Top 5 PROS and CONS of Living In Apex, NC - Pros and Cons of living in Raleigh, NC
If you're considering relocating to the Raleigh area and have heard about Apex, you're probably wondering if this popular suburb would be the right fit for your family. Ranked as the fourth best suburb to live in the Raleigh area, this once small, sleepy town has transformed dramatically. Back in the 1990s when I graduated high school, Apex had only about 5,000 residents. Fast forward to today, and more than 75,000 people call Apex home. Let me walk you through the real pros and cons of living in this charming town that's become one of the Triangle's most sought-after addresses.
PRO #1: Prime Location with Everything at Your Fingertips
Apex sits near the center of Research Triangle Park, just 20 minutes from Raleigh-Durham Airport. You're perfectly positioned between three major universities – NC State, UNC Chapel Hill, and Duke University – and close to the innovative businesses that make up the renowned RTP, which houses over 300 companies employing more than 65,000 people across a 7,000-acre campus. That's nearly as many employees as there are residents in Apex!
For weekend getaways, you're only about an hour from world-class golfing in Pinehurst and just 2 to 3 hours from both beautiful beaches and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The variety of jobs surrounding Apex spans professional, technical, scientific, education, healthcare, and banking sectors, with most commutes to RTP taking just 20 minutes.
CON #1: Growing Pains and Rising Costs
With popularity comes challenges. Apex is getting crowded, and it's expensive. The town's explosive growth from 5,000 to 75,000 residents has brought longer restaurant wait times and road congestion. While we've been working to expand roads and alleviate traffic, and it's nothing compared to California or New York, it's still noticeable for a town this size.
The real sticker shock comes with housing prices. In mid-2023, the median home price hit $612,000, with single-family homes averaging around $685,000 and townhomes about $470,000. While Apex remains generally less expensive than Cary (where single-family homes median at $725,000), it's pricier than Holly Springs ($620,000). Most new construction is happening on the west side since the east side is built out, and many new townhomes are closer to major roads. This building boom has pushed buyers even further out to Willow Springs, Angier, and into neighboring Harnett County for more affordable options.
PRO #2: Downtown Charm and Community Spirit
Downtown Apex has a fun, lively energy that sets it apart from other Southern charm downtowns. Salem Street, the heart of the business district, buzzes with cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and unique shops. The town maintains its early 1900s railroad town feel – steam engines used to stop at "the peak" for water before heading to Raleigh, which is how the town got its slogan "the peak of good living."
The community spirit here is incredible. From the Apex Music Festival to Peak City Pigfest, Halloween trick-or-treating on Salem Street, and the Apex Hispanic Art Festival, there's always something bringing neighbors together. The Saturday farmers market features local produce within a 150-mile radius, offering everything from fresh fruits and veggies to farm-raised meats, eggs, baked goods, honey, and cheese.
PRO #3: Excellent Schools and Safe Neighborhoods
Apex is part of Wake County Public Schools, one of the best educational districts in the state. According to Niche.com, Apex schools earn an A+ rating. The town offers six public elementary schools, four middle schools, and two public high schools, plus private options like Thales Academy and St. Mary Magdalene's Catholic School. Charter schools include TMSA (Triangle Math and Science Academy) and Peak Charter Academy.
Safety is another major draw. BestPlaces.net gives Apex a remarkably low crime score of 10.3%, compared to the national average of 22.7%. This makes it one of the safer suburbs in an already safe Triangle area.
PRO #4: Outdoor Paradise and Entertainment Options
Apex shines when it comes to outdoor spaces and activities. Apex Community Park spans over 160 acres with fitness trails, courses, and multiple playing fields. Hunter Street Park features a dog park, soccer and baseball fields, and a skateable skate plaza. The town serves as the starting point for the American Tobacco Trail, extending all the way to Durham with over 11 miles of public greenways perfect for running, biking, or walking.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, just minutes away, offers a 14,000-acre reservoir with nine access points, seven beaches, and 14 miles of undeveloped trails for swimming, camping, fishing, boating, or picnicking. For craft beer enthusiasts, Apex doesn't disappoint with three breweries: Brueprint Brewing Company, 12 Oaks Brewing, and Southern Peak Brewery.
CON #2: Weather Adjustment for West Coasters
If you're coming from the West Coast like I did, the weather might take some getting used to. Summers here are hot, humid, and muggy with temperatures ranging from the 80s to mid-90s. Spring brings sky-high pollen counts, and we average 47 inches of rain annually compared to California's 11-12 inches – which explains why everything is so green and beautiful here!
Winters are mild with temperatures typically in the 50s to 60s, though we can drop into the 30s. There's a running joke that we can experience all four seasons in one week, sometimes even in one day. Snow is rare, maybe once or twice a year with just a few inches that stick around for a couple of days. In my six years here, we've only had two snowfalls worth playing in.
PRO #5: Amazing Food Scene and Friendly Atmosphere
The food scene in Apex deserves its own spotlight. For breakfast, hit up The General Store Cafe for their famous biscuits or grab an açai bowl and avocado toast at Fresh Levant Market. Coffee lovers should check out Peak Coffee House with their unique clock collection. Scratch Kitchen serves amazing fried chicken and lobster mac and cheese on their outdoor patio. Salem Street Pub offers a killer Carolina burger with chili, cheese, and slaw, plus delicious gravy fries.
For pizza, Anna's Pizza (formerly J&S) brings authentic New York style from their Sicilian roots. Peak of the Vine provides wine tastings with game nights, comedy nights, and live music. And don't miss Fresh Local Ice Cream with 15+ flavors made from local dairy farms.
What makes Apex special is how easy it is to make friends here. With so many transplants, you'll likely meet people from your home state. The community is genuinely welcoming, making it simple to build your new social circle.
Making Apex Your Home
By now you can see why Apex ranks as a top suburb in the Raleigh area. It truly offers an exceptional quality of life with its perfect location, strong schools, safe neighborhoods, abundant outdoor activities, and vibrant downtown. Yes, it's getting more crowded and expensive, and the weather takes adjustment, but for many families, the pros far outweigh the cons.
If you're considering making Apex your new home and want to explore what this charming town has to offer in person, I'd love to help you find the perfect neighborhood and home for your family. Give me a call at 919-583-6895, and let's start your journey to becoming part of this wonderful community.
Brandy Nemergut
Your Local Raleigh Area Realtor
919-583-6895
Brandy Nemergut
