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Compare Independent 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.
| Glenaire | IL NH AL | Cary (Glenaire) | 71
Facility
71
NC AVG
72
Rank
#183 / 388 | No |
25
Facility
25
NC AVG
33
Rank
#347 / 573 | 94.1% | A+ | - | - | 3 | 0%
Facility
0%
NC AVG
76.2%
Rank
#1 / 333 | - |
| St. Joseph of the Pines, a CCRC | IL AL MC NH SNF | Southern Pines | 176
Facility
176
NC AVG
72
Rank
#5 / 388 | Yes |
2
Facility
2
NC AVG
33
Rank
#527 / 573 | 41.0% | A+ | - | - | - | - | Private Rooms |
| River Landing At Sandy Ridge | IL AL MC NH | Colfax | 60
Facility
60
NC AVG
72
Rank
#231 / 388 | Yes |
7
Facility
7
NC AVG
33
Rank
#477 / 573 | 92.5% | - | - | - | - | - | Apartments / Cottages / Townhomes / Villas |
| Piedmont Crossing | IL NH AL HC MC RC SNF | Thomasville (Hedrick Drive) | 104
Facility
104
NC AVG
72
Rank
#70 / 388 | Yes |
4
Facility
4
NC AVG
33
Rank
#507 / 573 | 74.0% | - | - | - | - | - | 1 Bed / 2 Bed |
| Friends Homes | IL NH AL MC SNF | Greensboro (Guilford College) | 69
Facility
69
NC AVG
72
Rank
#193 / 388 | No |
35
Facility
35
NC AVG
33
Rank
#261 / 573 | 87.5% | - | - | - | - | - | Villa Apartments / Townhomes / Apartments / Cottages |
| Carol Woods | IL AL NH SNF | Chapel Hill (Carol Woods) | 30
Facility
30
NC AVG
72
Rank
#327 / 388 | Yes |
13
Facility
13
NC AVG
33
Rank
#433 / 573 | 72.7% | - | - | - | 3 | 0%
Facility
0%
NC AVG
76.2%
Rank
#1 / 333 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed |
| Abernethy Laurels | IL NH AL HC MC RC SNF | Newton | 174
Facility
174
NC AVG
72
Rank
#6 / 388 | Yes |
0
Facility
0
NC AVG
33
Rank
#549 / 573 | 96.0% | - | - | - | - | - | 1 Bed /2 Bed |
| Givens Highland Farms | IL HC NH RC SNF | Black Mountain | 60
Facility
60
NC AVG
72
Rank
#231 / 388 | Yes |
12
Facility
12
NC AVG
33
Rank
#441 / 573 | 84.7% | - | - | - | - | - | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed |
| Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall | IL AL MC NH SNF | Wilmington (Windemere) | 30
Facility
30
NC AVG
72
Rank
#327 / 388 | No |
18
Facility
18
NC AVG
33
Rank
#395 / 573 | 94.3% | - | - | - | - | - | 1 Bed / 2 Bed |
| Carolina Village | IL AL MC NH SNF | Hendersonville | 60
Facility
60
NC AVG
72
Rank
#231 / 388 | Yes |
82
Facility
82
NC AVG
33
Rank
#3 / 573 | 79.8% | - | 99.50/200
Facility
99.50/200
NC AVG
92.2
Rank
#145 / 321 | 15 | 60%
Facility
60%
NC AVG
76.2%
Rank
#47 / 333 | - | |
| Croasdaile Village | IL AL HC MC NH SNF | Durham | 64
Facility
64
NC AVG
72
Rank
#214 / 388 | Yes |
9
Facility
9
NC AVG
33
Rank
#463 / 573 | - | - | 104.50/200
Facility
104.50/200
NC AVG
92.2
Rank
#20 / 321 | 15 | 60%
Facility
60%
NC AVG
76.2%
Rank
#47 / 333 | - | |
| Homestead Hills Assisted Living | IL AL MC NH SNF | Winston-Salem | 66
Facility
66
NC AVG
72
Rank
#199 / 388 | Yes |
20
Facility
20
NC AVG
33
Rank
#378 / 573 | 30.3% | - | 103.50/200
Facility
103.50/200
NC AVG
92.2
Rank
#31 / 321 | 19 | 73.7%
Facility
73.7%
NC AVG
76.2%
Rank
#114 / 333 | - | |
| Terrabella Lake Norman | IL AL MC | Mooresville | 120
Facility
120
NC AVG
72
Rank
#36 / 388 | Yes |
46
Facility
46
NC AVG
33
Rank
#186 / 573 | 100.0% | C+ | 96.00/200
Facility
96.00/200
NC AVG
92.2
Rank
#205 / 321 | 30 | 83.3%
Facility
83.3%
NC AVG
76.2%
Rank
#219 / 333 | Suite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | |
| Brookdale Carriage Club Providence | IL AL MC NH SNF | Charlotte (Olde Providence North) | 77
Facility
77
NC AVG
72
Rank
#166 / 388 | Yes |
12
Facility
12
NC AVG
33
Rank
#441 / 573 | - | A+ | 98.75/200
Facility
98.75/200
NC AVG
92.2
Rank
#167 / 321 | 15 | 80%
Facility
80%
NC AVG
76.2%
Rank
#168 / 333 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | |
| The Sharon at SouthPark | IL AL MC NH SNF | Charlotte (Beverly Woods) | 19
Facility
19
NC AVG
72
Rank
#334 / 388 | Yes |
49
