A Warm Welcome to Apex

Nestled in southwestern Wake County about 15 miles from Raleigh, Apex perfectly balances historic small-town charm with modern growth. Stroll down Salem Street in downtown Apex and you might feel like you’ve stepped back in time – the street is lined with century-old brick storefronts, a restored 1914 train depot, and an old-fashioned friendliness that’s hard to find elsewhere. Yet just beyond the historic downtown, you’ll find all the conveniences of a thriving town: shopping centers, new housing communities, top-notch schools, and quick access to the Research Triangle Park. Apex was incorporated in 1873 (the name comes from being the highest point on a former railroad line) and recently celebrated its 150th birthday. Over the decades it has grown from a sleepy tobacco village into one of North Carolina’s most desirable towns, consistently ranked among the best places to live. Still, locals will proudly tell you that despite the rapid growth, Apex hasn’t lost its heart. The town’s slogan – “The Peak of Good Living” – isn’t just a motto; it’s a way of life here. High quality of life, a strong community spirit, and that welcoming small-town feel are all part of what makes Apex, NC such a special place to call home.

Community Vibes & Lifestyle

What’s it like living in Apex day-to-day? In a word: welcoming. Neighbors wave hello on evening walks, and it’s easy to strike up a friendly chat at the local coffee shop or while browsing the boutiques downtown. Newcomers often remark how quickly they feel at home. As one recent Apex resident noted, “We hit the ground running… that’s all you can ever want starting out – be busy and feel welcomed right off the bat!” The town may be growing (Apex’s population jumped by over 25% since 2020), but it still feels close-knit. You’ll see families with young kids out riding bikes, retirees gathering at the community center, and people of all ages coming together for local events. There’s a strong spirit of volunteerism and neighborly support, whether through the active churches, civic clubs, or simply the town Facebook groups where folks swap recommendations and organize meet-ups. Apex truly embodies Southern hospitality in a modern, diverse community.

One beloved community gathering spot is the Apex Farmers Market, held downtown at the historic Depot every Saturday morning. From April through October it runs weekly (8:00am–noon), and during the cooler months November through March it continues biweekly with slightly later hours (9:00am–noon). Here you can browse farm-fresh produce, local meats and eggs, homemade jams and baked goods, plus crafts from area artisans. It’s not just a market – it’s a social hub. You’ll often find live acoustic music, kids dancing or playing nearby, and neighbors catching up over coffee as they shop. Many locals make the farmers market part of their weekend routine; it’s a fantastic way for newcomers to meet people and plug into the community vibe. Beyond the market, downtown Apex hosts seasonal “open house” evenings, and you might even find impromptu live music or outdoor yoga on the town common. The bottom line: Apex offers that warm, inclusive community lifestyle that turns neighbors into friends in no time.

Savor the Local Flavor: Food & Drink Favorites

Apex’s dining scene is a delightful mix of down-home comfort and up-and-coming culinary flair. Historic Salem Street downtown is dotted with locally-owned cafés, restaurants, sweet shops, and watering holes that residents rave about. Whether you’re craving classic North Carolina barbecue or an artisanal espresso, you’ll find a spot in Apex ready to welcome you. Here are a few must-try local favorites to eat and drink like a true Apex local:

You’ll quickly find that Apex locals love their food – from morning lattes to late-night bites. For a cozy cup of coffee or dessert, check out Common Grounds Coffee House & Desserts, a family-owned café in a historic downtown building that serves up excellent lattes, smoothies, and sweet treats in a charming atmosphere. And if you’re in the mood for North Carolina barbecue but don’t feel like cooking, keep an eye out for the popular Smoke and Cow BBQ food truck, which frequently parks around town. Whether it’s Southern comfort food, international cuisine, or farm-fresh fare, Apex’s dining scene has you covered – always with a side of hometown hospitality.

