Page 7 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. 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. 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.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
Housing or bed configuration options (e.g. studio, shared), often from facility-reported amenities and licensing details.
The Oaks at Whitaker Glen
IL
AL
CCRC
HC
MC
NH
SNF
Raleigh (Five Points)
139
Facility 139
NC AVG 70
Rank #15 / 368
No
28
Facility 28
NC AVG 35
Rank #308 / 508
A+-
The Cardinal at North Hills
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Raleigh (North Hills)
15
Facility 15
NC AVG 70
Rank #315 / 368
Yes
62
Facility 62
NC AVG 35
Rank #51 / 508
--
Independence Village of Olde Raleigh
IL
HOS
Raleigh (Northwest Raleigh)
-Yes
67
Facility 67
NC AVG 35
Rank #32 / 508
A+Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Holiday Forsyth Court
IL
HC
Winston-Salem
-Yes
55
Facility 55
NC AVG 35
Rank #104 / 508
A+Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Holiday Cedar Ridge
IL
Burlington (Greenbrier)
-Yes
43
Facility 43
NC AVG 35
Rank #194 / 508
A+Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Cambridge Village of Apex
IL
Apex
-Yes
36
Facility 36
NC AVG 35
Rank #237 / 508
A+1 Bed/ 2 Bed
Heritage Greens
IL
AL
MC
Greensboro (Friendswood)
-Yes
31
Facility 31
NC AVG 35
Rank #276 / 508
A+Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Springmoor Life Care Retirement Community
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Raleigh (North Raleigh)
-Yes
29
Facility 29
NC AVG 35
Rank #302 / 508
A+Alcove / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Brookdale North Raleigh
IL
Raleigh (North Raleigh)
-Yes
75
Facility 75
NC AVG 35
Rank #11 / 508
-Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Verena at Bedford Falls
IL
Raleigh (North Raleigh)
-Yes
13
Facility 13
NC AVG 35
Rank #409 / 508
A-1 Bed / 2 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 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 The Cardinal at North Hills

From top-notch safety protocols to a commitment to transparency and trust, The Cardinal at North Hills is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for its residents in Raleigh. With low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise apartments available, along with one to three-bedroom options, residents can find the perfect abode that suits their needs and preferences. 

Seniors can say goodbye to household chores, as housekeeping, utilities, maintenance services, and more are all taken care of, allowing residents to focus on enjoying their days to the fullest. With round-the-clock security and licensed clinical staff available, residents can have peace of mind knowing that their safety and well-being are a top priority. With features such as no-threshold tile showers and handicap-accessible bathrooms, the community is inclusive and accommodating for all. Additionally, the apartments come fully furnished, making the transition to a new home seamless and hassle-free.

Contact The Cardinal at North Hills

Independence Village of Olde Raleigh

3113 Charles B Root Wynd, Raleigh, NC 27612
Overview of Independence Village of Olde Raleigh

Independence Village of Olde Raleigh, situated in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina, provides a tranquil retreat for seniors seeking an enriching lifestyle. With round-the-clock staffing, residents receive the necessary support while maintaining their privacy and autonomy. Each home ensures comfort and safety. Furry companions are warmly welcomed, adding joy and companionship to residents’ lives. 

Independence Village of Olde Raleigh offers a range of thoughtfully designed apartment layouts tailored to seniors. At Independence Village of Olde Raleigh, community, comfort, and connection thrive, making the golden years truly special.  Nestled among majestic oaks, this welcoming community offers the ideal setting for enjoying the golden years with grace and independence.

Contact Independence Village of Olde Raleigh

Overview of Holiday Forsyth Court

Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Holiday Forsyth Court is an independent living community. The home offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, housed in a three-story building. Residents can choose the amount of space and privacy.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 55. Some errands and activities are within walking distance, but many trips require a car. For families and visitors, this setting can work well when proximity to shops or services is balanced with a quieter, more residential feel.

Taking a tour of Holiday Forsyth Court can give families the best sense of the home’s daily environment, the dining and activity options, and how the floor plans work for your family’s needs. This could be especially useful with independent living, where the daily rhythm and social offerings shape the quality of life as much as the physical setting.

Contact Holiday Forsyth Court

Overview of Holiday Cedar Ridge

Located just outside Burlington, North Carolina, Holiday Cedar Ridge is a pet-friendly independent living community providing residents with a supportive environment that honors their independence and dignity. Residents can feel confident knowing assistance is always available because their trained and compassionate team is on call for emergency response around the clock.

Residents of Holiday Cedar Ridge enjoy a lively lifestyle amidst gorgeous gardens and abundant greenery. The community provides regular housekeeping, transportation, and delectable restaurant-style eating. Along with daily entertainment options like fitness classes and quiz nights, residents may take advantage of on-site facilities like a library and beauty salon. Each unit has a kitchenette, wheelchair accessibility, and individually controlled heating and air conditioning, ensuring comfort and convenience for all residents.

Contact Holiday Cedar Ridge

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 Heritage Greens

Providing seniors in Guilford County, Greensboro, NC with an excellent continuum of care for over 30 years, Heritage Greens is a well-established senior living community that warrants premiere lifestyle options and services. The community offers award-winning independent living, assisted living, and memory care services that fosters successful aging in place. Residents can choose from a variety of floor plans that suit various lifestyles and come with conveniences like private patios or balconies, full kitchens and walk-in closets.

Recognized by the U.S News and World Report as a Best Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care community, Heritage Greens proves its excellence as a senior living community. Residents here are given plenty of opportunities to enhance or maintain their overall health with planned social events, programs, and activities. The community also offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience with restaurant-style dining services featuring delicious and nutritious chef-prepared meals. Here, residents are provided with the necessities they need to thrive and live well.

Contact Heritage Greens

Overview of Springmoor Life Care Retirement Community

Springmoor Life Care Retirement Community invites residents to experience a truly exceptional lifestyle in a setting that embraces the beauty of nature. With a refreshing atmosphere and thoughtful design, Springmoor offers a unique and engaging living experience for retirees. Nestled in a mild climate, Springmoor provides the perfect backdrop for a slower, more relaxed pace of life. Whether a villa, home, or apartment, one can find a variety of floor plans to suit particular preferences and needs.

Seniors can enjoy chef-prepared meals and personalized diets, as well as access to hair, nail, and massage services for added indulgence. Spiritual services are available to nourish one’s soul, and a plethora of amenities, including a library, movie theater, private chapel, greenhouse, and indoor pool, provide endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. With around-the-clock security measures, families can have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe and secure. 

Contact Springmoor Life Care Retirement Community

Overview of Brookdale North Raleigh

Brookdale North Raleigh offers independent living in Raleigh, North Carolina, in the North Raleigh neighborhood. Residents can choose among studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom residences, including a private studio or a larger layout suited to living with a companion. Independent living here combines private living with community services rather than daily care, along with organized activities and shared amenities. It may suit someone who wants that arrangement.

Independent living starts at $2,915 per month, giving families a starting point for budgeting this option. Restaurant style dining includes a personalized menu experience, so residents can select meals that match their preferences. Scheduled activities include digital photography classes, mindfulness meditation sessions, and clubs. An indoor pool, salon, and barber shop are available on site for recreation and personal care.

Respite care supports short stays, which may help a family caregiver who needs temporary coverage while traveling or recovering. Pets are allowed, so a resident may be able to bring a companion animal when moving in. The area has a Walk Score of 75, placing it in the very walkable range, meaning most errands can be completed on foot. A resident who no longer drives may still be able to reach nearby shops or services independently.

Contact Brookdale North Raleigh

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
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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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.