APEX

Last updated: October 2026

Apex, North Carolina is a fast-growing town in western Wake County, between Cary and Holly Springs and about 15 miles southwest of downtown Raleigh. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Apex's population at about 80,419 as of July 2025, up from 58,780 in the 2020 census. Apex is known for its small historic downtown on Salem Street, strong schools and a lot of new construction, and it calls itself "The Peak of Good Living."

People who move to Apex usually want a family-friendly suburb with a short drive to Research Triangle Park and a real small-town center. If you're still deciding, start with the honest pros and cons of living in Apex and the top 5 pros and cons of Apex, NC.

Apex neighborhoods

Apex neighborhoods range from older homes near historic downtown to established subdivisions like Scotts Mill and Bella Casa and large new master-planned communities on the west side toward Jordan Lake. Our list of the 10 best neighborhoods in Apex walks through each one, and which Apex fits you best matches areas to lifestyles.

• Top 10 Best Neighborhoods in Apex, NC
• Which Apex Fits You Best?
• New Construction in Apex, NC
• Luxury Homes in Apex, NC
• Buying Acreage in Apex, NC
• Condo and Townhome Living in Apex, NC
• Historic Apex: A Town Preserved
• Green Homes in Apex, NC

What homes cost in Apex

According to Redfin, the median sale price in Apex, NC was about $614,593 as of August 2026, up 1.6% from a year earlier, with homes taking around 30 days to sell. Apex is priced close to Cary and Holly Springs, which makes it one of the more expensive parts of the Triangle.

	Apex, NC	Cary, NC	Holly Springs, NC
Median sale price	$614,593	$645,000	$629,084
Change from a year earlier	Up 1.6%	Down 0.8%	Down 1.3%
Median days on market	30	25	25
Homes sold in August	374	692	246

Source: Redfin housing market data for Apex, Cary and Holly Springs, August 2026.

Two Apex homes at the same price can cost very different amounts to own once HOA dues, taxes and utilities are added. Read same price, different cost profiles in Apex and the ultimate home buyer's guide for Apex, NC.

Schools in Apex

Public schools in Apex are part of the Wake County Public School System, and Apex is one of the most popular parts of the county for families. Apex-area high schools include Apex High School and Apex Friendship High School.

Wake County assigns schools by address and assignments can change as Apex grows, so check any Apex address with the Wake County school assignment tool before you make an offer. Our Apex schools and real estate buyer's guide explains how schools affect home values in Apex.

Commuting from Apex

The morning drive from Apex to Research Triangle Park usually takes 20 to 25 minutes, and 25 to 35 minutes on the worst days. NC 540, US 1 and US 64 connect Apex to RTP, Cary, Raleigh and RDU International Airport.

Which side of Apex you live on changes the commute a lot. See our Apex to Research Triangle Park commute guide and Apex's highways, roads and greenways.

Things to do in Apex

Apex's historic downtown on Salem Street has local restaurants, shops and the restored train depot, and it hosts PeakFest each spring along with other festivals through the year. Apex Nature Park, the town's greenways and nearby Jordan Lake give Apex residents plenty of outdoor space, and Beaver Creek Commons covers most everyday shopping.

For how Apex got here and where it's going, read how Apex evolved and what it means for buyers.

Working in Apex

Most Apex residents commute to jobs in Research Triangle Park, Cary and Raleigh, and many work in technology, life sciences and health care. Apex is adding more local jobs and commercial space as the town grows.

If you're a military family relocating to the area, read why Apex often works for military families.

Buying or selling in Apex

Apex homes sell in about 30 days according to Redfin, so buyers should be pre-approved before they tour and sellers should price carefully. These Apex guides can help:

• The ultimate home buyer's guide for Apex, NC
• Seasonal patterns in the Apex market
• The complete home seller's blueprint in Apex, NC
• The Apex listing marketing playbook
• How 3D tours give Apex listings an edge
• Selling and buying at the same time in Apex
• Rightsizing for older homeowners in Apex
• Selling an inherited house in Apex

Thinking about investing in Apex? Start with why Apex deserves attention from investors, when renting makes sense in Apex, short-term rentals and corporate housing in Apex, Apex auctions and foreclosures, building in Apex from raw dirt to keys, Apex commercial and mixed-use real estate and adaptive reuse in Apex.

Frequently asked questions about Apex

What is the median home price in Apex, NC?

According to Redfin, the median sale price in Apex, NC was about $614,593 as of August 2026, up 1.6% from a year earlier. Homes in Apex sold in about 30 days on average.

How far is Apex from Raleigh?

Apex is about 15 miles southwest of downtown Raleigh, and the drive usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Research Triangle Park is about 20 to 25 minutes from Apex at rush hour.

Is Apex, NC growing?

Yes. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Apex's population at about 80,419 as of July 2025, up from 58,780 in the 2020 census. Much of Apex's growth is new construction on the west and south sides of town.

Is Apex or Cary better for buyers?

Apex and Cary are priced close together. Redfin put Apex's median sale price at about $614,593 and Cary's at about $645,000 in August 2026. Apex has more new construction and a small historic downtown, while Cary is a little closer to RTP and has more established neighborhoods.

Is Apex or Holly Springs better for buyers?

Both are popular with families and priced within about $15,000 of each other, according to Redfin's August 2026 data. Apex is closer to RTP and Cary, while Holly Springs is a little farther south with more newer subdivisions.

Thinking about Apex?

We're Brandy and Lance Nemergut with Be Sunshine Realty Group at eXp Realty, and we help people relocate to Apex and the rest of the Raleigh area every week. Start with our Apex guides or call or text us at 919-583-6895 and we'll walk you through the neighborhoods that fit your budget.