Apex vs Cary NC: Which Town is Right For You?
Are you moving to Raleigh, North Carolina? Chances are, you’re considering two towns in the area: Apex vs Cary, NC. These towns offer a prime location for families, have great amenities, and equally great schools. But which town is right for you? This guide explores everything you need to know about each town to help you make the right choice on where to settle.
Apex vs Cary NC: The Ultimate Guide
Explore the various factors that differentiate Apex vs Cary to help you make an informed decision about where to live, if you are moving to Raleigh, North Carolina.
Location
Apex and Cary are towns conveniently located near Raleigh, which makes them ideal if you want to take frequent trips to the city or you want an easy commute to work.
Cary is located 10 miles west of downtown Raleigh, which is roughly a 10-minute drive. On the other hand, Apex is a bit farther at 15 miles or a 20-minute drive.
Both Apex and Cary are easily accessible to various destinations within Raleigh and beyond. Whether you want to visit the beach or the mountains, those destinations are approximately two to three hours away.
Cary is much closer to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport and the Research Triangle Park (RTP). However, the difference with Apex’s proximity to the airport is minimal, which is roughly five minutes.
Apex and Cary are sprawling towns with lots of space. You can enjoy that suburban feel while being close enough to a bustling city center.
Demographics
The population in Apex and Cary are highly educated with a median income of $125,000 to $135,000, which is above the national average. In terms of age, the population in Cary is a bit older at a median age of 40. Meanwhile, the median age of Apex residents is 37. There is a noticeable rise in millennial population in Cary, which is the driving force behind the town’s growth and development.
The most significant difference lies in the population size. Cary’s population is 187,000, which is considerably bigger than Apex’s population of 78,000. However, the larger population contributes to a more diverse community and more taxes that can be used toward a wider range of amenities and services for residents.
Amenities
Speaking of amenities, Cary offers a vast array of recreational opportunities with miles of greenways, outdoor concert venues, sports facilities, and parks. There are many opportunities for boating, fishing, sand volleyball and other outdoor activities.
Despite being smaller in population size, Apex offers an equally robust recreational options, especially for outdoor recreation. It has extensive park systems and greenways for hiking enthusiasts.
Shopping and Entertainment
If you like to shop or go out from time to time, you’ll enjoy living in Apex and Cary, NC. Both towns offer a diverse options of big box retailers, strip mall stores, and other shopping options.
The Cary historic downtown area is larger than Apex’s in terms of size and options. It is also undergoing a major revitalization program that will add to its appeal. The highlight is the Downtown Cary Park, which offers various events and activities for the entire family.
On the other hand, Apex offers a quaint, small-town feel. It has a charming downtown with boutique shops, cafes, and local restaurants. It offers adequate amount of dining and entertainment options, although not as vast as Cary’s.
Schools
If you are moving to Apex or Cary as a family, you’re probably considering the schools in both towns as a crucial factor in your decision. Both towns are served by the Wake County Public School System, ensuring that students in Apex and Cary have access to quality education.
The larger and more urbanized setting in Cary means it has access to bigger and well-rated public schools. Some schools are considered the best in North Carolina.
Meanwhile, Apex schools are also equally highly rated, with these schools offering excellent academic programs and community involvement. Therefore, you can choose either town and be able to find schools that offer quality education for your children.
Housing Market
Last but not the least, let’s look into the housing market in Apex and Cary NC.
Cary’s housing market is more expensive than Apex, and you’d expect to pay $80,000 more in Cary for the same home that you will get in Apex.
However, both towns offer a diverse range of housing options – from single-family homes to townhomes and more. But if budget is a concern, you will get more value for your money when comparing two similar properties between Cary and Apex. If you are willing to pay a premium, Cary has more upscale housing options available.
Apex vs Cary NC: Which is Right For You?
Choosing where to live between Apex and Cary NC depends on your priorities. If you want better access to certain locations and a more urbanized setting, choose Cary. But if you want more affordable housing that is equally accessible to the city, but with a small-town feel and quality education, choose Apex.
Whether you choose to live in Cary or Apex, both towns are excellent choices for families.
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