Apex strikes the perfect balance between a small town casual atmosphere and the convenience of big city amenities. Although Apex has experienced a lot of growth in recent years, the town planners are committed to maintaining the small town character. With accolades like the “#1 Small Town in North Carolina” by Business North Carolina Magazine, the “14^th Best Place to Live in the USA” by Money Magazine and the “3^rd Best place to Move in America” by Forbes.com, it is easy to see why many Triangle residents call Apex home. Historic Downtown Apex is considered one of the most intact turn-of-the-century railroad towns in the area and features commercial/residential buildings built as early as the late 1800’s that now house restaurants, unique boutiques, and small businesses.

Apex has experienced vast residential growth in recent years due to its convenience to three nationally and internationally recognized research universities including North Carolina State University, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. It also benefits from its proximity to the Research Triangle Park which houses more than 140 high tech companies. Many commercial endeavors are found in Apex including Beaver Creek Crossings, Haddon Hall Commons and The Villages of Apex. The Apex Town Council has approached the growth of the region with open arms while placing high importance on efficient planning and management in order to maintain the small town charm that residents adore. 

Apex Location

Apex is located in southwestern Wake County and is convenient to Raleigh, Cary, Holly Springs, Durham, the Research Triangle Park, RDU Airport and local universities.

Approximate Driving Times from Apex to: Durham 30-35 minutes Raleigh 20-25 minutes Research Tri. Park 25-30 minutes RDU Airport 25-30 minutes Cary 10-15 minutes Holly Springs 10-15 minutes Garner 15-20 minutes Southern Pines 35-40 minutes

 

Apex Parks and Recreation

The Apex Parks and Recreation department offers something for every member of the family including athletic programs, public greenways, and 9 different parks featuring ball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, fitness trails, community centers, and a fishing pond. The Apex Community Park is the cornerstone of the Apex Parks system and includes picnic shelters, playground, fishing lake, restrooms, nature and fitness trails as well as various athletic fields on 160 acres.

The Halle Cultural Arts Center in Apex is located in the Historic Downtown Area and features three galleries, two studio classrooms and a theatre that accommodates up to 135 people. Events include a Latino Arts Festival, Magicians, Puppet Shows as well as various concerts and performances.

Apex Special Events

Apex truly embraces the concept of community and holds several events throughout the year that encourage community participation including an Easter Egg Hunt, a Turkey Trot 5K Run, as well as the PeakFest which features over 200 vendors showcasing a wide variety of arts and crafts, music  and dance acts.

Apex History

The early History of Apex was centered around the railroad station, now found in Historic Downtown Apex. The town received its name because it was the highest point on the Chatham Railroad between Richmond, Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida. The name also fit because the water that falls on one side of Salem Street flows into the Neuse River and the water falling on the other side flows into the Cape Fear River. Tobacco farming was also popular as many farmers were drawn to the land around Apex. The Town Hall that still stands today served as the police station, jail, farmers market, firehouse and ticket office as well as a place for the teenagers to meet and dance in the 1900’s. Apex remained a small town until the early 1960’s when the Research Triangle Park was established and has been growing ever since.