Other senior care options in North Carolina:

Page 13 of Best Independent Living in North Carolina

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 146 independent living communities in NC using NC Dept. of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in NC
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jul 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

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
Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes

The East Tower at Cardinal North Hills

320 St. Albans Drive Raleigh, Nc 27609, Raleigh, NC 27609
Overview of The East Tower at Cardinal North Hills
The Cardinal at North Hills is a luxury senior living community located in Raleigh, North Carolina. It offers a range of services including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Residents enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with numerous amenities and activities designed to enhance their quality of life.

Contact The East Tower at Cardinal North Hills

Overview of Arbor Ridge at Stanleyville

Located on Arbor View Lane in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Arbor Ridge at Stanleyville is an independent living community. It offers flexible floor plans with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units in a two-story building to accommodate a range of preferences and needs.

Starting at $2,745 per month, the community provides an affordable entry point into independent living for older adults looking for a residential environment with built-in support and community. The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 18, which means that most errands will require a car. The community is better suited for residents who drive or have regular access to transportation.

Families should take a tour to get additional details about specific amenities, activities, services, or to discuss move-in options.

Contact Arbor Ridge at Stanleyville

Overview of Carolina Estates Gracious Retirement Living

Carolina Estates Gracious Retirement Living is an independent living community in the White Horse Farms neighborhood of Greensboro. Operating for 16 years, the community on Old Battleground Road occupies a three-story building with studio, one-, and two-bedroom floor plans to cater to varying preferences and needs.

As an independent living community, Carolina Estates Gracious Retirement Living serves seniors wanting to maintain an active lifestyle with a residential community’s support and social engagement. Occupants handle their own apartments while benefiting from community amenities, programming, and services built to foster connection and well-being. The car-dependent neighborhood bears a Walk Score of 13, so most residents and visiting families rely on personal vehicles for shopping, appointments, and outings. The suburban setting attracts those who value a calmer, residential environment over a busier commercial area. The three-story layout and diverse housing options give interested residents choices in terms of space and floor level. The 16-year operation denotes an established presence in Greensboro, which can be reassuring to those looking for a stable, proven community.

It’s encouraged that prospective residents and families tour Carolina Estates Gracious Retirement Living in person to see the floor plans, common spaces, and daily programming firsthand. This will give a clear sense of its culture and whether it matches what the resident or their family seeks.

Contact Carolina Estates Gracious Retirement Living

Overview of Carolina Pines Retirement Community

Carolina Pines
Greensboro’s Independent Retirement Community
Under Construction

Welcome to Worry-Free Senior Living in Greensboro!
Resting along the southwest edge of greater Greensboro, Carolina Pines offers easy access to vibrant shopping,
dining, and entertainment. Residents can explore downtown or nearby High Point, Jamestown, and WinstonSalem. With parks and lush forests nearby, the community provides a peaceful escape from city life.

Schedule a tour and join us for lunch. You’ll love what Carolina Pines has to offer for independent retirement living.

2998 Alamance Road
Greensboro, NC 27407

Carolina Pines Retirement Community

Discover the joy and ease of all-inclusive retirement living. Picture yourself in a luxurious, safe, and
vibrant community with a fantastic location for fun local outings. With three chef-prepared meals
offered daily, and weekly housekeeping and maintenance included, you’ll have more time for family,
friends, and the other important things in life. This vision comes to life at Carolina Pines Retirement Community

Designed for comfort, our apartment homes come in a variety of floor plans. Each living space features
window coverings, a climate-controlled thermostat, and ample closet space. The apartment kitchens are
also equipped with full-sized appliances. You are free to decorate your unit around your unique tastes.
Pets are also warmly welcome for no additional fee.

Our Signature Freedom Dining program is the focal point of the resort lifestyle and often the most
praised feature of our community. Our executive chef prepares three quality meals daily with an
evolving menu, fresh ingredients, and diet-conscious recipes. Can’t make it to dinner? No worries. With
our meal delivery service, we’ll prepare you a plate and bring it to your door. You can also visit the
“chef’s pantry” for snacks any time – day or night.

The most important part of our community is the shared spaces that allow you to meet other residents,
celebrate fun and memorable moments, and relax. Our common areas include a 150-seat theater,
library, billiards room, arcade, conversation areas, a lounge with bar, superb fitness and exercise room,
spa area, and business center. Our Lifestyle Director plans monthly community events around these
spaces, allowing you to practice new skills, see new things, meet new people, and much more.

