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Best Places to Live in Apex
What are The Best Neighborhoods in Apex, NC? Check out these 15 great places to live in Apex!
As a realtor living in Apex, NC, I have developed a great understanding of the best neighborhoods, so if you are moving to Apex, NC, here's what you need to know. If you're looking to buy Apex real estate, we can also help. Simply contact us or call/text 919-249-8536
It's important to note that Apex is a fast-growing community, and there are new communities and new construction homes for sale in Apex, popping up seemingly every month.
Apex is a town in Wake County, North Carolina, and a smaller suburb of Raleigh. With an estimated population of 72,225, Apex can keep that small town 'charm' that has earned its nickname 'the peak of good living.'
Families, young professionals, retirees, no matter who you are, love living in Apex since it is located in a safe area. Even Apex's neighbor to the south, Holly Springs, is seeing some of Apex's growth as the entire area continues to expand.
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Check out these best neighborhoods in Apex, NC
1. Scotts Mill
With over 500 single-family homes and 184 townhomes, Scotts Mill is one of the larger neighborhoods in Apex. The homes in Scotts Mill are based on several different designs, giving the neighborhood a great mix of home styles.
Scotts Mill offers a perfect balance of privacy and community, with lower HOA fees than newer developments but still maintaining neighborhood standards. The community website does a great job of keeping the residents updated with neighborhood information and other need-to-know items.
This established neighborhood features homes built in the 1990s-2000s, with spacious floor plans typically between 2,500-4,000 square feet. Home prices range from the upper $400s to the mid $600s, offering excellent value for the space.
Scotts Mill is known for its strong sense of community and neighborhood watch program. The mature trees and well-maintained landscaping create a serene environment.
Scotts Mill is located just east of 540, with easy access to Beaver Creek Commons, RTP, and Jordan Lake. Downtown Raleigh is about a 25-minute drive for those of you commuting to the area for work.
Local Favorites:
The community pond is a popular fishing spot for residents, and the neighborhood is just minutes from the Beaver Creek shopping area, featuring Harris Teeter, Target, and numerous restaurants.
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2. Bella Casa
One of the best neighborhoods in Apex is Bella Casa. Located in West Apex, Bella Casa is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and active community.
The neighborhood boasts multiple parks, walking trails, and a community pool with a splash pad that's a hit with families during summer months. With its strong HOA that maintains common areas beautifully and organizes regular social events, Bella Casa is perfect for those seeking an instant sense of community.
Bella Casa is six minutes to Beaver Creek Crossings, ten minutes to Jordan Lake, and an easy 20 minutes to RTP (all of which is spent on 540, a generally wide-open highway). As one of the best new communities in the Triangle, many families love living here since it is located across the street from Apex Friendship High School.
There are multiple builders inside the Bella Casa subdivision, where you will find a mix of single-family homes and townhouses primarily built between 2005-2015, with prices ranging from the mid $800s to upwards of $1 million.
If you're moving to Apex, NC, you really want to be sure to check out the properties in Bella Casa.
Local Favorites:
Residents rave about the proximity to Kelly Road Park and the neighborhood's annual food truck festival. The community is within walking distance of Salem Street, making it easy to enjoy downtown shops and restaurants.
3. The Preserve at White Oak Creek
The Preserve at White Oak Creek is a newer luxury community that features homes built in 2015, with prices typically starting in the upper $600s and reaching over $1 million for larger custom builds. Homes average 3,000-5,000+ square feet on generous lots, many with wooded backdrops or water views.
The Preserve lives up to its name with extensive conservation areas that protect natural habitats while providing residents with scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities. The neighborhood's thoughtful layout maximizes privacy while still fostering a strong sense of community.
While HOA fees are higher than in some other neighborhoods, the extensive amenities and maintained grounds justify the investment. The real estate in The Preserve at White Oak Creek is sought-after by many families and working professionals.
Local Favorites:
The clubhouse and resort-style pool complex serve as the community's centerpiece, with summer events and social gatherings.
4. Haddon Hall
Haddon Hall is a family-friendly neighborhood in Apex, NC, with a rural setting, and still remains close to downtown Apex. You can check out the Haddon Hall HOA Website to learn more about rules and dues.
The Haddon Hall community is one of the best in Apex, so homes typically sell fast in the area. With a well-kept neighborhood, a great pool, and many friendly neighbors, Haddon Hall is a must-add to your list of top neighborhoods in Apex.
