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 Gardens of Statesville Assisted Living

Gardens of Statesville is a serene oasis in North Carolina, surrounded by lush greenery. The home provides an ideal retreat for seniors seeking memory care, independent living, and assisted living options. This well-established community takes pride in offering care while creating a comfortable environment. Every aspect of the community is carefully curated to exude comfort, from the well-appointed furniture to the housekeeping and transportation services, ensuring that residents feel pampered and at ease.
Spacious common areas are thoughtfully designed to encourage social interactions and provide a sense of togetherness among residents. The community boasts a beauty salon and a delightful dining space where residents can indulge in relaxation and culinary delights. It is also a pet-friendly haven, allowing furry friends to be a part of residents’ mundane living. With a wide array of engaging activities, such as outings, social gatherings, arts and crafts sessions, and invigorating exercise classes, seniors can enjoy a vibrant, fulfilling lifestyle.

Contact The Gardens of Statesville Assisted Living

Overview of Parkview Retirement Center, INC.

We are Sanford’s only retirement community to offer several types of senior living. Located on thirty-three acres of beautiful land across from Kiwanis Park in Sanford.

At Parkview we are dedicated to providing you with the finest services and features available at an affordable rate and no entrance fee or buy in. Our complex offersIndependent Living Apartments, Secure Wing, and Assisted Living. We are still Locally Owned and Operated. We have set the standard for quality care at affordable prices for over 37 years.

We offer Large Private Rooms and Semi-Private Rooms throughout our Main Assisted Living Facility. These rooms are equipped with either a private bathroom or a shared bathroom. Our main facility also offers Round the clock care with a Nurse on duty 24 hours a day, Assistance with all personal care as needed, Call Bell System in every room, Full Generator Service for Power Failure, Full Sprinkler/Fire System throughout, Spaces for Outdoor and Indoor Gatherings, Vibrant Social Activities, Lots of Outside Community Programs Visit the main building monthly, there are beauty salon services offered on site for those residing in our main building, along with daily room housekeeping and laundry. We are proud to offer delicious Home-cooked meals to our residents.

Our Independent Living Apartments are located outside the main facility on the grounds and offer one bedroom/one bathroom, two bedroom/two bathroom, and/or three Bedroom/two Bathroom Units with spacious closets. All of the Apartment Units are Handicap Accessible with Safety Bath or Showers to help maintain your independence. There is an emergency call bell/pull station located in every unit. There is a social/activity group just for the Apartments. Meals are delivered daily to the individual apartments, and our staff provides one hour a week housekeeping for each unit.

Visit with us today and discover what your new home will feel like!! Be a part of our Parkview Family.

Contact Parkview Retirement Center, Inc.

Overview of Carmel Hills

Live your golden years in a relaxing retirement environment with Carmel Hills, a non-profit, Christian community in Charlotte, NC for residents needing independent living and assisted living. With its intimate and welcoming setting, residents enjoy closer relationships with the care team and fellow residents. Those needing extra care and support can feel at ease with a highly trained team of care professionals available round-the-clock to help them with their personal care, daily living activities, medication management, and more.

By handling the housekeeping and laundry for residents, Carmel Hills gives residents more free time to enjoy their passions and focus on their well-being. The community also organizes an array of activities to bring residents closer together and make sure they have plenty of opportunities to stay active and motivated. Well-balanced meals and replenishing snacks are also available to ensure residents never skip meal times and maintain proper nutrition. With Carmel Hills, residents can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle without worrying about mundane chores or their finances.

Contact Carmel Hills

Overview of Brookdale Charlotte East

Nestled in the vibrant community of Charlotte, NC, Brookdale Charlotte East offers a picturesque setting for independent and assisted living. Enjoy spacious, sunlit common areas that evoke a resort-like ambiance, complemented by pet-friendly apartments featuring private patios or balconies. Residents can engage in daily fitness classes or join scheduled excursions, embracing a maintenance-free lifestyle that celebrates independence. With a 24/7 care team ensuring prompt response to emergencies, you can relax and thrive in a community designed for your comfort and peace of mind.

Discover a fulfilling lifestyle at Brookdale Charlotte East, where every day brings new opportunities for social engagement and personal enrichment. Embrace the freedom from household chores and savor the perks of restaurant-style dining and a vibrant social calendar. Whether you’re seeking vibrant community life or peace and tranquility, the community offers the perfect blend of convenience and care, ensuring you live each day to the fullest.

