Best Independent Living in Wilmington, NC

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 10 independent living communities in Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, NC our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Wilmington, NC.
10 homes
Other senior care options in Wilmington:
Avg Walk Score: 25/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Wilmington, NC. 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: 73The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Wilmington, NC. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent Living around Wilmington (Metro Area)

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 to lowest based on our ranking 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.
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.
Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Wilmington (Windemere)
30
Facility 30
NC AVG 72
Rank #326 / 387
No
18
Facility 18
NC AVG 36
Rank #394 / 536
99.3% 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Champions Assisted Living at the Davis Community
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Wilmington
115
Facility 115
NC AVG 72
Rank #53 / 387
Yes
6
Facility 6
NC AVG 36
Rank #484 / 536
93.9% 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Woods at Holly Tree
IL
Wilmington (Autumn Creek At Henleigh Hills)
-No
47
Facility 47
NC AVG 36
Rank #176 / 536
-Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Commons At Brightmore
IL
AL
MC
Wilmington (Brightmore Liberty)
-Yes
27
Facility 27
NC AVG 36
Rank #336 / 536
-Studio / Suite
The Kempton At Brightmore
IL
AL
MC
Wilmington (Brightmore Liberty)
-Yes
22
Facility 22
NC AVG 36
Rank #360 / 536
-Studio / 1 Bed
Solista Wilmington by Cogir
IL
Wilmington
-Yes
35
Facility 35
NC AVG 36
Rank #261 / 536
-Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Cottage
Cambridge Village of Wilmington
IL
Wilmington (Cavalier Woods)
-No
44
Facility 44
NC AVG 36
Rank #200 / 536
--
Brightmore of Wilmington
IL
AL
MC
Wilmington (Brightmore Liberty)
-No
38
Facility 38
NC AVG 36
Rank #236 / 536
--
The Residences at The Davis Community
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Wilmington
-No
3
Facility 3
NC AVG 36
Rank #515 / 536
--
Porters Neck Village
IL
Wilmington
-Yes
5
Facility 5
NC AVG 36
Rank #496 / 536
--

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every NC community we track that reports that metric, not just the 10 analyzed for Wilmington.

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 Champions Assisted Living at the Davis Community

Champions Assisted Living, located within The Davis Communities in Wilmington, NC, is a senior living community specifically designed for The Davies Communities’ residents living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. They provide assisted living services along with memory care, in their one-to-two bedroom units equipped with living area, ample closet space, kitchenette, and private bathroom. As part of their assisted living services, the residents are provided round-the-clock availability of staff for supervision and assistance, diabetic care, medication management, and monthly wellness checkup, as well as therapy services.

The residents of Champions Assisted Living are also able to enjoy a myriad of amenities they offer including meal preparation services and dining options within the community, assistance with daily living activities, mobility and transportation assistance, access to fitness rooms and pool, and grooming services at the salon and spa. Being conveniently situated within the Davis Communities, Champions Assisted Living Services are also provided access to their auditorium, club room, and art studio. Lastly, they offer laundry and housekeeping services, to ensure the overall comfort of their residents’ stay.

Contact Champions Assisted Living at the Davis Community

Overview of The Woods at Holly Tree

Located in the Autumn Creek at Henleigh Hills neighborhood of Wilmington, North Carolina, The Woods at Holly Tree is an independent living community about 1.1 miles from the city center. The three-story community offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Each has a private bathroom and kitchen, giving residents several options to match their space needs.

Residents enjoy three chef-prepared meals each day. There are also weekly housekeeping and linen services that reduce everyday household chores. Transportation is available for medical appointments and other outings, making it easier for residents who no longer wish to drive.

The community strongly focuses on intellectual and cultural engagement. Residents can participate in creative writing classes, book clubs, garden clubs, discussion groups, art projects, and cooking demonstrations. Together, these programs create a social calendar for residents who want to stay mentally active, engaged, and connected with others.

The area has a Walk Score of 47, which means it’s considered somewhat walkable. A handful of nearby errands can be completed on foot, but most trips require a car or a ride. Families looking for an independent living community may appreciate the combination of a full-service lifestyle and an active, ideas-focused social environment. Pets are not allowed here, which is an important consideration for residents planning to bring a companion animal.

Contact The Woods at Holly Tree

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 The Kempton at Brightmore

Administered by Melissa Crouch, The Kempton at Brightmore is a senior living community in the Brightmore Liberty neighborhood of Wilmington, North Carolina. It offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community is about 1 mile from the city center. The multiple levels of care in one location allow residents to transition between services as their needs change without relocating. The three-story community offers studio and one-bedroom floor plans ranging from about 360 to 525 square feet.

Residents can personalize their apartments with their own furniture and décor. For those who prefer not to bring furniture, the community provides a bed, dresser, and nightstand at no additional cost. Each residence includes individual heating and air conditioning controls and a kitchenette with a mini refrigerator. There’s also a space for a personal microwave, a private bathroom with a handheld shower and fold-down seat, and an in-room emergency call system for quick assistance.

