About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2024 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2024 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2024 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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10 Best Independent Living Communities in Charlotte, NC

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The Charlotte metro area offers many attractive lures for seniors who want to live their golden years like royalty. Charlotte, also known as the Queen City, has the energy of a big city while still maintaining small-town charm. Museums, decadent dining selections, and all-around beautiful outdoor spaces and weather are just a few of Charlotte’s attractions — and its selection of independent senior living communities is a reflection of that appeal. Independent living communities offer seniors all the perks of apartment-style living with extra services and amenities, such as housekeeping, meal services, and personal laundry.

A Place for Mom partners with nine independent senior living communities within a 10-mile radius of Uptown Charlotte, the lively city center. This deluxe guide to independent living in Charlotte is the optimal resource to help get you started on your search journey. It combines our 20+ years of experience in senior living with our proprietary rating system that’s based on location, facility transparency, and recent, high-quality reviews. We detail everything you need to know about Charlotte’s independent living communities, from favorite amenities to types of independent living communities to cost and payment methods. Additionally, you’ll find some highlights and local resources for seniors living in Charlotte.

Charlotte Independent Living Facilities | 430 Reviews
Showing 25 communities
Last Updated: 3/14/24
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Types of care available in Charlotte, NC
Independent Living
Independent Living
Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Assisted Living
Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Nursing Homes
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Memory Care
Memory Care
Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Residential Care Home
Residential Care Home
Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Senior Apartments
Senior Apartments
Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Home Care
Home Care
Home care relies on trained aides to provide companionship and non-medical care for seniors living at home.
Recent reviews of Independent Living in Charlotte, NC
4.3 / 5.0

I love The Blake!! It's an excellent facility and my parents are adjusting nicely to living in their independent care cottage which is simply beautiful. Yes I would tell a friend.

4.1 / 5.0

Very supportive and open Politely responding to a request is essential to receiving the same Kitchen staff is often shot banded

5 / 5.0

We just moved the end of July and have found all the staff to be very friendly and very helpful. It’s been nice to be able to walk outdoors into the courtyard. We feel it is a safe environment.

