Living in Apex 

Are you considering a move to Apex, NC? Here are ten things you need to know about living in Apex! 

Nestled in the heart of Wake County, just 15 miles southwest of Raleigh, Apex has earned its beloved nickname, "The Peak of Good Living." This charming town embodies small-town Southern hospitality while offering the conveniences and opportunities of a thriving metropolitan area.

With a population that has grown to nearly 82,446 residents, Apex continues to attract families, young professionals, and retirees seeking an exceptional quality of life. 

The town's rich history dates back to 1869 when it was established at the highest point along the Chatham Railroad. Today, that historic downtown district, designated in 1994, serves as the vibrant heart of the community.

Considered the third largest town in Wake County, Apex always offers something new and exciting. Featuring many local events and festivals, including the Peak City Pig Fest and Apex Oktoberfest, Apex is always trying to find fun ways to bring the community together. 

Apex is home to beautifully preserved buildings, locally owned restaurants and shops, and a strong sense of community. Whether you are drawn to the top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, or a blend of outdoor recreation and cultural amenities, Apex offers a welcoming environment where newcomers quickly feel at home. 

As the town grows and brings in more residents, more new construction and communities are introduced to the area. If you are searching for homes for sale in Apex and want to learn more about this fantastic town, keep reading to learn more about what you need to know about living in Apex. 

Here is what you need to know about life in Apex 

1. Community and Location 

Apex strikes the perfect balance between intimate community living and convenient access to major employment centers and urban amenities. Located just 15 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport and a short commute to Research Triangle Park, residents enjoy small-town tranquility without sacrificing career opportunities or travel convenience.

Recognized as part of the Triangle region, Apex is located only a 20-minute drive from Downtown Raleigh. The popular suburbs of Cary and Holly Springs are also located nearby and are within a 20-minute drive from Apex. 

Centrally located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, Apex is found within three and a half hours of the mountains and an hour of the nearest beach. With direct highway access via US 1 and NC 540, commuters can reach downtown Raleigh in 20-25 minutes. 

2. Cost of Living 

With a cost of living 1% higher than the national average, Apex is considered a relatively affordable place to live and a great place to raise a family. Utility prices are 11% lower than the national average, transportation expenses are 11% lower, grocery prices are 1% higher, and healthcare is 13% higher. 

*Data Sourced from PayScale. 

The town's economic stability, with unemployment at just 2.88%, ensures residents have access to well-paying jobs that justify the higher cost of living. The combination of excellent schools, low crime rates, outstanding recreational amenities, and strong property values makes Apex's costs a worthwhile investment in long-term quality of life.

3. Real Estate Market in Apex

The Apex housing market has experienced some softening after years of rapid growth, presenting opportunities for buyers. Current market conditions show median home prices ranging from $540,000 to $584,000 depending on the source and timing, with properties typically selling within 36-55 days on the market.

There are plenty of affordable housing options in Apex for families, young professionals, and retirees. The market is now considered somewhat competitive rather than the intense seller's market of previous periods. This moderation provides buyers with more negotiating power and time to make informed decisions.

Neighborhoods in Apex range from established communities with mature trees and traditional homes to newer developments featuring modern amenities. As one of the most popular suburbs of Raleigh, sought-after areas in Apex include the southwest sections of town, which residents generally consider the safest. 

Working with a knowledgeable local real estate agent familiar with Apex's neighborhoods is essential for finding the right fit for your family's needs and budget.

4. Crime Rate and Safety 

Safety ranks among Apex's greatest strengths, consistently earning recognition as one of North Carolina's safest communities. The town's overall crime rate of 9.93 per 1,000 residents is significantly lower than state and national averages.

Much like Raleigh is a safe place to live, Apex is family-oriented and a sought-after place for raising children. Even though most of the Apex is safe, people who live there consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest. 

Residents have only a 1 in 1,806 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, and the town has achieved zero murders in recent reporting years. Property crime, while more common than violent crime, still occurs at rates 41.5% lower than the national average, with a 1 in 107 chance of becoming a victim.

Even though Apex is considered a safe place to call home in the Raleigh area, it is still important to always pay attention to your surroundings. While crime rates are lower here than in other areas, property and violent crimes can still occur. 

The Apex Police Department takes a proactive, data-driven approach to public safety, using statistics and patterns to identify crime trends before they escalate into problems. This preventive strategy, combined with strong community engagement and active neighborhood watch programs, contributes to the town's exceptional safety record.

*Data Sourced from NeighborhoodScout. 

5. Education 

Education excellence stands as a defining characteristic of Apex, with public schools consistently ranking among the best in North Carolina. The town is served by Wake County Public School System which has some of the best schools in the state. 

Elementary schools like White Oak Elementary and Olive Chapel Elementary receive top rankings, while middle schools such as Mills Park Middle School earn high marks from students and parents. At the high school level, Apex High School ranks in the top tier of North Carolina schools. 

For those moving to the area searching for higher education opportunities, Apex is close to more than one leading college and university. Some of the best higher education institutions include North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, and Wake Technical Community College. 

The combination of academic excellence, extracurricular opportunities, and dedicated educators makes Apex's schools a primary draw for families relocating to the area. Many parents specifically choose Apex for its educational advantages, knowing their children will receive preparation for college and career success.

6. Weather and Climate 

Apex enjoys a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, offering residents the full spectrum of seasonal experiences without the harsh extremes found in other regions. The weather provides approximately 221 sunny days per year, exceeding the national average of 205 sunny days.

