Other senior care options in North Carolina:

Best Independent Living in North Carolina

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 146 independent living communities in North Carolina using NC Dept. of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in NC
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jun 2026
We analyzed
146 homes
Other senior care options in North Carolina:
Avg Walk Score: 33/ 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 Independent Living around North Carolina

The Arboretum at Woodland Terrace
IL
AL
MC
Cary (Woodland Terrace)
84
Facility 84
NC AVG 72
Rank #138 / 390
Yes
55
Facility 55
NC AVG 33
Rank #110 / 572
39.3%
Facility 39.3%
NC AVG 69.9%
Rank #211 / 246
-
95.75/200
Facility 95.75/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #210 / 322
19
84.2%
Facility 84.2%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #239 / 335
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Woodland Terrace
IL
AL
MC
Cary (Woodland Terrace)
84
Facility 84
NC AVG 72
Rank #138 / 390
No
55
Facility 55
NC AVG 33
Rank #110 / 572
--
95.75/200
Facility 95.75/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #210 / 322
19
84.2%
Facility 84.2%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #239 / 335
-
Harmony at Greensboro
IL
AL
Greensboro (British Woods)
92
Facility 92
NC AVG 72
Rank #116 / 390
No
37
Facility 37
NC AVG 33
Rank #244 / 572
43.5%
Facility 43.5%
NC AVG 69.9%
Rank #201 / 246
A+
101.50/200
Facility 101.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #103 / 322
17
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #326 / 335
-
Parkwood Village and The Landing
IL
NH
AL
MC
RC
Wilson (Westwood)
70
Facility 70
NC AVG 72
Rank #186 / 390
Yes
42
Facility 42
NC AVG 33
Rank #210 / 572
51.5%
Facility 51.5%
NC AVG 69.9%
Rank #194 / 246
-
101.50/200
Facility 101.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #103 / 322
27
85.2%
Facility 85.2%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #255 / 335
1 Bed / 2 Bed
Brookdale Carriage Club Providence
IL
AL
MC
NH
Charlotte (Olde Providence North)
77
Facility 77
NC AVG 72
Rank #168 / 390
Yes
12
Facility 12
NC AVG 33
Rank #440 / 572
71.5%
Facility 71.5%
NC AVG 69.9%
Rank #135 / 246
A+
98.75/200
Facility 98.75/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #167 / 322
15
80%
Facility 80%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #169 / 335
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Walnut Ridge
IL
AL
MC
NH
Walnut Cove (Windmill Street)
63
Facility 63
NC AVG 72
Rank #224 / 390
No
50
Facility 50
NC AVG 33
Rank #149 / 572
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
NC AVG 69.9%
Rank #1 / 246
A+
103.50/200
Facility 103.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #31 / 322
19
47.4%
Facility 47.4%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #31 / 335
Studio / Suite
Truewood by Merrill, New Bern
IL
AL
MC
New Bern
55
Facility 55
NC AVG 72
Rank #286 / 390
Yes
31
Facility 31
NC AVG 33
Rank #294 / 572
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
NC AVG 69.9%
Rank #1 / 246
A+
99.50/200
Facility 99.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #145 / 322
20
85%
Facility 85%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #250 / 335
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Parkview Retirement Center, Inc.
IL
AL
Sanford (Brookwood)
116
Facility 116
NC AVG 72
Rank #53 / 390
No
18
Facility 18
NC AVG 33
Rank #394 / 572
58.6%
Facility 58.6%
NC AVG 69.9%
Rank #178 / 246
A+
95.50/200
Facility 95.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #212 / 322
16
62.5%
Facility 62.5%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #54 / 335
1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed / Private / Semi-Private Rooms
Carmel Hills
IL
AL
HC
Charlotte (Montibello)
38
Facility 38
NC AVG 72
Rank #319 / 390
No
6
Facility 6
NC AVG 33
Rank #484 / 572
--
104.50/200
Facility 104.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #20 / 322
20
80%
Facility 80%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #169 / 335
1 Bed / 2 Bed
Brookdale Charlotte East
IL
AL
Charlotte (Eastland - Wilora Lake)
50
Facility 50
NC AVG 72
Rank #295 / 390
Yes
24
Facility 24
NC AVG 33
Rank #349 / 572
-A+
104.50/200
Facility 104.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #20 / 322
19
73.7%
Facility 73.7%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #115 / 335
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Cypress of Charlotte
IL
AL
HC
MC
NH
Charlotte (Beverly Woods)
65
Facility 65
NC AVG 72
Rank #210 / 390
No
15
Facility 15
NC AVG 33
Rank #414 / 572
78.2%
Facility 78.2%
NC AVG 69.9%
Rank #112 / 246
---4
0%
Facility 0%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #1 / 335
1 Bed / 2 Bed
Givens Highland Farms
IL
HC
NC
NH
RC
Black Mountain
60
Facility 60
NC AVG 72
Rank #233 / 390
No
12
Facility 12
NC AVG 33
Rank #440 / 572
82.2%
Facility 82.2%
NC AVG 69.9%
Rank #84 / 246
-----Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
Wesley Pines
IL
AL
MC
NH
Lumberton
62
Facility 62
NC AVG 72
Rank #225 / 390
No
9
Facility 9
NC AVG 33
Rank #462 / 572
86.1%
Facility 86.1%
NC AVG 69.9%
Rank #66 / 246
A+----1 Bed / Cottage / Villa
Carol Woods
IL
AL
NC
NH
Chapel Hill (Carol Woods)
30
Facility 30
NC AVG 72
Rank #329 / 390
No
13
Facility 13
NC AVG 33
Rank #432 / 572
76.7%
Facility 76.7%
NC AVG 69.9%
Rank #116 / 246
---3
0%
Facility 0%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #1 / 335
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Brookdale Robinwood
IL
AL
HC
MC
NH
Gastonia
89
Facility 89
NC AVG 72
Rank #125 / 390
Yes
4
Facility 4
NC AVG 33
Rank #506 / 572
-A+
91.50/200
Facility 91.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #253 / 322
17
76.5%
Facility 76.5%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #137 / 335
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes
Overview of The Carolina Highlands at Village Green