Photo of Providence Meadows
1313 Photos available
9.5
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15 reviews
9.5
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15 reviews
5 star
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After touring seven different facilities we hit GOLD. My mother was completely against leaving her home. After a mild stroke we had no choice but to place her in a facility. This facility is wonderful. My...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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Photo of MerryWood on Park
11 Video available
1919 Photos available
55 Floor plans available
Pricing promotion
9.4
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63 reviews
9.4
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63 reviews
5 star
56%
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Everything has been wonderful so far. No complaints.We are very happy with Merrywood, the staff and all we have experienced so far. Great choice! We picked this community because of the location and what...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Located in the heart of Charlotte, Myers Park and Dilworth neighborhoods.
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Photo of Brookdale Charlotte East
11 Video available
1010 Photos available
44 Floor plans available
Pricing promotions expiring soon
9.2
Review score
76 reviews
9.2
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76 reviews
5 star
48%
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The staff helped me tremendously throughout the entire process. They kept me encouraged during a difficult time by offering suggestions on how to complete the move in process. The nurse scheduled her...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Aging well can mean living well, especially with the resort-style amenities available at our community. Start your days strolling through expansive courtyards and along flower-lined walking paths, perhaps stop at the wellness center and then enjoy a stage play at the on-site theater. Or maybe...
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Photo of Shads Landing
11 Video available
1212 Photos available
9.1
Review score
42 reviews
9.1
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42 reviews
5 star
38%
4 star
43%
3 star
14%
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Everyone is friendly and very supportive of the transition. If you have questions they will get an answer for you. Residents are extremely friendly and always say hi.They also offer assisted-living...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Shads Landing provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment. Built upon ten-acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with a large pond at the center, Shads Landing offers you all the convenience of Charlotte with a lovely park-like setting to call their own. Yet we're...
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Photo of Holiday Carmel Place
77 Photos available
1414 Floor plans available
Pricing promotions expiring soon
9.0
Review score
93 reviews
9.0
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93 reviews
5 star
53%
4 star
30%
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9%
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I am currently a resident at Holiday Carmel Place. The staff is very helpful and friendly. The move in process was easy for me and my apartment was ready when promised. They hired a new Chef and made changes...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Carmel Place provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment. Conveniently located in South Charlotte near some of the city's best shopping, dining and healthcare, you'll enjoy living in our beautiful and peaceful community. You'll wish you called us home sooner. Our...
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Photo of Brookdale Carriage Club Providence
11 Video available
1717 Photos available
99 Floor plans available
8.9
Review score
89 reviews
8.9
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89 reviews
5 star
46%
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38%
3 star
9%
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We chose Brookdale Carriage Club because it has varying levels of care from independent to dementia care, so we were sure we would find all the needs of my parents met.Our experience has been great! We moved...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Care Today, Care TomorrowIf you’re ready to exchange the burden of things like cooking, cleaning and laundry for a community that offers exciting activities and events, custom care that meets your specific needs and amenities and services that resemble life at a destination resort rather than a...
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Photo of Holiday Willow Grove
11 Video available
1515 Photos available
Pricing promotion expiring soon
8.2
Review score
70 reviews
8.2
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70 reviews
5 star
51%
4 star
26%
3 star
16%
2 star
4%
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my dad is very happy with the place. I do think his room is a little smaller than ideal for him. I know they have different floorplan sizes for each category. ( studio, one bedroom, two bedroom.) so it might...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Willow Grove provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment. Our hometown of Matthews is a largely residential community that is warm, friendly and safe. Between our quaint downtown and network of charming parks, there's plenty to see and do right here in town. Our...
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Photo of Ambriant at Austin Village
55 Photos available
66 Floor plans available
8.0
Review score
1 review
8.0
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1 review
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I'm very happy with Ambient at Austin Village. The facility is very clean. It's brand new. The tenants are very nice and friendly, and they all look out for each other. The setting is lovely - it backs...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Overture Cotswold 55+ Apartment Homes
1717 Photos available
77 Floor plans available
5 star
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I would tell others that it is a great safe place. There is a lot of things to do. The other residents and staff watch out for you. My loved one doesn't think a lot of the food. The breakfast is more of...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Description of Overture Cotswold 55+ Apartment Homes - conveniently located in Charlotte, North CarolinaAt Overture Cotswold 55+ Apartment Homes we have a wide variety of community features. Pets such as dogs and cats are permitted in private quarters. Our community conveniently offers both...
Photo of Madison Saints Paradise South
11 Photo available
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Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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Photo of Carmel Hills
44 Photos available
5 star
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There are not enough words to describe Carmel Hills! It is the most wonderful loving place. My Mother lived there for 14 months and was taken better care of than I could ever imagine. The people that work...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Carmel Hills is a Continuing Care Retirement Community for Christians. We have specialized in the care and encouragement of the Lord’s people for over 30 years. Our long-term staff consists of trained, experienced, and friendly people who are all interested in the safety and security of our...
Photo of Overture Providence 55+ Apartment Homes
1616 Photos available
5 star
20%
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I shop locally nearby at CVS, etc. Traffic is light to moderate (bank of am, chase, etc). Easy access to major banks. Wireless internet hookup adequate w/ heated swimming pool and foyer and exercise.
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Welcome to Overture Providence, your premiere 55+ active adult living destination. Here, you will discover beautifully designed apartment homes, one-of-a-kind services and over 12,000 square feet of resort-inspired amenities. We offer everything you’ll need to maintain a happy and healthy...
Photo of Aldersgate
8.0
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2 reviews
8.0
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2 reviews
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My mom and I needed in home help after she fell and broke her shoulder. This was our first time with using an in home facility and we could not have been more pleased. We had an awesome caretaker and never...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Independence Place
Provides: Independent Living, Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Sharon Village
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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My father was in the healthcare side; they have a very good staff and the facilities are nice, it's just not set up for someone who's trying to leave. Their lobbies and common areas are located where the...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
5 star
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Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Making the transition to retirement apartment living is easy at Brian Center Retirement Apartments. Our helpful staff is here to assist you with all the details of your move. Whether it's sorting through financial details or carrying boxes into your new apartment; you can count on us to help you...
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Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
5 star
100%
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Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Photo of Trevi Vibrant Senior Living
66 Photos available
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Trevi Vibrant Senior Living is a brand new, all-inclusive independent living community located in Northeast Charlotte. Amenities include exercise and fitness facilities, a Pickleball court, library, and beautiful chapel. Flowing from the amenity spaces are two outdoor courtyards that provide...
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Photo of Brightmore of South Charlotte
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.