Haddon Hall offers larger homes and the median list price is $507,363 with an average price per square foot of $229.
Local Favorites:
The community pool and clubhouse host summer swim teams that many families participate in. Proximity to Beaver Creek shopping and dining options like Abbey Road Tavern and Daniel's Restaurant is another plus.
5. Salem Village
Salem Village is one of Apex's established communities featuring homes built primarily in the 1990s and early 2000s. Properties in Salem Village generally offer 1,800-3,200 square feet of living space on quarter-acre lots with traditional and colonial architectural styles.
The community features some of the best amenities, including a pool, 24-hour fitness center, and clubhouse on top of multi-purpose courts (tennis and basketball). With only a short walk to the elementary school or a quick drive to downtown Apex, the location of Salem Village, is great.
Local Favorites:
Residents frequently mention the well-maintained walking trails that connect different sections of the neighborhood. The community pool and playground serve as social hubs during warmer months. Proximity to Salem Street's shops and restaurants like The Provincial and Common Grounds Coffee is a major draw.
6. Abbington
If you live in Apex, NC, you know the neighborhood of Abbington. For those of you relocating to Apex, Abbington is a neighborhood you will want to check out.
Abbington holds 433 custom-built homes that are just minutes from RTP, Jordan Lake, Beaver Creek, and more. Abbington is one neighborhood folks moving to Apex, NC, want to know about.
Abbington's central location provides excellent access to both downtown Apex and Highway 64 for commuters. The neighborhood is known for its well-maintained common areas and strong sense of community.
As one of the top neighborhoods in Apex, Abbington homes for sale are priced accordingly. Home prices generally range from the mid $400s to the mid $800s, with primarily traditional and Colonial styles.
Local Favorites:
Residents frequently mention the neighborhood pool and playground as gathering spots. The nearby Apex Nature Park, with its disc golf course, dog park, and amphitheater, is another major perk.
7. The Villages of Apex
The Villages of Apex is an inviting community that has everything you would need within walking distance of home. This neighborhood provides an affordable entry point into the Apex market, particularly for first-time homebuyers looking for a family-friendly community with good schools.
Offering excellent value for the price point and location, this neighborhood is divided into smaller sections, each with its own character while sharing community amenities.
The resort-style community and charming village center offer residents and guests cafes and shops. Downtown Apex is less than a mile away, so it's about a 15-minute walk.
This large, established neighborhood features homes built primarily in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with prices ranging from the mid $300s to the mid $500s. Homes for sale in The Villages of Apex typically range from 1,800-3,000 square feet on smaller, manageable lots.
Local Favorites:
The extensive network of sidewalks makes this a walker's paradise. Residents also enjoy the community pool and playground facilities.
8. Olive Chapel Park
Olive Chapel Park is a top-rated neighborhood in Apex best known for its beautiful homes and strong sense of community. Its location near Olive Chapel Elementary School makes it extremely attractive to families with young children.
The area offers a nice balance of convenience to amenities while maintaining a slightly less congested feel than neighborhoods closer to downtown.
Olive Chapel Park features homes ranging from 2,200-3,800 square feet in size. Home prices typically range from the mid $400s to the low $700s. Architectural styles include traditional, craftsman, and colonial designs, with many homes featuring brick or stone accents.
Local Favorites:
The community park with its playground equipment and picnic shelters is a gathering place for families. Residents also appreciate the proximity to the American Tobacco Trail for outdoor recreation.
9. Beaver Creek
Not to be confused with the shopping center of the same name, Beaver Creek residential community offers homes built primarily in the early 2000s with living spaces typically between 2,500-4,200 square feet.
Beaver Creek's central location provides unparalleled convenience to shopping, dining, and entertainment. The neighborhood itself is divided into several smaller sections, each with its own character while sharing access to community amenities.
While traffic can be heavier during peak shopping seasons around the commercial areas, the residential streets remain relatively quiet. Homes here tend to hold their value well due to the prime location.
Local Favorites:
Beyond the obvious benefit of walking distance to Beaver Creek Crossings with over 50 stores and restaurants, residents enjoy the community pool and clubhouse. Many sections have their own pocket parks and green spaces.
10. Friendship Station
The community of Friendship Station is named for its proximity to Apex Friendship High School. The neighborhood attracts families interested in newer construction with modern amenities and has a vibrant, youthful energy.
