Best Assisted Living in Cary, NC

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 21 assisted living communities in Cary, NC using NC Dept. of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank assisted living in NC
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Cary, NC our team has analyzed — not a count of every assisted living provider in Cary, NC.
21 homes
Other senior care options in Cary:

Compare Assisted Living around Cary (Metro Area)

Info below is compiled from the NC Dept. of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HC (Home Care): Professional care delivered in the person's own home, from companionship to skilled nursing. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
NC DHSR Star Rating (0–4 stars). Issued by North Carolina's Division of Health Service Regulation based on annual facility inspections. Stars reflect overall compliance with state health and safety rules - 4 stars requires scores of 100+ on two consecutive annual inspections. Ratings can change between inspections if new violations or licensure actions occur.
DHSR Quality Score (/200). Each annual inspection starts at a base of 100 points. Facilities earn demerit points for violations and citations, and merit points for correcting issues, maintaining resident/family councils, sprinkler systems, and other quality programs. The "/200" display reflects the two most recent annual inspections combined - giving a longer-term view of compliance trends rather than a single snapshot.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Share of inspections that resulted in deficiencies, expressed as a percentage of total inspections in the window.
Housing or bed configuration options (e.g. studio, shared), often from facility-reported amenities and licensing details.
Glenaire
AL
IL
NH
Cary
71
Facility 71
NC AVG 70
Rank #157 / 328
No
25
Facility 25
NC AVG 34
Rank #227 / 373
91.7%
Facility 91.7%
NC AVG 68.5%
Rank #44 / 186
A+--3
33%
Facility 33%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #10 / 301
-
Woodland Terrace
AL
IL
MC
Cary
84
Facility 84
NC AVG 70
Rank #111 / 328
No
55
Facility 55
NC AVG 34
Rank #71 / 373
--
95.75/200
Facility 95.75/200
NC AVG 92.7
Rank #191 / 291
19
84%
Facility 84%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #48 / 301
-
Sunrise of Cary
AL
HOS
MC
Cary
85
Facility 85
NC AVG 70
Rank #109 / 328
Yes
34
Facility 34
NC AVG 34
Rank #177 / 373
40.0%
Facility 40.0%
NC AVG 68.5%
Rank #147 / 186
A-
103.50/200
Facility 103.50/200
NC AVG 92.7
Rank #31 / 291
6
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #126 / 301
Studio / Suite / 1 Bed
Heartfields at Cary
AL
MC
Cary
97
Facility 97
NC AVG 70
Rank #69 / 328
Yes
60
Facility 60
NC AVG 34
Rank #46 / 373
79.4%
Facility 79.4%
NC AVG 68.5%
Rank #78 / 186
-
97.50/200
Facility 97.50/200
NC AVG 92.7
Rank #170 / 291
12
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #126 / 301
Studio / 2 Bed
Livewell at Midenhall Way
AL
HC
MC
Cary (Wessex)
6
Facility 6
NC AVG 70
Rank #278 / 328
No
41
Facility 41
NC AVG 34
Rank #137 / 373
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
NC AVG 68.5%
Rank #1 / 186
-
93.00/200
Facility 93.00/200
NC AVG 92.7
Rank #219 / 291
2
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #126 / 301
Private Rooms
Phoenix Assisted Care
AL
MC
RC
Cary (Parkway Retirement Center)
120
Facility 120
NC AVG 70
Rank #26 / 328
No
24
Facility 24
NC AVG 34
Rank #230 / 373
52.5%
Facility 52.5%
NC AVG 68.5%
Rank #135 / 186
A+-
0.00/200
Facility 0.00/200
NC AVG 92.7
Rank #278 / 291
17
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #126 / 301
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
The Arboretum at Woodland Terrace
AL
IL
MC
Cary
84
Facility 84
NC AVG 70
Rank #111 / 328
Yes
55
Facility 55
NC AVG 34
Rank #71 / 373
39.3%
Facility 39.3%
NC AVG 68.5%
Rank #150 / 186
-
95.75/200
Facility 95.75/200
NC AVG 92.7
Rank #191 / 291
9
89%
Facility 89%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #66 / 301
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Cary Family Care
AL
RESC
Cary (Twin Lakes)
3
Facility 3
NC AVG 70
Rank #325 / 328
No
28
Facility 28
NC AVG 34
Rank #212 / 373
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
NC AVG 68.5%
Rank #1 / 186
-
100.00/200
Facility 100.00/200
NC AVG 92.7
Rank #125 / 291
5
80%
Facility 80%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #31 / 301
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
Avendelle on Maynard
AL
Cary (Oxford Square Apartments)
6
Facility 6
NC AVG 70
Rank #278 / 328
Yes
49
Facility 49
NC AVG 34
Rank #101 / 373
-A+
105.50/200
Facility 105.50/200
NC AVG 92.7
Rank #5 / 291
1
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #126 / 301
-
Waltonwood – Cary
AL
IL
MC
Cary (Ridgepath)
57
Facility 57
NC AVG 70
Rank #236 / 328
Yes
22
Facility 22
NC AVG 34
Rank #239 / 373
--
101.50/200
Facility 101.50/200
NC AVG 92.7
Rank #95 / 291
7
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #126 / 301
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each assisted living community is ranked against every other NC assisted living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 21 analyzed for Cary. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Sunrise of Cary

