Apex
Living in Apex, NC
Welcome to the Peak of Good Living.
Apex grew up around a railroad depot and never lost that small-town main street. Today it pairs a historic downtown on Salem Street with parks, greenways and some of the most popular neighborhoods in western Wake County.
Why "the Peak"?
Apex sits on a high point along the old Chatham Railroad, which gave the town its name and its nickname, the Peak of Good Living. Locals take the nickname seriously. So will you.
Apex is in southwestern Wake County, just south of Cary, with town limits reaching into Chatham County. Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina and Morrisville are close by, and Jordan Lake is just to the west.
Around the historic core, you'll find established subdivisions, newer planned communities and townhomes, with shopping along US 64 and NC 55. It's a town that's grown fast while keeping its center intact.
Whether you're buying, selling, renting, or handing us the keys to manage your investment, here's what to know before you call Apex home.
The Character
What makes Apex, Apex.
A real main street
Salem Street's preserved storefronts, local shops and restaurants make up a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Railroad roots
The town grew up around the Chatham Railroad, and the historic depot on Salem Street still anchors downtown today.
Green space everywhere
More than 22 miles of town greenways, three major parks, and Jordan Lake just west of town keep the outdoors close.
A downtown glow-up
The Salem Streetscape project is adding wider sidewalks, street trees, lighting, seating and a new gathering space downtown.
Neighborhoods
Six Apex neighborhoods worth knowing.
Apex runs from historic homes near downtown to brand-new planned communities. Here's a starting point. Every neighborhood has its own personality, so ask us about the ones that fit how you live.
Scotts Mill
Early–mid 2000s · EstablishedTraditional and Craftsman-influenced detached homes with front porches and mature landscaping.
Haddon Hall
Late 1990s–2000sTraditional two-story detached homes and townhomes.
Bella Casa
2010s · PlannedLarger traditional detached homes, some with custom features, in a planned community.
Sweetwater
Mid-2010s on · Mixed-useDetached homes and townhomes with a mixed-use town center in western Apex.
Abbington
Late 1990s–2000sTraditional detached homes, some on larger subdivision lots.
Shepherds Vineyard
Late 20th century · EstablishedAn established neighborhood of traditional detached homes.
Getting Around
All roads lead to Salem Street.
US 1, US 64 and NC 540 connect Apex to Cary, Raleigh and RTP, with I-40 close by. Around town, the Apex Peakway loops the center, and Olive Chapel, Ten Ten and Kelly roads carry most of the local traffic.
- US 1
- US 64
- NC 540
- NC 55
- Apex Peakway
- I-40 nearby
GoApex Route 1 provides local bus service, with regional connections through GoCary and GoTriangle.
Approximate drive times without heavy traffic.
Out & About
Your weekend, sorted.
Get outside
- Apex Community Park, with a lake and walking trails.
- Apex Nature Park and Pleasant Park.
- Beaver Creek, Reedy Branch and Middle Creek greenways.
- Jordan Lake State Recreation Area for boating, fishing and camping.
Eat, shop, stroll
- Historic Downtown Apex on Salem and Chatham streets.
- The Local Spot, downtown's social district.
- Apex Farmers Market at Depot Plaza on Saturdays, in season.
- Beaver Creek Commons and Beaver Creek Crossings.
Mark the calendar
- PeakFest in May
- Peak City Pig Fest in April
- Olde Fashioned Fourth of July
- Apex Latino Arts Festival in September
Schools
Check the address, not the rumor.
Most of Apex is served by the Wake County Public School System. School assignments are set by the exact property address and school year, not the neighborhood name.
Some homes with an Apex address are in Chatham County and served by Chatham County Schools. Before you fall in love with a house, look up the address with the district.
Renting & Owning
Own a home in Apex? Let it work for you.
SAS and Epic Games in neighboring Cary, Lenovo in Morrisville, and the employers across RTP and Raleigh are all within reach of Apex. That steady flow of people moving to the area includes plenty who start out renting.
That makes Apex a strong place to own a rental, as long as it's managed well. We handle the screening, leasing, maintenance and rent collection, so your home brings in income instead of phone calls.
Local Truth
The Apex Peakway is a loop around town. Well, almost. The last piece is still under construction, so for now it's the Apex Peak-almost-way.
Questions We Hear
Apex, answered.
How far is Apex from Raleigh and Research Triangle Park?
From downtown Apex, downtown Raleigh is usually about 25 to 35 minutes by car, and RTP is about 20 to 30 minutes, using US 1, US 64, NC 540 or I-40. Traffic and your starting neighborhood make a big difference.
Does Apex have a historic downtown?
Yes. Historic Downtown Apex is centered on Salem Street, with preserved storefronts, local shops, restaurants and the Halle Cultural Arts Center. It's on the National Register of Historic Places, and a streetscape project is adding wider sidewalks, trees, lighting and seating.
What types of homes are available in Apex?
Apex has historic homes near downtown, established neighborhoods like Scotts Mill, Haddon Hall and Abbington, newer planned communities like Bella Casa and Sweetwater, and townhomes in several developments.
What parks and outdoor recreation are near Apex?
Apex Community Park, Apex Nature Park and Pleasant Park, more than 22 miles of town greenways, and Jordan Lake State Recreation Area just to the west.
Which school district serves an Apex home?
Most Apex homes are served by the Wake County Public School System. Some homes with an Apex address are in Chatham County and served by Chatham County Schools. Always check the specific address with the district.
Next Door
Neighbors worth a look.
Love Apex but want to compare? These nearby towns are an easy drive away.
Cary
Where the greenway never ends
Explore Cary 
Holly Springs
Hometown meets high-tech
Explore Holly Springs 
Fuquay-Varina
Two downtowns, one hyphen
Explore Fuquay-Varina 
Morrisville
Right in the middle of everything
Explore Morrisville 
Pittsboro
Old courthouse, new everything else
Explore Pittsboro
Ready to make the Peak home?
Buying, selling, renting or managing, we know Apex street by street. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll take it from there.
