Is Apex Still The #1 Place To Live? You Bet!

Home | Is Apex Still The #1 Place To Live? You Bet!

In 2015, Money Magazine named Apex, North Carolina the #1 Place To Live. If you’re wondering why, there’s plenty of evidence to back up the prestigious accolade. Thanks in part to top-ranked public schools, a quaint downtown, and an affordable housing market, Apex remains one of the most popular destinations for new homebuyers.

If you haven’t heard of the town and are wondering where Apex, N.C. is, you’re not alone. The town with a population of 42,150 (2015 statistics) is located roughly 22 minutes outside of Raleigh. The downtown area of Salem Street holds its annual PeakFest that attracts more than 15,000 people to the center of the city for entertainment, fun, and food.

Affordability and job stability are two of the most appealing qualities for reasons to live in Apex, and the city delivers when it comes to both. High-paying, tech-industry jobs continue to open up that allows for statistics such as a 15.5% increase in job growth in one calendar year. Despite the fact that the city is known for its technology, new home prices don’t reflect those of the ones located in technological hubs on the West Coast. A three-bedroom home in Apex costs an average of $265,000 compared to the same house in Silicon Valley that sells for more than $1 million.

Research Triangle Park is located only 18 miles away from Apex, and is home to more than 200 big-name companies including IBM, Cisco, and pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline. More than 50,000 workers are employed by companies within RTP, which makes it a popular destination for those who might be job hunting.

Apex’s public schools seem to get a boost from being so close to the technological hub of RTP, and it shows in the test scores. According to areavibes.com, Apex’s average test scores rank 27% higher than the national average.

Apex High School includes the Academy of Information Technology to its curriculum if one wants to learn software management and coding. The four-year program offers students hands-on experience in the IT field through internships and coursework.

The recently opened Apex Friendship High School has technology that includes 70-inch monitors in every classroom along with several 3-D printers to prevent overcrowding at Apex High School nearby.

More than 60% of residents have a bachelor’s degree as well. Nearby colleges include North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Duke University. All of these institutions rank in the top 100 universities, according to the U.S. News & World Report.

Since the population of Apex is growing due to its popularity, the town recently has taken steps to ensure that Apex stays appealing to all by building a new toll road that cuts the commute time to RTP in half to only 20 minutes. Since 2000, Apex has more than doubled its population.

Despite the growth, Apex still has found a way to balance a close-knit vibe within the community. Head to Jordan Lake State Recreation Area or move to Stillwater where the American Tobacco Trail is located only minutes from the neighborhood’s entrance. Crowder District Park is also a popular destination for those looking for an outdoor adventure.

An annual jazz festival along with weekly farmer’s market make Apex feel like home, with nightlife to match. Salem Street Pub, Rudy’s of Apex and JD’s Tavern are all local spots that make for the perfect socialization spots to mingle with friends. Many local businesses and boutiques provide the opportunity for you to support the city that you live in. Beaver Creek Commons shopping center also provides a place for all of your needs that include grocery stores, a Target and more.

No matter what type of housing you’re looking for, Apex is sure to have something for you. You can find active adult living, townhomes and single family homes within Apex. Many of Apex’s new homes range in price from the low $100s to $3 million. On average, homes in Apex have three bedrooms. Some of the area’s most high-end builders including Toll Brothers and Preston Development build in the city of Apex.

More than 120 new home communities have popped up in recent years throughout Apex, with some of the most popular being Salem Village Estates, McKenzie Ridge, Sweetwater, The Pines at Wake Crossing, Enclave at White Oak Creek, Bella Casa Custom Homes, and many more.

More than 50 new home builders are currently constructing homes in Apex, including but not limited to Meritage Homes, M/I homes, Toll Brothers, Adams Homes, Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Beazer Homes, CalAtlantic Homes, D.R. Horton Homes, Del Webb, Eastwood Homes, Emerald Homes, Homes by Dickerson, HHHunt Homes, and more.

To search for a new home in Apex, check out our Home Finder today.

Reasons To Live in Apex, N.C. Infographic