Costs of independent living in the Charlotte area

Independent living communities in Charlotte cost an average of $3,367 per month, according to our proprietary data.[01] This takes into account any additional fees and the cost of potential add-on services and fees, such as the following:

  • One-time community entrance fee
  • Monthly pet fees
  • Monthly parking fees
  • HOA fees in some communities

Some communities include certain costs in the standard monthly rent, such as utilities, cable, and Wi-Fi. Independent living communities also may offer options that are a la carte, meaning they can be added to your monthly rent individually for extra costs. The following services may be included in these costs:

  • Housekeeping
  • Salon services
  • Personal laundry
  • Transportation services

When touring independent living communities, you’ll want to ask what’s included in the baseline rent to avoid paying for any additional amenities or services you don’t want. The baseline rent, or starting costs, tends to look a little different from the one we provide above. You can take a look at what the starting costs of independent living in Charlotte look like below, particularly as they compare to other nearby locales.

Average cost comparisons near Charlotte, NC

Average monthly costs

Charlotte, NC

$3,161

Hoods, NC

$2,988

How people pay for independent living in Charlotte, NC

Many residents of independent living in Charlotte often use private funds to pay for community costs. Since these communities typically don’t provide the level of care provided in an assisted living or memory care facility, the services and living costs typically aren’t covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance.

However, if a person residing in an independent living community experiences a medical need for in-home care services, those may be covered by Medicaid and Medicare. There are also public assistance and veterans benefits that some seniors may qualify for. We detail each of those private and public funding options below.

Private pay methods in Charlotte

Many seniors use personal funds from savings or retirement income to pay for an independent living community in Charlotte. This can also look like any additional proceeds you can collect from the following sources:

Caregiver Resources
Reverse Mortgages and Long-Term Care: The Pros and Cons
By Merritt Whitley, senior living writer and editor
VA benefits for independent living in Charlotte

Veterans may be able to pay for some of the costs of independent senior living in Charlotte by utilizing benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the North Carolina Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVA). You’ll find some of the benefits that could be available to qualified veterans provided below.

VA Pension

The VA Pension program gives supplemental monthly income to qualified veterans and their surviving spouses, which can be put toward the cost of an independent living community in Charlotte. To be eligible for a VA pension, a veteran must meet VA service and financial requirements and at least one of the prerequisites:

  • They must be age 65 or older.
  • They must have a permanent disability.
  • They must be a nursing home patient due to a physical or mental disability.
  • They must receive Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).[03]
Aid and Attendance benefit

If a veteran receives VA pension benefits, they may also be eligible to collect the Aid and Attendance benefit. Aid and Attendance is paid in addition to a monthly pension amount and can be used to pay for any living costs that benefit a veteran’s quality of life, which does include the cost of an independent senior living community.

On top of already being enrolled in VA pensions, a veteran must also have a wartime service-related disability recognized by VA Health Care, and meet a minimum of one of the following conditions to qualify:

  • They must have poor vision.
  • They must need help with everyday tasks.
  • They must be confined to bed for all or most of the day.
  • They must be a patient in a nursing home because of a mental or physical disability. [04]
Housebound allowance

Another benefit available to veterans enrolled in VA pensions is the Housebound allowance. Like Aid and Attendance, the Housebound allowance is paid on top of a veteran’s monthly pension amount. Veterans can either receive Housebound allowance or Aid and Attendance, but not both at once.

