Page 7 of Best Assisted Living in North Carolina

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 389 assisted living communities in 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 North Carolina our team has analyzed — not a count of every assisted living provider in North Carolina.
389 homes
Other senior care options in North Carolina:
Avg Monthly Cost: $6,747The average monthly cost across facilities in North Carolina. Reflects published or estimated base rates and can vary with care level, room type, and amenities. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: $5,600
Avg Walk Score: 36/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in North Carolina. 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: 72The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in North Carolina. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Assisted Living around North Carolina

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 to lowest based on our ranking 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. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. 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.
Cary Family Care
AL
RESC
Cary (Twin Lakes)
3
Facility 3
NC AVG 72
Rank #383 / 387
No
28
Facility 28
NC AVG 36
Rank #328 / 536
100.0% -
100.00/200
Facility 100.00/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #136 / 321
10
70%
Facility 70%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #88 / 333
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
LiveWell @ Coker Hills (Chapel Hill)
AL
HC
MC
Chapel Hill (Blue Hill District)
6
Facility 6
NC AVG 72
Rank #335 / 387
No
63
Facility 63
NC AVG 36
Rank #50 / 536
33.3% -
102.50/200
Facility 102.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #73 / 321
13
69%
Facility 69%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #79 / 333
Private / Semi-Private Rooms
Brighton Gardens of Charlotte
AL
HOS
MC
RC
Charlotte (Closeburn - Glenkirk)
125
Facility 125
NC AVG 72
Rank #28 / 387
Yes
66
Facility 66
NC AVG 36
Rank #39 / 536
33.6% -
83.75/200
Facility 83.75/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #287 / 321
24
79%
Facility 79%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #164 / 333
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Lynn’s Care Homes At Riverside LLC
AL
RESC
Raleigh (Northeast Raleigh)
6
Facility 6
NC AVG 72
Rank #335 / 387
No
8
Facility 8
NC AVG 36
Rank #472 / 536
83.3% -
105.50/200
Facility 105.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #5 / 321
20
75%
Facility 75%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #121 / 333
Semi-Private / 1 Bed Rooms
Brightmore of South Charlotte
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Charlotte (Provincetowne)
34
Facility 34
NC AVG 72
Rank #322 / 387
Yes
12
Facility 12
NC AVG 36
Rank #440 / 536
35.3% -
103.50/200
Facility 103.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #31 / 321
14
50%
Facility 50%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #21 / 333
1 Bed / 2 Bed
Brookdale Chapel Hill
AL
MC
Chapel Hill (Falconbridge)
38
Facility 38
NC AVG 72
Rank #316 / 387
Yes
35
Facility 35
NC AVG 36
Rank #261 / 536
100.0% -
96.75/200
Facility 96.75/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #195 / 321
30
87%
Facility 87%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #267 / 333
Studio / Suite
The Charlotte Assisted Living & Memory Care
AL
IL
MC
RC
Charlotte
119
Facility 119
NC AVG 72
Rank #47 / 387
Yes
57
Facility 57
NC AVG 36
Rank #101 / 536
42.0% -
87.75/200
Facility 87.75/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #272 / 321
47
91%
Facility 91%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #300 / 333
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Arboretum at Woodland Terrace
AL
IL
MC
Cary
84
Facility 84
NC AVG 72
Rank #135 / 387
Yes
55
Facility 55
NC AVG 36
Rank #111 / 536
39.3% -
95.75/200
Facility 95.75/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #209 / 321
19
84%
Facility 84%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #234 / 333
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Avendelle at Shepherds Vineyard
AL
Apex (Shepherds Vineyard)
6
Facility 6
NC AVG 72
Rank #335 / 387
No
36
Facility 36
NC AVG 36
Rank #254 / 536
-A+
102.50/200
Facility 102.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #73 / 321
5
40%
Facility 40%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #15 / 333
Private / Shared Rooms
TerraBella Southport
AL
MC
RC
Southport
96
Facility 96
NC AVG 72
Rank #89 / 387
Yes
2
Facility 2
NC AVG 36
Rank #526 / 536
59.4% A
98.50/200
Facility 98.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #168 / 321
29
72%
Facility 72%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #105 / 333
-

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every NC community we track that reports that metric, not just the 389 on this page.

