement and occupancy details.
- Schedule inspections and anticipate repairs on both properties where possible. Remember VA appraisal timelines.
- Coordinate HHG shipment dates with the Fort Liberty Transportation Office and secure temporary lodging if needed.
- Align closing dates with title or settlement companies in both counties. Confirm tax proration and recording logistics.
- Transfer utilities, enroll children with school support under MIC3 as needed, and change your address with USPS and military records.
Trusted resources to contact
- Fort Liberty Relocation Office or Army Community Service for PCS entitlements and shipment coordination
- Military OneSource for relocation counseling and planning tools
- Defense Travel Management Office for BAH rate lookups by ZIP and rank
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for VA loan eligibility, appraisals, and occupancy requirements
- Wake County Tax Administration and Wake County GIS for property tax and parcel details in Cary
- Wake County Public School System for assignment and enrollment information
- Local title or settlement companies experienced with both Cumberland and Wake counties for closing timelines and recording
- Local market reports for Cary to check current pricing, inventory, and days on market before you tour
Make your Cary move smoother
Relocating from Fort Liberty to Cary is a big step, but it’s manageable with the right plan and a team that understands military timelines, VA lending, and cross-county closings. If you want a clear path from orders to keys in hand, let’s talk through your options and build your timeline together. ¿Hablas español? También te puedo ayudar en español.
Ready to start? Connect with Charlize Vega for a free, no-pressure consultation.
FAQs
How long is the commute from Fort Liberty to Cary?
- Commute times vary by gate, route, and time of day. An hour or more one way can happen during peak periods. Check real-time maps for your exact addresses and typical departure times.
Can I use a VA loan to buy in Cary while I sell near Fort Liberty?
- Usually yes. Confirm entitlement and occupancy timing with a VA-experienced lender. Be prepared for VA appraisal standards and possible repair requirements before closing.
Should I sell my Fort Liberty-area home before buying in Cary?
- It depends on your risk tolerance and finances. Selling first reduces overlap but may require temporary housing. Buying first secures a home but can require bridge financing. Discuss with your agent and lender.
Will housing costs be higher in Cary than in Fayetteville?
- Often yes. The Triangle has seen stronger demand and price growth, and Cary typically runs higher than the Fort Liberty area. Review current local market reports for neighborhoods you’re considering.
How do I handle school transfers to Cary?
- Contact Wake County Public School System early, gather records and immunizations, and use the district’s assignment tools. The MIC3 guidelines can help ease mid-year transfers for military students.
What taxes and fees should I expect when I buy in Cary?
- Plan for Wake County property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and any HOA dues. At closing, taxes are usually prorated. Confirm estimated bills and any special assessments before making an offer.
How do I line up closing dates in two counties?
- Coordinate early with your agents, lender, and closing attorneys. Build in buffer time for inspections, repairs, VA appraisal timing, and household-goods delivery so both closings align smoothly.
