Page 3 of Best Independent Living in North Carolina

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 149 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
We analyzed These are the facilities in North Carolina our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in North Carolina.
149 homes
Other senior care options in North Carolina:

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-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. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HC (Home Care): Professional care delivered in the person's own home, from companionship to skilled nursing. 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.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
NC DHSR Star Rating (0–4 stars). Issued by North Carolina's Division of Health Service Regulation based on annual facility inspections. Stars reflect overall compliance with state health and safety rules - 4 stars requires scores of 100+ on two consecutive annual inspections. Ratings can change between inspections if new violations or licensure actions occur.
DHSR Quality Score (/200). Each annual inspection starts at a base of 100 points. Facilities earn demerit points for violations and citations, and merit points for correcting issues, maintaining resident/family councils, sprinkler systems, and other quality programs. The "/200" display reflects the two most recent annual inspections combined - giving a longer-term view of compliance trends rather than a single snapshot.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Share of inspections that resulted in deficiencies, expressed as a percentage of total inspections in the window.
Housing or bed configuration options (e.g. studio, shared), often from facility-reported amenities and licensing details.
Brookdale Carriage Club Providence II
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Charlotte
34
Facility 34
NC AVG 70
Rank #51 / 62
Yes
16
Facility 16
NC AVG 34
Rank #107 / 142
79.4%
Facility 79.4%
NC AVG 72.6%
Rank #20 / 39
93.00/200
Facility 93.00/200
NC AVG 94.6
Rank #11 / 40
A-13
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 64.9%
Rank #19 / 46
-
The Landings of Rockingham
IL
AL
RC
Reidsville
43
Facility 43
NC AVG 70
Rank #47 / 62
No
62
Facility 62
NC AVG 34
Rank #11 / 142
74.4%
Facility 74.4%
NC AVG 72.6%
Rank #25 / 39
102.00/200
Facility 102.00/200
NC AVG 94.6
Rank #16 / 40
B4
0%
Facility 0%
NC AVG 64.9%
Rank #8 / 46
-
The Cypress of Charlotte
IL
AL
CCRC
HC
MC
NH
SNF
Charlotte (Beverly Woods)
65
Facility 65
NC AVG 70
Rank #30 / 62
No
15
Facility 15
NC AVG 34
Rank #109 / 142
87.4%
Facility 87.4%
NC AVG 72.6%
Rank #13 / 39
--?4
75%
Facility 75%
NC AVG 64.9%
Rank #6 / 46
1 Bed / 2 Bed
Magnolia Glen
IL
AL
Raleigh (Northwest Raleigh)
66
Facility 66
NC AVG 70
Rank #27 / 62
Yes
50
Facility 50
NC AVG 34
Rank #40 / 142
-
103.00/200
Facility 103.00/200
NC AVG 94.6
Rank #5 / 40
A10
60%
Facility 60%
NC AVG 64.9%
Rank #19 / 46
-
Vienna Village
IL
AL
Pfafftown
90
Facility 90
NC AVG 70
Rank #15 / 62
No
36
Facility 36
NC AVG 34
Rank #63 / 142
-
105.00/200
Facility 105.00/200
NC AVG 94.6
Rank #5 / 40
A+13
77%
Facility 77%
NC AVG 64.9%
Rank #19 / 46
-
Marjorie McCune Memorial Center
IL
AL
Black Mountain
64
Facility 64
NC AVG 70
Rank #31 / 62
Yes
75
Facility 75
NC AVG 34
Rank #4 / 142
-
104.00/200
Facility 104.00/200
NC AVG 94.6
Rank #4 / 40
A12
92%
Facility 92%
NC AVG 64.9%
Rank #19 / 46
-
Yadkin Valley Senior Living
IL
AL
RC
Elkin
60
Facility 60
NC AVG 70
Rank #35 / 62
No
60
Facility 60
NC AVG 34
Rank #19 / 142
55.0%
Facility 55.0%
NC AVG 72.6%
Rank #31 / 39
102.00/200
Facility 102.00/200
NC AVG 94.6
Rank #15 / 40
C+20
0%
Facility 0%
NC AVG 64.9%
Rank #19 / 46
-
Waltonwood Lake Boone
IL
AL
MC
Raleigh
68
Facility 68
NC AVG 70
Rank #25 / 62
Yes
61
Facility 61
NC AVG 34
Rank #16 / 142
60.3%
Facility 60.3%
NC AVG 72.6%
Rank #28 / 39
94.50/200
Facility 94.50/200
NC AVG 94.6
Rank #34 / 40
B+7
0%
Facility 0%
NC AVG 64.9%
Rank #19 / 46
-
The Landings of Chestnut Grove
IL
AL
RC
Sparta
40
Facility 40
NC AVG 70
Rank #48 / 62
No
57
Facility 57
NC AVG 34
Rank #26 / 142
-
101.00/200
Facility 101.00/200
NC AVG 94.6
Rank #20 / 40
A+6
83%
Facility 83%
NC AVG 64.9%
Rank #3 / 46
-
Waltonwood – Cary
IL
AL
MC
Cary (Ridgepath)
57
Facility 57
NC AVG 70
Rank #41 / 62
Yes
22
Facility 22
NC AVG 34
Rank #93 / 142
-
101.50/200
Facility 101.50/200
NC AVG 94.6
Rank #16 / 40
A-10
70%
Facility 70%
NC AVG 64.9%
Rank #19 / 46
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other NC independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 149 on this page. See how we rank facilities

Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes
1234...15

Brookdale Carriage Club Providence II

5816 Old Providence Road Charlotte, Nc 28226, Charlotte, NC 28226
Overview of Brookdale Carriage Club Providence II

Brookdale Carriage Club Providence II in Charlotte, North Carolina, houses a complete range of senior living options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term respite. Residents in independent living occupy private units with community perks, while assisted living provides daily personal assistance with bathing, dressing, and medications. On-site 24-hour nursing supervision and a secured memory care wing cater to those requiring specialized clinical attention or safety measures for wandering risks.

Campus features across this 34-bed community include an outdoor swimming pool, landscaped grounds, a salon and spa, pet-friendly residences, and restaurant-style dining. Physical rehabilitation services accommodate individuals through recovery periods after medical events.

Interested individuals looking for flexible care tiers or temporary respite stays can reach Brookdale Carriage Club Providence II to gather pricing details, review current openings, or request a tour of the area.

$3,430/Month

Contact Brookdale Carriage Club Providence II

The Landings of Rockingham

2605 Swallow Rd Reidsville, Nc 27320, Reidsville, NC 27320
Overview of The Landings of Rockingham

Offering assisted living, independent living, and respite care, The Landings of Rockingham is a 43-bed community in Reidsville, NC. 24-hour staffing is also available to ensure accessibility of care around the clock. The community can accommodate those seeking short-term stays with respite services to give their primary caregiver time to rest.

Occupancy is at 74.4%, with 32 beds currently in use. Medicaid is accepted, giving families another payment option when eligible coverage applies. On-site therapy services allow a resident to receive therapy without arranging transportation elsewhere. Moreover, restaurant-style dining offers meals in a setting designed around dining at a table.

A Walk Score of 62 places the area in the somewhat walkable band, so some errands can be done on foot. Moreover, transportation services are available.

Contact The Landings of Rockingham

Overview of The Cypress of Charlotte

Live a wondrous retirement with The Cypress of Charlotte, an astounding community set in the tranquil residential area of Cypress Club Drive, Charlotte, NC, that offers independent living. The community features luxurious and specially designed cottages and villas, providing residents with a wide range of choices for accommodation. Here, residents make the most out of their golden years with the community’s vibrant and inviting environment.

With a full calendar of enriching activities and extensive amenities, residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. Indulge in delightful and healthy meals through the community’s dining venues available all day. The community is equipped with a fireside bistro, a large community hall, a fitness center, an art studio, a library, and serene outdoor verandas, making it an enticing option for those looking to live independently in their golden years.

Contact The Cypress of Charlotte

Overview of Magnolia Glen

With a lodge-like vibe and a focus on balanced living, Magnolia Glen provides a comforting oasis where residents can enjoy their twilight years to the fullest. The community is conveniently located near Crabtree Valley Mall and Interstate 440, making it easily accessible for families and friends to visit. With no buy-in fees and emergency response services available, Magnolia Glen provides peace of mind for both residents and their families.

They also take pride in creating an ambience of sophistication and warmth, where residents feel welcomed and valued. The dining experience is one-of-a-kind, with cuisines to suit diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Meals are lovingly prepared by skilled chefs, creating a memorable experience for residents to savor and enjoy. In addition to exceptional dining, Magnolia Glen offers on-site therapies to support the physical and emotional well-being of residents. Bi-weekly housekeeping ensures a clean and comfortable living environment, while their aquatic programs provide a soothing and invigorating way to stay active.

