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Page 2 of Best Senior Communities in North Carolina
Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 574 senior communities in NC using NC Dept. of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank senior communities in NC
Info below is compiled from the NC Dept. of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.
Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.
Care Types in This TableAL (Assisted Living):
Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing.
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.
HOS (Hospice Care):
Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
SC (Senior Communities):
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.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
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.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
NC DHSR Star Rating (0–4 stars). Issued by North Carolina's Division of Health Service Regulation based on annual facility inspections. Stars reflect overall compliance with state health and safety rules - 4 stars requires scores of 100+ on two consecutive annual inspections. Ratings can change between inspections if new violations or licensure actions occur.
DHSR Quality Score (/200). Each annual inspection starts at a base of 100 points. Facilities earn demerit points for violations and citations, and merit points for correcting issues, maintaining resident/family councils, sprinkler systems, and other quality programs. The "/200" display reflects the two most recent annual inspections combined - giving a longer-term view of compliance trends rather than a single snapshot.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Share of inspections that resulted in deficiencies, expressed as a percentage of total inspections in the window.
Housing or bed configuration options (e.g. studio, shared), often from facility-reported amenities and licensing details.
With consistent accolades in praise of top-tier memory care services, Charter Senior Living of Charlotte offers personalized support for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, carefully crafting the Flourish℠ care program to effectively suit every need of the individual, in a way that only Charter can. Spearheaded by an expert team, Flourish℠ cares with compassion, empowers a purposeful living, and bolsters the dignity of those facing these trying conditions.
Facilities are also gold standard, with memory care private homes designed specifically to make Alzheimer’s and dementia residents feel safe and at peace, with both everyday and recreational needs covered. Stepping outside onto the lush landscape of Charter, family members and residents themselves can explore with confidence thanks to 24/7 security focused on their well-being.
Live your best life at Brookdale Meadowmont, a peaceful senior living community in Chapel Hill, NC, offering assisted living and memory care. The community provides the ideal blend of support and independence, where residents can enjoy various activities such as board games, live music, fitness classes, and social outings. Memory care residents benefit from specialized programs, including chair exercises, trivia games, and arts and crafts, all designed to enhance their quality of life.
Brookdale Meadowmont empowers seniors to live purposefully and age gracefully. The community offers a continuum of care, allowing residents to transition seamlessly as their needs change. With private apartments, cozy common areas, and 24/7 on-site assistance, Brookdale Meadowmont ensures a secure and comfortable living experience. Personalized care assessments on arrival ensure residents receive the support they need, making this community a place where seniors can truly thrive.
Located in the beautiful city of Elizabeth City, NC, Brookdale Elizabeth City is a welcoming senior living community, offering assisted living and memory care. The community provides personalized assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, housekeeping, and meals. Residents can enjoy various activities, including crafting classes in the arts and crafts studio, buddy walks, and engaging games like bingo and trivia. With multiple pet-friendly floor plans and basic utilities included, seniors can enjoy a worry-free lifestyle.
Brookdale Elizabeth City is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its residents through comprehensive care and engaging programs. The community’s mission is to provide a supportive and enriching environment where seniors can thrive. Amenities include the B-Fit fitness classes, brain games, and a variety of social activities. Memory care residents benefit from the Daily Path program, which offers structured activities to preserve their abilities. Dining experiences are top-notch, with nutritious, home-cooked meals served in an elegant dining room, ensuring residents’ health and well-being.
Clemmons Village I- Memory Care is a licensed assisted living community that offers everything Forsyth County seniors desire in an inviting setting on the outskirts of Winston-Salem in Clemmons, North Carolina. For seniors facing Alzheimer’s or dementia, the Revere Memory Care℠ provides specialized care with a lifestyle focus, all within a secure community that truly feels like home.
With 62 rooms, Cadence at Clemmons is undergoing a lifestyle renaissance, emphasizing wellness programming, nutritional dining, and engaging activities tailored to resident preferences. Discover the Southern charm and serenity of Cadence at Clemmons.
Nestled in Matthews, North Carolina, Brookdale Weddington Park is an inviting senior living community that offers a vibrant assisted living experience where residents can maintain their independence while receiving the support they need. Located in a peaceful residential area near Brace Family YMCA and local amenities, Brookdale’s pet-friendly apartments provide a cozy retreat with easy access to nearby shops and medical facilities. A well-trained team handles household tasks and meal preparation, allowing residents to focus on enjoying their days with a variety of engaging activities.
Residents at Brookdale Weddington Park enjoy a lifestyle enriched by personalized care plans tailored to their unique needs. The community fosters wellness through fitness classes, nutritious dining options, and relaxing spa services. Engaging activities and supportive staff ensure a fulfilling experience, offering peace of mind with 24/7 emergency assistance. Discover a place where independence meets comfort and where each day brings new opportunities for enjoyment and relaxation.
Nestled in the charming college town of Wake Forest, North Carolina, Brookdale Wake Forest, offers a vibrant senior living community tailored to meet diverse care needs. Located conveniently in one community, Brookdale Wake Forest provides both assisted living and memory care. Residents here enjoy the freedom to live life to the fullest, supported by a caring team available around the clock.
