Page 5 of Best Independent Living in North Carolina

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 150 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
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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.
150 homes
Other senior care options in North Carolina:
Avg Walk Score: 35/ 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

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. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. 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.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
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.
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.
Caremoor Retirement Center
IL
AL
RESC
Kannapolis
30
Facility 30
NC AVG 70
Rank #308 / 368
No
3
Facility 3
NC AVG 35
Rank #488 / 508
--
89.50/200
Facility 89.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #264 / 321
10
90%
Facility 90%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #84 / 333
-
Kingswood Reserve
IL
AL
MC
RC
Clayton
66
Facility 66
NC AVG 70
Rank #182 / 368
No---
99.50/200
Facility 99.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #145 / 321
1
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #138 / 333
-
WhiteStone
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Greensboro
60
Facility 60
NC AVG 70
Rank #214 / 368
Yes
31
Facility 31
NC AVG 35
Rank #276 / 508
85.7%
Facility 85.7%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #70 / 213
A+----1 Bed / 2 Bed
St. Joseph of the Pines, a CCRC
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Southern Pines
176
Facility 176
NC AVG 70
Rank #5 / 368
Yes
2
Facility 2
NC AVG 35
Rank #498 / 508
41.6%
Facility 41.6%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #173 / 213
A+----Private Rooms
Wesley Pines
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Lumberton
62
Facility 62
NC AVG 70
Rank #206 / 368
Yes
9
Facility 9
NC AVG 35
Rank #439 / 508
88.5%
Facility 88.5%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #59 / 213
A+----1 Bed / Cottage / Villa
Champions Assisted Living at the Davis Community
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Wilmington
115
Facility 115
NC AVG 70
Rank #45 / 368
Yes
6
Facility 6
NC AVG 35
Rank #460 / 508
93.9%
Facility 93.9%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #41 / 213
-----1 Bed / 2 Bed
Dunmore Senior Living of Siler City
IL
AL
MC
RC
Siler City
86
Facility 86
NC AVG 70
Rank #112 / 368
No
65
Facility 65
NC AVG 35
Rank #38 / 508
22.1%
Facility 22.1%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #211 / 213
-
91.50/200
Facility 91.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #252 / 321
8
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #138 / 333
-
Friends Homes
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Greensboro (Guilford College)
69
Facility 69
NC AVG 70
Rank #176 / 368
No
35
Facility 35
NC AVG 35
Rank #244 / 508
95.1%
Facility 95.1%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #36 / 213
-----Villa Apartments / Townhomes / Apartments / Cottages
Aldersgate
IL
AL
HOS
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Charlotte (Windsor Park)
-No
40
Facility 40
NC AVG 35
Rank #211 / 508
-A+--3
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #138 / 333
1 Bed / 2 Bed
Haywood House
IL
Canton
60
Facility 60
NC AVG 70
Rank #214 / 368
No
61
Facility 61
NC AVG 35
Rank #59 / 508
---
0.00/200
Facility 0.00/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #305 / 321
9
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #138 / 333
-

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every NC community we track that reports that metric, not just the 150 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Caremoor Retirement Center

4876 Caremoor Place Kannapolis, Nc 28081, Kannapolis, NC 28081
Overview of Caremoor Retirement Center

Caremoor Retirement Center is a 30-bed independent living, assisted living, and residential care community at 4876 Caremoor Place in Kannapolis, North Carolina. The neighborhood is car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 3, so most errands and outings call for a vehicle rather than a walk. The community sits on a broader campus that includes a licensed family care home alongside its independent living and assisted living services.

Caremoor does not accept Medicaid or Medicare, so residents and families should plan on private pay for services here. State inspections of the facility have covered a range of areas over the years, including medication management, care planning and documentation, dietary and food service, housekeeping and upkeep, fire-safety systems, and environmental and hazardous-materials safety. These are the standard categories regulators review across assisted living and residential care homes in North Carolina.

The setting suits families looking for a smaller, campus-style community that combines several levels of care in one location, from independent living through assisted living and family care home services, without accepting public insurance coverage for the cost.

