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Independent Living in North Carolina

Overview of Independent Living in North Carolina

For families considering options for senior living, North Carolina is often at the top of the list — and for good reason.

Whether you prefer laid-back beach towns, mountain hikes, or something in between, North Carolina has something to offer — and that’s what makes it an ideal retirement destination. The Outer Banks region along the state’s eastern coast is a popular tourist spot, featuring lighthouses, beaches, and countless other aquatic activities. It’s also home to Kitty Hawk, the seaside town where the Wright brothers made their historic first airplane flight. Then, on North Carolina’s western edge is where the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains run through the state. Peppered throughout all of North Carolina are small yet vibrant college towns like Asheville and Chapel Hill, along with larger metropolitan areas like Charlotte. Add mild weather and low property taxes to the mix, and it’s clear why the Tar Heel State has one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States.

Currently, A Place for Mom partners with more than 150 independent living communities, sometimes simply called retirement communities, in North Carolina.

The median monthly cost of independent living in North Carolina is about $2,600.

Top-rated Independent Living facilities in North Carolina

16
16 Photos available

Holiday Gardens at Wakefield

12800 Spruce Tree Way, Raleigh, NC 27614

Reviewer Ranking

4.7/ 5.0

(105)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Kathy Staples - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I find Holiday Gardens at Wakefield a superior retirement facility in practically every way. Facilities are wonderful and the staff is both competent and friendly, and always helpful. There's a great variety...

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7
7 Photos available

Cadence at Mooresville

198 E Waterlynn Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117

Reviewer Ranking

4.8/ 5.0

(26)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I always rate for room to improve. Cadence has taken excellent care of our relative and we are HIGHLY pleased with him being there! I recommend it with confidence! Like most: quality of care &...

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7
7 Photos available
3
3 Floor plans available

LaurelHurst and LaurelWoods

1064 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722

Reviewer Ranking

4.7/ 5.0

(52)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

The Marketing representative was very helpful in making the transition from filling out paperwork, touring the facility, to moving in. Housekeeping does great at cleaning and food is very good and severed in...

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Top-rated Independent Living facilities in Raleigh

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16
16 Photos available

Holiday Gardens at Wakefield

12800 Spruce Tree Way, Raleigh, NC 27614

Reviewer Ranking

4.7/ 5.0

(105)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Kathy Staples - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I find Holiday Gardens at Wakefield a superior retirement facility in practically every way. Facilities are wonderful and the staff is both competent and friendly, and always helpful. There's a great variety...

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18
18 Photos available

Waltonwood Lake Boone

3550 Horton St., Raleigh, NC 27607

Reviewer Ranking

4.6/ 5.0

(18)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

Waltonwood is a nice place. My parents feel safe. The staff is alert and attentive to their needs. The staff is also very kind. The management works hard to communicate with the residents. There are many...

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8
8 Photos available

Brookdale North Raleigh

1200 Carlos Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609

Reviewer Ranking

4.5/ 5.0

(73)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a current/former resident or client

The staff at Brookdale North Raleigh are a happy staff, always enjoying their job. The staff makes every effort to learn your first name make you feel as comfortable and as a member of the family as they can...

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Top-rated Independent Living facilities in Charlotte

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13
13 Photos available

Providence Meadows

4123 Kuykendall Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270

Reviewer Ranking

4.7/ 5.0

(18)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Lee J - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

Providence meadows has been a great place for my dad and stepmother. Comfortable, clean, beautiful grounds, 3 meals a day and easy monthly rent. Their apartments have nice patios with woodsy views and very...

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19
19 Photos available
5
5 Floor plans available
1
1 Video available

MerryWood on Park

3600 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209

Reviewer Ranking

4.4/ 5.0

(67)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a current/former resident or client

I am currently a resident at MerryWood on Park and most everything has been very good for me here, so far. The food is great! The cleanliness and friendliness are good. The staff is also good. The value for...

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10
10 Photos available
1
1 Video available

Brookdale Charlotte East

6053 Wilora Lake Road, Charlotte, NC 28212

Reviewer Ranking

4.2/ 5.0

(84)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

My loved one is currently a resident at Brookdale Charlotte East. My loved one could no longer care for himself and at Brookdale Charlotte East he is safe and has the care that he needs. He has made friends...

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Top-rated Independent Living facilities in Winston Salem

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10
10 Photos available

Arbor Ridge at Stanleyville

350 Arbor View Ln, Winston-Salem, NC 27105

Reviewer Ranking

4.8/ 5.0

(34)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
James R Clark Jr. - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

My dad loves it here! This is his feedback: "The Ridge is amazing. The facility is beautiful sitting on 12 acres. It is quite peaceful, just so enjoyable sitting on the front porch in rocking chairs. The...

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15
15 Photos available
7
7 Floor plans available

Heritage Woods

3812 Forrestgate Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27103

Reviewer Ranking

4.2/ 5.0

(34)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Belinda - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

Heritage Woods would get a 5 in all the categories that are listed. We could not be happier with me. Our loved one has made so many new friends while being there and she lives so much better. We would most...

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8
8 Photos available
14
14 Floor plans available

Holiday Forsyth Court

2945 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106

Reviewer Ranking

4.3/ 5.0

(63)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Marcey - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

The staff at Holiday Forsyth Court and the facility itself has been so wonderful! The food is great, the place is always clean and I can't stress how wonderful the staff is! I would highly recommend Holiday...

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Top-rated Independent Living facilities in Asheville

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11
11 Photos available

Bella Vista

55 Piney Mountain Drive, Asheville, NC 28805

Reviewer Ranking

4.5/ 5.0

(46)
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I think that I would recommend Bella Vista to others. My mom's biggest complaints are about the food and how long they have to sit for the meals, but she does like all of the activities that they have for...

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9
9 Photos available
21
21 Floor plans available

Harmony at Reynolds Mountain

41 Cobblers Way, Asheville, NC 28804

Reviewer Ranking

4.1/ 5.0

(53)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Sylvia R - I'm a current/former resident or client

My view was a big reason for moving to Harmony. My living room and balcony look out at the Asheville mountains. No matter the season, the view brings joy and peace. There are numerous activities. I can...

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18
18 Photos available
7
7 Floor plans available

Pacifica Senior Living Heritage Hills

3200 Heritage Circle, Hendersonville, NC 28791

Reviewer Ranking

4.6/ 5.0

(122)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Paige - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I would definitely recommend Heritage Hills Pacifica. I believe they have good care. I wish there was more communication with the family rather than me having to ask. I wish I would have follow up on the...

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Top cities in North Carolina for independent living

9.3
Raleigh, NC
25 facilities
9.1
Charlotte, NC
20 facilities
9.0
Wilmington, NC
7 facilities
8.6
Greenville, NC
15 facilities
8.6
Asheville, NC
9 facilities
7.9
Winston Salem, NC
12 facilities

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