Outdoor Recreation & Nature Escapes

Love the outdoors? You’ll fit right in. Apex is known for its beautiful parks, trails, and green spaces – not to mention a culture that encourages walking and biking. In fact, many Apex neighborhoods connect to greenway trails, and residents often walk or cycle into downtown for events or dinner. “Apex is very walkable… you don’t have to get in your car and drive,” one local resident noted, praising the town’s extensive sidewalks and trails. The town works hard to keep these paths safe and well-maintained, so people of all ages can enjoy an active lifestyle close to home.

One jewel of Apex is Apex Community Park, a 160-acre park centered around a 50-acre lake. Here you’ll find fishing docks, boat rentals for canoeing and kayaking, over 3 miles of paved walking trails encircling the lake, plus sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas. It’s a favorite for everything from morning jogs to weekend family picnics. Over on the west side of town, the expansive Apex Nature Park & Seymour Athletic Fields covers another 160+ acres. This park has something for everyone: multiple sports fields, a disk golf course, dog park, playgrounds, and even an outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts and movie nights in the summer. Hikers can enjoy the wooded nature trails here, and if you visit the amphitheater on a warm evening, you might catch a local band or a free “Movies under the Stars” event courtesy of Parks & Rec.

Apex’s trail system also links into regional greenways. The American Tobacco Trail – a paved rail-trail stretching over 22 miles from Durham down into Wake County – has an access point just on the edge of Apex, providing a great route for long bike rides or runs through scenic forest and farmland. And if you’re up for a quick drive, the sprawling Jordan Lake is only about 15 minutes from Apex. This 14,000-acre reservoir offers boating, swimming beaches, camping, and some of the best spots for bald eagle watching in the state. Many Apex locals spend summer weekends out on Jordan Lake’s waters or grilling at a lakeside campsite. Whether you’re exploring a neighborhood greenway, enjoying a playground with the kids, or paddling on the lake at sunset, the opportunities to get outside are endless. With mild weather most of the year, Apex invites you to embrace an outdoor lifestyle – and your four-legged friends will love it here too (don’t forget to visit the dog parks!).

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Despite its modest size, Apex has a lively arts and culture scene that adds to its charm. The centerpiece is the Halle Cultural Arts Center, located in a beautifully restored historic building right on Salem Street. The Halle is a hub for performances and community arts – it boasts a 150-seat theater and gallery space, hosting everything from live music concerts and community theater productions to rotating art exhibits and even free film nights. Check their calendar and you might catch a local production of a play, a jazz pianist performance, or a children’s puppet show on a Saturday morning. The intimate venue means there’s not a bad seat in the house, and it creates a wonderful sense of community as neighbors gather to enjoy the arts.

Downtown Apex itself is like a living arts and history district. As you wander Salem Street, you’ll notice public art pieces, painted seasonal window displays, and the preserved architecture that tells the story of the town’s past. (Fun fact: many of the brick buildings in the downtown Historic District date back to 1912–1915, having been rebuilt after two early 1900s fires.) The old Apex Union Depot, once a bustling train station, now serves as the Apex Chamber of Commerce and visitor center – trains still rumble by on occasion, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. Throughout the year, you can find cultural events like the Apex Latino Arts Festival or outdoor craft fairs that showcase local artisans.

Live music is part of the fabric of Apex as well. A number of local restaurants and bars feature live bands or singer-songwriter nights, especially on weekends. You might catch an acoustic duo on the patio at a wine bar, a rocking cover band at a pub, or even some bluegrass at a town-sponsored event. In summer, the town’s “Peak City Rhythm & Reels” series brings free outdoor concerts and movies to the Nature Park amphitheater – perfect for a family outing under the stars. From art classes and dance studios (for both kids and adults) to book clubs at the library and photography meetups, Apex offers plenty of outlets to explore your creative side or simply enjoy being an audience member. And if you ever crave big-name concerts or museums, Raleigh’s rich cultural scene is just a short drive away – but you might find that Apex’s homegrown arts and entertainment keep you happily occupied right here.