The Carolina Highlands at Village Green offers a welcoming independent living home for seniors in Fayetteville. The luxury retirement community boasts a secure and comfortable environment where many residents are treated like family, cultivating a sense of belonging. The staff creates a nurturing atmosphere while maintaining a sense of individuality and independence while receiving unwavering support with daily living. 

As a Village Green community, The Carolina Hihglands’ residential lifestyle is easy and worry-free, encouraging seniors to thrive and maintain their freedom. Residents can live a fulfilling everyday life through the community’s extensive services. Its all-inclusive features include ALDs, medication management, transfer assistance, housekeeping, and laundry services tailored to their unique needs.

Contact The Carolina Highlands at Village Green

Carol Woods

750 Weaver Dairy Rd, Chapel Hill, Nc 27514, Usa
Overview of Carol Woods

Redefining senior living, Carol Woods is a tight-knit senior living community in Chapel Hill, NC, offering a peaceful environment for a continuum of care. Residents here thrive with access to a multitude of services, including assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, and an array of clinical services. Sprawled within 120 acres of certified natural wildlife backyard habitat, the community guarantees a relaxing living environment, combined with stunning accommodations in variations of apartments, cottages, and townhomes.

An array of traditional and complementary therapies are offered on-site to make sure residents have access to the services they need to maintain their mobility and highest functionality. Residents are also encouraged to participate in the community’s dynamic range of activities and events and enjoy a multitude of amenities, such as a dog park, fitness center, arts studio, and more. A delectable dining experience is also provided to make sure residents’ are always energized and full.

Contact Carol Woods

Overview of The Kempton at Brightmore

The Kempton at Brightmore, located in Wilmington, NC, is a senior living community, focusing on assisted living services. The community offers spacious living arrangements, allowing residents to personalize their space with furniture and design touches. Each unit features its own heating and air conditioning controls, and if desired, the community provides a bed, dresser, and nightstand at no additional charge. The floor plans include a kitchenette with a mini-refrigerator, space for a personal microwave, and a private bath with a hand-held shower and fold-down seat. The built-in emergency call system ensures quick assistance when used.
In terms of healthcare services, The Kempton at Brightmore prioritizes infection prevention and control with effective contact tracing and isolation measures.

The community provides 24/7 supervision and assistance with light activities of daily living, along with medication administration and management. Residents also benefit from a range of amenities, including private dining and a country kitchen, where three chef-prepared meals are included daily. Additional services include beauty salon and barber services, as well as housekeeping and laundry services. The community places a strong emphasis on residents’ well-being, offering a variety of activities that cater to social, spiritual, intellectual, and physical aspects. From musical performances to gourmet chef demonstrations and card games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at The Kempton at Brightmore.

Contact The Kempton At Brightmore

Overview of Salemtowne Retirement Community

Nestled in the picturesque landscape, Salemtowne Retirement Community stands as a tranquil haven for seniors seeking a vibrant and supportive lifestyle in their golden years. With a focus on holistic living, this community provides comfortable residential options, from spacious cottages to cozy apartments, ensuring every resident finds their ideal abode. The community’s commitment to promoting an active and fulfilling retirement is evident in its array of recreational facilities, including fitness centers, walking trails, and creative spaces. Salemtowne Retirement Community stands as more than just a place to reside; it’s a nurturing environment where seniors can embrace each day with enthusiasm and joy.
At Salemtowne Retirement Community, the essence of graceful aging is exemplified through a range of comprehensive services that cater to the evolving needs of its residents. From the assurance of healthcare access to the convenience of on-site dining options, the community places a premium on enhancing the quality of life for its senior members. Professional staff and caregivers are dedicated to providing personalized support, allowing residents to maintain their independence while knowing that assistance is readily available when required. The community’s serene surroundings and thoughtfully designed architecture create an atmosphere of serenity and relaxation, fostering a sense of belonging and security. Rooted in a tradition of respect for individuality and a commitment to well-being,

Contact Salemtowne Retirement Community

Overview of Williams Place

Unwind, reconnect, and embrace your golden years at Williams Place, a relaxing senior living community based in Davidson, NC, offering independent living. The community empowers residents to live the retirement they’ve always dreamed of with the convenience of chef-prepared meals daily, transportation, exciting events and activities, and weekly housekeeping. Offering over 50 floor plan varieties which include studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments, the community ensures residents will find the ideal residence that best fits their preferences and needs.

