Page 6 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
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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. 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. 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.
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 #53 / 62
No
3
Facility 3
NC AVG 34
Rank #135 / 142
-
89.50/200
Facility 89.50/200
NC AVG 94.6
Rank #37 / 40
B+15-
Mill Creek Manor
IL
AL
MC
Statesville
80
Facility 80
NC AVG 70
Rank #20 / 62
Yes
81
Facility 81
NC AVG 34
Rank #2 / 142
81.3%
Facility 81.3%
NC AVG 72.6%
Rank #16 / 39
72.75/200
Facility 72.75/200
NC AVG 94.6
Rank #39 / 40
D-26-
Kingswood Reserve
IL
AL
MC
RC
Clayton
66
Facility 66
NC AVG 70
Rank #27 / 62
No--
99.50/200
Facility 99.50/200
NC AVG 94.6
Rank #22 / 40
?1-
Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Wilmington (Windemere)
30
Facility 30
NC AVG 70
Rank #53 / 62
No
18
Facility 18
NC AVG 34
Rank #103 / 142
99.3%
Facility 99.3%
NC AVG 72.6%
Rank #4 / 39
--?-1 Bed / 2 Bed
Haywood House
IL
Canton
60
Facility 60
NC AVG 70
Rank #35 / 62
No
61
Facility 61
NC AVG 34
Rank #16 / 142
-
11.50/200
Facility 11.50/200
NC AVG 94.6
Rank #39 / 40
B-15-
Piedmont Crossing
IL
AL
HC
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Thomasville
104
Facility 104
NC AVG 70
Rank #11 / 62
Yes
4
Facility 4
NC AVG 34
Rank #132 / 142
76.3%
Facility 76.3%
NC AVG 72.6%
Rank #24 / 39
--?-1 Bed / 2 Bed
River Landing At Sandy Ridge
IL
AL
MC
NH
Colfax
60
Facility 60
NC AVG 70
Rank #35 / 62
Yes
7
Facility 7
NC AVG 34
Rank #124 / 142
90.3%
Facility 90.3%
NC AVG 72.6%
Rank #11 / 39
--?-Apartments / Cottages / Townhomes / Villas
The Oaks at Whitaker Glen
IL
AL
CCRC
HC
MC
NH
SNF
Raleigh (Five Points)
139
Facility 139
NC AVG 70
Rank #6 / 62
No
28
Facility 28
NC AVG 34
Rank #85 / 142
---?--
Trinity Elms Health and Rehab
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Clemmons
100
Facility 100
NC AVG 70
Rank #13 / 62
No
26
Facility 26
NC AVG 34
Rank #88 / 142
90.8%
Facility 90.8%
NC AVG 72.6%
Rank #9 / 39
--?--
The Sharon at SouthPark
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Charlotte (Beverly Woods)
19
Facility 19
NC AVG 70
Rank #58 / 62
Yes
49
Facility 49
NC AVG 34
Rank #42 / 142
36.3%
Facility 36.3%
NC AVG 72.6%
Rank #36 / 39
--?-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

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Caremoor Retirement Center

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

Caremoor Retirement Center offers assisted living, independent living, and residential care in Kannapolis, NC. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident lives in an apartment; Independent living provides private apartments without daily care.

The residential care offering includes the community’s Family Care Home program. With 30 beds, Caremoor is a smaller community where staff and residents get to know each other, and the combination of independent apartments, a Family Care Home, and assisted living may suit someone comparing different levels of residential support within one community.

Contact Caremoor Retirement Center

Mill Creek Manor

1902 Ora Drive Statesville, Nc 28625, Statesville, NC 28625
Overview of Mill Creek Manor

Mill Creek Manor in Statesville, North Carolina, accommodates seniors across independent living, assisted living, memory care, and short-term respite stays. Independent living offers private quarters paired with shared community perks, while assisted living aids residents with personal routines like bathing, dressing, and managing medications. For seniors prone to wandering, the memory care program supplies continuous oversight in a secured area. Temporary respite stays allow primary home caregivers time off for personal travel or recuperation.

Director Aleshia Jenkins manages the 80-bed residence. Amenities include an outdoor courtyard, a salon and spa, pet-friendly policies, and three daily meals served restaurant-style in either the dining room or private quarters. Situated in a highly walkable location with an 81 walk score, the setting allows non-driving residents to stroll to nearby cafes, retail stores, and pharmacies for routine errands.

Prospective families considering a flexible senior community that accommodates changing care needs can reach out to Mill Creek Manor to ask about room openings or plan a personal tour.

Contact Mill Creek Manor

Overview of Kingswood Reserve

Kingswood Reserve offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care in Clayton, North Carolina. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while respite care provides a short stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

Several care levels in one community can suit a resident whose needs grow over time, because a move may happen without leaving the community or starting over socially. The setting can change with them. Respite care can also support a family caregiver who needs a temporary care arrangement. Restaurant-style dining includes options for special diets as needed, so a resident with dietary requirements can receive meals prepared for those needs. Kingswood Reserve has 66 beds, and Jason Castro serves as director.