Summer temperatures typically range from the low 70s at night to upper 80s and low 90s during the day, with July being the hottest month averaging around 89°F. The season brings humidity and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant, with comfortable temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s. 

Winter remains mild compared to northern states, with average January temperatures around 32-48°F. While snow is possible, annual accumulation averages only about 4 inches, rarely disrupting daily life. Most winters see just a few light snow events rather than significant accumulations.

7. Job Opportunities 

Apex's proximity to Research Triangle Park residents with access to exceptional employment opportunities in technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, research, and healthcare. Major employers in the area include Cisco, Duke University, Duke Health, Fidelity Investments, GlaxoSmithKline, IBM, and numerous startups and innovative companies.

The unemployment rate in Apex sits at just 2.6%, well below national averages, reflecting the region's economic strength and job availability. The Research Triangle Park area hosts more than 300 companies employing over 55,000 workers, with positions spanning software development, data science, clinical research, engineering, finance, and numerous other professional fields.

The strong job market, combined with a high median household income of $138,442 and career advancement opportunities, ensures that professionals across various industries can build successful careers while enjoying Apex's exceptional quality of life. The economic stability and diversity of employment options provide security and growth potential for residents at all career stages.

8. Restaurants and Dining 

Offering more than just southern charm, Apex is home to many fantastic restaurants. Good food is part of living in Apex, from fine dining establishments to local neighborhood eateries.

The historic downtown area along Salem Street serves as the epicenter of the food scene, featuring dozens of locally owned restaurants offering diverse cuisines in charming atmospheres. 

Check out these local favorite restaurants in Apex, NC: 

Scratch Kitchen and Taproom: Enjoy made-from-scratch dishes in an inviting atmosphere with plenty of southern hospitality and charm. 

Abbey Road Tavern: Visit this neighborhood bar and grill for daily specials, great service, and live entertainment. 

Doherty's Irish Pub and Restaurant: Serving delicious Irish American cuisine in a family-friendly setting, this local pub is perfect for dinner and a night out with friends. 

TapStation: This Downtown Apex restaurant offers plenty of outdoor seating, great food, and handcrafted beer. 

9. Outdoor Recreation 

Apex excels at providing outdoor recreation opportunities for all ages and fitness levels. The town maintains over 13 miles of public greenways connecting neighborhoods to parks, schools, and shopping areas. These paved, multi-use trails accommodate walkers, runners, cyclists, and families with strollers, making active transportation and recreation accessible to everyone.

Apex Community Park stands as the crown jewel, spanning 160 acres with multiple athletic fields and courts, miles of developed nature and fitness trails, several playgrounds, an agility course, a dog park, disc golf course, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Kelly Road Park offers well-maintained walking trails, basketball courts, and open fields ideal for soccer, frisbee, or picnics. Jaycee Park features a softball field, batting cage, a popular KidsTowne playground, tennis courts, and serves as the trailhead for Beaver Creek Greenway.

10. Cultural Amenities and Community Events 

Apex's vibrant community calendar keeps residents engaged throughout the year with festivals, cultural events, and recreational programs that strengthen neighborhood bonds and create lasting memories.

The annual PeakFest, held on the first Saturday in May, serves as the town's signature event, attracting over 22,000 people to downtown for a celebration featuring over 100 arts and crafts vendors, live music, street performers, food trucks, and family entertainment.

The Apex Christmas Parade, hosted by the Apex Rotary Club for over 50 years, transforms Salem Street into a winter wonderland in early December. The Apex Farmers Market operates regularly downtown, connecting residents with local farmers and artisans.

Parks and Recreation programs offer extensive opportunities for youth sports, adult leagues, fitness classes, cultural activities, and special interest groups. The John M. Brown Community Center and Apex Senior Center provide year-round programming, ensuring residents of all ages have opportunities for learning, socializing, and staying active.

Pros and Cons of Living in Apex, NC 

Pros: 

• Great location 
• High safety rating 
• Strong economy 
• Top-rated schools 
• Sought after real estate 
• Affordable cost of living 
• Fun things to do 
• Delicious restaurants 
• Family-friendly 

Cons: 

• Lack of nightlife 
• Humid weather in the summer 
• Traffic 
• High pollen count 

Methodology 

Data and information were sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Town of Apex, the Raleigh News and Observer, NeighborhoodScout, and Payscale. 

FAQs 

Is Apex, NC, a good place to live? 

Apex is one of the best places to live in North Carolina, with an affordable cost of living, beautiful real estate, and plenty of opportunities for business and growth. 

Is it expensive to live in Apex, NC? 

With a cost of living 1% higher than the national average, Apex is affordable for families and young professionals. The affordable cost of living that Apex offers its residents is one of the biggest reasons why so many people want to live here. 

Is Apex, NC, growing? 

Apex is one of the fastest-growing cities in North Carolina, and it is predicted to be home to more than 120,000 people by 2030. Many new development projects and neighborhoods are coming to Apex in order to accomodate this growth and projected rise in population. 

Moving to Apex, NC - Final Thoughts 

Whether you are considering a move to Apex for a new job opportunity or simply for a change in scenery, the growing town of Apex is a fantastic place to live. Found just outside of Raleigh, this suburb offers its residents a small town feel with all of the offerings of a big city. 

No matter where you choose to live in Apex, you and your family will be surrounded by amenities and local favorites. Whether searching for a single-family home, townhome, condominium, or apartment complex, Apex has just what you need and more. 

Our experienced agents are knowledgeable of Apex's neighborhoods, schools, and market conditions, ensuring you make informed decisions throughout your home buying or selling journey. Contact us today to explore available properties and begin your journey to the Peak of Good Living.