Everyday is filled with new opportunities for making new connections, building new skills, or continuing past hobbies and passions with a wide range of well curated activities. Whether it’s playing a spirited game of cards, listening to live entertainment, or trying a new restaurant for lunch, there’s always something fun happening inside. The community also allows residents to access a third-party home health care provider if they need extra care and assistance. Williams Place’s resident travel programs and exquisite dining experience adds to the convenience and fun of living in the beautiful community.

Contact Williams Place

Overview of Solista Wilmington by Cogir

Located in the serene and tree-lined Hospital Plaza Drive, Wilmington, NC, Solista Wilmington by Cogir is an idyllic retreat that focuses on independent living. With its commitment to improving residents’ comfort, the community provides a variety of specially designed studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences. Enjoy your independence without worries with the innovative Lively Mobile Plus, which provides round-the-clock emergency and non-emergency response.

Live a fun-filled retirement with a full slate of enriching activities and engaging programs tailored to residents’ health and wellness. Meet dietary needs and satisfy cravings with healthy and delicious restaurant-style dining. Here, residents are provided with incredible and spacious amenities like a game room, an art room, a fitness center, a library, a courtyard, and beautiful gardens.

Contact Solista Wilmington by Cogir

Overview of Providence Meadows Gracious Retirement Living

Set amidst the flourishing city of Charlotte, NC, Providence Meadows is a joyful senior living community that offers independent living. Spend your everyday life at the comforts of beautifully designed accommodations, including spacious studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. With a dedication to providing residents with a safe and comfortable living environment, the community provides emergency pull cords in each room and a compassionate team of managers that live on-site and available to provide assistance 24/7.

At Providence Meadows, they are committed to offering residents incomparable living experience and an amazing quality of life. They fulfill this mission through their array of social and recreational activities, health and wellness programs, and a variety of convenient services. Amenities like cozy common areas, theater, library, fitness center, salon, game room, and beautifully maintained walking paths and gardens, add to the community’s advantage by providing plenty of opportunities for social interaction and relaxation.

Contact Providence Meadows Gracious Retirement Living

Brookdale at Home® Hendersonville

2601Chimney, Rock Road Suite Pl1, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Overview of Brookdale at Home® Hendersonville

Helping seniors stay comfortably at their homes, Brookdale at Home Hendersonville is a passionate home care provider in Hendersonville, NC, offering various in-home care services. The home care provider offers companion care, personal care, and respite care, designed to provide utmost comfort and support to seniors and their family caregivers.

Ensuring that seniors are at ease in welcoming their caregivers in their homes, Brookdale at Home Hendersonville conducts thorough background checks and screenings to select highly qualified and trustworthy caregivers. Offering various support, including assistance with activities of daily living, transportation, errands, light housekeeping, pet care and meal preparation, Brookdale at Home ensures residents live a maintenance-free lifestyle with plenty of time to spend with their families or doing their hobbies.

Contact Brookdale at Home® Hendersonville

Overview of Solista Hickory by Cogir

Enrich your retirement with Solista Hickory by Cogir, an astounding community surrounded by a tranquil setting and lush trees in Hickory, NC, that offers independent living. 24-hour care, emergency, and non-emergency response are also provided to ensure residents live without worries. A variety of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences are designed with residents’ needs and preferences in mind, ensuring comfort and safety like no other.

The community also makes use of the Lively Mobile Plus Device, to provide assistance whenever necessary. Here, residents have hassle-free dining with delicious and healthy restaurant-style dining that cater to their dietary needs and tastes. With spacious and beautiful amenities including a library, game room, media room, and community grounds, residents have more opportunities to mingle with friends and remain socially-connected.

Contact Solista Hickory by Cogir

Overview of The Enclave at Pamalee Square

Based in the vibrant community of Fayetteville, NC, The Enclave at Pamalee Square is an esteemed senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Spacious and convenient accommodations ranging from one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments are available for its residents. Having a highly equipped and dedicated team, residents can receive round-the-clock care and services whenever needed. As for memory care, those with cognitive conditions are served with evidence-based and activity-centered approaches to personalize care plans.

With its top-notch amenities and services, residents can enjoy a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center, a large cardio area and multiple weight stations, a theater lounge, a gaming room with poker tables, and many more. Meet new people and create unforgettable memories through other social activities and wellness programs. With The Enclave at Pamalee Square, seniors can enjoy a glorious living experience.

Contact The Enclave at Pamalee Square

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
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today

Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in North Carolina

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 146 independent living communities in North Carolina. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community 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 independent living communities 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.