Best Independent Living in Charleston, SC

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 8 independent living communities in Charleston, SC using SC Dept. of Public Health (DPH) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in SC
Reviewed by
Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Charleston, SC our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Charleston, SC.
8 homes
Other senior care options in Charleston:

Compare Independent Living around Charleston (Metro Area)

Info below is compiled from the SC Dept. of Public Health (DPH), 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. 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. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
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.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Charleston
123
Facility 123
SC AVG 82
Rank #8 / 78
No--
Wellmore of Daniel Island
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Charleston (Daniel Island)
174
Facility 174
SC AVG 82
Rank #3 / 78
Yes
12
Facility 12
SC AVG 32
Rank #51 / 68
-
Brookdale West Ashley
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Charleston (West Ashley)
100
Facility 100
SC AVG 82
Rank #21 / 78
Yes
56
Facility 56
SC AVG 32
Rank #10 / 68
Studio / 1 Bed
Harmony at West Ashley
IL
AL
MC
Charleston (West Ashley)
105
Facility 105
SC AVG 82
Rank #19 / 78
Yes
6
Facility 6
SC AVG 32
Rank #63 / 68
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Bishop Gadsden-Gadsden Glen Center for Health and Rehab
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Charleston
100
Facility 100
SC AVG 82
Rank #21 / 78
No--
Overture West Ashley 55+ Active Adult Apartment Homes
IL
Charleston (West Ashley)
-Yes
71
Facility 71
SC AVG 32
Rank #4 / 68
1 Bed / 2 Bed
Ashley Park by Barclay House
IL
Charleston (West Ashley)
-Yes
49
Facility 49
SC AVG 32
Rank #15 / 68
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Daniel Pointe Retirement Community
IL
Charleston (Daniel Island)
-Yes
25
Facility 25
SC AVG 32
Rank #43 / 68
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other SC independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 8 analyzed for Charleston. See how we rank facilities

Overview of Brookdale West Ashley

Brookdale West Ashley in Charleston, South Carolina, offers both assisted living and memory care, providing a seamless transition should residents’ needs change over time. The community includes basic utilities and maintenance, a selection of pet-friendly floor plans with great natural light, and 24/7 staff availability for emergencies. Assisted living residents receive help with personal grooming, medication management, and daily living activities, allowing them to spend more time pursuing their interests.

Rooted in a person-centered approach, Brookdale’s memory care program helps seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia maintain their skills and sense of self through a daily structure of socialization, exercise, and entertainment programs. Residents can be as involved as they choose, with options like Zumba, crafting, resident clubs, yoga, gardening, and Bible studies. The dining program offers menu choices to residents’ feedback and preferences, including dementia-friendly selections to support nutrition and a sense of belonging.

Contact Brookdale West Ashley

Overview of Harmony at West Ashley

Harmony at West Ashley is an enchanting haven that caters to every resident’s desire for independent living, assisted living, and memory care. A true embodiment of effortless elegance, this community takes pride in its ability to offer its residents a combination of delectable culinary delights and comfort. Bathed in natural light and offering breathtaking views, the community’s apartments are a testimony to its commitment to providing an exceptional living experience. The proximity to the renowned Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is an added advantage, making Harmony at West Ashley a coveted destination for all those seeking a life of respite.

The home also boasts a seamless living experience, with housekeeping, modern full-sized kitchens, and individually controlled central heat and air conditioning. Living in this community is nothing short of a luxurious resort experience, complete with a salon and barber, a 24-hour fitness center, and a cozy pub and bistro. Harmony at West Ashley is a vibrant and stimulating community that offers residents a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle. Every individual is valued, and every moment is treasured, making this community a true home away from home.

Contact Harmony at West Ashley

Overview of Wellmore of Daniel Island

Wellmore of Daniel Island is a dreamlike haven where every retiree can find a home that suits their unique needs and preferences. From assisted living to Alzheimer’s and dementia care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehab, the community takes pride in its ability to offer a full range of care options. Independent living, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing, the community has it all, making it the perfect choice for those seeking an unparalleled retirement experience. 
The community’s on-site rehab services and heated indoor therapy and classroom aerobic space are ideal for those who want to stay healthy and active. With 11 unique floor plans to choose from, residents can pick the perfect home that fits their lifestyle and preferences. The proximity to the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens adds to the charm of the community, making it a breathtakingly beautiful destination for all. Fine dining options, activity rooms, living rooms, studies, cafe bars, and even a salon and spa are available to ensure that residents have everything they need to thrive.

