Is Asbury safe?
Cary, North Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Asbury as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Asbury
“Go. Asbury is a peaceful, low-density residential pocket positioned between Cary and Raleigh, characterized by exceptionally low violent crime and stable socioeconomic conditions. While it is distinctly car-dependent and lacks traditional tourist hubs, visitors will find it remarkably quiet and safe at all hours.”
About the area
Asbury is an established, wooded community bordering southeast Cary and West Raleigh, known for its mix of single-family homes, leafy suburban lots, and proximity to major research hubs. The neighborhood offers a calm, low-traffic environment with easy access to both downtown Cary and Raleigh's university research corridors.
- Quiet / Residential
- Wooded Suburb
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Asbury
Walk score: 24/100 · Bike score: 38/100
While neighborhood streets are low-traffic and pleasant for casual riding, dedicated protected bike lanes are sparse, though connections to the broader Cary Greenway system are a short drive away.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates are significantly lower than state and national averages.
- High household median incomes and strong homeownership rates foster a stable residential environment.
- Quiet, low-density suburban atmosphere with very little ambient noise or through-traffic.
Cons
- Virtually no commercial amenities or dining within immediate walking distance.
- Many residential streets lack continuous sidewalks and pedestrian-scale streetlighting.
- Heavy car dependency requires driving for almost all daily errands and activities.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in this residential neighborhood, with minimal to no visible encampments or panhandling.
What Asbury is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant, with joggers and dog walkers moving along low-speed neighborhood streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet with minimal traffic aside from delivery vehicles and occasional residents returning home.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and safe, though visibility decreases quickly on wooded roadways without streetlights.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and quiet with negligible street activity and very low risk of street crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is very limited directly in Asbury; regional service is operated by GoCary and GoRaleigh along major surrounding corridors like Tryon Road, but a personal vehicle or rideshare is essential.
Parking is exceptionally easy with abundant free space on private driveways, residential curbs, and adjacent commercial lots.
Things to do in Asbury
- Explore the nearby nature trails and scenic boardwalks at Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve.
- Take a short drive to the sprawling shopping, dining, and gathering spaces at Fenton in Cary.
- Spend an afternoon cycling or walking on the connected Cary Greenway network.
Local favorites
- Taqueria El Toro · Mexican Restaurant · 4.6★ (3600)A bustling, no-frills staple serving authentic street tacos, tortas, and an extensive salsa bar.
- Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen · Southern Restaurant · 4.5★ (1850)Upscale farm-to-table eatery delivering contemporary takes on traditional Southern comfort cuisine.
- Baker's Dozen Donut Shop · Bakery · 4.7★ (920)A cherished local counter serving classic handmade glazed donuts, crullers, and apple fritters.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.