Salem Village Apex NC: At-a-Glance Summary (2026)
Salem Village is on the south side of Apex, about 2 miles from downtown by car. It has single-family homes built mostly from 2012 to 2018. The HOA covers two pools, a clubhouse, a fitness center, a playground, picnic areas, a multi-purpose court, a ball field, and walking trails. Homes run about $550,000 to $1.1 million+.
| Key Data Metric | Salem Village Statistic |
|---|---|
| Location | South side of Apex, about 2 miles from downtown, near US-1, NC-55, and NC-540 |
| Total Homes | Single-family homes |
| Built | Mostly 2012–2018 |
| Sections | Salem Village, The Manors at Salem Village, Salem Village Estates, Preserve |
| Home Styles | Craftsman, transitional, and ranch styles |
| Price Range | About $550,000 to $1.1 million+ (per Doorify MLS) |
| Square Footage | About 1,800 to 4,000+ sq ft |
| Typical Lot Size | About 0.15 to 0.57 acre |
| HOA Dues | $255 per quarter |
| Property Tax Rate | $0.9106 per $100 of assessed value (Wake County $0.5371 + Town of Apex $0.3735), FY2026–27 |
| Amenities | Two pools, clubhouse, fitness center, playground, picnic areas, multi-purpose court, ball field, walking trails including the Salem Village Lake Trail |
| Park Access | Salem Village Playground and Salem Village Two-Bench Park inside the neighborhood Hunter Street Park 8 min (3.1 mi) · Pleasant Park 9 min (4 mi) Kelly Road Park 9 min (4.1 mi) · Salem Pond Park 10 min (3.8 mi) · Apex Nature Park 13 min (4.6 mi) |
| School District | Wake County Public Schools. Apex Elementary sits next to the Manors section, about 6 min (1.6 mi) from Salem Village Drive. Schools depend on the exact address, so check wcpss.net. |
| Commute | Downtown Apex 7 min (1.8 mi) · Downtown Cary 17 min (8.8 mi) · Downtown Raleigh 21 min (16 mi) RTP 23 min (12 mi), or 19 min with tolls (17 mi) · RDU 23 min (19 mi) |
Neighborhood Overview & History
Salem Village sits just south of downtown Apex, close to US-1, NC-55, and the NC-540 outer loop. Most homes were built from 2012 to 2018. Commuters moving to Apex NC often ask about it. From here, it’s about 23 minutes to Research Triangle Park (RTP), 21 minutes to downtown Raleigh, and 17 minutes to downtown Cary.
The neighborhood has single-family homes across four sections: Salem Village, The Manors at Salem Village, Salem Village Estates, and Preserve. The HOA covers two pools, a clubhouse, a fitness center, a playground, picnic areas, a multi-purpose court, a ball field, and walking trails, including the Salem Village Lake Trail.
Here’s my practical broker take for anyone thinking about living in Salem Village. There are sidewalks throughout for walking and jogging, but you’ll drive for groceries and errands. Downtown Apex is about 7 minutes away. In my experience, homes here don’t come up for sale often, so it helps to have your financing ready before one does.
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Text RELO to 919-899-2320What It's Like to Live in Salem Village
I often show Salem Village to buyers who commute and want plenty of amenities close to home. Living in Salem Village, you have two pools, a clubhouse, a fitness center, a multi-purpose court, and a ball field right inside the neighborhood.
Most homes were built from 2012 to 2018, so many have the open layouts newer homes tend to offer. Condition still varies from home to home, so look closely at each one.
Daily life here is residential-first. The sidewalks and walking trails, like the Salem Village Lake Trail, are great for walking the dog or an evening jog. For errands or a trip to historic Salem Street downtown, you’ll drive about 7 minutes. That’s the trade-off here: quiet streets and amenities close to home in exchange for driving to shops and restaurants.
Two practical broker notes for buyers:
Homes don’t come up often. In my experience, Salem Village homes don’t hit the market often, and well-priced ones tend to sell quickly. Having your pre-approval ready and setting up alerts for Apex real estate helps you see new listings early.
