Apex, NC

Recognized as the best place to live in the state, Apex is a charming town in central North Carolina located just 15 miles southwest of Raleigh. Known for its attractive downtown, tight-knit community, and proximity to employment and attractions in the capital city, Apex is an enticing city for residents and visitors alike.

The popularity of Apex is largely due to its thriving real estate market. Homes in Apex range from quaint single-story homes to grandiose mansions, all of which enjoy the beauty and safety of tree-lined neighborhoods. Styles of Apex homes include traditional, transitional, farmhouse, Craftsman, and several restored historical properties. In fact, the Apex Historical Society hosts an annual Historic Home Tour highlighting restored properties dating back to the 1800s.

Apex, NC Real Estate Market

663

Properties for sale right now

$671,575

Median sale price

Median sale price

Lifestyle and Attractions

Apex has been mentioned on a number of notable lists over the years, including “10 Best Towns for Families,” “10 Happiest Suburbs in America” and even “The Number One Place to Live in the United States.” The captivating qualities of this town have caused a dramatic increase in population, which has jumped from nearly 5,000 in the 1990s to more than 45,000 in the present day. Downtown Apex is the cultural heartbeat of the city, lined with historic Queen Anne and Art Deco buildings hosting modern shops, creative eateries and other local businesses. In addition to the lively downtown, Apex hosts a plethora of green space for recreational activities, including 400 acres of parkland. While Apex is home to several large companies, more than 90 percent of residents commute outside of Apex to their employers in Raleigh, Research Triangle Park and other nearby cities.

The tight-knit community of Apex comes together for a number of events and festivals throughout the year, including PeakFest, the Annual Historic Home Tour and the Christmas Parade. The Halle Cultural Arts Center is a cultural hub for the community. It originally served as a home for silent movies and now hosts various festivities, including concerts, visual arts presentations, special events, educational programs and more. The American Tobacco Trail is a flat, shaded train running through Apex leading to Jordan Lake, a picturesque 14,000-acre lake. Residents and visitors of Apex may learn about the area’s rich railroad history at the nearby North Carolina Railway Museum, offering train rides atop the New Hope Valley Railway, and the Apex Union Depot, which marked the highest point on the Old Chatham Railroad.

Nearby Schools and Higher Education

Apex has 13 public schools in the Wake County Public School System, including Baucom Elementary School, Apex Middle School and Apex High School. There are 27 private schools in the Apex vicinity. There are no colleges or universities located within the town proper, but Apex is situated just minutes from a number of institutions of higher learning, including North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University.

History

Incorporated in 1873, Apex was named for its position at the highest point along the Chatham Rail Line running between Richmond, Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida. The town saw steady growth throughout the following years, despite several devastating fires, including a 1911 fire that destroyed much of the downtown business district. Apex was restored and rebuilt, and today is one of the most intact turn-of-the-century railroad towns, with 60 well-preserved commercial buildings and homes dating from 1870 to 1940. Apex suffered mild setbacks during the Great Depression, but began to grow in the 1950s. The town saw substantial residential development due to its proximity to Research Triangle Park, but maintained its desirable small-town charm despite its rapid population growth.