Festivals & Annual Events

When it comes to community celebrations, Apex loves to put on a show. The town hosts a variety of festivals and annual events that bring everyone together – mark your calendar because you won’t want to miss these hometown traditions:

• Apex PeakFest (May): Apex’s biggest event of the year. Each spring, downtown Salem Street transforms into a giant street fair with over 100 vendors, arts and crafts, festival food, live music, and kids’ rides and games. What started in the 1970s as a small community day is now a festival drawing 20,000+ people – an awesome way to experience the Peak of Good Living firsthand.
• Peak City Pig Fest (Spring): Calling all BBQ lovers! Each year the Apex Sunrise Rotary hosts this two-day barbecue competition and festival (usually in April) featuring some of the best pitmasters around. Come out to Apex Town Campus to enjoy finger-licking BBQ, a beer garden, live music, and family fun. The sweet hickory smoke in the air and friendly cook-off vibe make this a must-do event.
• Olde Fashioned Fourth of July: Apex goes full Americana for Independence Day. On July 4th, the town closes downtown streets for a patriotic kids’ Parade of Wheels (think bikes and wagons decked out in red, white, and blue) followed by hours of old-fashioned fun – think water balloon tosses, pie-eating contests, fire hose spray downs, carnival games and more. In the evening, find your spot to watch fireworks light up the summer night. It’s small-town Fourth of July at its best.
• Oktoberfest (Fall): One of the newer additions to Apex’s event lineup, the town’s Oktoberfest celebration each autumn brings a taste of Bavaria to town. Hosted by Apex Parks & Rec, this family-friendly fest features live music, German food and beer, and plenty of fun activities – all with a background of fall foliage and cool weather. Pull on your lederhosen (or just a cozy sweater) and enjoy the community cheer.
• Christmas on Salem Street (December): The holiday season in Apex is pure magic. Early December brings the Christmas on Salem Street festivities – a weekend of events including the official town tree lighting, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and even a candy cane hunt for kids. The crown jewel is the Apex Rotary Christmas Parade, an evening parade down Salem Street that’s been a tradition for 50+ years. More than 100 floats, marching bands, local groups, and of course Santa himself delight the crowd. With the storefronts twinkling and cups of hot cocoa in hand, you’ll swear you’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie scene.

And that’s just the beginning. Apex also offers seasonal outdoor movie nights, occasional street fairs and downtown “sip and stroll” evenings, charity 5K races (often benefiting local schools or causes), and much more. Whether it’s a large festival or a little neighborhood block party, there’s always something happening that fosters community spirit. Joining in these events is a fantastic way to meet your neighbors, support local businesses and organizations, and feel the pride that Apex residents have in their town. Get ready to celebrate – Apex style!

Remote-Work Perks in a Small Town

If you’re among the many people who work remotely these days, Apex has you covered with plenty of work-friendly spots and resources. Sometimes a change of scenery from the home office is nice – and in Apex, you’ll find several cozy coffee shops perfect for that. We already mentioned Common Grounds Coffee House and Mission Market; both offer free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and a relaxed vibe where you can sip a latte while getting work done. There’s also Peak City Grind (inside Peak City Market) and Sweet Talk Café for coffee or tea in a mellow atmosphere. You’ll often see folks on laptops or meeting clients in these local cafes. The baristas might learn your “usual” drink by your second visit – that’s the kind of town Apex is.

Need a more formal office setup? Check out the CoWorking Station in downtown Apex. Opened in partnership with the town in 2021, this coworking space offers desks, private offices, conference rooms, and business amenities for freelancers, startups, or anyone needing a dedicated work spot. You can get a day pass or monthly membership, and you’ll be working alongside other local professionals – a great way to network without commuting to Raleigh. The facility is conveniently located near Town Hall (so you can walk to lunch on Salem Street), and it’s been a welcome addition for Apex’s growing remote workforce.

