Page 6 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
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.
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. 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.
Housing or bed configuration options (e.g. studio, shared), often from facility-reported amenities and licensing details.
River Landing At Sandy Ridge
IL
AL
MC
NH
Colfax
60
Facility 60
NC AVG 70
Rank #214 / 368
Yes
7
Facility 7
NC AVG 35
Rank #452 / 508
90.3%
Facility 90.3%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #53 / 213
Apartments / Cottages / Townhomes / Villas
Piedmont Crossing
IL
AL
HC
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Thomasville
104
Facility 104
NC AVG 70
Rank #58 / 368
Yes
4
Facility 4
NC AVG 35
Rank #480 / 508
76.3%
Facility 76.3%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #103 / 213
1 Bed / 2 Bed
Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Wilmington (Windemere)
30
Facility 30
NC AVG 70
Rank #308 / 368
No
18
Facility 18
NC AVG 35
Rank #372 / 508
99.3%
Facility 99.3%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #32 / 213
1 Bed / 2 Bed
Trinity Elms Health and Rehab
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Clemmons
100
Facility 100
NC AVG 70
Rank #66 / 368
No
26
Facility 26
NC AVG 35
Rank #319 / 508
90.8%
Facility 90.8%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #51 / 213
-
Givens Highland Farms
IL
HC
NH
RC
SNF
Black Mountain
60
Facility 60
NC AVG 70
Rank #214 / 368
Yes
12
Facility 12
NC AVG 35
Rank #417 / 508
79.7%
Facility 79.7%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #91 / 213
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
Mill Creek Manor
IL
AL
MC
Statesville
80
Facility 80
NC AVG 70
Rank #134 / 368
Yes
81
Facility 81
NC AVG 35
Rank #4 / 508
81.3%
Facility 81.3%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #81 / 213
-
Abernethy Laurels
IL
AL
HC
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Newton
174
Facility 174
NC AVG 70
Rank #6 / 368
Yes-
90.5%
Facility 90.5%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #52 / 213
1 Bed /2 Bed
The Sharon at SouthPark
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Charlotte (Beverly Woods)
19
Facility 19
NC AVG 70
Rank #314 / 368
Yes
49
Facility 49
NC AVG 35
Rank #153 / 508
36.3%
Facility 36.3%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #181 / 213
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Briar Creek Health Center at The Barclay at SouthPark
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
RC
SNF
S Charlotte (Beverly Woods)
6
Facility 6
NC AVG 70
Rank #316 / 368
No
30
Facility 30
NC AVG 35
Rank #289 / 508
76.7%
Facility 76.7%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #101 / 213
Studio / 1 Bed
Arbor Acres
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Winston-Salem
6
Facility 6
NC AVG 70
Rank #316 / 368
Yes
20
Facility 20
NC AVG 35
Rank #355 / 508
78.3%
Facility 78.3%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #96 / 213
Studio / 1 Bed

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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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

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 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.

Contact Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall

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 Givens Highland Farms

At Givens Highland Farms, the vision is to empower seniors to lead fulfilling lives, fostering independence, community, and security. Offering home care and enhanced independent living, residents can explore their interests through numerous resident-led groups and enjoy the beauty of Black Mountain’s nature. With quality health services available on-site, seniors experience peace of mind knowing their needs will be met.

The community offers an array of amenities, including a winter greenhouse, dog park, and woodworking shop. Residents can engage in indoor activities like arts and crafts or utilize the fitness programs and medical services. Givens Highland Farms prioritizes active senior living and well-being from spacious residences to transportation services. Givens Highland Farms is the top choice for independent living and home services in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Contact Givens Highland Farms

Mill Creek Manor

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

Mill Creek Manor sits at 1902 Ora Drive in Statesville, North Carolina. The community holds licenses for assisted living, independent living, and memory care, so a resident whose needs change can often stay at the same address instead of moving somewhere new. Walkability here is strong, scoring 81 out of 100, which puts most everyday errands within reach on foot.

The community is licensed for 80 beds and currently serves 65 residents. That works out to 81 percent occupancy, so rooms are open for families who need placement in the near term. It is a larger shared setting rather than a small home, which usually means more common space and more organized group programming.

Nursing services, rehabilitation services, and respite care are all available on site. Staffing runs around the clock, and the overnight coverage is awake staff rather than sleeping or on-call. Memory care operates within the same community, which is a practical consideration for anyone whose family member has a dementia diagnosis that will progress.

Daily life covers restaurant-style meals, social events and activities scheduled every day, and housekeeping and laundry handled by staff. There is a salon and barber service on site, an outdoor courtyard, and a TV lounge with social seating. WiFi reaches the building, and pets are permitted.

Inspection themes recorded for this community include medication management, care planning and documentation, staffing and staff credentials, and fire-safety systems. Resident rights and protections and fall and injury prevention appear in the reviewed themes as well. That is a wide spread of themes across the record, covering both clinical practice and building safety.

Contact Mill Creek Manor

Abernethy Laurels

102 Leonard Ave, Newton, NC 28658
Overview of Abernethy Laurels

Set on the scenic lands of Leonard Avenue, Newton, NC, Abernethy Laurels is a trusted Continuing Care Retirement Community that offers a wide array of care options including assisted living, independent living, memory care, long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services. Experience unparalleled comfort and convenience with meticulously designed and well-built residences of Abernethy Laurels in varied studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. With its dedication to seniors’ well-being, the community strives to deliver top-tier care and assistance tailored to their special needs and preferences.

Optimize your independence and enjoy the things you love through engaging activities and exciting events. Abernethy Laurels values residents’ choices, considering their interests in every aspect of their stay on its premises. Have the finest dining experience with delicious and healthy meals catering to nutritional needs and tastes. With its inviting spaces and tranquil landscapes, Abernethy Laurels is ideal for seniors looking to live a meaningful retirement.

Contact Abernethy Laurels

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

Overview of Briar Creek Health Center at the Barclay at SouthPark

Enjoy a seamless transition between care levels in Briar Creek Health Center at the Barclay at SouthPark, a distinguished community in Charlotte, NC offering an array of care services. They provide access to assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing under one campus. The community also offers respite care to help family caregivers who need a break from caring for their loved ones, giving them their much-deserved rest and vacation.

With personalized care plans, daily living assistance, and personal care support, residents find plenty of free time to enjoy their passions and make new friends. Housekeeping services are also offered so residents can fully enjoy the community’s vibrant activities and thoughtful amenities like a salon and cozy sun room. At Briar Creek Health Center at the Barclay at SouthPark, residents are inspired and equipped to live their golden years fully.

Contact Briar Creek Health Center at The Barclay at SouthPark

Overview of Arbor Acres

Situated in the heart of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Arbor Acres is a distinguished continuing care retirement community. This tranquil haven provides a spectrum of living options, spanning independent living, assisted care, memory care, and skilled nursing, designed to cater to diverse senior needs.

Within the rare and beautiful setting of Arbor Acres, residents find a place to reside and a canvas where purpose, creativity, and motivation flourish. Life at Arbor Acres shines brilliantly, fostering an environment where friendships blossom and the art of living is embraced. All are welcome to experience the exceptional lifestyle offered at Arbor Acres, where each resident is invited to savor the richness of their journey in this vibrant and thriving community.

Contact Arbor Acres

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.
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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.