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Apex, NC

Frequently asked questions

Apex, NC

Apex is a town in Wake County, North Carolina, United States. At its southern border, Apex encompasses the community of Friendship. In 1994, the downtown area was designated a historic district, and the Apex train depot, built in 1867, is designated a Wake County landmark. The depot location marks the highest point on the old Chatham Railroad, hence the town's name. The town motto is "The Peak of Good Living".

In the late 19th century, a small community developed around the railroad station. The forests were cleared for farmland, much of which was dedicated to tobacco farming. Since Apex was near the state capital, it became a trading center. The railroad shipped products such as lumber, tar, and tobacco. The town was officially incorporated in 1873. By 1900, the town had a population of 349. As of the 2020 census, its population was 58,780, making it the 17th-most populous municipality in North Carolina.

The population boom occurred primarily in the late 1990s. The Research Triangle Park, established in the 1960s, created a strong demand for technology workers. This also drove population growth.

The town is a suburb of both Raleigh and Research Triangle Park (RTP). It is situated to the southwest of Raleigh with direct highway access via US 1. Apex is south of RTP with direct highway access via NC 540. Apex crests the watersheds of both the Neuse and Cape Fear Rivers. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 25.15 square miles (65.1 km²), of which 25.06 square miles (64.9 km²) is land and 0.09 square miles (0.23 km²) (0.36%) is water. Neighboring towns include Cary to the north and northeast, Holly Springs to the south, and Raleigh to the east and northeast.

In 1869, the Chatham Railroad, connecting Chatham County with Raleigh, was completed. At the highest point of the line, which railroad workers dubbed the "apex of the grade", existed a pond. Trains leaving out of Chatham would stop at the pond to replenish their water. A community began to grow around the stop, which the railroad workers called Apex. The town of Apex was incorporated in 1873. The pond was eventually drained by culverts and ceased to exist by 1900.

Apex grew slowly through the succeeding decades, despite several devastating fires, including a June 12, 1911, conflagration that destroyed most of the downtown business district. The town center was rebuilt and stands to this day, now one of the most intact railroad towns in the state. At the heart of town stands the Apex Union Depot, originally a passenger station for the Seaboard Air Line Railroad and later home to the locally supported Apex Community Library. The depot now houses the Apex Chamber of Commerce.

Apex suffered mild setbacks during the Great Depression era, but growth began again in earnest in the 1950s. The town's proximity to RTP spurred additional residential development, yet the town managed to preserve its small-town character. During the 1990s, the town's population quadrupled to over 20,000, placing new demands upon Apex's infrastructure.

Apex has continued to grow in recent years. A sizable shopping center was built at the intersection of Highway 55 and US 64, and several new neighborhoods have been built as the town grows toward the west.

Health and wellness are priorities in Apex, with a range of healthcare facilities and recreational opportunities. The Apex Healthplex offers comprehensive medical services to residents, emphasizing preventive care and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Apex Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include  Fit For Life 24, Ignite Fitness, and Peak City Gym. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Apex, such as the Lake Pine Loop and Beaver Creek Greenway. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Apex, NC are Historic Downtown Apex, Apex Nature Park, and Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

Population: 75,977 (2024). ZIP codes: 27502, 27523, 27539. Area codes: 919, 984. Elevation: 390 ft (120 m). Area: 25.15 sq mi (65.13 km²).

FAQs

Is it expensive to live in Apex, NC?

Apex, North Carolina's cost of living is 2% higher than the national average. Apex's housing expenses are 15% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 2% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 5% lower than the national average.

Why is it called Apex, NC?

The early history of Apex stems from a railroad station that was chartered in 1854, although the first train did not pass through town until 1869. The first settlers came to the area in the 1860s, and the town was incorporated in 1873. Our community is situated at the highest point along a 30-mile section of the Chatham Railroad, hence the name ’Apex’. Steam engines would stop at the top of this climb to replenish their water supply on the way to Raleigh.

What is the crime rate in Apex, NC?

Apex has an overall crime rate of 11 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Apex is 1 in 89. Apex's crime rate is lower than approximately 57% of North Carolina communities.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Apex

Apex Healthplex 

Apex Parks and Recreation Department 

Fit For Life 24

Ignite Fitness 

Peak City Gym

Lake Pine Loop 

Beaver Creek Greenway.

Historic Downtown Apex

Apex Nature Park

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Payscale

Neighborhoodscout

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