Contact Brookdale Charlotte East

Overview of The Reserve at Mills Farm

The Reserve at Mills Farm continues to excel in creating a lifestyle that suits the needs of its residents. The luxurious community offers many opportunities for blossoming friendships between staff and residents. Cultivating personal growth and holistic wellness is what they are known for; residents learn to live vibrant social lives during their golden years.

The Reserve offers many activities and amenities that cater to the interests of every senior– it features a recreational room, transportation services, in-house maintenance service, seasonal menus served occasionally, social activities, and wellness programs ensuring that residents stay entertained and engaged throughout the day.

Contact The Reserve at Mills Farm

Cross Road Retirement Community

1302 Old Cox Rd Asheboro, Nc 27205, Usa
Overview of Cross Road Retirement Community

Cross Road Retirement Community in Asheboro, NC offers a continuum of care for seniors seeking independence with varying levels of support. Residents can choose from independent living, assisted living, and memory care options, all designed to promote well-being and a fulfilling lifestyle. Independent living allows seniors to enjoy their own private apartments with the freedom to come and go as they please. Assisted living provides personalized care plans to assist with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication management. Memory care offers a secure environment specifically designed for those with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, featuring specially trained staff and stimulating activities. As a non-profit organization, Cross Road approaches senior care with authenticity and a genuine devotion to providing those in search of care the best service they can.

Contact Cross Road Retirement Community

Overview of Atria Southpoint Walk

Atria Southpoint Walk is a retirement community catering to independent and assisted living needs. It is Just a short distance from Old West Durham and just minutes away from the Duke University Golf Club. Atria Southpoint Walk places a strong focus on residents’ well-being and connections.

Experience a fulfilling and satisfying lifestyle within the community and its inviting surroundings. This assisted living community prides itself on amenities that enhance residents’ lives. Residents can shape their days according to their preferences with chef-prepared meals, a modern fitness center, a cinematic theater, and an enjoyable game room.

Contact Atria Southpoint Walk

Overview of Merrywood on Park

Merrywood on Park is one of the most distinguished independent living facilities. Here, seniors embrace a warm and stylish lifestyle. This remarkable community, which follows the highest assisted living guidelines, offers a range of living options, including independent living, assisted living, and respite care. It is nestled in a tranquil location that radiates serenity.

The apartments and living spaces exude modern elegance, creating a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere. Residents can stay connected to their loved ones through the latest technology, ensuring they remain engaged and connected to the outside world. With various programs and activities, Merrywood on Park ensures that residents can always engage in engaging experiences. And let’s not forget, it’s a pet-friendly environment, welcoming beloved furry companions into the fold. The bistro-style setting is a delightful place to savor these culinary delights. The community goes above and beyond, providing housekeeping services, a convenient on-site pharmacy, personalized nutrition planning, private therapy sessions, and more.

Contact Merrywood on Park

Overview of Waltonwood – Cary

Experience redefined retirement living at Waltonwood’s Luxurious Senior Living. This community’s mission goes beyond being just another Senior Community. They strive to treat each resident and family member with dignity, respect, and personalized care that exceeds expectations. Committed to upholding a “Tradition of Excellence,” Waltonwood is dedicated to going above and beyond for residents and their families.

This care facility offers a lifestyle of utmost independence and choice, surrounded by warm and inviting environments, comfortable amenities, and a compassionate staff. Waltonwood places a strong emphasis on providing personalized services that cater to individual needs, ensuring residents have the freedom to live life on their own terms. The community’s commitment to excellence and attention to detail create an environment where residents can thrive and enjoy a fulfilling retirement experience. With a range of living options available, residents can select from luxurious Independent Living cottages and apartments with optional services, Assisted Living apartments providing customized support, and specialized care for individuals with Dementia/Alzheimer’s. 

Contact Waltonwood – Cary

Overview of Brightmore of South Charlotte

Brightmore of South Charlotte is an exceptional retirement community that celebrates individuality and offers a full-service rental retirement home experience. Step into a vibrant atmosphere where beautifully designed independent living floor plans await, providing the perfect balance of comfort and independence. Brightmore is committed to accommodating diverse needs, offering a range of amenity options catering to residents seeking independent living, memory care units, and residential assisted living.

Indulge in distinctive dining experiences tailored to individual preferences and dietary needs. Immerse yourself in an array of amenities, including a library for literary adventures, an indoor heated pool for invigorating swims, and a beauty salon and barber for personal grooming. Brightmore also welcomes pets, ensuring that residents can cherish the companionship of their furry friends throughout their stay. With conveniences such as storage spaces, building elevators, concierge services, and 24-hour emergency response, every aspect of senior living is meticulously cared for.

Contact Brightmore of South Charlotte

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.