Unlike Aid and Attendance, a veteran’s disability doesn’t have to be related to wartime service for them to receive the Housebound allowance — it can develop from natural, age-related causes. However, the Housebound allowance is mainly intended to cover the cost of in-home care services when a veteran isn’t able to leave their home.

Help with VA benefits

Numerous other local organizations in Charlotte can help veterans find and apply for VA benefits. NCServes is the statewide resource that can help connect veterans and their families to several local services. The Catholic Diocese of Charlotte helps Mecklenburg County veterans access case management services, which helps veterans access VA benefits. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) are some other nonprofits that may also be helpful when it comes to finding and accessing VA benefits. You can also reach out to the benefits specialists at your local VA service office.

31083

Number of veterans who live in Charlotte, according to the U.S. Census Bureau

Around 63% of Charlotte veterans are age 55+, per the U.S. Census Bureau.

Resources for Charlotte veterans

Government resources

Charlotte veterans service office

Locate a veterans service officer

5500 Executive Center Drive, Suite 132
Charlotte, NC 28212
Phone: 919-664-1080

North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Veteran services

413 N. Salisbury St.
Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 844-624-8387

Local organizations

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

Find your local office

251 N. Main St., Room 151
Winston-Salem, NC 27101-3914
Phone: 336-631-5481

Veterans of Foreign War (VFW)

Veteran benefits and assistance

2831 The Plaza
Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: 704-332-2669

NCServes – Metrolina

Assistance request form for benefits navigation and other services

2200 E. 7th St.
Charlotte, NC 28204
Phone: 855-425-8838

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte

Supportive services for veterans
1123 E. Church St.
Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 704-370-3257

Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) resource guide
A Place for Mom’s Veterans Benefits Guide
Charlotte Medicaid

NC Medicaid is North Carolina’s Medicaid program. While it can’t be used to pay for the cost of living in an independent senior living community, there may be some in-home care services that could be covered if there’s a medical need for them. NC Medicaid has some specified Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) that can help seniors receive care services from home instead of an institutional setting, such as a hospital or nursing home. Read on to learn more about these LTSS services and what they cover.

Personal care services

Personal care services provide support with everyday tasks for seniors who struggle to do the following independently:

  • Eat
  • Bathe
  • Get dressed
  • Go to the restroom
  • Move around their home[06]
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Elderly adults may be able to receive several long-term services from their home or independent living community through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). The program helps seniors avoid placement in an institutional setting, such as a nursing home. Seniors may be eligible to participate in PACE if they can pay with private funds and are either enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or are eligible for both programs.

This additional criteria also needs to be met to receive PACE services:

  • A senior must be age 55 or older.
  • A senior must need a nursing home level of care.
  • A senior must live in a PACE organization service area.
  • A senior must be able to live in their community without putting their health or safety at risk.
  • A senior must meet NC Medicaid’s financial eligibility requirements for long-term care.[19]
Medicaid assistance

Your local Area on Agency can help you navigate Medicaid and LTSS. The NC Medicaid Ombudsman is another source available to help. NC Medicaid beneficiaries can also utilize the NC Medicaid Ombudsman, which helps provides updates about any program changes. It also connects recipients to useful resources that offer the following assistance:

  • Legal aid
  • Housing and social services
  • Food and nutrition assistance

Charlotte resident Medicaid resources

Centralina Area Agency on Aging

Long-term senior services and support

10735 David Taylor Drive, Suite 250
Charlotte, NC 28262
Phone: 704-372-2416

NC Medicaid Ombudsman
Medicare for independent living

Similar to NC Medicaid, Medicare doesn’t pay for the cost to live in an independent senior living community in Charlotte, North Carolina. However, some Medicare-approved health services can be provided in an independent living community if a medical need arises. Eligible seniors may be able to receive these short-term home care services:

  • Medical social services
  • Intermittent skilled nursing care
  • Medical supplies and/or durable medical equipment
  • Physical, speech, and occupational therapies[07]

Seniors must already be enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B to qualify. Additionally, they must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Be homebound due to a condition or illness
  • Require specialized therapy and/or part-time skilled nursing for a specific condition
  • Be under a doctor’s care with a regularly reviewed care plan[07]

A part of the North Carolina Department of Insurance, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provides Medicare education to seniors through its North Carolina Senior Medicare Patrol (NCSMP). Through NCSMP, seniors can absorb all sorts of useful information from trained SHIIP counselors about Medicare benefits, how to recognize billing errors, and other potential discrepancies to look out for.

