Located in
southwestern Wake County, Apex is one of the fastest growing cities in the
Triangle. With only 5,000 residents in 1990, Apex has grown to more than 27,000.
In fact, Apex is anticipated to double its population within the next decade. In order to accommodate its rapid growth, city leaders are making sure that the unique and historical city doesn’t lose its small-town charm.
Attracting families and businesses alike, Apex is within close proximity to all the amenities the Triangle has to offer including shopping, businesses, entertainment, and sports venues.
Settled around 1867, Apex was incorporated in 1873 and earned its name from being the highest point on the Chatham Railroad between Richmond, Va. and Jacksonville, Fla. In the early days, Apex was a shipping point for forest products including lumber, tar and turpentine. As the railroad fostered more growth, Apex became a hub for another product: tobacco.
Apex celebrates its history as a railroad town and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for being one of the few turn-of-the-century railroad towns still intact. This includes the Apex train depot, which was built sometime between 1867 and 1873.
Beyond this, the city has recently restored its downtown, which features a number of 19th century buildings.
With “Peak of Good Living” as its motto, Apex celebrates each year with a street festival held on the first Saturday in May each year. The festival features arts and crafts, food, children’s activities and live music. Also the Apex train depot stages concerts during the spring, summer and fall and offers a diverse selection of music.
For those who love the outdoors, Apex includes nine town-owned parks. Spanning 160 acres, Apex Community Park features a range of playing fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts and playgrounds. Also a two-mile walking/running trail runs along the lake, which is more than 50 acres. Although only kayaks and canoes are allowed on the lake, fishing is allowed with a permit.
Additionally, the Apex Community Center includes a gymnasium and offers classes for children, adults and seniors in yoga, crafts, sports, drama and dance.
Served by the Wake County Schools, Apex has six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. Apex Elementary is a magnet school for gifted and talented students, and Oak Grove Elementary and Lufkin Road Middle schools offer year-round schooling. The ABC Plan of Accountability consistently recognizes Apex schools as Schools of Excellence, meaning that 90 percent of their students are at or above grade level.