Contact Kingswood Reserve

Overview of Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall

Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall is a luxury retirement home in Wilmington. With an emphasis on memory care living, the premier home provides a comfortable environment for assisted living, independent living, and skilled nursing residents. The upscale home offers a professional care staff that ensures that residents can create memorable moments through the elevated lifestyle and experiences provided in the community. A home that encourages, empowers, and elevates the lifestyles of its seniors for an enhanced aging experience.

Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall has designed residential living to help fulfill a sense of independence and individuality for each resident. Community accommodations offer all-inclusive services, including spacious common areas, recreational rooms, housekeeping, assisted living for Alzheimer’s and dementia, and transportation services.

Starting Price $5,951/Month

Contact Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall

Haywood House

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

Haywood House in Canton, North Carolina, offers independent senior living featuring one-bedroom floor plans with distinct living and sleeping quarters. Designed for active adults who manage their own daily care, the property combines private apartment living with accessible shared community amenities.

Maloney Properties owns and operates this location. The facilities feature a community center, a resident library, and outdoor studio seating areas. Positioned in a neighborhood with a 61 walk score, the location enables residents to complete select daily errands on foot.

Interested individuals exploring independent senior apartments in Canton can reach out to Haywood House to inquire about current unit availability, lease details, or property walkthroughs.

Contact Haywood House

Piedmont Crossing

100 Hedrick Dr, Thomasville, NC 27360
Overview of Piedmont Crossing

Set in 61 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds at Thomasville, NC, Piedmont Crossing is a charming senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and comprehensive continuing care services. A variety of beautifully designed cottages, villas, and apartments await residents, providing them a variety of options to choose their ideal residence. The community offers extensive services, including healthcare, memory care, and rehabilitation to ensure residents are provided compassionate care that meets their physical and safety needs.

With 24-hour emergency system and night security services, as well as access to continuum of care, residents can freely focus on continuing an active lifestyle, with plenty of activities and amenities to explore on-site. Explore your favorite hobbies or try something new with a wide array of activities, classes, and resident programs offered. A variety of dining options with menus developed to meet resident preferences and overseen by a registered dietician, is offered to ensure residents always have the energy to stay active and engaged.

Contact Piedmont Crossing

Overview of River Landing at Sandy Ridge

River Landing at Sandy Ridge in Guilford County, Colfax, NC is a lively senior living community that offers a comfortable oasis for continuing care. The community offers assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation, to ensure residents’ care needs are provided even as it evolves. Choose from eleven floor plans, ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedrooms, complete with walk-in closets, tile flooring, laundry closets, and modern appliances for a comfortable living space.

At River Landing at Sandy Ridge, residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle with weekly housekeeping, bed linen service, and maintenance and repair services provided. Residents can freely pursue their passions, discover new interests or explore the joys of retirement. The community also offers a personalized program that focuses on residents’ whole person and provides opportunities that benefit their health and the community environment.

Contact River Landing At Sandy Ridge

Overview of The Oaks at Whitaker Glen

The Oaks at Whitaker Glen situated in the peaceful community of Raleigh, NC offers a seamless blend of expert care and refined living. In partnership with PruittHealth, the community provides a comprehensive range of healthcare services designed to meet diverse needs with personalized and attentive support. Residents can choose from well-designed floor plans, including open one-bedroom units and two-bedroom options with an additional spare room, ensuring comfort and flexibility.

Amenities include a dining area with delicious meals, recreation and fitness programs, spa services, and a pharmacy. The community features a theater, art studio, billiards and card room, and various leisure spaces for relaxation and enjoyment. The Oaks at Whitaker Glen combines exceptional care with a vibrant community, creating a place where every day is enriching and fulfilling.

Contact The Oaks at Whitaker Glen

Overview of Trinity Elms Health and Rehab

Situated in the picturesque surroundings of Clemmons, North Carolina, Trinity Elms encompasses a diverse array of services designed to cater to the multifaceted needs of its residents. This vibrant campus extends its offerings to include assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and independent living apartments. Operated by the not-for-profit Lutheran Services Carolinas, Trinity Elms boasts amenities that may otherwise be considered cost-prohibitive at for-profit facilities.

Trinity Elms Assisted Living’s staff is dedicated to walking alongside residents, providing them with the care and support required to preserve their cherished independence within a community that radiates warmth. Unique highlights include an inviting ice cream parlor, outdoor walking trails, and a serene indoor courtyard, all fostering a sense of belonging. Trinity Elms’ recognition further exemplifies this dedication to senior residents’ well-being and comfort as a 2016 Excellence in Action award winner, a testament to the high satisfaction rates experienced by its residents.

Contact Trinity Elms Health and Rehab

Overview of The Sharon at SouthPark

Make your dream retirement come true with The Sharon at SouthPark, a compassionate community in Charlotte, NC, offering a continuum of care. Residents here have access to independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care provided by a team of kind and compassionate care experts. Their relaxing community is peacefully set amidst a 28-acre campus with easy access to shops, recreational amenities, and entertainment options in the area.

In addition to convenient services like housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance, the community provides access to a wide selection of hotel-like amenities, including gathering venues, recreational spaces, and wellness & fitness areas. Multiple dining areas and diverse menus are also available to ensure residents’ cravings and nutritional needs are met. Whatever your interests and passions are, The Sharon at SouthPark provides the opportunities and spaces you need to enjoy them while receiving compassionate care and assistance.

Contact The Sharon at SouthPark

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
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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
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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 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.