Overview
Apex is a residential suburb of Raleigh in Central North Carolina popular for its nearby outdoor recreation and golf course. Retirees also enjoy the city's numerous events and festivals, including a farmers market and movies in the park. With warm summers and easy access to the cultural offerings of Raleigh, Apex has quickly become a popular retirement destination.
Climate & Geography
Apex has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and muggy while winters are short and cold. Residents can expect 43 inches of rain and 6 inches of snow each year.
Apex is located within the Research Triangle of North Carolina, which consists of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. The Jordan Lake is located to the west of Apex, and there are several creeks that flow through the city.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Residents of Apex have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Jordan Lake Recreation Area is a 14,000-acre reservoir with more than 1,000 campsites, seven beaches, and nearly 14 miles of hiking trails. In the hilly lakeshore, visitors can spot wildlife like bald eagles and osprey. Additionally, Knights Play Golf Center has 27-holes of golf, a driving range, and a modern clubhouse with day and night playing options.
There are several events and festivals held in Apex throughout the year. The Apex Farmers Market runs from April to October and features fresh fruits and veggies, crafts, baked goods, and bath and body products. The Apex Nature Park offers Music and Movies in the Park, which are free to the public. The city also hosts an all-day festival with live music, craft beverages, and food trucks.
Apex residents also have access to exciting amenities in nearby cities. Koka Booth Amphitheatre is a performing arts venue in Cary with annual music events. The museums and art centers in the Research Triangle are also popular destinations.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The overall cost of living in Apex is higher than both the state and national averages because of high housing costs. Other factors like health care and transportation are below average.
North Carolina is moderately tax friendly for retirees. Social Security benefits are not taxed, but all other forms of retirement income are taxed at the state's flat rate of 5.25 percent. Property taxes are below average, and the state offers a homestead exclusion and tax deferment program for qualifying retirees. Apex has a 7.25 percent sales tax.
Health Care
The Raleigh metro area ranks in the top 45 communities on Gallup's Well-Being Index.
WakeMed Cary Hospital and UNC Rex Hospital are located less than 15 miles from Apex. UNC Rex Hospital is rated high performing by U.S. News and is ranked the No. 3 hospital in the region. In addition, University of North Carolinas Hospitals in Chapel Hill is nationally ranked in five specialties.