Facility
49
NC AVG
33
Rank
#162 / 573 | 25.3% | - | - | - | - | - | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed |
Jordan Oaks, located in Cary, NC is a retirement community by Gracious Retirement Living offering independent living services and amenities to its residents. The offer studio and one-to-two bedroom units featuring private bathrooms, a space for living area, kitchenette, and patios. This senior living community envisions their residents’ retirement years to be fun and fulfilling, offering them conveniences to ensure that they have more time and energy to do what they love.
The services and amenities they offer that provide conveniences, include transportation services for outside appointments as well as scheduled trips, culinary services where meals are served restaurant-style in their dining room, and the scheduled activities and programs that aim to enhance the residents overall well being. Additionally, they also offer a resident travel program, where a resident may be able to stay for a week in any Gracious Retirement Living communities where meals are also provided.
Southern Pines Gracious Retirement Living creates a lifestyle for independent living services that aim to make aging graceful; they provide personalized care plans tailored to your unique needs. The team of compassionate and professional staff excels in extending its service with warmth and comfort where seniors can feel amplified in finding new possibilities in the community.
The Gracious Retirement Living lifestyle centers its services on the thought of comfort and convenience, ensuring the needs of all its residents are holistically met; seniors can experience delicious dining in a restaurant-style dining room, scheduled activities for engagement and socialization, transportation to check-ups and other errands, and a resident travel programs for an easy and hassle-free vacation.
Administered by Melissa Crouch, The Kempton at Brightmore is a senior living community in the Brightmore Liberty neighborhood of Wilmington, North Carolina. It offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community is about 1 mile from the city center. The multiple levels of care in one location allow residents to transition between services as their needs change without relocating. The three-story community offers studio and one-bedroom floor plans ranging from about 360 to 525 square feet.
Residents can personalize their apartments with their own furniture and décor. For those who prefer not to bring furniture, the community provides a bed, dresser, and nightstand at no additional cost. Each residence includes individual heating and air conditioning controls and a kitchenette with a mini refrigerator. There’s also a space for a personal microwave, a private bathroom with a handheld shower and fold-down seat, and an in-room emergency call system for quick assistance.
Residents receive 24-hour supervision, medication administration and management, and assistance with light activities of daily living. The community also follows infection prevention and control practices, including contact tracing and isolation procedures when needed.
Three chef-prepared meals are served each day in the private dining room and country kitchen. Amenities on-site include a beauty salon and barber shop. Residents can also access housekeeping, laundry services, transportation, and fitness and recreation programs. The community welcomes pets. Activities here focus on social, spiritual, intellectual, and physical wellness through events such as musical performances, gourmet chef demonstrations, and card games.
The car-dependent area has a Walk Score of 22. Most errands require a vehicle, and nearby walkable options are limited. Families should plan to drive for shopping, dining, and appointments.