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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 LiveWell @ Coker Hills (chapel Hill)

Enjoy the beauty and serenity of Chapel Hill, NC, with LiveWell at Coker Hills, a distinct senior living community that specializes in memory care. With its dedication to improving residents’ quality of life, the community provides top-notch care and assistance from a reliable, well-trained team that cares for their special needs 24/7. Moreover, the community works closely with the residents to craft a care plan that best suits their preferred lifestyle to retain their independence.

Featuring quaint and specially designed amenities, residents can rest assured of receiving the utmost attention they deserve. The community also encourages residents to live their lives to the fullest by supporting them every step of the way and handling their daily living activities. Residents feel a sense of belonging and flourish in this purposely designed haven.

Contact LiveWell @ Coker Hills (Chapel Hill)

Overview of Brighton Gardens of Charlotte

Brighton Gardens of Charlotte is an engaging senior living community located in the heart of South Park, Charlotte, North Carolina, helping residents enjoy each day with personalized services, social events, and fresh cuisine tailored to their tastes. The community offers room rates starting at $2,766 per month and takes a resident-centered approach, offering a broad range of care options and engaging activities. Residents influence the daily calendar of events and many of the culinary selections, while designated care managers work with each individual to craft personalized plans addressing their unique needs and preferences, fostering meaningful days with friends. The professional team of caregivers also assists family members navigating life’s milestones with residents.

Brighton Gardens of Charlotte provides a warm and engaging home environment, with residents enjoying full days filled with morning walks, daily afternoon socials, and evening movies. The pet-friendly community welcomes residents to bring their long-time companions, and offers various suite options, including studios, one-bedroom (two sizes), and two-bedroom units, ensuring privacy. Highly trained chefs regularly check in with residents, incorporating their favorites and suggestions into the menu. Conveniently located on the corner of Fairview Road and Park South Drive, the community is situated in the heart of South Park, near the Tyvola Senior Center, South Park Mall, and Park Road Park, with an abundance of nearby stores and restaurants for residents to enjoy. Brighton Gardens of Charlotte is also close to several medical centers, including Carolinas Medical Center (CMC) Main, CMC Pineville, Presbyterian Main, and CMC Mercy.

Contact Brighton Gardens of Charlotte

Overview of Lynn’s Care Homes at Riverside

Peacefully set in the serene neighborhood of Apalachicola Drive, Raleigh, NC, Lynn’s Care Homes at Riverside LLC, is an esteemed community that offers assisted living. Residents here enjoy the highest quality of care and support according to their needs and preferences from a kind and well-trained team available 24/7. With an intimate and welcoming setting, residents keep peace of mind in their golden years.

Residents are encouraged to live actively and gain meaningful experiences with a jam-packed calendar of fun activities and engaging programs. Have delightful and nutritious meals catering to residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Respite care, transportation services, and medication management are also provided for residents’ comfort and convenience. Spend your golden years without worries surrounded by the community’s specially designed amenities.

Contact Lynn’s Care Homes At Riverside LLC

Overview of Brightmore of South Charlotte

Brightmore of South Charlotte is an exceptional retirement community that celebrates individuality and offers a full-service rental retirement home experience. Step into a vibrant atmosphere where beautifully designed independent living floor plans await, providing the perfect balance of comfort and independence. Brightmore is committed to accommodating diverse needs, offering a range of amenity options catering to residents seeking independent living, memory care units, and residential assisted living.

Indulge in distinctive dining experiences tailored to individual preferences and dietary needs. Immerse yourself in an array of amenities, including a library for literary adventures, an indoor heated pool for invigorating swims, and a beauty salon and barber for personal grooming. Brightmore also welcomes pets, ensuring that residents can cherish the companionship of their furry friends throughout their stay. With conveniences such as storage spaces, building elevators, concierge services, and 24-hour emergency response, every aspect of senior living is meticulously cared for.

Contact Brightmore of South Charlotte

Overview of Brookdale Chapel Hill

Burrowed in the peaceful neighborhood of Chapel Hill, North Carolina neighborhood, Brookdale Chapel Hill is a supportive senior living community offering memory care. The community provides a secure and comfortable environment where residents receive personalized assistance with daily activities. With trained dementia care staff available 24/7, we ensure a supportive atmosphere tailored to individual needs. Our tailored approach includes the Clare Bridge program for mid to late stages of dementia and the Solace program for advanced stages, offering compassionate care and consistent support.