Contact Magnolia Glen

Vienna Village

6601 Yadkinville Road Pfafftown, Nc 27040, Pfafftown, NC 27040
Overview of Vienna Village

Vienna Village offers assisted living and independent living in Pfafftown, NC. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care.

Vienna Village has 90 beds. With both care levels available, the community may be a good fit for a resident whose needs may grow and who could move between care levels without leaving the community. The area has a Walk Score of 36 and is car-dependent, so most errands require a car or a ride, and a resident who no longer drives would need transportation for those trips.

Contact Vienna Village

Marjorie McCune Memorial Center

101 Lions Way Black Mountain, Nc 28711, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Overview of Marjorie McCune Memorial Center

Located in Black Mountain, NC, Marjorie McCune Memorial Center offers assisted living, independent living, and respite care. The community has a doctor on-site and 24-hour staffing, allowing residents to access nursing services and other care options whenever needed. Rehabilitation services are also available to help improve residents’ ability to function.

Moreover, respite care provides a short-term stay when a usual caregiver needs temporary support. The center has 64 beds, with rates starting from $3,000 for a semi-private room and $6,000 for a private room, giving families two room arrangements with different levels of personal space. Medicaid is accepted, which may help a family use that program toward eligible costs.

A salon, transportation, religious services, special events, and outings are available on-site. Housekeeping, laundry, and three meals daily are also provided for convenience. Moreover, pets are allowed, so a resident may be able to bring an animal companion when moving in.

The area has a Walk Score of 75, meaning it is very walkable and most errands can be done on foot, suggesting that a resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby errands independently.

$3,000/Month

Contact Marjorie McCune Memorial Center

Yadkin Valley Senior Living

500 Johnson Ridge Road Elkin, Nc 28621, Elkin, NC 28621
Overview of Yadkin Valley Senior Living

Yadkin Valley Senior Living occupies an Elkin, NC address, with assisted living, respite care, and independent living on the license. Assisted living here is help with daily tasks. Independent living leaves the daily care out and keeps what the community runs in.

Respite covers a stretch a caregiver cannot be there for, a busy season, or a trip that will not move. The license here allows 60 beds.

Each week brings 14 or more hours of planned group activities, Bingo, exercise, socials, crafts, and outings among them. On-Site Medical Care is a named program, and rehabilitation services are listed too, so therapy does not send a resident out of the building. Sixty on the walking scale is the somewhat walkable band, so some of what a resident wants stays possible without asking for a lift.

Contact Yadkin Valley Senior Living

Waltonwood Lake Boone

3560 Horton Street Raleigh, Nc 27607, Raleigh, NC 27607
Overview of Waltonwood Lake Boone

Memory care, assisted living, and independent living are the three levels Waltonwood Lake Boone offers in Raleigh, NC. Independent living is private living with the community’s services attached, and no daily care included. Assisted living adds help with dressing, bathing, and medication.

A secured setting with supervision is what memory care means for a resident at risk of wandering. The building holds 68 beds. Because all three levels are at one address, more help can start without the person changing where they live.

Walking gets a score of 61 here, inside the somewhat walkable band. That changes what a visit can be, since family arriving for an afternoon can spend part of it on foot instead of back in the car. Pets are allowed, so an animal comes along with the person.

Contact Waltonwood Lake Boone

The Landings of Chestnut Grove

158 Chestnut Grove Church Road Sparta, Nc 28675, Sparta, NC 28675
Overview of The Landings of Chestnut Grove

Assisted living, respite care, and independent living are the three care types The Landings of Chestnut Grove holds in Sparta, NC. Independent living carries community services and no daily care. Assisted living adds help with bathing, dressing, medication management, and other daily tasks. Respite care is a short-term stay, arranged around a caregiver’s own trip or recovery.

Forty beds make it small, which is the setting a resident gets known in. With independent living and assisted living both licensed here, living independently now does not close off more help later. Medicaid works here as payment, which matters to a family whose savings will not stretch to a long stay.

A library is on the list of amenities, and transportation is available for outings and appointments. At 57, the Walk Score puts a few errands within a walk, so a non-driver can still reach some of them alone and on foot.

Contact The Landings of Chestnut Grove

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

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

Independent Living in North Carolina at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 34/ 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: 70The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in North Carolina. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90
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 149 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.