Apex Leads South Wake Towns in National and Local “Best Places to Live” Rankings
South Wake County is not only growing rapidly but is also offering the kind of quality of life, opportunity, and connectivity that make it one of the most desirable places to live.
Note: Check out the “Did you know?” section at the bottom of this article, which features fascinating facts about Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay-Varina.
Holly Springs, NC, May 20, 2025 — South Wake County continues to earn acclaim, with recent national and local rankings affirming its reputation as one of the most desirable regions in North Carolina. Leading the way is Apex, which has been ranked No. 7 nationally on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025–2026 Best Places to Live list—a remarkable achievement for a town that has seen consistent growth and investment over the past decade.
The U.S. News rankings evaluate cities using four weighted categories: Quality of Life, Value, Job Market, and Desirability. Apex scored highly across all measures, thanks to its strong schools, low crime rate, economic stability, and increasing appeal to new residents. Reflecting that desirability, Apex’s population has grown by 57 percent over the past decade, and by more than 20 percent in just the past five years, reaching nearly 75,000 residents in 2023.
This national recognition complements local honors as well. In Niche’s 2025 Best Places to Live in Wake County list, Apex ranked #3, while nearby Holly Springs secured #5 and Fuquay‑Varina landed at #7. Niche’s methodology uses public data and resident feedback to assess towns on factors such as public school quality, housing, crime, cost of living, and access to amenities.
One of the region’s greatest strengths is its strategic location. South Wake County towns like Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay‑Varina benefit from direct access to Interstate 540, making commutes to the Research Triangle Park and Raleigh-Durham International Airport fast and convenient. This accessibility is a major draw for technology, life sciences, education, and healthcare professionals. In addition, the area’s proximity to top-tier research universities, including Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and NC State University, adds further appeal for families, students, and employers alike.
Population growth further reinforces these rankings as a proxy for desirability. Holly Springs has seen a 26 percent increase in population over the past five years, bringing its estimated 2023 population to more than 46,000. This trend reflects the town’s appeal to families, professionals, and new businesses drawn to its suburban quality of life and proximity to major employment and academic centers.
Meanwhile, Fuquay‑Varina has emerged as one of the region’s fastest-growing communities. Its population nearly doubled over the past decade, growing by approximately 90 percent since 2010 and reaching an estimated 44,000 residents in 2023. This growth aligns with the town’s steady presence in professional-focused rankings and its expanding residential development and infrastructure.
These 2025 rankings are part of a broader three-year pattern. Apex has received national and regional recognition from U.S. News and Niche and has been consistently praised for its livability and growth. Holly Springs has maintained high local rankings, supported by steady development and positive community feedback. Fuquay‑Varina continues to climb across multiple categories, with strong momentum among families and young professionals.
The data tells a clear story: South Wake County is not only growing rapidly but also offering the kind of quality of life, opportunity, and connectivity that make it one of the most desirable places to live in North Carolina, and, in Apex’s case, in the entire country.
Did You Know?
Apex was named for being the highest point on the Chatham Railroad line, where steam engines would stop to take on water. The town’s name marks its position at the “apex” of the route.
Holly Springs gets its name from natural springs surrounded by holly trees. Early travelers stopped there to rest and draw water, laying the foundation for the town’s early settlement.
Fuquay‑Varina began as two separate communities: Fuquay Springs, known for its healing mineral waters, and Varina, named after a local postmaster’s sweetheart. The two towns officially merged in 1963.