With one of the best-preserved downtowns in the state, the western Wake county town of Apex likes to call itself “the peak of good living.” Incorporated in 1873, Apex was so named because it was supposed to be the highest point on the railroad between Richmond, Va., and Jacksonville, Fla. Today, Apex is a bedroom community for Raleigh and Research Triangle Park, attracting families with its highly rated schools and small-town atmosphere. The current population is around 30,000. Situated at the crossroads of N.C. 55 and U.S. 64, Apex is easily accesible from most parts of the Triangle.

What are the local attractions?

Downtown Apex, which was designated an Historic District in 1997, features a 19th century train depot and buildings dating back to that era. Here's a glimpse of downtown. The annual Christmas parade draws crowds, as does the Christmas Home Tour. The Apex Performing Arts Center is scheduled to open in January 2008. And the town has just launched its Arts Festival.

What's the history?

Apex was incorporated in 1873 and grew around the railroad tracks. The town's population dropped into the 800's with the decline of the tobacco market in the 1930s, but the growth of the Triangle renewed the town, and by the 1990's, the population had grown to 5,000. To learn more about the town's early days, go to the North Carolina History Project. Today, Apex has more than 30,000 residents.

In 2006, an explosion at a chemical waste storage facility forced the evacuation of thousands of town residents.

Who runs the town?

Apex is governed by a six-member Town Council consisting of the Mayor and five Council Members. The town's daily operations are run by the Town Manager, who reports to the Council. Here's how you can learn about town utilities and taxes.

To search property records, go to Wake County Real Estate Records.

Who lives here?

The median age in Apex was 31.2 as of the 2000 census. The racial breakdown is 85.1 percent white, 7.5 percent black, and 7.5 percent Asian. Hispanics or Latinos of any race make up 4.3 percent of the population. Bachelors degrees or higher are held by 58.8 percent of the population over 25.

What about public safety?

Police services are provided by the Apex Police Department. Here are the crime statistics for 2006 (source: SBI):

Murder: 0

Rape : 3

Robbery: 2

Aggravated Assault: 13

Burglary: 22

Larcenies: 97

Motor Vehicle Theft: 6