Apex is a town located in Wake and Chatham counties within the U.S. state of North Carolina. Situated to the southwest of Raleigh and south of Research Triangle Park, it serves as a suburb for both major hubs. The town crests the watersheds of the Neuse and Cape Fear Rivers and encompasses the community of Friendship at its southern border. Its geographic position provides direct highway access via US 1, NC 540, and NC 55, linking it to neighboring Cary, Holly Springs, and Raleigh.

The community originated in the late 19th century around a pond near the Chatham Railroad station, initially known as Log Pond. The name Apex derives from the highest point on the old Chatham Railroad grade, where trains stopped to replenish water. Officially incorporated in 1873, the town grew slowly through the 20th century, surviving fires and the Great Depression before experiencing a population boom in the late 1990s driven by demand from Research Triangle Park.

The downtown area was designated a historic district in 1994, featuring one of the most intact railroad towns in the state. Key landmarks include the Apex Union Depot, built in 1867, which now houses the Chamber of Commerce, and several sites on the National Register of Historic Places such as City Hall and the Calvin Wray Lawrence House. The town maintains a small-town character despite rapid growth, with the Apex Peakway providing a traffic bypass around the historic core.

Apex offers various cultural events including Apex PeakFest in May, the Peak City Pig Fest in June, and the Peak-Tique Antiques Festival in April. The downtown area features local dining options like Anna's Pizzeria and The Peak on Salem, alongside the Brüeprint Brewing Company taproom. Residents and visitors can also enjoy the Apex Farmers Market held on Saturdays at the Chamber of Commerce parking lot, reflecting the town's community-focused atmosphere.

As of the 2020 census, the population was 58,780, making it the 17th-most populous municipality in North Carolina. The economy is supported by top employers and a $3 billion Veridea development project predicted to add significant residential and commercial space by 2035. Transportation includes access to Raleigh–Durham International Airport and local bus routes, while the town council manages governance with Mayor Jacques K. Gilbert leading the administration.