Additional Medicare resources

North Carolina Department of Insurance

Medicare basics

Albemarle Building
325 N. Salisbury St.
Raleigh, NC 27603-5926
Phone: 855-408-1201

Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)
Public assistance for seniors in Charlotte

Seniors who don’t require the types of services covered by Medicare and Medicaid may be able to utilize the following other forms of public assistance.

Housing Choice Vouchers

Also known as Section 8, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program helps low-income seniors afford safe and affordable housing in Charlotte. This program gives eligible recipients a voucher that pays a landlord for some of the monthly rent and utility expenses. Federally funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, HCV is administered locally by public housing authorities, such as Charlotte’s INLIVIAN, to make sure private landlords are properly compensated.

The rent subsidy is usually capped at 30% of a person’s monthly income, and eligibility is based on several factors, including a household’s size and income. You’ll want to check with an independent living community first to make sure they participate in the HCV program. Additionally, HCVP recipients also need to follow program rules that include the following conditions:

  • Participants must report changes in household size or income.
  • Participants must keep the unit in adequate condition.
  • Participants must not violate any lease terms.[08]

You can reach out directly to INLIVIAN or the nearest HUD office in Greensboro for help applying for the HCVP or general questions.

Social Security benefits

Eligible seniors can receive supplemental income from Social Security benefits, which can be put towards any expenses incurred to live in an independent senior living community. Different types of Social Security benefits have distinct applications and benefits processes. Understanding which one best applies to your situation can help you avoid being denied benefits. Read on to find out which benefit may be available to you.

Your local Social Security Administration office can provide more information about these benefits.

Local resources

Emergency housing assistance organizations help Charlotte residents who need financial assistance or are at risk of homelessness. The Crisis Assistance Ministry is one local nonprofit that can provide instant emergency rent and utility support for individuals facing eviction or utility shutoff. You can access other resources to help with rent and utilities by dialing 2-1-1.

Public assistance resources for Charlotte residents

Charlotte Public Housing Authority – INLIVIAN

Contact INLIVIAN

400 East Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 704-336-5183

Greensboro Field Office

Contact HUD – North Carolina

Asheville Building
1500 Pinecroft Road, Suite 401
Greensboro, NC 27407-3838
Phone: 336-547-4000

Social Security Administration (SSA)

Find your local SSA office

2201 Coronation Blvd., #100
Charlotte, NC 28227
Phone: 800-772-1213

Crisis Assistance Ministry

For emergency financial assistance

500-A Spratt St.
Charlotte, NC 28206
Phone: 704-371-3001

Understand North Carolina laws and regulations for independent living communities  

Stand-alone independent living communities in Charlotte aren’t regulated by the state and often aren’t licensed to provide medical care or other supportive services. For the most part, North Carolina considers independent living communities the same as senior apartments. This means independent senior living communities must comply with Charlotte’s minimum housing code, which is enforced by code inspectors who observe and report any of the following violations:

  • Loose flooring
  • Broken windows
  • Unsafe ceiling or roof
  • Leaking roof or plumbing fixtures
  • Hazardous wiring
  • Damaged structural supports
  • Stained or water-damaged interior walls[10]

Residents at an independent senior living community can expect a landlord-tenant type of relationship. This means that property owners and tenants are expected to meet certain responsibilities outlined in the North Carolina Legal Aid brochure on Landlord-Tenant laws. We detail some expectations for both parties below, as well as anti-discrimination housing laws.

