Located in North Carolina, Apex is a town booming with job opportunities and an exciting lifestyle that will suit newcomers from all over. Its proximity to many breathtaking natural landscapes, from the sparkling beach to the soaring mountains, leaves no doubt that the town's official motto of “the peak of good living” is well-earned.
As a former shopping and trading centre, Apex boasts a bustling downtown area with exciting shops, restaurants, and bookshops. The town is family friendly, with high-quality educational options, safe neighbourhoods, and plenty of green spaces.
Cost of living in Apex
Overall, the cost of living in Apex is slightly higher than the national average. This is partially due to Apex's consistently high performance in polls of the best places to live in the US. With the surge in popularity, the town's housing costs have increased.
The housing market in Apex is highly competitive, and homes don't remain on the market for long. Housing prices in the town are 15 percent higher than the national average, but new arrivals willing to spend some time trawling property sites and engaging with estate agents should be able to find an affordable hidden gem.
There are a few areas to save a couple of pennies, though. Newcomers to Apex can expect to spend slightly less than the national average on transport and groceries, while utilities and healthcare costs are about the same as anywhere else in the USA.
Given the exceptionally high quality of life in Apex, particularly for families, most find the slightly high cost of living well worth it.
Getting around in Apex
A big selling point of Apex is its central location, which places it a few minutes away from major highways and a short drive from Raleigh Durham International Airport. The downside to this accessibility is that the city suffers terrible traffic congestion on weekday mornings and evenings, as many commute to and from work in nearby Raleigh.
Although most Apex residents prefer driving, the town offers a fare-free bus service and walkable sidewalks in the downtown centre. Regional bus services are also available between Apex and Cary, and GoTriangle has services from Apex to Raleigh and Holly Springs.
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Healthcare in Apex
As part of North Carolina's Research Triangle, Apex has quick access to major healthcare systems such as Duke Medicine, WakeMed Health and Hospitals, and UNC Healthcare. Those who move to Apex will have access to qualified healthcare practitioners working in excellent facilities with all the latest resources.
Closer to home, the WakeMed Apex Healthplex boasts three hospitals, more than 80 physician practices and dedicated children’s health services. The WakeMed Apex Healthplex specialises in primary care, obstetrics, cardiology and orthopaedics.
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Schools in Apex
Part of the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), Apex is an educational haven, and new arrivals with children will find it a fantastic home base. Most public schools in the town offer exceptional standards, and charter schools are available. Public schools in Apex will also offer various extracurricular activities and field trips to ensure holistic development.
Private schools also offer alternative approaches, such as Montessori. Some of the top private schools in Apex are Peak Charter Academy, Peace Montessori School, and Thales Academy.
To top it all off, Apex is served by 10 major higher education institutions. Duke University, NC State University, and UNC at Chapel Hill are some of the most prestigious colleges on the list.
The WCPSS also offers alternative and special educational programmes in neighbouring community schools to support children with diverse needs.
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Weather in Apex
Apex has a subtropical climate. Summers here are hot and humid, while winters are generally mild but can be cold. The average winter temperature in Apex is 32°F (0°C), while summer highs usually reach 89°F (32°C).
Spring and autumn bring pleasant, but unpredictable conditions as Apex experiences spells of severe weather. The town is also known for high humidity levels, leading to yearly rainfall. Snowfall is rare in Apex but can occur.
Working in Apex
One of the most attractive aspects of moving to Apex is the town’s thriving job market. Apex is part of the Research Triangle, which presents many opportunities for those working in the scientific and technical research industry, while vacancies also abound in the education, healthcare, social assistance and finance sectors.
As Apex is centrally located and has reliable public transport links, employers are keen to base themselves in this little part of Wake County, while the excellent schools and high quality of life attract employees.
Accommodation in Apex
Proximity to work and school will be an essential consideration for those looking for accommodation in Apex. Apex is a fast-growing area where new housing developments are popping up constantly, which has contributed to the high housing prices but also maintained supply. Nevertheless, the town has maintained its village-like atmosphere while offering modern conveniences.
New arrivals to Apex will find a wide range of housing options, from luxury lake and estate homes, townhouses and condos to more rural homes in the west and south of the town. Among the most popular neighbourhoods in Apex are Bella Casa and Abbington.
With quick access to Beaver Creek and Jordan Lake, Abbington and Bella Casa are perfect for families who want proximity to nature, custom-built homes and good schools without a long commute. Carriage Downs is a wonderful suburb that offers various recreational activities, including a cinema, restaurants and American shopping favourites such as Target and Lowes.
Woodridge is another affordable and centrally located neighbourhood that offers a wide range of lifestyle amenities. For new arrivals with room in their budgets, Brookshire Manor, Greyhawk Landing, and Salem Village offer more luxury homes with coveted amenities such as tennis courts and community pools.
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Lifestyle in Apex
As a family-friendly town, Apex offers things to see and do that cater to people from all walks. History buffs can visit the train depot on Salem Street or the North Carolina Railroad Museum to explore Apex's railroad heritage. Downtown Apex also boasts many antique stores and beautiful buildings with Victorian architecture.
The culinary scene in Apex is also diverse and even boasts award-winning restaurants. Anna's Pizzeria, which offers New York style pizza and Italian dishes, is the town's pride and joy. Beaver Creek and Salem Street serve as Apex's culinary hubs, where residents can find a wide range of cuisines, including restaurants serving Southern cuisine as well as Mexican and Asian.
Although Apex isn't a huge sports town, sports enthusiasts can support the local minor league baseball team, Durham Bulls or the Carolina Hurricanes, the town's major league hockey team. XL Sports World Apex is a great place for young sports and fitness enthusiasts to take part in indoor soccer, hockey, and lacrosse, while building solid friendships in their new town. Pleasant Park offers pickleball, tennis, and basketball facilities for people of all ages.
Although the nightlife scene in Apex is fairly limited, new arrivals to the town will be delighted to find that it is a short drive away from more established clubs and bars in Raleigh.
Thanks to the abundance of green spaces and lakes in Apex, camping, boating, hiking, fishing, and swimming are among the most popular recreational activities. Beaver Creek Greenway has scenic walking trails while Apex Nature Park offers charming picnic sports, a dog park and an outdoor amphitheatre.
Are you an expat living in Apex, NC?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Apex, NC. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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