Wake County

Living in Apex.

The Peak of Good Living (and they mean it).

Small-town downtownFamily centralNewer neighborhoods

By Rich Burghgraef, Broker + Team Leader·Updated November 2026

Living in Apex, in short

Apex is a great fit for families who want small-town charm with suburban space; people who want newer homes near a real downtown; commuters to Cary, RTP and Raleigh. The Peak of Good Living (and they mean it). Neighborhoods to start with: Downtown Apex, Scotts Mill, Central Apex, West Apex + New Hill.

Rich's honest take

Apex has the downtown everyone wishes their town had. Salem Street is the real deal, with old storefronts, festivals and a train track running right through it. Around it you've got newer neighborhoods, good parks and a lot of families who moved here for one house and stayed for the town.

Rich BurghgraefTeam Leader, Jersey transplant

Know before you go

Historic Salem Street
PeakFest every spring
Apex Community Park
Close to NC 540

Search homes in Apex

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You'll love Apex if...

Families who want small-town charm with suburban space
People who want newer homes near a real downtown
Commuters to Cary, RTP and Raleigh

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Maybe look elsewhere if...

You want nightlife past 10pm
You want to be in the middle of the city

Try it on

A perfect Saturday in Apex.

The best way to know if a town fits is to picture a regular weekend there. Here's ours.

8:30Breakfast on Salem Street
10:00Loop the lake at Apex Community Park
12:30Browse the shops downtown
3:00Errands done fast at Beaver Creek
6:30Dinner and a drink back downtown (it's that kind of town)

Where to look

The Apex neighborhood cheat sheet.

Downtown Apex

Historic homes and walking distance to Salem Street.

Scotts Mill

Established, amenity-rich and close to everything.

Central Apex

Mix of 2000s neighborhoods with good access to 540.

West Apex + New Hill

Where a lot of the new construction is going up.

Apex insider

Get the full Apex guide.

Our The Apex City Guide has everything we couldn't fit here: neighborhoods by price range, schools, commute times, Rich's favorite spots and what locals wish they knew before moving. Free, no strings, straight to your inbox.

Call or text(919) 378-1125 Grab a timeBook a 30-minute call

Apex questions

Living in Apex: quick answers.

Is Apex, NC a good place to live?

For the right person, absolutely. The Peak of Good Living (and they mean it). It tends to be a great fit for families who want small-town charm with suburban space; people who want newer homes near a real downtown; commuters to Cary, RTP and Raleigh.

What are the best neighborhoods in Apex?

Good places to start: Downtown Apex (historic homes and walking distance to Salem Street); Scotts Mill (established, amenity-rich and close to everything); Central Apex (mix of 2000s neighborhoods with good access to 540); West Apex + New Hill (where a lot of the new construction is going up). The right one depends on your budget, commute and lifestyle, so we'll narrow it down with you.

Who might not love living in Apex?

It may not be the best fit if you want nightlife past 10pm; or if you want to be in the middle of the city. In that case, also look at Cary, Holly Springs, Pittsboro.

What is there to do in Apex?

A few local favorites: Historic Salem Street, PeakFest every spring, Apex Community Park, Close to NC 540. Scroll up for our idea of a perfect Saturday there.

Can you help me buy a home in Apex from out of state?

Yes. We help relocating buyers every week with video tours, a custom Apex short list and a plan for where to stay while you look. See our Moving From guides too.

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