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 Brightmore of Wilmington

Brightmore of Wilmington, situated in Wilmington, NC, is a senior living community offering independent living services. The community provides one-to-two bedroom units equipped with a living area, kitchen, and bathroom, offering residents comfortable and spacious living spaces. Residents at Brightmore of Wilmington experience a worry-free lifestyle with their comprehensive range of amenities, including emergency response system, weekly housekeeping with linen service, maintenance, landscaping, seasonal removal of snow and leaves, internal and external pest control, trash removal, and inclusive utilities (exception of phone).
The community is dedicated to enhancing residents’ well-being with life enrichment activities, and wellness programs. Additionally, Brightmore of Wilmington ensures a daily well-person check, further emphasizing the community’s commitment to resident care. Residents at Brightmore of Wilmington enjoy a vibrant social life with activities such as socials, parties, card playing, and the monthly Newcomers’ Social. The community also organizes visits by performing artists and excursions to interesting locations or performances, providing a diverse range of engaging activities for residents to enjoy.

Contact Brightmore of Wilmington

Overview of The Commons at Brightmore

The Commons at Brightmore, situated in Wilmington, NC, is a senior living community offering both assisted living and memory care services. The community provides two living arrangements in Paraklay Way; featuring large closets, private, and companion rooms that allow ample floor space for personal items and design touches. Companion rooms share a full bath, and if desired, the community furnishes a bed, dresser, and nightstand at no additional charge. The built-in emergency call system ensures quick assistance is always within reach. Additionally, Azalea Hall provides similar living arrangements with personalized care and the same commitment to resident well-being.

In terms of healthcare services, The Commons at Brightmore offers minimal to substantial assistance with activities of daily living, safety monitoring and oversight, and personalized care plans. The community maintains a highly-trained care staff available 24 hours a day, ensuring residents receive the support they need. Medication administration is also part of the comprehensive healthcare services provided. Residents enjoy a range of amenities, including three chef-prepared meals daily with therapeutic diets available, secured memory support activities with designated courtyards, and housekeeping and laundry services.

Contact The Commons At Brightmore

Overview of White Oak Manor Charlotte

White Oak of Charlotte is a renowned skilled nursing center located in Charlotte, North Carolina. With 180 beds, the center offers comprehensive long-term nursing care and short-term rehabilitation services. Its prime location allows easy access to two major hospital systems in the area, ensuring convenient medical support. The dedicated team at White Oak of Charlotte comprises Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Certified Nursing Assistants who provide round-the-clock care to residents. 

They work collaboratively with physicians to develop personalized care plans, considering the unique needs of each individual. With a focus on resident well-being, White Oak of Charlotte aims to create an environment that fosters comfort and enriches daily experiences. In addition to skilled nursing services, the center also offers independent living apartments at Sharon Village, providing seniors with flexible living options tailored to their preferences and needs.

Contact White Oak Manor Charlotte

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

Overview of Cambridge Village of Apex

Cambridge Village of Apex is the premier senior living community that promotes a youthful and energetic atmosphere for seniors seeking to retire in a high-spirit community. The independent living home has well-thought-of ways in which to make each resident’s experience hassle-free; they celebrate each individual, and the staff wants to promote their individuality by letting them do whatever it is that interests them. At Cambridge Village, experience first-hand of having big-city energy with small-town charm.

Cambridge Village prides itself on the comprehensive amenities that provide comfort and an untroubled stay. Highlighted features of their all-inclusive amenities and services include a library, a swimming pool, gardens, a theater room, housekeeping and linen, transportation services, daily activities, and programs. 

Contact Cambridge Village of Apex

Overview of The Carillon

Designed for seniors who value lifestyle choices and an active living experience, The Carillon in Guilford County, Greensboro, NC, is an excellent senior living community that offers independent living. The community features an array of one-bedroom apartments with utilities included, waste removal, and secure access for a comfortable and safe living environment. Residents can rest easy with a 24/7 front desk service and an on-site team of management and maintenance available to attend to residents’ concerns and needs.

The community also offers the convenience of scheduled transportation to save residents from the hassle of commuting, ensuring they get to their appointments on time and safely. Residents also enjoy access to a wide array of amenities, including a beauty salon, fitness center, cozy gathering room, library, and courtyard. With emergency response pull cord in every residence, residents are guaranteed immediate access to assistance during emergencies.

Contact The Carillon

The Dorchester and Manor

12920 Dorman Rd, Pineville, NC 28134
Overview of The Dorchester and Manor

The Dorchester & Manor is an award-winning independent living community in Pineville, NC, that offers fully furnished one- and two-bedroom apartments. The community promotes a home-like setting where residents are treated like a family, ensuring their comfort and familiarity. Laundry spaces, 24/7 security, and health screenings are also provided, so residents have a hassle-free living.

With fun recreational activities and exercise programs, residents have more opportunities to explore new hobbies and interact with their surroundings. Scheduled transportation, grocery delivery, and home health care are also offered. This pet-friendly retirement community is one of the trusted choices for senior living in North Carolina.

Contact The Dorchester and Manor

Overview of Holiday Creekside Terrace

A proud Atria senior living community member, Holiday Creekside Terrace has built one of the finest senior living communities in Winston-Salem. Their commitment to ensuring that an individual can feel independent while being engaged is one of their utmost priorities for a balanced lifestyle; they ensure that their residents are healthy and active. Holiday Creekside Terrace has provided a diverse and inclusive environment, offering a strong sense of family.

The premier community boasts an elevated lifestyle through the essential service provided for seniors with independent living. Their all-inclusive amenities include daily delicious and nutritious meals by a chef, weekly housekeeping and laundry, and everyday fitness activities with their finest gym equipment. They also provide every private apartment with an emergency call system. 

Contact Holiday Creekside Terrace

Overview of Holiday Crescent Heights

Experience worry-free retirement in the quiet community of Concord, NC with Holiday Crescent Heights. An idyllic senior living community providing independent living, Holiday Crescent Heights features various floor plans such as studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. With personalized care and assistance available 24/7, the community ensures comfort and safety.

With its signature Engage Life program, the community enhances the social, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness of its residents through different classes and activities. Bonding over meals makes the food much better, hence, the team serves three delicious and healthy home-cooked meals three times daily. Amenities include pet-friendly and wheelchair-accessible spaces, a barber and beauty salon, a community center, a large screen TV lounge, an activity room, a game room, a library, a country store, a community fireplace, a sunlit patio, aesthetic community grounds, and peaceful walking paths.

Contact Holiday Crescent Heights

Overview of Verena at Bedford Falls

Experience the serenity and convenience of Raleigh, NC with the blissful retreat of Verana at Bedford Falls that offers independent living. Enjoy your later years surrounded by the community’s well-designed and fully-furnished one- and two-bedroom accommodations for the finest comfort and safety. Maintenance, housekeeping, and concierge services are also provided to ensure a hassle-free lifestyle.

Enjoy the best of your golden years with a full slate of enriching activities and engaging programs tailored to residents’ leisure and wellness. Have a satisfactory dining experience with healthy and delicious meals catering to dietary needs and tastes. The community features plenty of amenities including a heated pool, a salon, a fitness center, lounges, and a fireplace, perfect for recreation and socialization.

Contact Verena at Bedford Falls

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.