Contact Wellmore of Daniel Island

Overview of Overture West Ashley 55+ Active Adult Apartment Homes

Overture West Ashley is a 55+ adult community that offers the best balance of urban living and assistance with everyday tasks. Offering a range of opportunities tailor-fit for its residents, seniors can surely feel inspired to create a better life with the continuum of care provided. Daily chores are left to the staff as residents are encouraged to live a hassle-free lifestyle. Overture West Ashley is an elegant senior living home that aims to enhance and enrich the lives of its residents.

In order to keep the residents active and allow them to maintain a healthy lifestyle, the staff plans engaging activities and programs– recreational activities, fitness activities, and entertainment programs in the library, media room, or social areas.

Contact Overture West Ashley 55+ Active Adult Apartment Homes

Overview of Bishop Gadsden-Gadsden Glen Center for Health and Rehab

Bishop Gadsden-Gadsden Glen Center for Health and Rehab in Charleston, South Carolina, offers independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation, respite care, and skilled nursing. Along with assistance with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication, 24-hour staffing is available to ensure accessibility of care around the clock.

With multiple levels of care in one community, a resident whose needs grow can move to a higher level of care without leaving the community or starting over socially. The home has 100 beds, is administered by Jonna Cook, and is operated by Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community.

Short-term rehabilitation, BG Therapy, and rehabilitation services allow residents to receive therapy on site. Residents also have a spa, wellness center, outdoor spaces, and a chapel and meditation room for personal care, exercise, time outside, and religious services.

Contact Bishop Gadsden-Gadsden Glen Center for Health and Rehab

Overview of Ashley Park by Barclay House

Located in the enchanting residential lands of Tobias Gadson Boulevard, Charleston, SC, Ashley Park by Barclay House is a prestigious senior living community that focuses on independent living. Featuring pet-friendly and safe residences in a variety of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences, the community ensures seniors enjoy unrivaled comfort and convenience. Experience a worry-free lifestyle with a kind and compassionate team helping with daily chores and maintenance.

Enrich your retirement with carefully curated activities and stimulating programs that highlight seniors’ aspirations and strengths. The community promotes comfort with its healthy and tasty meals that cater to dietary needs and cravings. Ashley Park by Barclay House is great for seniors who want to stay connected with their surroundings while living the most out of their best years.

Contact Ashley Park by Barclay House

Overview of Daniel Pointe Retirement Community

Daniel Pointe Retirement Community offers independent living in Charleston, SC. Independent living provides private living with community services and does not include daily care, making the community potentially suitable for a resident who can manage daily tasks independently.

Located in the Daniel Island neighborhood, the community offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences. Pets are allowed, so a resident can live with a pet as part of the move.

Contact Daniel Pointe Retirement Community

Overview of Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community

Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community in Charleston, South Carolina, offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing home and skilled nursing care, and respite care. Independent living means having a private home with community services and no daily care, while assisted living adds help with tasks such as dressing, bathing, and taking medication. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision. Nursing home and skilled nursing care provide licensed nursing care onsite around the clock, and respite care offers a short stay when someone’s usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

The range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since care can continue within the same community rather than requiring a move elsewhere. Bishop Gadsden has 123 beds. Jonna Cook serves as the administrator.

Payment options are Medicare and private pay. Medicare can cover short term skilled care after a hospital stay, while private pay means the family pays directly. Total nurse staffing is 6 hours and 2 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily nurse staffing time allocated to each resident.

Rehabilitation services include short term rehabilitation and BG Therapy for residents who need recovery focused care. The community also has a wellness center, pool, spa, onsite clinic, and pharmacy, giving residents access to exercise, swimming, personal care, and health related services without leaving the community.

More than 120 acres include nature trails, a community garden, and a croquet court. Residents can spend time outdoors, garden, walk, or play croquet. Dining options include a café and fine dining, and religious services are available for residents who wish to attend.

Contact Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community

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.
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
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in Charleston, SC

What is independent living?

Independent living communities are residential settings for active older adults — typically with private apartments or cottages, shared amenities (dining, fitness, activities), and no built-in medical care.

How many independent living communities are listed on this page?

This page features 8 independent living communities in Charleston, SC. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in Charleston, SC?

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 Charleston, SC, 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 independent living communities in Charleston, SC?

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.

Independent Living in Charleston at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 37/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Charleston, SC. 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: 120The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Charleston, SC. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90