Moving to Apex NC, Why Apex Ranked Top 1% Best Small City in America
Why Moving to Apex, North Carolina Is One of the Smartest Decisions You Can Make in 2026
Moving to Apex NC has quietly become one of the smartest relocation decisions in the country. Many buyers who start by researching moving to Raleigh in 2025 quickly discover that Apex offers a better balance of lifestyle and value. Apex is not just a nice Raleigh suburb, it is officially ranked in the Top 1% of Best Small Cities in America and it is the only city in North Carolina to earn that distinction.
Here is the wow factor. Out of more than 1,300 small cities nationwide, Apex ranked #3 overall and #1 in economic health. That puts it in the 99th percentile across the entire United States.
I am Phil Slezak, one of the only AI Certified Real Estate Experts in the U.S., featured in Yahoo Finance, and I have spent over 20 years helping people move to and invest in Apex, Raleigh, and the greater Triangle. I have also called Apex home since 2004. In this guide, I am breaking down exactly why Apex keeps dominating national rankings and why so many buyers and families are moving here right now.
Why Is Apex, NC Ranked in the Top 1% of Best Small Cities in America?
Apex, North Carolina earned its Top 1% ranking because it consistently outperforms other cities in the areas that matter most for real life, jobs, affordability, safety, education, and long-term stability.
WalletHub evaluated cities across five major categories: affordability, economy, education, quality of life, and safety. Apex did not just score well, it dominated.
What makes this ranking meaningful is that it measures balance. Many cities excel in one area and fail in others. Apex delivers across the board.
How Did Apex Earn the #3 National Ranking by WalletHub in 2025?
Apex ranked #3 nationally because it combines strong income growth, low unemployment, excellent schools, and high livability without sacrificing affordability.
WalletHub compared over 1,300 small cities using real data, not opinions. Apex rose to the top because it offers opportunity without chaos. That combination is rare.
Most buyers assume they have to choose between career growth and quality of life. Apex proves that assumption wrong.
Why Is Apex, North Carolina #1 in Economic Health Nationwide?
Apex ranks #1 in economic health in the entire country. That is not marketing language, it is data.
Economic health measures job stability, income growth, poverty rates, and overall financial resilience. Apex has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S. and one of the lowest poverty rates nationwide.
This tells you something important. People in Apex are not just working, they are building careers, buying homes, and planning long-term futures.
The primary driver is location. Apex sits just minutes from Research Triangle Park, one of the largest tech and biotech hubs in the world. Companies like IBM, Cisco, Epic Games, and hundreds of startups fuel high-paying jobs across technology, healthcare, education, and research.
How Close Is Apex NC to Raleigh and Research Triangle Park?
Apex offers one of the most strategic locations in the Triangle. Buyers often compare nearby cities, and this Raleigh vs Cary vs Apex discussion comes up frequently when deciding where to live.
You are approximately:
20 minutes to Downtown Raleigh
15 minutes to Research Triangle Park
25 minutes to RDU International Airport
This location reduces commute stress while keeping you connected to major employers, universities, and cultural amenities. You get the energy of Raleigh without the congestion.
Is Apex NC Affordable Compared to Other Top-Ranked Cities?
Yes. Compared to other cities ranked in the Top 1% nationally, Apex remains remarkably affordable. Reviewing the latest Apex real estate market report helps buyers understand pricing, inventory, and timing before making a move.
You can still find high-quality homes under $600,000, while many comparable cities require $800,000 to $900,000 entry points. Property taxes in Apex are among the lowest in the Triangle, and household incomes are among the strongest in North Carolina.
This affordability is one reason Apex continues to attract relocations from higher-cost states.
What Are the Best Neighborhoods to Live in Apex, NC?
Apex offers a wide range of neighborhoods that fit different lifestyles, from classic community-focused designs to modern, walkable developments. If you want to see what is currently available, you can explore Apex NC homes for sale to compare neighborhoods and price points in real time.
Scotts Mill
Scotts Mill is known for front porches, sidewalks, parks, and strong community connections. Neighbors know each other, kids ride bikes, and events bring people together regularly.
Bella Casa
Bella Casa offers upscale living with amenities like pools, trails, and larger homes. It is ideal for buyers seeking space while staying close to schools and shopping.