Responsibilities of landlords

Owners of rental properties are required to keep the building and units in safe and suitable conditions for residents. By law, landlords in North Carolina must do the following:

  • Keep plumbing, heating, and electric equipment in safe working order
  • Provide smoke alarms
  • Make all necessary repairs
  • Fix all broken-down appliances, if provided by the landlord
  • Inform residents if they sell the property
  • Keep all common areas, such as hallways and stairways, clear and in a safe condition[11]

Tenant responsibilities

Tenants must also own their fair share of responsibilities when renting a property in North Carolina. The state law requires tenants to do the following:

  • Properly dispose of trash
  • Avoid unnecessary damages caused by tenants or guests
  • Provide proper notice of your intention to move at the end of a lease
  • Keep the unit clean
  • Pay rent on time[11]

Fair housing

In North Carolina, all rental properties have to follow federal and state antidiscrimination housing laws. The Fair Housing Act, in particular, prohibits landlords from denying a tenant to lease a property from them because of the characteristics below:

Reasonable accommodations and modifications for people with disabilities

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations and modifications to a property if it gives disabled individuals equal access to the spaces. Accommodation can look like any changes or exemptions to certain policies, while modifications are constructional adjustments to the building. Both accommodations and modifications help people with disabilities enjoy their units or common areas to the fullest.

Landlords must also let tenants make reasonable modifications to their personal living spaces. Some examples of these modifications are listed below:

  • Installing grab bars
  • Widening doorways
  • Lowering light switches
  • Installing ramps at building entrances[13]

If you have concerns about a community not complying with the city’s minimum housing code, you can report violations on the Charlotte Housing and Neighborhoods Services page or dial 3-1-1 to request an inspection.

Charlotte Housing and Neighborhood Services

Report a code violation

View code enforcement cases in Charlotte

600 E. Trade St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: 704-336-3380

Legal Aid of North Carolina

Legal help for seniors

Phone: 877-579-7562

COVID-19 regulations for Charlotte independent living communities

As of February 2023, North Carolina doesn’t have any COVID-19 regulations or mandates in place for independent living communities. However, COVID-19 and its variants continue to be a threat to high-risk populations like seniors. You can check directly with prospective independent living communities about any precautions they may have in place to keep residents and staff safe.

COVID-19 resources for Charlotte veterans

NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) resources

DHHS COVID-19 dashboard

COVID-19 vaccination locator

Find a COVID-19 testing site near you

For the latest local guidance and updates, you can check the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) COVID-19 recommendations. Here’s a brief rundown of what the DHHS is currently recommending:

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Staff safety. Employers should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s isolation and quarantine protocols for employees who test positive for or were exposed to someone with COVID-19.

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Social distancing. DHSS continues to recommend staying 6 feet apart in all public settings.

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Masking. Masks are encouraged in indoor public spaces, especially if you’re unvaccinated or in a setting with high-risk populations.

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Vaccinations. The DHSS recommends North Carolinians stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

Get to know independent living in Charlotte

52Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
3.8/5.0 average in-network rating
66% of partnered communities have an on-site salon
55% of in-network communities have a fitness center
77% of our partner communities offer complimentary transportation
6
Number of people we have referred in market
79
Average age of residents we’ve referred to in-market communities
Gender split: 64% female; 30% male

Types of independent living in Charlotte, NC

Independent living communities in Charlotte deliver the royal treatment to active seniors looking to retire in the Queen City. These communities range from stand-alone independent living communities to ones that also offer assisted living and memory care services. Whether you prefer proximity to nature or Charlotte’s popular attractions, these independent living communities have something to offer all.

Woodland wonders

Settle into the countryside for a more rustic approach to senior independent living in Charlotte. These craftsman-style communities can be found within Charlotte’s quieter suburban settings. Most have a rustic, homelike ambiance with cozy furnishings and common areas with inviting fireplaces.

These communities offer nearly unlimited access to the area’s beautiful surroundings with waterfront views, plentiful golf courses, and scenic parks nearby. Whether you prefer to spend your days tending to the raised garden beds or dropping into cooking demonstrations, these scenic retreats offer ample opportunities to pursue your passions and interests.

