Page 10 of Best Nursing Homes in North Carolina

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
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in North Carolina our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in North Carolina.
115 homes
Other senior care options in North Carolina:
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.
National Average: 3.0/ 5

Compare Nursing Homes around North Carolina

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 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. ADC (Adult Day Care): Daytime supervision, health monitoring, and social activities for seniors who live at home. 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.
The Oaks at Whitaker Glen-
NH
AL
CCRC(
HC
IL
MC
SNF
Raleigh (Five Points)
139
Facility 139
NC AVG 92
Rank #12 / 80
-------------A+
28
Facility 28
NC AVG 33
Rank #60 / 112
$8.8M*Fiscal year ending 09/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.$4.5M*Fiscal year ending 09/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.50.5%*Fiscal year ending 09/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.345009
Twin Lakes Memory Care-
NH
ADC
AL
MC
SNF
Burlington
32
Facility 32
NC AVG 92
Rank #70 / 80
--------------
72
Facility 72
NC AVG 33
Rank #7 / 112
$2.7M*Fiscal year ending 2021These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.$2.1M*Fiscal year ending 2021These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.78%*Fiscal year ending 2021These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.345545

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

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The East Tower at Cardinal North Hills

320 St. Albans Drive Raleigh, Nc 27609, Raleigh, NC 27609
Overview of The East Tower at Cardinal North Hills

The East Tower at Cardinal North Hills is a nursing home in Raleigh, North Carolina. It occupies one building on the wider Cardinal at North Hills campus, where independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing all operate together. For families thinking several years ahead, that structure means a change in care needs does not automatically mean a change in address.

The East Tower holds 49 beds; thirty-six of them are filled, putting occupancy at 74%. Smaller buildings like this one often strike a workable balance. Residents get more individual attention than a large facility can offer, while still drawing on a campus worth of shared space and programming.

Clinical care rests on two things: rehabilitation services and staffing available around the clock. Both point toward short-term recovery work. Someone coming out of a hospital stay or a surgery needs therapy to begin quickly, and needs someone there at three in the morning. Housekeeping is covered by the community.

The amenity list runs long; there’s an aquatic center, more than one fitness center, a spa, salons, a creative arts studio, and libraries. Meals are served across multiple dining venues, and the activity calendar mixes social, cultural, and educational programming. Outside there is a game area and a dog park. Pets are welcome, and family suites mean out-of-town relatives can stay on site rather than book a hotel.

Getting around is a different story: the Walk Score sits at 34, rated somewhat walkable. A few errands work on foot, but most will need a car.

State inspection attention here has clustered around medication management and around staffing and staff credentials. For a family weighing this option, the picture is a mid-sized building with strong campus amenities, a rehab-focused clinical model, and available capacity.

Contact The East Tower at Cardinal North Hills

Overview of Hayes Barton Place

Hayes Barton Place is a luxurious life plan community in Raleigh, NC, that offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. The community’s upscale amenities ensure older adults live their retirement like a vacation. With world-class services, including weekly housekeeping, concierge services, and restaurant-style dining, residents experience maintenance-free living. Dedicated to residents’ whole being, the community provides personalized care plans tailored to their ever-changing needs and preferences.

Educational programs, group exercises, and live music are among the many life enrichment programs dedicated to helping residents live actively and happily. A clubhouse with a library, a media room, and an art studio, as well as a beautiful garden and pickleball courts, are also available for residents’ recreation and wellness. Bus stops and other local amenities also surround the area, providing residents with convenient access to their needs and leisure. This life plan community has exceptional standards of care and top-notch amenities, making it one of the best options for senior living in North Carolina.

Contact Hayes Barton Place

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 The Barclay at SouthPark

Conveniently located near Tryon Medical Partners Southpark in Charlotte, NC, The Barclay at SouthPark is an esteemed community that offers independent living. Residents can also find the care they need in the community with its comprehensive care services, including assisted living, memory support, respite care, and rehabilitation. With its snug and sophisticated accommodations, residents keep peace of mind and live their golden years to the fullest.

Enrich retirement with a full calendar of fun activities and engaging programs tailored to residents’ enjoyment and wellness. Mealtimes are also something to anticipate with delicious and healthy meals catering to dietary needs and preferences. The community is great for those who need assistance to spend their golden years with ease, with its wide range of care and beautifully designed amenities.

Contact The Barclay at SouthPark

Overview of Searstone Retirement Community

Searstone Retirement Community, located in Cary, NC, is a senior living community offering a range of services from assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing services. Their professional caring staff works closely with the residents as well as their families, in creating individualized care plans, in order to determine and meet the residents’ specific care needs.

Their First class skilled nursing services provides residents with 24/7 staff availability for supervision and assistance, round the clock personalized care, medication administration and management, and access to medical care on site as well as other professional services. Additionally their amenities like concierge and transportation services, meal provision and housekeeping and linen service, as well as 24/hr security and emergency call response, enhances the residents experiences during their stay at Searstone.

Contact Searstone Retirement Community

Overview of The Templeton of Cary

The Templeton of Cary is a top-rated retirement community in Cary, NC, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. The community’s nurturing and home-like setting ensures older adults’ comfort and safety. Exceptional services, including weekly housekeeping, concierge, and well-balanced meals, are also provided to enrich residents’ living experiences. Focusing on residents’ holistic well-being, the community provides care plans tailored to their ever-changing needs and habits.