Plan for HOA dues. Dues are $255 per quarter, or about $85 a month. Add them in when you figure your monthly costs.
Housing Styles & Typical Price Range
When moving to Salem Village, you’ll find single-family homes built mostly from 2012 to 2018, across four sections: Salem Village, The Manors at Salem Village, Salem Village Estates, and Preserve. Homes run about 1,800 to 4,000+ square feet on lots of about 0.15 to 0.57 acre.
Estimated Price Range
Per Doorify MLS data, homes run about $550,000 to $1.1 million+.
- The lower end is usually smaller plans.
- The upper end is usually the largest homes on bigger lots with the most upgrades.
Architectural Styles & Interiors
Homes are Craftsman, transitional, and ranch styles, with fiber-cement siding and brick or stone accents. Some homes have Craftsman-style stone columns out front. Open layouts are common in homes from these years. In my experience, about 1 in 5 homes has the primary suite on the main level. Homes are built on crawl spaces or slabs.
HOA Dues & Carrying Costs
HOA dues are $255 per quarter, or about $85 a month. They cover two pools, a clubhouse, a fitness center, a playground, picnic areas, a multi-purpose court, a ball field, and walking trails.
Landscaping service area: Some homes are in a landscaping service area. For those homes, the HOA handles the yard work and charges a separate service area fee on top of the regular dues. Owners can ask to take care of their own back yard, but the fee stays the same. The HOA can take the work back if the yard isn’t kept up. Most other owners take care of their own yards. During contract due diligence, check whether a home is in the service area and what the fee is.
Property Tax Rate
The combined Town of Apex and Wake County tax rate is $0.9106 per $100 of assessed value. A home assessed at $700,000 would pay about $6,374 a year. Add your property taxes, HOA dues, and any service area fee to figure your total monthly cost.
Homes for Sale in Salem Village
Browse active listings updated directly from the MLS.
Salem Village Home Search
Questions about a specific Salem Village home?
Listings here move fast, so call me the day one hits. I can tell you which section the home is in, what the real carrying cost looks like with the quarterly dues, and how the lot compares to the rest of the community. Call or text 919-899-2320, or book a 15-minute call.
Ask about the Lifetime Buyer Home Guarantee — zero listing commission if you need to sell later.
School Assignment for Salem Village
Salem Village is served by the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), the largest school district in North Carolina. Here's what out-of-state buyers don't expect: your school isn't based on the neighborhood name. It's tied to your exact street address.
Recent listings in Salem Village commonly show these base assignments:
- Elementary: Apex Elementary
- Middle: Apex Middle
- High: Apex High or Apex Friendship High, depending on the address
Wake County also runs two calendars: traditional and multi-track year-round. Which one you get is tied to your address too. That surprises a lot of people moving to Apex NC.
Watch for enrollment caps. Wake County caps schools that get too full, and new students at a capped school may be assigned somewhere else. Right now, Apex Friendship High is on the capped list (feeder pattern cap). If a Salem Village address is assigned to Apex Friendship High, check this carefully.
Charter and Private Options Nearby
If you're looking at options beyond your assigned school, several are close to Salem Village. These aren't tied to your address. Each one has its own application process and timeline, so start early if you're interested.
- Peak Charter Academy: Tuition-free K–8 public charter, about 4.1 miles away.
- Thales Academy Apex: Private K–12 classical education school, about 3.0 miles away.
- St. Mary Magdalene School: PreK–8 private, about 2.8 miles away.
- Peace Montessori School: PreK–5 private Montessori, about 4.5 miles away.
Other charter schools operate across the Triangle as well.
Broker Tip: Check the address before you write an offer. Zones, calendars, caps, and feeder patterns can change every year by decision of the Wake County Board of Education. Being close to a school doesn't mean you get in. Look up the exact property at wcpss.net during your contract due diligence period.