Villaggio
Villaggio blends townhomes and single-family homes with European-inspired architecture. It feels tucked away while remaining minutes from downtown Apex.
Sweetwater
Sweetwater is one of Apex’s most exciting newer communities. It features a town center, shops, restaurants, and events built directly into the neighborhood for a walkable lifestyle.
What Is Life Like in Downtown Apex, North Carolina?
Downtown Apex delivers small-town charm with a modern feel.
Salem Street is the heart of downtown, featuring local coffee shops, restaurants, and breweries. You will find places like Common Grounds Coffee, Scratch Kitchen and Tap Room, and The Provincial creating an atmosphere that feels personal and connected.
Friday nights often turn into spontaneous conversations. Events, festivals, and local gatherings make downtown feel like an extension of your neighborhood.
Why Does Apex Offer a Better Quality of Life Than Other Raleigh Suburbs?
Apex’s quality of life comes from balance. While it ranked lower in raw entertainment density due to its smaller size, it sits close enough to Raleigh to access museums, nightlife, and events anytime you want.
At the same time, Apex maintains clean streets, quiet neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community. You get more of what you want and less of what you do not need.
Is Apex, NC Safe and Family-Friendly?
Apex consistently ranks among the safest towns in the United States. Violent crime rates are extremely low per nextdoor, and community involvement plays a major role in maintaining safety.
When people talk about peace of mind, Apex delivers it.
How Good Are Schools in Apex, North Carolina?
Apex is part of the Wake County Public School System, one of the highest-performing districts in North Carolina.
Schools such as White Oak Elementary, Olive Chapel Elementary, and Apex High School consistently rank at the top statewide.
Apex also ranks near the top nationally for educational attainment, reflecting a community that values learning and long-term success.
Who Is Moving to Apex NC and Why Demand Keeps Growing?
Apex attracts professionals, entrepreneurs, families, and remote workers seeking stability without sacrificing opportunity.
Many relocations come from higher-cost metro areas where buyers are priced out or burned out. Apex offers a reset without compromise.
The town continues to invest in smart growth, parks, greenways, and thoughtful development that protects its identity while expanding opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apex, NC a good place to live in 2026?
Yes. Apex is ranked in the Top 1% of small cities nationwide due to its strong economy, safety, schools, and overall quality of life.
How far is Apex NC from Raleigh and RTP?
Apex is about 20 minutes from Downtown Raleigh and roughly 15 minutes from Research Triangle Park, making it one of the most convenient locations in the Triangle.
What is the cost of living in Apex, North Carolina?
While prices have increased, Apex remains more affordable than many top-ranked cities nationwide, especially when factoring in income growth and low property taxes.
Which Apex neighborhoods are best for families?
Scotts Mill, Bella Casa, and Sweetwater are especially popular due to schools, parks, and community amenities.
Is Apex NC a good place to invest in real estate?
Yes. Strong job growth, limited inventory, and national recognition continue to support long-term demand and stability.
How Phil Slezak Real Estate Can Help You
At Phil Slezak Real Estate, brokered by LPT Realty, we do more than just help you find a home, we make sure your entire moving process is stress-free and seamless. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or relocating, we have the resources, expertise, and connections to guide you every step of the way.
Why Work With Us?
✔ Exclusive Off-Market Listings – Get access to homes before they hit the market.
✔ Zero-Commission Selling Options – Save thousands when selling your home.
✔ Relocation Assistance – We connect you with the best movers in Raleigh for a smooth transition.
✔ Buyer Home Guarantee – If your home isn’t perfect, we’ll sell it for zero listing commission.
✔ Sold Zero Commission – Maximize your profits with no listing commission when selling your home.
✔ Cash Offers – Get 4 cash offers on your home in minutes
Conclusion, Why Apex Truly Defines the Top 1% Lifestyle
Apex succeeds where most cities fall short. It delivers strong opportunity, stability, and real community at the same time.
That Top 1% ranking and #1 economic health score are earned through smart planning, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a location that keeps you close to Raleigh and Research Triangle Park without the daily grind. For many of my clients, Apex simply feels balanced, and that is why demand keeps growing.
Get the free Apex Relocation Guide for a clear, honest look at neighborhoods, schools, and lifestyle. Text “APEX RELOCATION GUIDE” to 919-607-4844, or schedule a quick call to talk next steps.
