Apex, North Carolina, in southwestern Wake County, combines a relaxing small-town atmosphere with convenience to big-city amenities. Apex was first settled around 1867 and was incorporated in 1873. Apex is considered to be in “the Triangle” which consists of Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The name "Apex" was adopted because the community was the highest point on the Chatham Railroad between Richmond, Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida. The Apex town motto, "Peak of Good Living" is appropriate for a number of historical reasons. Not only was the town named for being the highest point on the Chatham Railroad, but also, in places along the main street of Apex, water flows to the Neuse River on one side of the street, and on the other side it flows to the Cape Fear River.

Apex, North Carolina underwent a major streetscape renovation project that has successfully restored the downtown area and recaptured its historic flavor. This revitalized downtown district is on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of the best examples of a replicate turn-of-the-century railroad town. The Apex railroad station was first chartered in 1854. Due to the Civil War and problems with Reconstruction, the first locomotive did not pass through Apex, NC until 1869. With the Apex railroad station located in the center of a vast pine forest, it easily garnered business as a shipping point for forest products such as tar, turpentine and lumber.

Apex, NC is located approximately 500 feet above sea level. The town’s land mass covers 10.83 square miles. It offers a mild, humid climate. Annual temperatures range from 40 to 78 degrees, and rainfall of 44.75 inches is above average. Snow is a rare site in Apex.

The U.S. Census 2000 population of 20,212 is well on its way to a projected doubling in the next eight to ten years, as the interim population in 2005 is now 29,277. Median household income is a staggering $71,052.

In 1994 Apex was named the state's #1 Small Town in economic vitality by Business North Carolina magazine. It is positioned for unprecedented future growth and continually exceeds its timeline for keeping up with new and existing business needs, as well as services to the resident public. The vitality of this economic growth is due to major cooperation among the political and business community in which the Apex Chamber of Commerce plays an integral role.

Not only is “the Peak of Good Living” the town of Apex’s motto, it is also the name of their annual Peak Week Celebration in May. The streets of downtown Apex, North Carolina are closed to traffic to accommodate an exciting street festival sponsored by the Apex Festival Commission and the Town of Apex. With something for everyone, it features arts and crafts, a variety of food concessions, children's activities and games, musical groups, and local and big-name entertainment. The street festival is the last event in a weeklong series of community activities, which include a 5K road race, an outdoor concert, a golf tournament and other exciting events. Similar to the Peak week festival is the Today and Yesteryear Festival in late September of each year, with an emphasis on antiques and collectibles.

The biggest attraction in Apex, NC is the town itself. A quiet, historical town, Apex has changed very little since the late 1800’s, except for a few thousand more people to share its charm.