Commute Times from Salem Village
Salem Village sits close to US-1, NC-55, and the NC-540 outer loop, so getting to Raleigh, Cary, and Research Triangle Park (RTP) is simple.
Driving Times (off-peak)
- Downtown Apex: about 7 min (1.8 mi)
- Downtown Cary: about 17 min (8.8 mi)
- Downtown Raleigh: about 21 min (16 mi)
- RTP: about 23 min (12 mi), or 19 min on the NC-540 toll road (17 mi)
- RDU International Airport: about 23 min (19 mi)
How You Get Out
For downtown Raleigh, US-1 north is your road. For RTP, you can take local roads or the NC-540 toll road, which saves a few minutes. Heads up: NC-540 is all electronic, billed through NC Quick Pass or by mail. If you'll drive it every day, put it in your budget before you buy.
What's Changing Nearby
The Town of Apex is building the Apex Peakway SW Connector, a four-lane bridge carrying the Peakway over South Salem Street and the railroad tracks near Salem Village. The Town has said it hopes to finish in 2027. When it opens, the Tingen Road railroad crossing will close for good. Check the project's status on apexnc.org, since construction can change local routes.
What Traffic Actually Feels Like
Inside the neighborhood, the sidewalks and walking trails keep things quiet. Rush-hour traffic shows up on US-1 and the roads leading to the highways on weekday mornings and evenings.
Here's my advice: drive your actual commute at 7:30 on a Tuesday, not Saturday afternoon when you're touring open houses. The two aren't the same drive, and the Tuesday version is the one you'll do all year.
Salem Village Amenities
Salem Village has a full set of amenities inside the neighborhood, all covered by the HOA dues.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse has a rental room for events, a kitchen, and a covered porch. It sits next to the pools and is open to residents in good standing.
Walking Trails
Walking trails run through the neighborhood, including the Salem Village Lake Trail off Ingraham Drive and a community walking trail along Apex Peakway.
Playground, Picnic Areas & Courts
The Salem Village Playground, Salem Village Two-Bench Park, picnic areas, a multi-purpose court, and a ball field round out the amenities.
Dual Community Pools
Both pools are in one spot, next to the clubhouse, and there’s a splash area. No lifeguard is on duty, so swim at your own risk. The pools open Memorial Day weekend and close Labor Day. Residents in good standing get an access code from the association each year, right before opening day.
Fitness Center
The fitness center is in the clubhouse and open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. It has a workout room with equipment for residents in good standing, so there’s no separate gym membership to pay for.
Nearby Amenities Around Salem Village
Living in Salem Village, you have amenities inside the neighborhood and several Town of Apex parks a short drive away.
On-Site Recreation
Inside the neighborhood, you have two pools, a clubhouse, a fitness center, a playground, picnic areas, a multi-purpose court, a ball field, and walking trails.
Parks & Recreation Nearby
- Pleasant Park: about 9 min (4 mi). This 92-acre Town park has the 1.5-acre Enchanted Forest playground with 9 play villages, the Splashlantis splash pad, 6 lighted multi-purpose fields, pickleball courts, and lighted tennis courts.
- Apex Community Park: about 11 min (4.4 mi). The park covers 160 acres around a 50+ acre lake, with 2 miles of paved greenway, a fishing dock, sand volleyball, and an outdoor fitness course.
- Apex Nature Park & Seymour Athletic Fields: about 13 min (4.6 mi). You’ll find walking trails, a disc golf course, an outdoor amphitheater, athletic fields, and a fenced dog park.
- Also nearby: Hunter Street Park about 8 min (3.1 mi), Kelly Road Park about 9 min (4.1 mi), and Salem Pond Park about 10 min (3.8 mi).
Errands Are a Drive, Not a Walk
Salem Village is residential-first. The sidewalks and walking trails are for walking, running, and evening dog walks, not for walking to shops. Plan on about 7 minutes to historic downtown Apex and about 9 minutes to Beaver Creek Commons for groceries, dining, and errands.
