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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 115 nursing homes in NC using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in NC
Avg Overall CMS Rating:2.8/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in North Carolina. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating:2.7/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in North Carolina. Reflects nursing staff hours per resident per day (including RNs), adjusted for residents' care needs. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.4/ 5
Avg Health Insp. Rating:2.8/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in North Carolina. Based on each facility's recent inspections and complaint investigations, weighing the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
Info below is compiled from CMS reports & 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.
The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
Care Types in This TableAL (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.
PC (Palliative Care):
Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
CCRC( (Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)):
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The North Carolina average is: 58.6% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
Rank badges are statewide: each nursing home is ranked against every NC nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 115 on this page. See how we rank facilities
Glenaire, located in Cary, NC, is a continuing care retirement community by Brightspire that offers long term care to their residents. This senior living community provides their residents smoke-free accommodations that feature 24 hour emergency response systems, with weekly housekeeping and linen services. They also offer basic healthcare services in their clinic staffed by a nurse practitioner.
Additionally, they offer a rich array of amenities that provides residences with both convenience, comfort, and entertainment. From their walking trails, to their aquatic center, to the fitness studio, to their auditorium wit theater equipment.
Maryfield Nursing Home is a welcoming community located in High Point, North Carolina. This non-profit facility offers 115 beds and participates in Medicare and Medicaid to provide the best care possible. The community is located near High Point, Lincoln Park, West Fork, and Deep River, which offers tranquility and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation activities. They offer both short and long-term care, ensuring that residents have access to the care they need, when they need it. The facility also has a 24-hour emergency call response system in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. On-site therapy and physicians help to monitor and manage medications, while also providing assistance with daily living activities. Delicious, dietician-approved, chef-prepared meals are available, ensuring that residents are well-fed and satisfied. Residents can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a library, a comfortable lounge, a beauty and barber salon, and fitness classes led by trained exercise specialists. They can choose between one or two bedroom units, complete with private bathrooms, and they do not have to worry about the hassle of home maintenance.
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.
Overview of The Rosewood Health Center – the Cypress of Raleigh
The Rosewood Health Center – The Cypress of Raleigh sits on Cypress Lakes Drive in North Raleigh, about 10 miles from the city center. The facility is a 57-bed nursing home and memory care community, opened in 2008 and operated by The Cypress of Raleigh LLC. The Walk Score is 71, so most nearby errands are doable on foot, and WakeMed is about 3.4 miles away.
Eighty percent of the 57 beds are occupied, and the average stay runs 249 days. That length of stay is closer to eight months than a typical short rehab course, which says something real about who the facility is built for. A private wing handles memory care for residents who need it.
The staffing picture is detailed; total nursing care comes to 7 hours and 3 minutes per resident per day. Registered nurses provide 52 minutes of that directly; nurse aides account for 3 hours and 26 minutes. Beyond nursing, on-site staff and contractors include respiratory therapy technicians, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapy aides, speech-language pathologists, dental services staff, and a social worker. That range of disciplines on-site means fewer outside referrals for routine clinical needs.
A community life services coordinator runs the activity program, which includes aqua aerobics, book clubs, and bridge and card groups. Medicare and private pay are accepted.
For residents who need sustained skilled nursing care or memory care with broad on-site clinical coverage, The Rosewood Health Center offers a well-staffed, moderately sized environment in a walkable North Raleigh setting.
Residents at Carolina Village stay for an average of 84 days, meaning the facility mostly focuses on short-term rehab alongside some long-term care. Located in North Carolina, this 60-bed home runs at about 71 percent occupancy and accepts both Medicare and private pay. If you’re planning a visit, the neighborhood is very pedestrian-friendly, with a walkability score of 82 out of 100, so family members can easily run most errands on foot.
To handle daily medical routines, clinical operations supply an average of 6 hours and 42 minutes of total nursing care per resident each day. The 24-hour scheduling structure breaks this down into 1 hour and 31 minutes from registered nurses, 1 hour and 11 minutes from licensed practical nurses, and 3 hours and 58 minutes from nurse aides. This hands-on clinical volume supports individuals recovering from surgery, stroke, or acute medical transitions.
While older inspection logs noted tracking items regarding fire safety measures and medication administration protocols, the most recent health department files confirm that the administration updated its tracking systems to resolve these past issues, requiring no further action and keeping the overall cumulative citations-per-inspection rate at zero.
Prospective representatives will find a campus equipped with an exercise pool, a therapy pool, fitness centers, a library, a woodworking shop, and an arts studio. The grounds feature nature trails with mountain and lake views, while daily social options include a book group and a Spanish club. The dining setup provides a traditional dining room with tableside service alongside fast-casual options, a bar, and a coffee nook, with base fees covering utilities, WiFi, laundry, housekeeping, and property maintenance.
Owned by The Chapel Hill Residential, Carol Woods is a 30-bed skilled nursing community located in a residential area of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The two-story community has served older adults for 47 years, combining long-standing experience with a smaller setting that encourages personalized care and lasting relationships. It accepts Medicare and private pay, while the average resident stay of 31 days reflects a strong emphasis on short-term rehabilitation alongside long-term nursing care.
Additionally, residents receive an average of 5 hours and 56 minutes of nursing care each day from registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing aides. Respite care and cognitive support programs are also available, providing flexible options for older adults with varying care needs.
Daily life is enhanced by meals prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients and served in multiple on-campus dining venues, with heart-healthy, vegetarian, and low-sodium selections available. Furthermore, residents have access to wellness and fitness programs, an on-site salon, gardening opportunities, transportation services, 24-hour security, and maintenance-free living.
While the surrounding neighborhood is largely car-dependent, making most errands easier by vehicle, the community offers a wide range of services and amenities that support an active and engaging daily lifestyle.
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.
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.
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.
Homestead Hills Assisted Living runs 66 beds in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Right now about 20 of those beds are filled, which puts occupancy near 30 percent. For a family weighing placement, that low a figure cuts two ways. There is room to move in without a wait. It also means the building is running well under capacity, worth sitting with as you visit.
The setting is not a walkable one. With a Walk Score of 20, most trips out mean getting in a car. Plan visits around that.
Residents have access to rehabilitation services, respite stays for caregivers who need a break, and staffing that covers all 24 hours. Total nursing care runs about 5 hours and 17 minutes per resident each day, with licensed practical nurses adding close to an hour of that. Wellness programming, dining, concierge and salon services, housekeeping, and transportation fill out the day. An emergency call system runs around the clock.
State inspections have focused on standard operational ground: medication management, infection prevention, and fire-safety systems, rather than direct resident care. Medicare and private pay are both accepted here. The place suits an older adult who needs rehabilitation-minded care and steady daily help, and whose family does not mind a quieter building with beds to spare.
Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.
How we're paid:If we help you find a home and you move in, that home may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in North Carolina
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in North Carolina?
Assisted living in North Carolina is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.
Does North Carolina Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — North Carolina Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.
What is nursing home care?
Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.
How many nursing homes are listed on this page?
This page features 115 nursing homes in North Carolina. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home 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 nursing homes 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.
If you move into a community through us, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never changes your cost or which options we recommend. Learn more
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