Note from James
Good people of Cary,
When I started The Cary Report back in 2022, the goal was simple. I wanted to create a true community hub and keep Cary residents in the loop on everything happening around town. Along the way, the best part has been connecting with all of you. From talking with readers to meeting local business owners, it has been a privilege to share what makes Cary such a great place to live.
As we head into the new year, I am taking The Cary Report in a fresh direction.
Instead of long form articles, I will be focusing on a weekly newsletter, which is what you are reading right now. This new format allows me to stay hyper focused on Cary while making the report more personal, more fun, and easier to enjoy each week.
I am excited about where this is headed and hope you are too. As always, feel free to reply directly to this email with any feedback, ideas, or suggestions.
Happy New Year,
James
Report No. 1: A New Beginning
FAQ
You got questions. Here are some answers.
Q. What will happen to all of the old articles on thecaryreport.com?
A. All older articles will remain viewable in the archived section of the website.
Q. Why am I receiving this email?
A. You are receiving this because you previously subscribed to The Cary Report newsletter and have received emails from us before. The only change is the format. If this is not for you, which I hope it is, you can unsubscribe using the link at the bottom of the email at any time.
Q. Will this newsletter be written by AI?
A. No. My goal is to keep this newsletter personal and human. Every issue will be written by me, and my voice will be clear throughout. I will not be using AI to write the content.
Q. What kinds of topics will the newsletter cover?
A. The same things The Cary Report has always focused on, including local businesses, parks, news, events, and important updates around Cary.
Weekly News
Chatham Estates Sale, Lantern Magic Downtown, and Final Leaf Pickup Begins
Let’s dive in.
Hundreds of Mobile Home Park Residents Given Six Months to Move
Residents of Chatham Estates, a mobile home community in Cary, were recently notified that the entire property will be sold and they must relocate by June 30th, 2026, which is when the buyer is expected to close.
Many families pay roughly $400/month (less than 5x the average rent in Cary) to lease their lots and now face uncertainty about where they will live next year.
More than 100 families will be affected.
The property will likely be redeveloped to a multifamily housing development. The existing zoning allows for 50 unites per acre.
Additional reading: WRAL, N&O, ABC11, Commercial Sale Info Sheet
Cary’s ‘Under the Silver Moon’ Lantern Parade Returns January 10
If January has you glued to the couch, this is a pretty great reason to venture outside.
The 5th annual Under the Silver Moon Lantern Parade is back at Downtown Cary Park on Saturday, January 10 at 6 pm, and it is exactly as magical as it sounds. For months, local artists and community members have been quietly building sustainable glowing lanterns, and now they finally get their moment to shine.
Lights, live music, food trucks, and more. It’s always a ton of fun, and I hope to see you there.
Right now, the forecast is calling for 70 degrees on Saturday, so no need to worry about bundling up too much. After an uncharacteristically cold December, this should be a very welcome change.
Additional reading: Downtown Cary Park’s calendar, video of the parade from last year
Quick Updates & Things to Know
Cary’s final scheduled loose leaf collection is in progress. You can check the map here to check the current status of each area. You can also contact 311 to request an additional pick-up if you missed it.
There’s a very exciting new business opening in downtown Cary very soon. Make sure to check out next week’s issue for more information.
Events
01/07/2026 - 01/13/2026
A parades, lanterns, and more!
What: A free parade celebrating Three Kings Day! Produced by Diamante Arts & Cultural Center.
Where: N. Academy Street
When: Saturday, January 10 at 1:00 PM
What: One of Cary’s most charming winter traditions. Glowing lanterns, live music, food trucks, and more!
Where: Downtown Cary Park
When: Saturday, January 10 at 6:00 PM
What: If you haven’t had a change to check out the Chinese Lantern Festival this year, this is your last chance! Experience the magic of giant beautifully crafted lanterns, cultural performances, and delicious food. Buy tickets here.
Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre
When: Every evening until Sunday, January 11th.
Weekly Destination
Higgins Greenway
Each week, I’ll highlight a spot in Cary that I think you should go check out. This week’s pick is an easy favorite.
Last summer, a significant expansion to Higgins Greenway was completed. Notably, the expansion now extends all the way to downtown, making it the only greenway in Cary with such a privilege.
If you haven’t been yet, it’s absolutely worth the stroll.
This is a part of the pre-expansion section of Higgins. In the summer, the trees create a beautiful canopy over the bridges.
The full greenway is about 1.5 miles one way, so it’s not a loop. If you want to experience the entire thing, plan for a three-mile out-and-back.
It really shines in the warmer months when everything is lush and green, but even in the winter it’s still a peaceful, easy walk.
There are a few access points along side streets, but the simplest option is parking in the library parking deck and walking along Kildaire Farm Road until you hit the entrance.
This map highlights the expansion (which you’ll encounter first if you are starting in downtown), but the route becomes very obvious once you arrive to the pre-expansion section.
I’m on this greenway almost every day since I live nearby, so if you see me walking or running, definitely say hi.
Report #1 is now complete.
Thanks for reading! If you liked or disliked this issue, feel free to reply and let me know! I love hearing from you.
P.S.
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