Apex North Carolina – General Information

Apex is a rapidly growing town in Wake County, North Carolina, serving as a neighboring suburb to Raleigh and Cary, North Carolina. With a current population of approximately 82,000 as of 2025, this 15.4 square mile community has earned the motto “The Peak of Good Living” and was named the top place to live by Money Magazine in 2015.

Located at the highest point along the historic Chatham Railroad, Apex sits approximately 15 miles west of Raleigh along US Highway 64 and NC Highway 55. The town is easily accessible via NC 540 and provides convenient connections to Research Triangle Park, making it an ideal location for both families and professionals.

History

The town’s unique name originated from the creation of the Chatham Railroad station, which first opened in 1854, though trains did not travel through until 1869. Positioned at the highest point along the railroad tracks between Raleigh and the coalfields, the location was aptly named Apex. Another theory suggests the name came from Salem Street being flanked by two bodies of water from different rivers. Nearby communities include Durham, NC and Holly Springs.

Settlers arrived in the early 1860s and quickly cleared the dense forests to establish farms. As one of Raleigh’s first suburbs, Apex became a center for shopping, trading, and shipping products like tar and lumber from nearby pine forests. By 1900, the community held a steady population of about 350 people.

During the early 1900s, tobacco farming became central to the local economy, pushing the population to nearly 2,000 by 1920. However, a tobacco market crash and crop disease in the 1920s caused many farmers to leave, reducing the population to 863 by decade’s end.

The town faced additional challenges during the Great Depression and suffered two devastating fires that destroyed much of the downtown business district. After the 1911 fire, the community rebuilt using fireproof bricks to prevent future disasters. The Apex Union Depot, built in 1867, remains a Wake County landmark and represents one of the most intact railroad towns in North Carolina.

True growth returned in the 1960s with the formation of Research Triangle Park. Development accelerated through the 1990s as population quadrupled to over 20,000, and the town has continued expanding with new neighborhoods in communities like Brighton Forest, Bella Casa, Haddon Hall, and Sweetwater.

Wildlife Removal Services in Apex, North Carolina:

• Apex NC Squirrel Control Service
• Apex NC Raccoon Trapper
• Apex NC Bat Exclusion Services
• Apex NC Rat Extermination Company
• Apex NC Snake Removal Solutions
• Apex NC Wildlife Exclusion Companies
• Apex NC Opossum Trapping Services

Wildlife issues are common in Apex due to the town’s proximity to wooded areas and Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. Animals like raccoons, squirrels, bats, and snakes frequently enter homes and businesses seeking shelter. Our experienced technicians understand local wildlife behavior and provide humane, effective solutions for property owners throughout the Apex area.

Whether you are dealing with squirrels in your attic, bats in the eaves, or snakes around your property near neighborhoods like Abbington or Haddon Hall, we provide prompt response and lasting solutions. We offer Apex NC animal removal services throughout the entire community.

Local Attractions and Recreation

While Apex primarily serves as a residential and commercial center, the town offers several notable attractions and outdoor spaces for residents and visitors.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

The Jordan Lake State Recreation Area provides extensive outdoor activities just minutes from Apex. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. The lake area also supports windsurfing and wildlife observation, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Local Wineries and Breweries

Cloer Family Vineyards operates as a small family business offering wine tastings, guided tours, and picnic areas. Blueprint Brewing Company provides a similar experience for craft beer enthusiasts in the Apex area, contributing to the town’s growing food and beverage scene.

Parks and Green Spaces

Apex Nature Park serves as a major recreational facility featuring picnic areas, a dog park, nature trails, disc golf, and an amphitheater. The Beaver Creek Greenway connects neighborhoods throughout West Apex, providing walking and biking trails.

Additional parks throughout the community include Apex Community Park along Highway 55, Thomas Brooks Park, Crowder County Park, Apex Jaycee Park, and Kelly Road Park. These spaces provide residents with convenient access to outdoor activities throughout established neighborhoods and new developments.

Downtown Apex

The historic downtown area along Salem Street features numerous antique stores, local shops, and restaurants. The district was designated as a historic area in 1994 and maintains the character of a traditional railroad town. The Halle Cultural Arts Center hosts classes, theatrical productions, and various art programs for the community.

Community Culture and Events

Apex Music Festival

The Apex Music Festival, previously known as the Apex Jazz Festival, showcases musical performances from artists and ensembles throughout the Triangle area. The event features school orchestras and professional groups, focusing primarily on jazz and related genres.

Apex PeakFest

Held annually on the first Saturday in May, PeakFest serves as the town’s premier community celebration. The festival features local vendors, entertainment, and activities that bring together residents from neighborhoods across Apex, from Friendship in the south to developments along NC 55 in the north.

Arts and Education

The Halle Cultural Arts Center provides year-round programming including classes, performances, and exhibitions. The facility supports local artists and offers educational opportunities for residents of all ages.

Wildlife Concerns in Apex

The rapid residential growth in areas like Bella Casa, Whitehall Manor, and developments near US 64 has increased interactions between wildlife and humans. Common concerns include:

Raccoons can carry rabies and raccoon roundworm, creating health risks when they nest in attics or crawl spaces. These animals are frequently found near wooded areas throughout Apex and near Jordan Lake.

Bats may roost in attics and walls, potentially exposing residents to histoplasmosis through accumulated droppings. Professional bat exclusion prevents re-entry while complying with wildlife protection regulations.

Squirrels commonly damage wiring, insulation, and structural components when they nest in attic spaces. They are particularly active in established neighborhoods with mature trees.

Snakes, while generally beneficial for controlling rodent populations, may alarm property owners when found near homes or in garages. Most species in the Apex area are non-venomous, but professional identification and removal provide peace of mind.

Our team serves all Apex communities, including areas along Salem Street, developments near Beaver Creek Crossings, and properties throughout West and East Apex. We provide inspection, removal, exclusion, and repair services to protect your home or business from wildlife activity.