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
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Overview of Holiday Willow Grove

At Holiday Willow Grove, a independent living community nestled in Matthews, This charming craftsman-style community offers a peaceful surroundings, a supportive atmosphere, and exceptional services. Relax with a good book in the quiet library, or engage in lively conversation with fellow residents. The community fosters a sense of connection, allowing you to build lasting friendships and rediscover the joy of social interaction. Holiday Willow Grove is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry companion along for the adventure.

A dedicated team is available on-site to ease daily living with services including regular housekeeping, light linen service, maintenance, and scheduled transportation. This allows you to focus on the things you enjoy most, whether it’s tending to plants in the courtyard’s raised planters, exploring your creative side in an art class. Delicious and nutritious meals are served three times daily in the community dining room, with multiple menu options to cater to dietary needs and preferences. Choose from educational lectures, spiritual services, recreational activities, or social events. Day trips to local attractions, like the Carolinas Medical Center, SouthPark Mall, the Old Town Matthews City Center, or nearby golf courses and scenic parks, offer exciting opportunities for exploration.

Contact Holiday Willow Grove

Overview of Brookdale North Raleigh

Nestled in a cosmopolitan location, Brookdale North Raleigh offers the best of both worlds – a vibrant and convenient setting combined with a resort-like atmosphere. This exceptional senior living community offers a range of living options, including assisted living, independent living, memory care, skilled nursing, and at-home care. With a range of living options, including cozy apartments and spacious villas, residents can choose the perfect home that fits their unique preferences and needs. The community also offers personalized care plans and a dedicated team of caregivers to ensure that residents receive the exceptional care and support they deserve.

The chic design and stylish amenities create an inviting and comfortable environment that feels like home. Residents can enjoy a variety of amenities, such as an indoor pool for leisurely swims, an arts and crafts studio for creative pursuits, a fitness center for staying active, and a library for quiet relaxation. Ample parking is also available for residents and their guests, ensuring easy access to all the community has to offer. With a focus on transparency, trust, and exceptional care, Brookdale North Raleigh has been serving seniors for three decades, providing a comfortable and convenient lifestyle that promotes only the best of the best.

Contact Brookdale North Raleigh

Overview of Holiday Forsyth Court

A proud Atria senior living community member, Holiday Forsyth Court stands as 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 Forsyth Court 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 Forsyth Court

Overview of Brier Pointe Retirement Community

Brier Pointe
Morrisville’s Independent Retirement Community

Welcome to Worry-Free Senior Living in Morrisville!
Come home to comfort at Brier Pointe! Our senior retirement apartments in The Triangle offer easy access to I-540
and Highway 54, connecting you to nearby dining, shopping, and entertainment. With restaurants, parks, and
community events just outside your door, plus Raleigh-Durham International Airport less than five miles away,
convenience surrounds you.

Schedule a tour and have lunch with us. You’ll see why Brier Pointe is the perfect place to call home for your
retirement.

5911 McCrimmon Parkway
Morrisville, NC 27560

Brier Pointe Retirement Community

Discover the joy and ease of all-inclusive retirement living. Picture yourself in a luxurious, safe, and
vibrant community with a fantastic location for fun local outings. With three chef-prepared meals
offered daily, and weekly housekeeping and maintenance included, you’ll have more time for family,
friends, and the other important things in life. This vision comes to life at Brier Pointe Retirement Community

Designed for comfort, our apartment homes come in a variety of floor plans. Each living space features
window coverings, a climate-controlled thermostat, and ample closet space. The apartment kitchens are
also equipped with full-sized appliances. You are free to decorate your unit around your unique tastes.
Pets are also warmly welcome for no additional fee.

Our Signature Freedom Dining program is the focal point of the resort lifestyle and often the most
praised feature of our community. Our executive chef prepares three quality meals daily with an
evolving menu, fresh ingredients, and diet-conscious recipes. Can’t make it to dinner? No worries. With
our meal delivery service, we’ll prepare you a plate and bring it to your door. You can also visit the
“chef’s pantry” for snacks any time – day or night.

The most important part of our community is the shared spaces that allow you to meet other residents,
celebrate fun and memorable moments, and relax. Our common areas include a 150-seat theater,
library, billiards room, arcade, conversation areas, a lounge with bar, superb fitness and exercise room,
spa area, and business center. Our Lifestyle Director plans monthly community events around these
spaces, allowing you to practice new skills, see new things, meet new people, and much more.

While our community focuses on making your retirement fun and fulfilling, our greatest priority is your
safety. Our managers are your neighbors and live on-site to ensure you are happily enjoying your best
retirement life. With our 24/7 Emergency Alert System, round-the clock concierge, and live-in managers
there’s never a moment when you are unable to reach somebody for help!

Our gorgeous community is full of amenities and services, allowing you to enjoy all the conveniences of
all-inclusive living without the hassle of upkeep. Our ample list of amenities and robust social calendar
offers you choice and flexibility in how you choose to spend your time.

Additionally, if you’re ever craving a change of scenery and don’t want to leave behind the comforts we
offer, no worries! With our travel program, you can explore the country while staying at any of our other
Resort Lifestyle Communities locations for no additional cost.

Relax in the theater while watching a movie or get active in a group fitness class; spend teatime with the
gals or watch a game with the guys; cuddle up with a good book or go join a happy hour for fun times
with the neighbors! However you wish to spend your time, we are here to support the retirement of
your dreams.

Retire well. Retire here. Call today to schedule a private tour!

Contact Brier Pointe Retirement Community

McCarthy Court

1321 Mccarthy Blvd Bldg. 2 1325, New Bern, NC 28562
Overview of Mccarthy Court

Located in the historic New Bern, NC, Mccarthy Court is a charming independent living community featuring spacious one and two-bedroom apartments. Residents enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with a variety of activities, from learning new skills to exploring local attractions. The community’s welcoming atmosphere makes it easy for seniors to feel right at home while enjoying delicious meals crafted by chefs trained at top culinary schools.

Mccarthy Court aims to enhance the lives of its residents through personalized care, individualized medical resources and an array of engaging activities that fosters enriching experiences. With a focus on community and connection, they offer diverse programs and amenities, including arts and crafts, book clubs, and leisurely outings. Whether engaging in social activities or enjoying quiet moments, residents find a fulfilling and comforting environment tailored to their needs at Mccarthy Court.

Contact McCarthy Court

Overview of Solista High Point by Cogir

Treat yourself to the finest retirement experience with the blissful community of Solista High Point by Cogir in Skeet Club Road, High Point, NC, providing independent living. With specially designed studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom accommodations, residents can rest assured of enjoying a comfortable and worry-free retirement. Through its Lively Mobile Plus device, the community provides 24-hour emergency and non-emergency response to ensure residents’ safety.

Engaging events and fun-filled activities are also conducted to promote a sense of belongingness and familiarity. Here, residents have hassle-free dining with healthy and delicious restaurant-style dining that cater to their dietary needs and tastes. Amenities include a fitness center, an art room, a library, a game room, a media room, an outdoor patio, and community grounds, perfect for an active lifestyle.

Contact Solista High Point by Cogir

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

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 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 Trinity Elms Assisted Living

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 Assisted Living

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 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.