Everything you need to know about living in Apex, NC — neighborhoods, schools, dining, jobs, real estate market, things to do, and why Apex is The Peak of Good Living.
If you have been researching the best places to live in North Carolina, one town keeps rising to the top: Apex. Known as "The Peak of Good Living," Apex has evolved from a quiet railroad town into one of the most sought-after communities in the Southeast. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.
In 2015, Money Magazine named Apex the #1 best place to live in America. Apex continues to appear on best-of lists from Niche, WalletHub, and U.S. News. The motto "The Peak of Good Living" reflects a genuine community ethos valuing neighborliness, civic pride, and thoughtful growth.
Apex sits in southwestern Wake County within the Research Triangle. Downtown Raleigh is ~20 miles east, Durham ~25 miles northwest, Chapel Hill ~30 miles west. Jordan Lake (14,000 acres) is just west of town. The Blue Ridge Mountains and Atlantic coast beaches are each about 3 hours away.
Incorporated in 1873, named for being the highest point on the Chatham Railroad. The restored Apex Union Depot serves as a museum. Downtown Salem Street's revitalization transformed aging storefronts into a vibrant destination of restaurants, shops, and breweries.
Population grew from ~5,000 in 1990 to over 80,000 today. Increasingly diverse, reflecting the Triangle's global workforce. Median age trends younger than national average. Household incomes well above state and national medians.
Four distinct seasons without extremes. Mild winters (upper 40s-50s in January). Beautiful springs with azaleas and dogwoods. Warm, humid summers (upper 80s-90s). Spectacular falls with vivid color. Outdoor activities possible nearly year-round.
Slightly above national average but competitive vs. comparable metro areas. Housing is the largest factor. Compared to Austin, Denver, Northern Virginia, or the Bay Area, Apex offers strong value. Similar to Cary, slightly above Holly Springs, more affordable than premium Raleigh/Chapel Hill neighborhoods.
Median home prices range from mid-$400Ks to $600K+. New construction can reach $700K-$900K+. Competitive market with well-priced homes selling quickly. Working with a local agent who knows neighborhoods and school assignments is essential.
Wake County Public School System — one of the largest and highest-performing in the Southeast. Top schools include Apex Elementary, Scotts Ridge Elementary, Olive Chapel Elementary, Apex High School, and Apex Friendship High School. Magnet, year-round, charter, and private options available. NC State, Duke, and UNC-Chapel Hill all within 30 minutes.
Research Triangle Park: 300+ companies, 60,000+ employees. Major employers: Cisco, IBM, Fidelity, Lenovo, Epic Games, Red Hat, Apple (expanding). Healthcare sector: Duke Health, UNC Health, WakeMed. Diverse, resilient job market with continued major corporate investment.
Salem Street anchors the scene: The Hive at Weathervane (farm-to-table), Anna's Pizzeria (since 1986), Peak City Grill (upscale American), Salem Street Pub (gastropub), Scratch Kitchen (comfort food). Craft brewery scene: Southern Peak Brewery, Apex Aleworks. Specialty coffee: Vernacular Coffee.
Beaver Creek Commons — Target, Publix, HomeGoods, Dick's, restaurants. Downtown Salem Street — boutiques, home decor, antiques, artisan vendors. Regional access to Cary's Fenton, Raleigh's North Hills, and Southpoint in Durham.
Car-centric community. Limited public transit. Expanding greenway network for local trips.
WakeMed Cary Hospital (minutes away), UNC Rex Hospital (Raleigh), Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center (30-40 min). Extensive outpatient network from UNC Health, WakeMed, and Duke in the Apex/Cary area.
Our team lives and works in the Triangle. We know the neighborhoods, school assignments, commute patterns, and market dynamics. Whether buying your first home or upgrading, we provide personalized guidance.
Edwards Real Estate Group
167 E Chatham St. Suite 200, Cary, NC 27511
Phone: (919) 307-5575
Visit movemetoapexnc.com
