We arrange tours, appointments, and even moving support so you don’t have to
2
Ranked on Data, Not Dollars
We rank communities on objective measures like inspection records, quality scores, and care data, so you can find trusted options without the guesswork.
3
Personalized Guidance
From lifestyle matching to help with insurance and financial assistance, we make sure the community is the right fit
Explore Open Rooms
1Contact details
2What type of senior care service are you looking for?
3What budget do you have in mind for senior care?
4How soon do you need to find care?
5Additional details
Thank you for your interest!
A member of our team will be in touch by phone or email shortly to help with next steps.
Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 8 assisted living communities in Wake County, 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
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 TableAL (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.
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.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
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.
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.
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 8 analyzed for Wake County. See how we rank facilities
Avendelle at Shepherds Vineyard provides assisted living in Apex, NC, within the Shepherds Vineyard neighborhood. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while allowing each resident to maintain personal living space.
With six beds, the community is small enough for staff and residents to get to know one another, making it a good fit for someone who prefers a smaller setting. Housing includes private and shared rooms: a private room gives one resident personal space, while a shared room suits someone who wants a companion. The area has a Walk Score of 36, placing it in a car-dependent setting where most errands require a car or a ride. A resident who no longer drives would need transportation for errands.
Known for its relaxing and beautiful home-like campus, Calyx Living of Fuquay-Varina is an excellent community in Fuquay-Varina, NC that offers quality assisted living and memory care services. Their compassionate and reliable team is always ready to give residents the care and support they need without limiting their independence. Residents here find comfort in having 24/7 assistance with their personal care needs and daily living routine, complemented with a personal pendant alert system for quick emergency response.
Thoughtful amenities like a bistro, art studio, and exercise studio are also available to enhance residents’ living experience. With a wide range of exciting activities to enjoy, residents are motivated to maintain an active lifestyle. Meal times are always delectable and nourishing with fresh, chef-prepared meals served daily. At Calyx Living of Fuquay-Varina, you’ll have access to whatever you need to maintain a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle.
Miss Bell’s at Garner provides assisted living in Garner, NC, with help for daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while residents keep their own rooms. With six beds, this is a smaller community where staff and residents can get to know each other. Private rooms offer a single living space, while semi-private rooms provide shared accommodations, so the community may be a good fit for someone who prefers a smaller setting.
Enjoy an improved quality of life with Hillside Nursing & Rehab, a compassionate community in Wake Forest, NC, offering assisted living, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services. Residents here are given a warm and comforting environment where they can receive round-the-clock care, supervision, and assistance with their daily living activities. Those living with chronic illnesses and require long-term care have access to comprehensive nursing care and physician services from Hillside’s Medical Directors.
With access to physical, occupational, and speech therapy services, residents recovering from an injury or hospitalization can enjoy a quick and smooth healing journey in the community. They also feature a vibrant activity program designed to keep residents moving and actively engaged in their community. Proper nutrition is always observed by their registered dietitian who carefully curates residents’ meal plans. At Hillside Nursing & Rehab, residents are given diverse opportunities to enjoy life even as they face serious illness or recover from an injury.
Located in Aversboro Road Garner, NC, Foundation Senior Living offers an unparalleled living experience with its luxurious yet affordable services. The versatile living arrangements it offers allow residents to choose between private studios and companion rooms with both ensured to provide comfort and personalized care. Through the highly skilled and caring members of its team, Foundation Senior Living prioritizes the health and safety of its residents by providing comprehensive care services including medication administration, customized dietary management, and proactive fall assessment and prevention measures.
The community features top-notch amenities and services that enrich the quality of life of the residents, ranging from delicious and healthy meals, laundry and housekeeping, salon services, wellness programs, transportation options, and many more. At Foundation Senior Living, seniors can enjoy a wonderful retirement.
Holly Springs Senior Living is an outstanding senior care community in Holly Springs, NC, that offers a wide range of care options, including memory care, assisted living, hospice care, and respite care. Dedicated to older adults’ peace of mind, the community strives to promote a home-like environment with its well-thought-out living spaces. Home-cooked meals, recreational activities, and a fire safety system are provided to enrich residents’ living experiences. With personalized care plans, the community strives to meet residents’ healthcare needs.
Fun social events, light exercises, and engaging programs provide residents with more opportunities to interact with their peers and try out new things. A family-style dining area, naturally lit communal spaces, and a spacious outdoor area also accompany residents during their stay. With serene parks and the UNC Rex Hospital nearby, residents have convenient access to their leisure and healthcare needs. As one of North Carolina’s finest senior living communities, this care home provides the highest quality of care for older adults to thrive in retirement.
Senior Fluent offers assisted living, memory care, and residential care in Zebulon, NC. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks, while memory care offers supervision in a secured setting for someone living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or cognitive decline. Residential care is also available, and the range of care types may suit a resident whose support needs change over time.
Located in the Shepards Point neighborhood, the home has 6 beds, making it a small community where residents and staff can become familiar with one another. Private and semi-private suites are available: a private suite gives one resident a personal living space, while a semi-private suite accommodates shared living.
The listed starting price is $7,500 per month, which families can use as an initial figure when budgeting for care. The home provides an outdoor garden, sitting area, large front yard, and screened-in patio, giving residents several on-site outdoor spaces. A salon is available for hair-care appointments, and transportation options cover shopping and doctor visits.
Dining includes fresh, home-cooked meals tailored to resident preferences, with special diets available for residents who have specific dietary needs. Social, leisure, recreational, and educational activities give residents structured ways to spend time and participate in interests. Senior Fluent may be a good fit for someone living with dementia who needs memory-focused care in a small residential setting.
Age without worries at Hearts of Gold Family Care, a distinct community in Knightdale, NC, offering assisted living. Here, residents enjoy a worry-free lifestyle with a compassionate and highly trained team providing exceptional care tailored to their daily living activities around the clock. Light housekeeping of its specially designed and secure accommodations is also taken care of, ensuring residents feel at ease during their stay.
Dedicated to residents’ happiness and wellness, a fun-filled calendar of activities is conducted based on their interests and capabilities. There’s no need to worry about meals, with delightful and healthy dining options served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Medication administration is also provided for convenience. The community is a good option for those needing assistance to live comfortably in retirement, especially with its exceptional services and well-maintained amenities.
Every community above is evaluated across six weighted categories using public data including state inspection records, review platforms, BBB profiles, and operator-published materials. Rank badges compare each community against other assisted living communities in the same state — never against a different care type.
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 rankingsCommunities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid:If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
Avg Walk Score:28/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Wake County, 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:46The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Wake County, NC. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in Wake County, 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 8 assisted living facilities in Wake County, NC. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right assisted living facility in Wake County, 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 Wake County, 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 Wake County, 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.
If you move into a community through us, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never changes your cost or which options we recommend. Learn more
Need Help?
Let us help you or a loved one find the perfect senior home.
We've received your request
Thank you for your interest!
Our team will be in touch shortly to help with next steps.