While our community focuses on making your retirement fun and fulfilling, our greatest priority is your
safety. Our managers are your neighbors and live on-site to ensure you are happily enjoying your best
retirement life. With our 24/7 Emergency Alert System, round-the clock concierge, and live-in managers
there’s never a moment when you are unable to reach somebody for help!

Our gorgeous community is full of amenities and services, allowing you to enjoy all the conveniences of
all-inclusive living without the hassle of upkeep. Our ample list of amenities and robust social calendar
offers you choice and flexibility in how you choose to spend your time.

Additionally, if you’re ever craving a change of scenery and don’t want to leave behind the comforts we
offer, no worries! With our travel program, you can explore the country while staying at any of our other
Resort Lifestyle Communities locations for no additional cost.

Relax in the theater while watching a movie or get active in a group fitness class; spend teatime with the
gals or watch a game with the guys; cuddle up with a good book or go join a happy hour for fun times
with the neighbors! However you wish to spend your time, we are here to support the retirement of
your dreams.

Retire well. Retire here. Call today to schedule a private tour!

Contact Carolina Pines Retirement Community

Haywood House

145 N Main St. Canton, Nc 28716, Canton, NC 28716
Overview of Haywood House
Haywood House is a senior living community in Newton, MA, offering income-restricted apartment rentals for seniors aged 62 and older. The property features 55 one-bedroom units in a modern 4-story building with various amenities. Residents can enjoy a fitness center, community center, and library.

Contact Haywood House

Overview of Holiday Creekside Terrace

A proud Atria senior living community member, Holiday Creekside Terrace has built one of the finest senior living communities in Winston-Salem. Their commitment to ensuring that an individual can feel independent while being engaged is one of their utmost priorities for a balanced lifestyle; they ensure that their residents are healthy and active. Holiday Creekside Terrace has provided a diverse and inclusive environment, offering a strong sense of family.

The premier community boasts an elevated lifestyle through the essential service provided for seniors with independent living. Their all-inclusive amenities include daily delicious and nutritious meals by a chef, weekly housekeeping and laundry, and everyday fitness activities with their finest gym equipment. They also provide every private apartment with an emergency call system. 

Contact Holiday Creekside Terrace

Overview of Bella Vista Gracious Retirement Living

Bella Vista Gracious Retirement Living is an independent living community on Piney Mountain Drive in Asheville, North Carolina. The mid-rise residence has three housing options: studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, to accommodate varying preferences and household sizes. The Asheville location scores 13 on the Walk Score ladder, signifying a car-dependent area where most errands and daily activities demand a vehicle. The surrounding setting reflects the car-reliant suburban nature of the neighborhood.

For families thinking of independent living in Asheville, Bella Vista Gracious Retirement Living offers a residential option in the area. More details about daily activities, dining, amenities, and community life would help finalize your decision amid an in-person tour.

Contact Bella Vista Gracious Retirement Living

Overview of Solista Durham by Cogir

Spend your golden years living as you prefer with Solista Durham by Cogir in Emerald Pond Lane, Durham, NC, which offers independent living. Here, residents enjoy comfort and safety with a 24/7 emergency and non-emergency response alongside a variety of specially designed studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences. The community also utilizes innovations like the Lively Mobile Plus Device to ensure residents are well cared for without restraining their freedom.

A robust calendar of enjoyable activities and engaging programs accompanies residents as they try out new things and elevate their retirement. Enjoy mealtimes with friends with the community’s healthy and delectable restaurant-style dining. Amenities also include a media room, a game room, a library, a salon and barbershop, serene gardens, and community grounds.

Contact Solista Durham 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

Heritage Hills Senior Living

3200 Heritage Cir, Hendersonville, NC 28791
Overview of Heritage Hills Senior Living

Heritage Hills Senior Living provides a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. Located in the picturesque town of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Heritage Hills, this senior community is proud to offer specialized memory care for residents living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Heritage Hills Senior Living‘s programs also include dementia-specific programming and tailored care routines, ensuring that individuals receive the care and support they need in a compassionate and understanding environment. The independent living options at Heritage Hills include chef-prepared dining, housekeeping services, and access to a wide range of amenities, striking an ideal balance between convenience and independence. Residents of this senior community can revel in endless opportunities for fun and relaxation.

Contact Heritage Hills Senior Living

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
Submit a correction
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.