Contact Caremoor Retirement Center

Overview of Kingswood Reserve

You can find Kingswood Reserve at 263 Mckenzie Ridge Drive in Clayton, North Carolina, which is a nice town in Johnston County just southeast of Raleigh. This community is ready to help because they have licenses for independent living, assisted living, memory care, and even short-term respite care.

The building is a good size with 66 beds inside, but you should know that the neighborhood has a Walk Score of zero. Since it is considered a place where you need a car to get around, families and residents will need to plan on driving whenever they have errands to run or doctor appointments to keep.

Real nurses and nursing assistants work here every single day, and they stay on duty for 24 hours to make sure everyone is safe. They also offer respite care for people who only need to stay for a little while, and the whole area is fenced and locked so that residents who might get confused and wander off will stay right where they belong.

The staff takes care of the daily chores like cleaning, fixing things, and driving people where they need to go. When it is time to eat, the meals are served like you are at a nice restaurant instead of a school lunchroom, and there are plenty of shared spots to enjoy, such as a library, a fun movie room, and a backyard area for anyone who wants some fresh air.

State inspectors from North Carolina come by without warning to check on these homes, and when they visited Kingswood Reserve, they looked closely at how medicine is given, how records are kept, and how safe the building is for everyone. In the end, Kingswood Reserve is a medium-sized home in Clayton that offers four types of help, and while you do need a car to live there, they provide professional care and a very safe place to stay around the clock.

Contact Kingswood Reserve

WhiteStone

700 S Holden Rd, Greensboro, NC 27407
Overview of WhiteStone

WhiteStone is a blissful senior living community in Guilford County, Greensboro, NC, offering a vibrant independent living environment. Residents are provided plenty of options for their living space, including spacious apartments, cozy cottages, and free standing single residences, set in beautifully maintained 42-acre ground. In addition to a maintenance-free living, residents are also given access to an array of healthcare services, such as routine checkups, rehabilitation therapy, short- and long-term skilled nursing, and memory care should they need it.

Without the worries of housekeeping, maintenance, and meal preparation, residents can focus on living their life to the fullest. Hence, the community offers plenty of beautiful amenities and enriching activities. Here, residents are free to pursue their hobbies, explore new interests, make new friends, or visit all those places they’ve always wanted to explore.

Contact WhiteStone

Overview of St. Joseph of the Pines, a CCRC

St. Joseph of the Pines by the Trinity Health community delivers quality service thoughtfully designed to offer both convenience and comfort in one setting. The continuing care retirement home specializes in independent living assisted living, and nursing care services. Reflected on their recognition by the U.S. News and World Report as the Best Nursing Homes for short-term rehabilitation, one can understand the home’s value. St. Joseph of the Pines continuously improves the lives of its residents by creating a cozy environment where an abundance of opportunities is available. 

The lifestyle at St. Joseph’s practices a personalized care approach anchored by the trusted bond between residents and staff; personal care services include ADLs, 24-hour care and nursing, medication administration, engaging programs, and on-site therapy services– speech, physical, and occupational. 

Contact St. Joseph of the Pines, a CCRC

Wesley Pines

1000 Wesley Pines Rd, Lumberton, NC 28358
Overview of Wesley Pines

With its rich history of providing exceptional senior care since 1977, Wesley Pines Retirement Community in the beautiful setting of Wesley Pines Road, Lumberton, NC features independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. Set on 49 acres of serene grounds, the community has a variety of cottages and villas with two-bedroom floor plans for seniors to live comfortably and safely. As a life plan community, Wesley Pines Retirement Community doubles its efforts to meet seniors’ ever-changing needs and aspirations.

Handling the maintenance and other household responsibilities, the community provides a full slate of enjoyable activities and fun programs for residents to remain happy and well-connected. Here, healthy and delightful dining options are served for a satisfactory mealtime. Wesley Pines Retirement Community offers top-tier services and incredible amenities, ensuring seniors optimize their freedom.

Contact Wesley Pines

Overview of Champions Assisted Living at the Davis Community

Champions Assisted Living, located within The Davis Communities in Wilmington, NC, is a senior living community specifically designed for The Davies Communities’ residents living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. They provide assisted living services along with memory care, in their one-to-two bedroom units equipped with living area, ample closet space, kitchenette, and private bathroom. As part of their assisted living services, the residents are provided round-the-clock availability of staff for supervision and assistance, diabetic care, medication management, and monthly wellness checkup, as well as therapy services.