Shopping, Dining & Local Services
Plan on driving for errands when living in Salem Village. That’s the honest trade-off for quiet streets, and the drives are short. With US-1 and NC-55 close by, you have quick access to grocery stores, big shopping centers, and historic downtown Apex.
Local Grocery Stores & Daily Essentials
Salem Village has several grocery options within about 2 to 4.5 miles:
- Harris Teeter: 2.3 miles (7 to 9 min)
- Food Lion: 2.5 miles (8 to 10 min)
- Lowes Foods (Olive Chapel Village): 2.6 miles (8 to 9 min)
- Lidl: 2.7 miles (9 to 10 min)
- Publix: 4.0 miles (9 to 11 min)
- Costco: 4.4 miles (about 12 min) for bulk shopping runs
Beaver Creek Commons & Beaver Creek Crossings
About 9 minutes away along US-64, these two open-air centers are the main shopping area on the west side of Apex. They sit on either side of the highway, with a bridge between them.
- Beaver Creek Commons: Target, Lowe’s, and a CVS
- Beaver Creek Crossings: TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Old Navy, Kohl’s, Ross, Ulta, Five Below, One Life Fitness, and the Regal Beaver Creek movie theater
You’ll also find banks, pharmacies, and medical offices close by.
Historic Downtown Salem Street
About 7 minutes away, downtown Apex has historic brick storefronts, local shops, and plenty of places to eat:
- TapStation (320 S Salem St): Craft beer and a laid-back spot to hang out, on the south end of downtown closest to Salem Village
- Scratch Kitchen & Taproom (225 N Salem St): Southern-inspired food made from scratch, with a patio and weekend brunch
- The Provincial (119 N Salem St): Seasonal, farm-to-table menu and sidewalk seating, a good pick for a special dinner
- Anna’s Pizzeria (100 N Salem St): Hand-tossed New York-style pizza and Italian pasta
- Serafina Ristorante (126 N Salem St): Upscale Italian on Salem Street
- La Rancherita (102 N Salem St): Fajitas, street tacos, and house margaritas
- Salem Street Pub (113 N Salem St): Pub food, burgers, and a local beer list
Quick Cafes Downtown
- Mission Market (124 N Salem St): Counter Culture coffee, açaí bowls, and sourdough paninis
- Popovers Cafe (219 N Salem St): Sweet and savory popovers with specialty teas and coffee
Downtown Shops & Boutiques
- Apex Outfitter & Board Co.: Outdoor gear and apparel
- Rose & Lee Co. and CharleyMadelyn: Downtown clothing boutiques
- Antiques on Salem Street and North Left: Antique and vintage home goods
- Lichen or Knot Plant Co.: Houseplants, botanical goods, and decor
- Artfully Apex Gifts: Handmade crafts, gifts, and local art
Arts & Events
The Halle Cultural Arts Center, in the historic town hall downtown, hosts art exhibits, shows, and classes.
Apex Farmers Market
The market runs every Saturday morning, all year, at the Depot, the historic 1914 train station on North Salem Street. It’s an easy morning drive from Salem Village for fresh produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and coffee.
Also Nearby
- The Dugout Tavern & Grill (1413 Kelly Rd): Sports bar with wings and burgers, about 11 min away
Hospitals & Healthcare Near Salem Village
Having quick access to healthcare is a big priority for anyone moving to Apex NC. From Salem Village, you’re a short drive from a 24/7 emergency room, urgent care, and a full-service hospital.
Location: 120 Healthplex Way, Apex Distance: About 2.6 miles (8–9 minutes) What it offers: The closest emergency care to Salem Village. It has a 24/7 emergency department, imaging (X-ray, CT, and ultrasound), lab services, and primary care offices all in one place.
Location: 1900 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary Distance: About 6 miles (14–16 minutes via US-1) What it offers: The nearest full-service hospital. It offers inpatient care, surgery, a 24/7 emergency department, a Level III Trauma Center, a Level III NICU, and a Primary Stroke Center.