Arts and crafts, games, and seminars are among the many recreational programs that aim to help residents explore new hobbies and have fun. Residents can also focus on relaxation and wellness, with first-class amenities including a saltwater pool, a library, and an outdoor grassy area. WakeMed Cary Hospital, restaurants, shops, and bus stops are also available in the area, providing convenient access to healthcare and other necessities. This retirement community is a great choice for senior living in North Carolina, especially with its wide range of care dedicated to helping older adults age gracefully.

Contact The Templeton of Cary

Overview of Asbury Health & Rehabilitation Center

Asbury Health & Rehabilitation Center provides skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory support on the Aldersgate campus at 3211 Bishops Way Ln in Charlotte, North Carolina. The multi-floor residential building includes internal elevators, allowing residents to travel between private rooms and shared dining halls without climbing stairs. The everyday routine coordinates continuous medical monitoring, physical therapy, and daily lodging about 3.4 miles from Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

The clinical team delivers an average of 4 hours and 50 minutes of daily nursing care per resident, which is structured as 3 hours and 5 minutes from nurse aides, 1 hour and 28 minutes from LPNs, and 27 minutes from registered nurses. On-site physical therapists add an average of 12 minutes of daily rehabilitation support per resident.

The surrounding Windsor Park neighborhood has a walkability score of 43 out of 100, which means the location is mostly car-dependent and visitors generally need a vehicle for local errands.

Prospective residents evaluating regional nursing homes can contact the admissions office to check on current bed availability.

Contact Asbury Health & Rehabilitation Center

Overview of CareBridge Assisted Living and Rehabilitation

CareBridge Assisted Living and Rehabilitation offers assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing in Greensboro, NC’s White Oak neighborhood. Assisted living includes help with daily activities such as bathing and dressing, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for a resident at risk of wandering. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Rehabilitation services are available for residents who need support during recovery or functional changes. Transportation to appointments and activities is also available, so residents can reach those scheduled destinations without arranging each ride independently. With several care levels, CareBridge Assisted Living and Rehabilitation may be a good fit for a resident whose needs could grow over time without requiring a move to another community. A Walk Score of 30 places the area in a car-dependent setting, so most errands require a car or a ride.

Contact CareBridge Assisted Living and Rehabilitation

Overview of Salemtowne Retirement Community

Nestled in the picturesque landscape, Salemtowne Retirement Community stands as a tranquil haven for seniors seeking a vibrant and supportive lifestyle in their golden years. With a focus on holistic living, this community provides comfortable residential options, from spacious cottages to cozy apartments, ensuring every resident finds their ideal abode. The community’s commitment to promoting an active and fulfilling retirement is evident in its array of recreational facilities, including fitness centers, walking trails, and creative spaces. Salemtowne Retirement Community stands as more than just a place to reside; it’s a nurturing environment where seniors can embrace each day with enthusiasm and joy.
At Salemtowne Retirement Community, the essence of graceful aging is exemplified through a range of comprehensive services that cater to the evolving needs of its residents. From the assurance of healthcare access to the convenience of on-site dining options, the community places a premium on enhancing the quality of life for its senior members. Professional staff and caregivers are dedicated to providing personalized support, allowing residents to maintain their independence while knowing that assistance is readily available when required. The community’s serene surroundings and thoughtfully designed architecture create an atmosphere of serenity and relaxation, fostering a sense of belonging and security. Rooted in a tradition of respect for individuality and a commitment to well-being,

Contact Salemtowne Retirement Community

Overview of Carver Rehabilitation & Living Center

Carver Rehabilitation & Living Center offers nursing home and skilled nursing care, memory care, and respite care in Durham, NC. Skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while memory care takes place in Serenity Gardens, a secure memory care unit. Respite care offers a short stay when a resident’s usual caregiver needs time away, so the range of care may suit someone who needs ongoing nursing support, a secured memory care setting, or temporary care.

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are available, and the Restore unit has private rehabilitation suites for short term stays focused on rehabilitation. On site laboratory services and X rays mean residents can have those services completed at the community, while an on site beauty salon and gourmet meals prepared by Chef Preston Mayo add to the daily routine. Weekly outings and religious services are offered as scheduled activities, but the community’s Walk Score is 31 out of 100, placing it in a car dependent setting where most errands require a car or a ride, so residents who do not drive would generally need transportation for those errands.

Contact Carver Rehabilitation & Living Center

Ranking Methodology

How we rank these nursing homes

Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.

  • CMS data
  • 5 weighted categories
  • Updated quarterly
Full methodology

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Care Quality
  • 20%
    Staffing
  • 20%
    Regulatory
  • 20%
    Operational
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Care Quality 35%

The largest single share of every ranking. CMS star ratings and quality measures that reflect actual care delivered to residents.

  • Includes
  • Overall Rating
  • Health Inspection
  • QM Rating
  • Long-Stay QM
  • Short-Stay QM
02

Staffing Adequacy 20%

The strongest predictor of resident outcomes. Volume and stability of nursing care, drawn from CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

  • Includes
  • Nurse Hrs/Res/Day
  • RN vs State
  • Total Nurse Staff Hrs vs State
  • RN Turnover
03

Regulatory & Safety Record 20%

Inspection patterns that star ratings can mask. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • Citations
  • Citations/Inspection
  • Severe Citations
  • Fines
  • Accreditations
04

Operational & Financial Stability 20%

Stable operations and sound finances are leading indicators of consistent care over time.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy vs State
  • Avg Length of Stay
  • Revenue
  • Payroll %
  • Years in Operation
  • Admin Tenure
05

Environment & Accessibility 5%

Context that matters to families but doesn't directly measure clinical care. Weighted lower for nursing homes than for assisted or independent living.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • BBB Rating
No paid rankings Facilities cannot pay to influence placement.
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
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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.