Additionally, most of these communities offer add-on options that may include the following:

  • Daily chef-prepared meals
  • Fitness programs
  • Coordinated activities
  • Personal laundry and linen
  • Transportation arrangements
  • Weekly housekeeping

Boutique independent living

Experience Charlotte independent senior living at its finest in these chic, sophisticated communities. These homes offer regal senior living with palatial living spaces equipped with full-sized kitchens, marble countertops, and walk-in showers.

While many of these independent living communities boast close access to Charlotte’s shopping, restaurants, and lively cultural scene, you may find you have everything you need at home, with so many lavish amenities available on-site. Many offer complimentary concierge services, as well as all-inclusive options like housekeeping, personal training, and dry-cleaning services.

Enjoy the best of resort-style living with posh indoor and outdoor common spaces that often include these amenities:

  • Movie theaters
  • Outdoor patios
  • Grilling stations
  • Bistros
  • Bocce courts
  • Yoga studios

Explore senior care with confidence

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Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.

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Tour your favorite facilities.

Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.

Unfamiliar with Charlotte? Highlights for seniors

99000

Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Charlotte, North Carolina

73%

Percentage of Charlotte seniors 65 and older without a disability

70000

Average annual income for Charlotte seniors 65 and older

Health care for seniors in Charlotte

Charlotte has access to some of the top health systems and medical facilities in the region. Get to know some of the area’s best health care providers below.

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Novant Health First Charlotte Physicians Epicentre

Novant Health First Charlotte Physicians Epicentre provides primary care services to adults from the heart of Uptown Charlotte. It provides preventative care services from a team of internal medicine specialists, as well as treatment for illness and injuries. Additionally, Novant Health First Charlotte offers on-site services that include cardiac stress tests, audiograms for hearing loss detection, and an allergy injection clinic.

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Atrium Health Cabarrus

Atrium Health Cabarrus is located just outside of Charlotte in Concord, North Carolina. This nonprofit hospital offers comprehensive cancer and cardiac care, round-the-clock emergency medical treatments, as well as general and specialized surgical procedures. Its Levine Cancer Institute-Concord provides acclaimed cancer treatment from chemotherapy to radiation, and it has several supportive services available for patients and families.

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CaroMont Regional Medical Center

CaroMount Health is an acute care hospital that sits about 30 minutes outside of Charlotte in Gastonia, North Carolina. It’s part of the CaroMont Health regional health system and is nationally acknowledged for its exceptional cardiac care, specialized orthopedic care, and Cancer Center. Specially trained traumatologists are available around the clock to provide a range of services to patients with critical injuries.

Transportation for seniors in Charlotte

While 77% of our partnered independent communities have complimentary transportation, it’s crucial to have other reliable transportation available when maintaining one’s independence.[01] Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is the city’s main form of public transportation and operates numerous bus and rail lines throughout the metro, as well as paratransit services for disabled individuals who can’t access its fixed routes.

The Mecklenburg Transportation System (MTS) may also be able to help seniors access nonemergency transportation services in Charlotte. Read on to learn more about some of these transportation services and who may be eligible:

  • Medicaid transportation. With this service, seniors eligible for Medicaid may be available to receive transportation to and from medical appointments.
  • Elderly general purpose. This service is available to seniors age 60+ who don’t live in an assisted living facility or nursing home.
  • Veterans services transportation. This service is for qualified veterans who need assistance getting to and from medical clinics in Charlotte and VA hospitals in North Carolina.
  • Urbanized area general purpose. Seniors age 60 and older living within Charlotte can receive nonemergency transportation to locations such as beauty salons, grocery stores, and recreational centers.[16]

Many Charlotte residents often rely on cars to run errands or get around town. Below, we provide Charlotte’s rankings for the city’s proximity to amenities within a five-minute walk, its access to nearby transportation, and its bike infrastructure.[17]

Transportation card image
26

Walk Score

Transportation card image
27

Transit Score

Transportation card image
31

Bike Score

Senior activities in Charlotte

Sure, pleasant weather and sensible cost of living are some of the commonly known appealing qualities that draw people to Charlotte. But what else does the Queen City have to offer seniors considering independent living in Charlotte, North Carolina?