Sunrise of Cary, located in Cary, NC, is a senior living community by Sunrise Senior Living. They offer assisted living, memory care, short-term stay, and hospice care services to their residents. This senior living ensures that the residents in their assisted living program receive the specific support they need by creating individualized care programs which may include assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and concierge services.

This pet friendly community also welcomes the residents pets, valuing the comfort and support they provide their senior owners. The accommodation options are also purposely designed, from their emergency call systems, to the facilities that promote mobility, and spaces to either rest or socialize in. Furthermore, they offer menu options featuring seasonal ingredients and regional dishes prepared by talented chefs.

Contact Sunrise of Cary

Overview of Heartfields at Cary

Heartfields at Cary envisions memory care that goes beyond mere accommodation – it’s about fostering love, connection, and meaningful engagement. The community is situated in Cary, NC, and boasts elegant living and communal spaces with just the right touch of warmth. The vision is to create an environment where residents love their surroundings, the people they’re with, and the activities they engage in. Heartfields at Cary aims to be a place where families reconnect, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences.

In addition to its vibrant living spaces, Heartfields at Cary is committed to providing top-notch Memory Care through Five Star’s award-winning Bridge to Rediscovery Alzheimer’s and dementia care program. The community prioritizes familiarity, safety, and comfort, offering individualized attention with recreational and occupational therapy. Residents can enjoy restaurant-style dining, a spacious activity center, various social and recreational events, and even access a full-service barber and beauty salon. The Memory Care apartments at Heartfields at Cary are designed to be safe, secure, and comfortable, with a range of options, including studio and companion apartments.

Contact Heartfields at Cary

Overview of Cary Family Care

Cary Family Care provides assisted living services for older adults with dementia in a residential setting on Front Ridge Drive in Cary, North Carolina. Limited to three residents, the single-story home emphasizes individualized attention and a close caregiver-to-resident relationship. The community is currently fully occupied, reflecting consistent demand for its specialized approach to memory support.

Care is tailored to individuals at varying stages of dementia and includes continuous supervision, routine assessments by a registered nurse, and coordination of transportation for medical appointments. With one staff member for every three residents, support remains highly hands-on and responsive to changing needs.

Residents receive assistance with bathing, grooming, personal hygiene, and skin care, along with meals designed to meet individual dietary preferences and requirements. Daily life also includes wellness programming, recreational opportunities, fitness activities, and transportation services.

Inspection records from North Carolina’s Division of Health Service Regulation indicate that previously identified issues involving building maintenance, documentation, and safety equipment were corrected through required action plans. No civil penalties have been reported. The surrounding neighborhood has a Walk Score of 28, making most errands and outings dependent on vehicle transportation rather than walking.