Residents receive 24-hour supervision, medication administration and management, and assistance with light activities of daily living. The community also follows infection prevention and control practices, including contact tracing and isolation procedures when needed.

Three chef-prepared meals are served each day in the private dining room and country kitchen. Amenities on-site include a beauty salon and barber shop. Residents can also access housekeeping, laundry services, transportation, and fitness and recreation programs. The community welcomes pets. Activities here focus on social, spiritual, intellectual, and physical wellness through events such as musical performances, gourmet chef demonstrations, and card games.

The car-dependent area has a Walk Score of 22. Most errands require a vehicle, and nearby walkable options are limited. Families should plan to drive for shopping, dining, and appointments.

Contact The Kempton At Brightmore

Overview of Solista Wilmington by Cogir

Located in the serene and tree-lined Hospital Plaza Drive, Wilmington, NC, Solista Wilmington by Cogir is an idyllic retreat that focuses on independent living. With its commitment to improving residents’ comfort, the community provides a variety of specially designed studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences. Enjoy your independence without worries with the innovative Lively Mobile Plus, which provides round-the-clock emergency and non-emergency response.

Live a fun-filled retirement with a full slate of enriching activities and engaging programs tailored to residents’ health and wellness. Meet dietary needs and satisfy cravings with healthy and delicious restaurant-style dining. Here, residents are provided with incredible and spacious amenities like a game room, an art room, a fitness center, a library, a courtyard, and beautiful gardens.

Contact Solista Wilmington by Cogir

Overview of Cambridge Village of Wilmington

Cambridge Village of Wilmington, located in Wilmington, NC, is a senior living community offering independent living services. The community provides a range of accommodation options, including studio and one-to-two bedroom units featuring fully equipped kitchens with granite countertops, balconies, and patios where residents can enjoy the convenience of individual thermostats, in-unit washer and dryer, and inclusive utilities (water, trash, electric, phone). The living experience is enhanced with walk-in closets, 24-hour emergency response, and around-the-clock reception and security, ensuring each residents’ safety and well-being.
Residents at Cambridge Village of Wilmington can enjoy a variety of amenities offered, digital cable TV connection, phone, and wireless internet. The community also provides an on-site concierge, weekly housekeeping, apartment maintenance, and an emergency response system in each apartment. Additionally, residents receive a Cambridge Credit Allowance which they can use in the restaurant, Salon & Spa, or the Cambridge Fitness Center. The community fosters a vibrant atmosphere with daily community activities, offering residents opportunities for social engagement. Furthermore, professional wellness trainers and specialists, social enrichment and lifestyle programs, as well as physical therapy services and group exercise classes contribute to a holistic and fulfilling living experience.

Contact Cambridge Village of Wilmington

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 Residences at the Davis Community

Offering independent living within a full continuum of care, The Residences at the Davis Community is a senior living community in Wilmington, North Carolina. The larger campus provides services ranging from independent living to skilled nursing, allowing residents to move between care levels as their needs change. The Residences includes 11 apartment-style homes and 2 cottage-style homes for residents who want private living with nearby support.

Residents can choose one-bedroom or two-bedroom residences. Each home includes a living room, modern kitchen, dining area, and a walk-in dressing room connected to a private bathroom. Home repairs and housekeeping are included, allowing residents to spend less time on household upkeep. A 24-hour security and emergency response system provides added peace of mind. Property taxes and utilities are also included in the monthly rent to make budgeting more predictable.

The community is located in the Porters Neck Road area of Wilmington, about 8.8 miles from the city center. The car-dependent area has a Walk Score of 3 out of 100. Residents and visiting family should drive for most errands and outings. That tradeoff may be worthwhile for those who prefer a quieter suburban setting over a walkable downtown neighborhood.

Families looking for an independent living option should ask how the campus-wide continuum of care works. Having independent living through skilled nursing on one campus can make it easier for residents to transition to a different level of care without relocating.

Contact The Residences at The Davis Community

Porters Neck Village

1200 Porters Neck Rd, Wilmington, NC 28411
Overview of Porters Neck Village

Porters Neck Village, situated in Wilmington, NC, stands as a comprehensive senior living community providing independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services. Porters Neck Village offers spacious and modern accommodations with open floor plans, spacious closets, and full-sized kitchens featuring quartz/granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Each home is designed with abundant storage and offers breathtaking views, creating a comfortable and visually appealing living space.

The community provides a range of amenities to enhance the overall well-being and lifestyle of its residents. Porters Neck Village boasts apartments with water views, a bar and bistro for social gatherings, a wellness center to support residents’ health, and a heated saltwater pool for relaxation. The state-of-the-art fitness center caters to residents’ physical well-being, while the renovated library offers a tranquil space for intellectual enrichment. Additionally, the 375-seat auditorium provides a venue for performances and guest lectures, contributing to a vibrant and engaging community of Porters Neck Village.

Contact Porters Neck Village

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 Wilmington, NC

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 10 independent living communities in Wilmington, NC. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in Wilmington, NC?

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 Wilmington, NC, 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 Wilmington, NC?

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.