Charlotte offers the royal tree-tment

Charlotte’s enticing, tree-dense geography provides a wealth of outdoor destinations that include more than 200 parks and nature preserves. The city has over 45% tree canopy coverage, as well as ample parks, trails, and stunning foliage. You’ll also find botanic bliss at one of the city’s majestic gardens:

Charlotte is a dining dynasty

Charlotte’s rapidly growing restaurant scene offers a range of culinary selections to satisfy every craving. Barbecue is king in the Queen City, and there are plenty of spots to get your fix of masterfully smoked Carolina ‘cue. From South American fare to Southern brunch specialties, Charlotte has a zest for serving up delectable dishes.

Charlotte has imperial shopping

Shopping is a cherished pastime in Charlotte, and you’ll find plenty of options for every budget and style at the local malls and outlet spots. For unique treasure hunters, the ample local shops and boutiques are treasure troves for one-of-a-kind finds. Meanwhile, Charlotte’s open-air shopping districts provide a divine retail experience at these popular locations:

Charlotte is a sports empire

From community watch parties to local taverns and cigar bars, there’s ample opportunity to partake in Charlotte’s sports culture. This city is very much a sports dominion with several professional teams, including the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets. It’s also the site of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Additionally, Charlotte hosts college football’s annual ACC Championship Game and New Year’s Eve Belk Bowl, as well as the PGA Wells Fargo Championship for golf.

Charlotte has a reigning arts and culture scene

Arts and culture are central in Charlotte, and the city itself is a masterpiece of creative expression. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the cultural scene from the public art and murals throughout the city to these popular artistic attractions:

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence Meadows, MerryWood on Park and Greenway Square Retirement Community are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Charlotte, NC. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.

The average cost of Independent Living in Charlotte is 3160.83 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.

References

  1. A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

  2. U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101). [Data set]. American community survey.

  3. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). Eligibility for Veterans Pension.

  4. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.

  5. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2021, March). Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program.

  6. State of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, February). Fact sheet LTSS service description and requirements.

  7. Medicare.gov. Home health services.

  8. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Housing choice voucher fact sheet.

  9. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program.

  10. Code of Ordinances City of Charlotte, North Carolina. (2022, November 23). The housing code of the city of Charlotte, Chapter 11: Housing. Municode Library.

  11. Legal Aid of North Carolina. Landlord/tenant law.

  12. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Housing discrimination under the Fair Housing Act.

  13. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Reasonable accommodations and modifications.

  14. NC Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, September 06). Protecting each other from COVID-19.

  15. United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and older in the United States (S0103) [Data set]. American community survey.

  16. Mecklenburg County, NC. Department of Social Services. Mecklenburg transportation system (MTS).

  17. Walk Score. (2022). Living in Charlotte.

  18. City of Charlotte. (2019, February 04). Tree canopy assessment.

  19. North Carolina Medicaid Division of Health Benefits. Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

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1.

A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

2.

U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101). [Data set]. American community survey.

3.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). Eligibility for Veterans Pension.

4.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.

5.
6.

State of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, February). Fact sheet LTSS service description and requirements.

7.

Medicare.gov. Home health services.

8.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Housing choice voucher fact sheet.

9.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program.

10.

Code of Ordinances City of Charlotte, North Carolina. (2022, November 23). The housing code of the city of Charlotte, Chapter 11: Housing. Municode Library.

11.

Legal Aid of North Carolina. Landlord/tenant law.

12.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Housing discrimination under the Fair Housing Act.

13.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Reasonable accommodations and modifications.

14.

NC Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, September 06). Protecting each other from COVID-19.

15.

United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and older in the United States (S0103) [Data set]. American community survey.

16.

Mecklenburg County, NC. Department of Social Services. Mecklenburg transportation system (MTS).

17.

Walk Score. (2022). Living in Charlotte.

18.

City of Charlotte. (2019, February 04). Tree canopy assessment.

19.

North Carolina Medicaid Division of Health Benefits. Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).