Contact Cary Family Care

Overview of The Arboretum at Woodland Terrace

The Arboretum at Woodland Terrace, Cary, North Carolina, is a nurturing and person-centered memory care community for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The mission is to provide a warm, caring environment prioritizing residents’ independence, dignity, and individuality. The community values a compassionate approach to care, ensuring the well-being of each resident. The dedicated professional staff enjoys spending quality time with residents, fostering an atmosphere of comfort and happiness, and providing residents and their families peace of mind for future planning.

The Arboretum at Woodland Terrace offers a range of memory care amenities designed to enhance the overall well-being of residents. Personal care services, three daily meals plus snacks, laundry services, and weekly housekeeping contribute to a comfortable lifestyle. The community provides medication management, standard cable, utilities, and telephone services. Scheduled transportation, the Art of Living Well® programs, and 24-hour nurse availability enrich residents’ experiences. Planned social and educational events, day trips, gardening programs, and the Music & Memory program create a vibrant and engaging living environment, fostering community and fulfillment. Aquatics programs are also available to support residents leading active and enjoyable lives.

Contact The Arboretum at Woodland Terrace

Overview of Livewell at Midenhall Way

Located near UNC REX Hospital in Cary, North Carolina, this assisted living and memory care community serves up to six residents in a single-story home. Its small size supports a highly personalized environment, and all available beds are currently occupied. Care ranges from assistance with daily living to end-of-life support, with staff trained in wander-management procedures for residents who may be at risk of leaving the home unsupervised.

Older adults receive help with medication administration, incontinence care, and transportation to medical appointments. Licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants are available around the clock, maintaining a staff-to-resident ratio of one caregiver for every three residents. The organization also provides in-home care services for individuals who wish to remain in a private residence.

Meals are prepared to accommodate individual dietary needs, including vegetarian, diabetic, and gluten-free preferences. Residents also have access to housekeeping, laundry, transportation, religious services, a chapel, a spa, and a live-in care program.

Inspection reports from North Carolina’s Division of Health Service Regulation have cited findings related to resident supervision practices and the timing of meal service during one review. No additional concerns involving food preparation or nutrition were identified.

Contact Livewell at Midenhall Way

Overview of Avendelle on Maynard

Avendelle on Maynard, located in Cary, NC, is a senior living community by Avendelle, offering assisted living services to its residents. This assisted living community provides personalized care plans where residents receive varying levels of care and assistance as their needs change. This includes assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and 24/7 staff availability for supervision.

Additionally, residents are also provided freshly cooked meals throughout the day, as well as regular health and wellness assessments to ensure that they are receiving proper care according to their current needs. Grooming assistance and salon services are also offered regularly, and residents are also encouraged to participate in physical and social activities the staff prepared, to make sure that they maintain their mobility and keep their overall health and well being at its best.

Contact Avendelle on Maynard

Overview of Phoenix Assisted Care

Phoenix Assisted Care provides assisted living, memory care, and respite care in Cary, NC, with 120 beds and private and semi-private rooms. A private room offers individual accommodation, while a semi-private room suits someone who is comfortable sharing with a roommate.

Assisted living includes help with bathing, dressing, transfers, activities of daily living, and medication management. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision, while respite care offers a short-term stay when a family caregiver needs to travel or recover. The range of care may suit a resident whose needs grow over time without requiring a move to another community.

Rehabilitation services are available through the community, so residents can receive therapy without arranging every session elsewhere. A library provides a dedicated place to read, and scheduled daily activities offer organized ways to participate, while the mental wellness program focuses on residents’ mental well-being. Meals are prepared on-site with diabetic-friendly options and other specialized dietary restrictions, and assistance with special dietary restrictions and diabetes diets is included in the care programs.

Contact Phoenix Assisted Care

Overview of Glenaire

Glenaire, located in Cary, NC, is a continuing care retirement community by Brightspire that offers long term care to their residents. This senior living community provides their residents smoke-free accommodations that feature 24 hour emergency response systems, with weekly housekeeping and linen services. They also offer basic healthcare services in their clinic staffed by a nurse practitioner.