As its name suggests, Harmony at Brookberry Farm ensures a serene and harmonious community environment; it also indicates that senior living is supposed to be calming and balanced– a freeing lifestyle with the necessary support. The elegant community is an independent living, assisted living, and secured assisted living with personal care. Residents receive a strong sense of freedom in addition to specialized assistance. Harmony at Brookberry Farm is a home that allows residents to tailor their lifestyle to suit their needs.
As a proud member of the Harmony Senior Living community, expect an elevated lifestyle because of its detail-oriented approach to care and complete attention to the needs of its residents. Their amenities and services include laundry services, transportation services, healthy and delicious chef-prepared meals, memory retention activities, and fitness programs. Its memory care services aid seniors programs that are focused on mental stimulation.
Embraced by a blanket of mature trees and a serene setting in Charlotte, NC, Solista Charlotte by Cogir focuses on independent living. The community is committed to residents’ well-being and offers them purposely built accommodations ranging from studio to two-bedroom floor plans, alongside 24/7 emergency and non-emergency response. Through innovations like the Lively Mobile Plus Device, residents are guaranteed top-tier care without restraining their independence.
Learn new things and live life to the fullest with a full slate of engaging events and fun activities, highlighting resident’s interests and strengths. Mealtimes are also something to anticipate with healthy and delicious restaurant-style dining. Here, residents are free to enjoy incredible amenities like the media room, library, game room, a beautiful garden, and serene community grounds.
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,
Set in Hickory, North Carolina, Solista Hickory by Cogir provides independent living in a three-story building. Apartment options include studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts, allowing older adults to select a residence that matches their preferences and lifestyle.
While residents live independently, support is available through 24-hour emergency and non-emergency response services. A wearable alert device offers an added layer of security for those who value both independence and quick access to assistance. Dining is provided in a restaurant-style setting, with meals tailored to individual dietary needs and preferences.
Community amenities include a library, game room, media room, outdoor gathering spaces, transportation services, and a variety of fitness and recreational opportunities. These features help residents remain active, engaged, and socially connected. Pets are also welcome, making it easier for older adults to bring a small animal companion.
The surrounding neighborhood has a Walk Score of 22, indicating that most shopping, appointments, and errands require a vehicle. With a combination of independent living, on-site services, and recreational offerings, the community is designed for older adults seeking convenience in a residential setting.
Enriching seniors’ lives with compassionate assistance, vibrant activities, and excellent services, Azalea Estates is a remarkable senior living community in Chapel Hill, NC, offering independent living. Warm and inviting spaces awaits residents, giving them plenty of spaces for relaxation, making connections, and leisure. Residents can choose from a variety of studios, 1 bedrooms & 2 bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, 24-hour emergency pull cords and other conveniences for a comfortable and secure living environment. Live-in managers live within the community to ensure residents can easily reach them when they need assistance.
Indulge in a vibrant daily programming and fun activities, events, and organized outings inspired by individual preferences and needs. Chef-prepared meals, weekly housekeeping, linen services, maintenance, and transportation services allows residents to enjoy more of their time instead of spending it worrying about chores and the hassle of daily living. Amenities include a grand theater, library, salon, fitness center, craft room, and several community rooms and common areas for gathering and socializing with families, friends, and fellow residents.
Experience the serenity and convenience of Raleigh, NC with the blissful retreat of Verana at Bedford Falls that offers independent living. Enjoy your later years surrounded by the community’s well-designed and fully-furnished one- and two-bedroom accommodations for the finest comfort and safety. Maintenance, housekeeping, and concierge services are also provided to ensure a hassle-free lifestyle.
Enjoy the best of your golden years with a full slate of enriching activities and engaging programs tailored to residents’ leisure and wellness. Have a satisfactory dining experience with healthy and delicious meals catering to dietary needs and tastes. The community features plenty of amenities including a heated pool, a salon, a fitness center, lounges, and a fireplace, perfect for recreation and socialization.
Mill Creek Manor is a senior living community located in Columbia, SC. It offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services, catering to seniors who desire a social lifestyle and comfortable living spaces. The community provides a range of amenities and services designed to enhance comfort and foster companionship.
Ranking Methodology
How we rank these independent living communities
Every community above is evaluated across six weighted categories using public data including state inspection records, review platforms, BBB profiles, and operator-published materials.
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 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.

