Experience a rich calendar of events and personalized care assessments designed to meet individual needs and preferences. At Brookdale Wake Forest, dining is a delight with nutritionally balanced, home-cooked meals served in a restaurant-style setting. For those in memory care, there are dementia-friendly menus and intimate dining environments with personalized assistance. The community fosters a supportive environment where residents can thrive with the help of dedicated staff committed to their well-being and safety.
Sunrise at North Hills is a full-service senior living community located in a convenient Raleigh, North Carolina location, helping residents enjoy excursions to popular local destinations as well as a variety of amenities and curated programs. The community offers room rates starting at $3,891 per month and welcomes residents into a loving, compassionate environment, working closely with each individual to develop a tailored plan that helps sustain their independence and autonomy. Sunrise at North Hills measures success by residents’ happiness, health, and safety, providing access to a comprehensive schedule of on-site activities designed to keep their mind, body, and spirit engaged, while also organizing frequent outings to popular local destinations, including shopping centers, restaurants, and movie theaters.
The community boasts a variety of amenities, such as a TV lounge with a fireplace, a physical therapy room, and putting green, as well as a range of floor plans, including studios, one-bedroom, two-room, and companion suites, allowing residents to express their style. Sunrise at North Hills offers engaging activities that exercise the mind with Cranium Crunches, the body with weight lifting, and the spirit with meditation, while the team of experts is frequently consulted by journalists for insights on senior care, assisted living, and memory care. Located in Raleigh, NC, on Spring Forest Road between Falls of Neuse Road and Six Forks Road, the community provides easy access to Raleigh’s more than 40 historic attractions and museums, diverse performing arts and music scene, and medical support at nearby hospitals, including WakeMed Raleigh Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, and Rex Hospital.
Located in the peaceful neighborhood of Durham, NC, Brookdale Durham is an encouraging senior living community that offers personalized senior living with assisted living and memory care services. Residents receive tailored support to maintain their independence, ensuring they can transition seamlessly between care levels as needed without relocating. The community features spacious, pet-friendly apartments and convenient amenities, including restaurant-style dining right on campus.
Memory care residents benefit from individualized attention aimed at preserving their unique identities, supported by a 24/7 on-site team ready to respond to emergencies. The community’s assisted living services assist with daily tasks such as medication management and personal care, complemented by delicious meals served in a welcoming dining environment. Through Brookdale’s Alzheimer’s and dementia program, residents follow a personalized enrichment plan designed to foster existing skills and explore new interests, ensuring a fulfilling lifestyle.
Spend your golden years amidst the safe and relaxing setting of Durham Ridge Assisted Living, a peaceful community in Durham, NC, offering memory care. As the largest memory care community in North Carolina, they guarantee nothing but excellence when it comes to the delivery of care. Accommodations here are bright, safe, and easy to navigate, helping residents move around without worrying about their safety and security.
Access to physical, speech, and occupational therapy services is available through their Elevation Rehab LLC program, ensuring residents maintain their overall functioning. They also boast a unique clinical model with the help of their trusted healthcare provider, giving residents access to primary care and mental health services. Here, residents can fully enjoy their golden years surrounded by comfort and relaxing spaces.
We are Sanford’s only retirement community to offer several types of senior living. Located on thirty-three acres of beautiful land across from Kiwanis Park in Sanford.
At Parkview we are dedicated to providing you with the finest services and features available at an affordable rate and no entrance fee or buy in. Our complex offersIndependent Living Apartments, Secure Wing, and Assisted Living. We are still Locally Owned and Operated. We have set the standard for quality care at affordable prices for over 37 years.
We offer Large Private Rooms and Semi-Private Rooms throughout our Main Assisted Living Facility. These rooms are equipped with either a private bathroom or a shared bathroom. Our main facility also offers Round the clock care with a Nurse on duty 24 hours a day, Assistance with all personal care as needed, Call Bell System in every room, Full Generator Service for Power Failure, Full Sprinkler/Fire System throughout, Spaces for Outdoor and Indoor Gatherings, Vibrant Social Activities, Lots of Outside Community Programs Visit the main building monthly, there are beauty salon services offered on site for those residing in our main building, along with daily room housekeeping and laundry. We are proud to offer delicious Home-cooked meals to our residents.
Our Independent Living Apartments are located outside the main facility on the grounds and offer one bedroom/one bathroom, two bedroom/two bathroom, and/or three Bedroom/two Bathroom Units with spacious closets. All of the Apartment Units are Handicap Accessible with Safety Bath or Showers to help maintain your independence. There is an emergency call bell/pull station located in every unit. There is a social/activity group just for the Apartments. Meals are delivered daily to the individual apartments, and our staff provides one hour a week housekeeping for each unit.
Visit with us today and discover what your new home will feel like!! Be a part of our Parkview Family.
Every community above is evaluated across six weighted categories using public data including state inspection records, review platforms, BBB profiles, and operator-published materials. Rank badges compare each community against others offering the same care type in the same state — never against a different care type.
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 rankingsCommunities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid:If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions about Senior Communities in North Carolina
What is senior living?
Senior communities are residential settings designed for adults aged 55 or older, with options ranging from active independent living to assisted living and memory care.
How many senior communities are listed on this page?
This page features 574 senior communities in North Carolina. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right senior 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 senior 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.
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
Senior Communities in North Carolina at a glance
Avg Walk Score:34/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in North Carolina. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds:70The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in North Carolina. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:90
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