The residents of Champions Assisted Living are also able to enjoy a myriad of amenities they offer including meal preparation services and dining options within the community, assistance with daily living activities, mobility and transportation assistance, access to fitness rooms and pool, and grooming services at the salon and spa. Being conveniently situated within the Davis Communities, Champions Assisted Living Services are also provided access to their auditorium, club room, and art studio. Lastly, they offer laundry and housekeeping services, to ensure the overall comfort of their residents’ stay.

Contact Champions Assisted Living at the Davis Community

Dunmore Senior Living of Siler City

260 Village Lake Road Siler City, Nc 27344, Siler City, NC 27344
Overview of Dunmore Senior Living of Siler City

Dunmore Senior Living of Siler City provides assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care in Siler City, NC. Assisted living offers help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication, while independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, and respite care offers a short stay for a family whose usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

The range of care levels may be a good fit for a resident whose needs may change over time, since they can move between care levels without leaving the community or starting over socially. The community has 86 beds. With a Walk Score of 65, the area is somewhat walkable, so some errands can be done on foot.

Contact Dunmore Senior Living of Siler City

Overview of Friends Homes

Located in Guilford County, Greensboro, NC, Friends Homes is an inviting senior living community that offers a safe haven far from the hustle and bustle of city life. The community features an array of living options, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care, ensuring a smooth transition should residents’ needs change. Residents can choose from a variety of thoughtfully designed floor plans for enjoying life without having to worry about everyday maintenance and upkeep, guaranteeing a worry-free lifestyle.

Dedicated to creating an enriching and vibrant environment, the community conducts a wide array of activities and offers plenty of relaxing spaces for peaceful personal times and vibrant interactions with friends and fellow residents. The community’s ideal location also provides easy access to a variety of shops, grocery stores, and restaurants whenever residents want to go out and explore. Residents also enjoy access to a wellness center with a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor heated pool, and a sports court to foster fitness and well-being.

Contact Friends Homes

Overview of Aldersgate

Situated along Shamrock Drive, Givens Aldersgate is a life plan community in Charlotte, NC, that offers assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. With a 230-acre campus, this 120-bed community provides a variety of accommodations, including private suites for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Daily housekeeping, personal laundry, chef-prepared meals, and personal transportation are also provided to enrich residents’ living experiences. Nursing assistance is also available 24/7, along with physician services, to ensure accessibility of care at all times.

Enrichment activities, gardening, and spiritual support promote holistic wellness and encourage residents to live actively. Physical & speech therapy, as well as medication management, are also provided for residents’ welfare. Its location is also relatively walkable, with a walkability score of 40, indicating that some services can be reached on foot. Currently, the community has 93.8% occupancy, with an average length of stay of 50 days.

Contact Aldersgate

Haywood House

145 N Main St. Canton, Nc 28716, Canton, NC 28716
Overview of Haywood House

Haywood House sits at 145 N Main St in Canton, North Carolina. It is an independent living community with 60 beds, positioned on the town’s main commercial street. Downtown businesses and services are close by. The Walk Score of 61 puts the area in moderately walkable territory, so some errands work on foot and others require driving.

Independent living generally fits older adults who handle their own daily routines. What they are buying here is housing without the maintenance obligations of a private home.

The apartments include heat and hot water in the rent. Energy Star appliances, a dishwasher, and a microwave come standard, and the units carry modern fixtures, quality cabinetry and windows, and low-maintenance flooring. Cable and internet are ready at move-in. An elevator serves the building.

Shared space is a real part of the offering. Residents have a community center and library, a fitness center, and common outdoor seating areas at the studio level. Central laundry operates on site, which removes both the appliance upkeep and the trip to an outside facility.

North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation conducts unannounced surveys of licensed communities in the state. At Haywood House, inspection themes have covered medication management, fire-safety systems, care planning and documentation, resident rights and protections, and housekeeping and upkeep.

Contact Haywood House

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 150 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.