Don’t forget about the library as well. The Eva Perry Regional Library in Apex has quiet study rooms, plenty of seating, and of course free internet – ideal for those times you need complete concentration (or maybe a massive printer!). The library also hosts occasional business seminars and has resources for job hunters and entrepreneurs. And finally, keep in mind that living in Apex puts you within a short drive of the entire Research Triangle region. If you have an office meeting in RTP or downtown Raleigh once in a while, you can typically get there in 20–30 minutes. In Apex, you truly get the best of both worlds: the peaceful, easygoing pace of a small town day-to-day, with all the professional connections and infrastructure of a major metro area at your fingertips.

Family-Friendly Amenities & Resources

It’s no surprise that Apex is consistently rated as one of the top towns in North Carolina for families. The combination of safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and abundant kid-friendly activities make it an ideal place to raise children. Let’s start with parks and recreation: Apex’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources department offers programs for all ages – literally from toddlers to seniors. The town’s John M. Brown Community Center (formerly the Apex Community Center) is a fantastic facility on Hunter Street that hosts everything from preschool dance classes and youth basketball to adult fitness programs and senior socials. For the little ones, there are Mommy-and-Me art classes, kiddie sports, and summer camps galore. Teens can join sports leagues or volunteer through the town’s youth council. And adults? You’ll find softball leagues, yoga and Zumba, pottery workshops – you name it. The town also has a brand-new Senior Center adjacent to the community center, ensuring grandparents have their own dedicated space and activities too.

Apex’s public schools (part of highly-regarded Wake County Public Schools) are a big draw for families. There are several elementary and middle schools right in town and three major high schools serving the area (including the renowned Apex High School, which was recently rebuilt with state-of-the-art facilities). Additionally, families have access to a number of private and charter school options in the vicinity. If you’re a homeschooling family, you’ll find support here as well – there are local homeschool co-ops and groups that organize field trips and meet-ups, plus the public library offers free educational programs and a robust summer reading program for kids. Speaking of the library, the Eva Perry Library is a gem for families: weekly story times for babies and toddlers, STEM workshops and Lego clubs for older kids, and plenty of teen events ensure that young minds stay engaged. (The library even hosts an annual Fairy Tale Ball that’s a huge hit with the younger crowd – think costumes, crafts, and magical decor inside the library after hours.)

Beyond formal institutions, what really makes Apex shine for families is the everyday environment. It’s the kind of town where kids still play outside until dusk, neighbors keep an eye out for each other’s children, and local businesses welcome young customers with open arms (don’t be surprised if the folks at the ice cream shop or bookstore remember your child’s name). There are active parent groups on social media where you can seek advice or plan playdates, and many neighborhoods organize their own block parties, holiday decoration contests, and trick-or-treat events. For new parents, Apex has resources like parent/baby exercise classes and support groups, and for working parents there are reputable daycare and preschool options around every corner. The bottom line: Apex truly embraces families, and as a newcomer you’ll find it easy to connect with other parents and feel supported. From the playground to the classroom to your own backyard, your kids (and you!) will feel right at home here in Apex.

Embrace Your New Home

Moving to Apex, NC means gaining a vibrant community and an exceptional quality of life. Here, you can start your day with a peaceful walk along a greenway trail, spend your afternoon exploring quaint shops and grabbing lunch downtown, and end the evening at a local concert or watching the sunset by the lake. It’s the kind of town where the person in line behind you at the coffee shop might strike up a conversation – and that person could be your child’s future teacher, the mayor, or simply a friendly neighbor. Apex manages to feel like a “small town from yesteryear” while still offering every modern convenience you need. And remember, you’re just minutes away from the broader Triangle area, so world-class universities, healthcare, entertainment, and job opportunities are all within easy reach.

As you settle into Apex, be sure to take advantage of all the local gems and get involved. Attend a town festival or a PTA meeting, join a local fitness class or volunteer group, become a “regular” at your favorite coffee spot – the more you engage with the community, the more Apex will feel like your town. We hope this guide has given you a great starting point, but your own adventures will soon uncover even more reasons to love living here. Welcome to Apex, and enjoy every moment in “the Peak of Good Living”! From one local to another – we’re glad you’re here.