📘Your Property Tax Rate Is Going Down

Hey Cary, happy late Easter!

This is gonna be a nice calm week in the town with good weather and plenty to do and experience. I love the restaurant I’m spotlighting today, and I hope you will too.

Once again, I’d really appreciate if you followed Cary Digest on Instagram and Facebook. I’m trying to build up a better presence on those platforms and don’t want you to miss out on any content there!

Anyway, here’s what you can expect in Today’s issue:

• Cary’s new property tax rate

• An amazing pizza joint

• Arts and crafts festival this weeekend

• …and so much more!

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Cary Lowers Property Tax Rate, But Bills May Still Rise

The Town of Cary is proposing a property tax rate of 32.5 cents per $100 of assessed value as part of its 2025 budget — a decrease from the current rate of 35 cents. However, many residents may still see higher property tax bills due to recent Wake County property revaluations that significantly increased home values across the area.

The proposed budget totals $503.5 million and focuses on key priorities like affordable housing, public safety, infrastructure improvements, and environmental sustainability. Town officials say the reduced tax rate is an effort to offset the impact of higher home assessments, but acknowledge some residents could still face increases depending on how much their property's value has changed.

Public hearings on the budget are expected to take place in early May, with adoption scheduled for June.

📌 Want to see how your tax bill might change? Check your updated home value on the Wake County website and plug it into the town’s budget calculator.

Calculate your new tax bill here

A Message From… Cary Digest

Hey there Cary Digest Reader!

I just wanted to take a second and shout out our official Instagram and Facebook pages. I’m trying to take the social media side of Cary Digest a bit more seriously, posting a few reels and other breaking news-type posts per week.

I’d really appreciate it if you followed us on Instagram and/or Facebook! I promise you won’t regret it.

Restaurant Spotlight: Di Fara Pizza Tavern

A Slice of Brooklyn in Downtown Cary​

Tucked into downtown Cary at 111 E Chatham Street, Di Fara Pizza Tavern brings the soul of Brooklyn’s iconic pizza scene to North Carolina. Known for its old-school methods and commitment to top-tier ingredients, this spot is a go-to for pizza purists and casual diners alike.

What Makes It Special:

• 🍕 Born in Brooklyn: This Cary location honors the legacy of Dominic DeMarco, who opened the original Di Fara in 1965.

• 💧 New York Water, Southern Charm: They use a special water filtration system to match NYC’s tap water — the secret behind their famously perfect dough.

• 🪑 Chill Vibes: Casual, family-friendly atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for a laid-back night out or game day bites.

Menu Highlights:

• Di Fara Classic Pie – sausage, peppers, onions, and mushrooms

• Pepperoni Pie – loaded with crispy, curled pepperoni

• Garlic knots & house-made meatballs – great for sharing

Open Daily: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Community Events

Cary Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival – April 26, 2025​

Celebrate creativity, community, and the beauty of spring at the 32nd Annual Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Fred G. Bond Metro Park in Cary. This free, family-friendly event showcases over 170 North Carolina artists, offering a diverse array of handmade crafts, fine arts, and unique goods. ​

Festival Highlights:

• 🎶 Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances across three stages, featuring local musicians and entertainers.

• 🌍 Earth Day Celebration: Participate in eco-friendly activities and learn about sustainability initiatives.

• 🎨 Kids' Zone: Engage the little ones with interactive art projects and fun-filled activities.

• 🍴 Food & Beverages: Savor a variety of delicious offerings from local food vendors and food trucks.​

Set amidst the scenic backdrop of Bond Park's wooded trails and serene lake, the festival provides a perfect setting for a day of exploration and enjoyment. ​

Event Details:

• 📅 Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025

• 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Fred G. Bond Metro Park, 801 High House Road, Cary, NC

• 💵 Admission: Free

For more information, visit the official Spring Daze festival page.

🎉 Free Events

Cary Night Market

• Time: Fri, Apr 25 @ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Location: Downtown Cary Park

• Description: Explore over 45 local vendors, enjoy live music, and savor bites from food trucks in a vibrant open-air setting. ​

🎭 Festivals & Events

Marcus Anderson Live

• Time: Tue, Apr 22

• Location: Raleigh Improv

• Description: Experience a captivating performance by jazz saxophonist Marcus Anderson. ​

Christopher Titus Stand-Up Comedy

• Time: Thu, Apr 24

• Location: Raleigh Improv

• Description: Enjoy a night of sharp wit and humor with comedian Christopher Titus.

Emily Scott Robinson in Concert

• Time: Fri, Apr 25

• Location: Cary Arts Center

• Description: Join singer-songwriter Emily Scott Robinson for an evening of heartfelt music. ​

8-Track Minds Performance

• Time: Fri, Apr 25

• Location: Back Then Bar and Grill

• Description: Dance the night away to classic hits from the '70s and '80s with 8-Track Minds.

🎬 Film

The Cary Theater Screenings

• Time: Various showtimes from Tue, Apr 22 to Fri, Apr 25

• Location: The Cary Theater

• Description: Enjoy a selection of independent films, documentaries, and classic movies in an intimate setting. ​

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly

KiddoFin Wealth Academy – Online Finance Habits Workshop

• Time: Mon, Apr 21 – Fri, Apr 25

• Location: Online

• Description: An interactive online workshop teaching kids aged 10-17 about healthy financial habits. ​

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