Location: 1059 Beaver Creek Commons Drive, Suite 230, Apex Distance: About 3.2 miles (9–10 minutes) What it offers: Walk-in care for illnesses and minor injuries that aren’t life-threatening, with on-site X-ray and lab. It’s a good option when your regular doctor isn’t available.
Location: 1201 Beaver Creek Commons Drive, Apex Distance: About 3.6 miles (10–12 minutes) What it offers: Quick care for minor illnesses, vaccines, and health screenings.
Location: South Apex, off I-540 at the US-1 interchange Distance: About 2.2 miles (5–8 minutes) Status: Planned. Groundbreaking is set for 2027, with about six years of construction. What it offers: A joint project of UNC Health and Duke Health. Plans call for a 500-bed children’s hospital, an outpatient care center, and behavioral health beds.
Honest Pros & Cons of Living in Salem Village
Salem Village gives you plenty of amenities, quick highway access, and newer homes. The trade-offs are HOA dues, few listings, and driving for errands. Here are both sides of the coin before you schedule tours.
What's Good
- Amenities inside the neighborhood: two pools with a splash area, a clubhouse, a fitness center, a playground, picnic areas, a multi-purpose court, and a ball field.
- Quick highway access: US-1, NC-55, and the NC-540 outer loop are close by. Research Triangle Park (RTP) is about 23 minutes away, and downtown Raleigh about 21.
- Close to downtown Apex: about 7 minutes to Salem Street dining, shops, and the Saturday farmers market.
- Newer homes: most were built from 2012 to 2018, with open layouts common. About 1 in 5 has the primary suite on the main level.
- Walking trails and sidewalks: including the Salem Village Lake Trail, good for walks, runs, and daily dog walks inside the neighborhood.
What to Think About
- Homes don't come up often: in my experience, listings are few. If you're set on living in Salem Village, have your pre-approval ready before one hits the market.
- HOA dues: $255 per quarter, which pays for the amenities. Some homes also pay a separate landscaping service area fee, so ask before you make an offer.
- Residential-first layout: errands, grocery runs, and trips to historic Salem Street are about a 7-minute drive, not a walk.
- Pool details: the pools are open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, and there's no lifeguard on duty.
- Tolls and construction: NC-540 is a toll road, so budget for it if you'll drive it daily. The Apex Peakway SW Connector bridge is being built nearby, which can affect local routes until it's done.
- School assignments depend on the address: schools and calendar options are tied to the exact property. Some addresses go to Apex Friendship High, which is currently capped. Check the address at wcpss.net during your contract due diligence period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salem Village
Is Salem Village a good neighborhood?
Where is Salem Village located?
What is the price range in Salem Village?
What are the homes like in Salem Village?
Are there different sections in Salem Village?
What amenities does Salem Village have?
Does Salem Village have an HOA?
What schools serve Salem Village?
How is the commute from Salem Village?
What parks are near Salem Village?
How often do homes come up for sale in Salem Village?
Phil's Perspective
“Salem Village fits buyers who want newer homes and plenty of amenities close to home. The trade-off is clear: you’ll drive about 7 minutes to get groceries or hit Salem Street. In exchange, you get quiet streets, two pools, a clubhouse and fitness center, and a quick commute up US-1 or NC-540 to Raleigh and RTP.”Phil Slezak, Real Estate Broker | Phil Slezak Real Estate, brokered by LPT Realty
Planning a Move to Salem Village?
Phil Slezak is a licensed Real Estate Broker in North Carolina (License #242173) with Phil Slezak Real Estate, brokered by LPT Realty, helping buyers find the right fit across the Triangle with honest, no-hype guidance.
Have quick questions about a Salem Village property?
Call or Text (919) 899-2320Schedule a 15-minute relocation and home strategy Zoom call with Phil.
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Phil Slezak is a licensed Broker in North Carolina. Phil Slezak Real Estate is brokered by LPT Realty. Equal Housing Opportunity.