Residents at Brookdale Chapel Hill enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with a full calendar of engaging activities designed to enhance cognitive function and overall well-being. From therapeutic pet visits and courtyard strolls to games in the cozy living room, our activities aim to support each resident’s abilities and encourage meaningful experiences. Located near downtown Chapel Hill and the Research Triangle, our community offers convenient access to local attractions, allowing residents and their families to explore cultural and recreational opportunities in the area.

Contact Brookdale Chapel Hill

Overview of The Charlotte Assisted Living & Memory Care

The Charlotte Assisted Living & Memory Care is a 119-bed community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite services to older adults in Charlotte, North Carolina. The facility on Willow Ridge Road operates as a full-service senior living community on a three-story building with an array of housing options: studio, one-, and two-bedroom floor plans. The neighborhood scores 57 on the Walk Score scale, indicating moderate walkability where some daily errands can be run on foot, though occupants typically need a car for most trips.

The facility maintains a 42 percent occupancy rate, meaning rooms are currently offered across its housing inventory. This mid-occupancy level provides potential residents and families with current availability and a reasonable wait time if they proceed with applications. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay arrangements are accepted to give families flexibility in how they approach coverage and payment options. The home houses its services across multiple care levels in the same community. With memory care and respite residents, independent and assisted living occupants share common areas and amenities. This continuum model lets residents stay in a familiar setting as their care needs change over time, instead of requiring relocations to different facilities. The design bolsters aging in place and the natural care progression, with staff providing increasing levels of support as needed. The location in Charlotte offers easy access to medical services, shopping, and local attractions. The moderately walkable neighborhood means visiting family members can navigate nearby areas on foot. Meanwhile, the offered room inventory across multiple unit types allows flexibility for different resident preferences and budgets.

State inspections have flagged themes around supervision documentation, medication administration protocols, and physical plant maintenance. It’s encouraged that families exploring the community ask staff directly about how these routine operational areas are managed daily, as operational rigor in such areas is crucial to care quality and resident safety.

Contact The Charlotte Assisted Living & Memory 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 Avendelle at Shepherds Vineyard

Avendelle at Shepherds Vineyard is a cozy care home in Apex, NC, that offers assisted living and memory care. The community continuously promotes a nurturing environment with its cozy living spaces, ensuring older adults’ comfort and healing. Concierge services, an emergency alert system, and a beauty shop are available for residents’ convenience. With its commitment to improving residents’ quality of life, one-on-one attention is provided around the clock.

Leisure activities, wellness programs, and social events accompany residents during their stay, promoting an active lifestyle. Spacious dining area and well-lit communal spaces also provide residents with more avenues to interact with their surroundings. With its serene setting in the thriving neighborhood of Apex, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. This care home is an ideal option for older adults in North Carolina, as showcased by its high-quality services.

Contact Avendelle at Shepherds Vineyard

TerraBella Southport

1125 E Leonard St, Southport, NC 28461
Overview of TerraBella Southport

Overlooking the serene Southport, NC, TerraBella Southport is a premier senior living community offering assisted living and memory care within a relaxing living environment and easy access to shopping, dining, and medical services. With thoughtfully designed apartments equipped with personalized climate control settings, emergency call systems, and kitchenettes, residents enjoy a cozy and safe residence. Through its SHINE Memory Care Program, residents dealing with memory loss are given evidence-based memory care that allows them to navigate life despite their afflictions.

Residents’ holistic well-being is paramount to TerraBella Southport, offering extensive lifestyle programs for dining, activities, health, and wellness; residents are guaranteed the care and assistance that benefits all aspects of their wellness. Here, residents enjoy chef-prepared delicacies, a social calendar full of planned activities, and a broad range of amenities designed for fun, wellness, and entertainment. Amenities include Visiting physicians, religious services, salon services, live entertainment, local outings & excursions, and senior-specific wellness classes.

Contact TerraBella Southport

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
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in North Carolina

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 389 assisted living facilities in North Carolina. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right assisted living facility in North Carolina?

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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina?

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.