North Carolina town ranks as one of nation’s best small cities to call home. Why it’s special

A Raleigh suburb ranks among the nation’s best small towns to call home.Photo byBy Seth Ilys at English Wikipedia

Apex, NC Ranks High on "Most Livable Small Cities" List

The Raleigh suburb of Apex has been recognized as one of the most livable small cities in the United States, ranking No. 7 on SmartAsset's nationwide list published on July 11.

The personal finance website evaluated 281 cities with populations between 65,000 and 100,000, using U.S. Census Bureau data to analyze various quality-of-life metrics.

Key Factors for Ranking:

• Housing Affordability: Housing costs in Apex amount to approximately 16.6% of residents' income, which is relatively low compared to other cities.
• Low Poverty Rate: Apex boasts a low poverty rate of 2.6%.
• Financial Stability and Employment: The town has solid financial standing and low unemployment levels.
• Commute Time: The average commute time is 22.1 minutes, which, while not the best, is still competitive.
• Healthcare Coverage: Adequate healthcare coverage is available for residents.

Cultural and Recreational Offerings:

Though Apex ranks highly in many categories, it is middle-of-the-pack in terms of arts, entertainment, and recreational business concentration.

Other North Carolina Cities on the List:

• Asheville: Ranked No. 97
• Greenville: Ranked No. 167
• Gastonia: Ranked No. 187
• Jacksonville: Ranked No. 249

Apex in Context:

With a population of about 75,000, Apex has distinguished itself through its strong community attributes, making it an attractive place for families and individuals looking for a high quality of life.

Top City:

The most livable small city in the U.S., according to SmartAsset, is Troy, Michigan, located about 20 miles north of Detroit.

Conclusion:

Apex's high ranking on the "Most Livable Small Cities" list highlights the town's appeal due to its affordability, low poverty rate, and overall quality of life, making it a standout location for those looking to settle down in North Carolina.