The neighborhood's location provides easy access to US-1 and NC-540, making commutes to Raleigh, Durham, and RTP manageable. Being slightly removed from downtown Apex means more house for your money compared to neighborhoods closer to Salem Street.
There are many beautiful homes for sale in Friendship Station with a median list price of $549,789. Square footage typically ranges from 1,800-3,500 with open floor plans and modern finishes.
Local Favorites:
The neighborhood pavilion and fire pit area host regular community events. Residents appreciate the thoughtfully designed parks and walking paths throughout the development. Proximity to Apex Friendship High and Middle Schools means many families' children can walk to school.
11. Whitehall Manor
Whitehall Manor represents one of Apex's luxury options with correspondingly higher price points but offers exceptional value compared to similar homes in Cary or North Raleigh. The neighborhood tends to attract established professionals and families with older children.
Whitehall Manor offers a sense of exclusivity and privacy with larger lots and custom home designs. The neighborhood's winding streets and cul-de-sacs minimize through traffic, creating a peaceful environment.
Real estate in Whitehall Manor generally start in the mid $600s and can exceed $1 million for the largest estates.
Local Favorites:
While the neighborhood itself doesn't have a community pool or clubhouse, residents value the privacy and lower HOA fees this affords. The Peak on Salem and Salem Street Pub in downtown Apex are frequent dining destinations for residents.
12. Sunset Hills
Sunset Hills represents one of the better values in Apex for families looking for an established neighborhood with amenities. The strong neighborhood watch program and active social media groups help newcomers quickly feel connected.
The neighborhood of Sunset Hills offers an excellent balance of affordability and location, situated just minutes from both downtown Apex and the Beaver Creek shopping area.
Local Favorites:
Residents praise the well-maintained sidewalks and street lighting that make evening walks safe and pleasant. Proximity to local favorites like Doherty's Irish Pub and Skipper's Seafood and Smokehouse is an added bonus.
13. Dogwood Ridge
Dogwood Ridge offers a central location with quick access to major highways while maintaining a peaceful, residential atmosphere. The neighborhood is known for its spectacular spring display when the namesake dogwood trees bloom throughout the community.
Properties in Dogwood Ridge range from 2,200-3,600 square feet. Home prices typically range from the mid $400s to the upper $600s.
Local Favorites:
The community pool and clubhouse host regular social events including an annual Fourth of July celebration. Residents appreciate the neighborhood's proximity to the John M. Brown Community Center and Eva Perry Regional Library.
14. Waterford Green
Waterford Green is a mid-sized neighborhood featuring homes built primarily in the mid-2000s. The medain list price is $547,450 and the average price per square foot is $259.
The neighborhood is centered around several water features including retention ponds and streams that create scenic views and wildlife habitats. The community's location provides excellent access to major highways.
The mix of young families and established professionals creates a diverse, welcoming atmosphere.
Local Favorites:
Walking trails wind throughout the neighborhood, connecting various sections and green spaces. Dining options nearby include TapStation and Scratch Kitchen and Taproom.
15. Bella Vista
One of Apex's newer upscale communities, Bella Vista is perfect for residents who are searching for a secluded feel. While price points are higher than some other Apex neighborhoods, the modern features, energy efficiency, and extensive amenities justify the investment.
Local Favorites:
Community events are frequent, with food truck rodeos and holiday celebrations being particular highlights.
Methodology
Factors such as home prices and local amenities were considered o determine the best neighborhoods in Apex, NC. Data was sourced from Payscale, the Town of Apex, and local Apex businesses.
FAQs
Is it expensive to live in Apex, NC?
With a cost of living that is 4% higher than the national average, Apex is considered a relatively affordable place to live. Utility prices are 6% lower than then national average and transportation expenses are 8% lower.
How fast is Apex, NC growing?
Rated as the fastest growing city in North Carolina, the towns population has grown by 38% over the past ten years and there are no signs of this population growth slowing down.
Why is Apex, NC, called the Peak of Good Living?
Apex is also reffered to as the Peak of Good Living due to its high quality of life, small town charm, and location as the highest point along the Chatham Railroad.
Best Neighborhoods in Apex, NC - Final Thoughts
Apex is a great place to live in the Triangle area that is great for families, young professionals, and retirees. If you are searching for your dream home in Apex, there are plenty of excellent communities to choose from.
If you are ready to kick-start your home search, you can contact the experts at Raleigh Realty. We are here to help and are ready to answer any questions.