Additionally, they offer a rich array of amenities that provides residences with both convenience, comfort, and entertainment. From their walking trails, to their aquatic center, to the fitness studio, to their auditorium wit theater equipment.

Contact Glenaire

Overview of Woodland Terrace

The 84-bed Arboretum at Woodland Terrace, located in Cary at 300 Kildaire Woods Dr, Wake County, North Carolina, provides specialized memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Executive Director Amanda Klobuchar oversees the specialized memory care community, which has maintained an active license throughout 27 years of continuous operation.

All 19 inspections since 2015 documented 43 deficiencies with no fines; deficiency rates of 3.9 per year are 7% better than North Carolina’s average. Most significantly, a March 2024 complaint investigation substantiated resident abuse; a staff member was terminated and criminally charged, though witnesses failed to intervene or report. January 2024 inspections cited food safety, resident screening, and tuberculosis testing deficiencies. The June 2025 follow-up confirmed all prior deficiencies had been corrected, with registered nurses providing 1 hour of care per resident daily, 71% above the state average.

Signature programming at the Arboretum includes the Art of Living Well®, Music & Memory (a specialized dementia-focused therapeutic approach), aquatics, and gardening activities designed to promote engagement and well-being. Residents benefit from comprehensive medication management, personal care assistance, three daily meals plus snacks, laundry and housekeeping services, scheduled transportation, recreational day trips, and planned social and educational events.

Pets are welcomed, and the facility’s 3-story building includes studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans ranging from 492 to 1,650 square feet.

The facility’s Woodland Terrace location carries a walk score of 55, indicating moderate walkability with some nearby amenities accessible on foot.

Memory care in a smaller, intimate setting with strong nursing presence characterizes The Arboretum at Woodland Terrace; its 39% occupancy reflects demand below the North Carolina state average of 76.4%.

Contact Woodland Terrace

Overview of Brookdale MacArthur Park

Situated in Cary, NC, Brookdale MacArthur Park is a thriving senior living community, offering a warm and welcoming senior living community with both assisted living and memory care options. Residents can enjoy personalized care tailored to their needs, whether it’s assistance with daily tasks or engaging in purposeful memory care programs. The community features a selection of pet-friendly apartments with ample natural lighting and includes basic utilities and maintenance. Seniors will appreciate the vibrant social calendar and delicious meals in the elegant dining room, all while knowing that help is available 24/7 for any emergencies.

Brookdale MacArthur Park’s mission is to provide a nurturing environment where seniors can thrive. The community offers a range of amenities to enhance residents’ quality of life, including an emergency alert system, transportation, and a concierge service. Residents can relax in the fireside living room, enjoy the courtyard and garden, or socialize in the game room. The café/bistro and private dining room ensure every meal is a delightful experience, supporting both nutrition and social connections.

Contact Brookdale MacArthur Park

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
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Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in Cary, NC

What's the difference between assisted living and memory care in North Carolina?

Assisted living in North Carolina supports residents with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication management) while preserving independence. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and adds 24/7 secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and structured routines designed to reduce confusion and wandering.

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in North Carolina?

Assisted living in North Carolina is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does North Carolina Medicaid cover assisted living?

North Carolina Medicaid does not directly pay room-and-board for assisted living, but most states (including North Carolina) offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can offset the cost of care services delivered inside a licensed community. Eligibility, waitlists, and covered services vary — check directly with the state Medicaid agency.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living combines private or semi-private apartments with help on activities of daily living (meals, bathing, dressing, medication management) and a social calendar — for residents who need some support but do not need 24/7 medical care.

How many assisted living facilities are listed on this page?

This page features 21 assisted living facilities in Cary, NC. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right assisted living facility in Cary, NC?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Cary, NC, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting assisted living facilities in Cary, NC?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.

Assisted Living in Cary at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 36/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Cary, NC. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 45The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Cary, NC. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90