For families considering options for senior living, North Carolina is often at the top of the list — and for good reason.
Whether you prefer laid-back beach towns, mountain hikes, or something in between, North Carolina has something to offer — and that’s what makes it an ideal retirement destination. The Outer Banks region along the state’s eastern coast is a popular tourist spot, featuring lighthouses, beaches, and countless other aquatic activities. It’s also home to Kitty Hawk, the seaside town where the Wright brothers made their historic first airplane flight. Then, on North Carolina’s western edge is where the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains run through the state. Peppered throughout all of North Carolina are small yet vibrant college towns like Asheville and Chapel Hill, along with larger metropolitan areas like Charlotte. Add mild weather and low property taxes to the mix, and it’s clear why the Tar Heel State has one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States.
Currently, A Place for Mom partners with more than 150 independent living communities, sometimes simply called retirement communities, in North Carolina.
The median monthly cost of independent living in North Carolina is about $2,600.
I find Holiday Gardens at Wakefield a superior retirement facility in practically every way. Facilities are wonderful and the staff is both competent and friendly, and always helpful. There's a great variety...
They get a 5 across the board. It's an incredible place. Small enough ( thank goodness) that everyone knows everyone and the staff is outstanding. Twice weekly on site geriatric Nurse Practitioner ( as well...
The Marketing representative was very helpful in making the transition from filling out paperwork, touring the facility, to moving in. Housekeeping does great at cleaning and food is very good and severed in...
Providence meadows has been a great place for my dad and stepmother. Comfortable, clean, beautiful grounds, 3 meals a day and easy monthly rent. Their apartments have nice patios with woodsy views and very...
The staff is supportive and pleasant. The residents have a lot of options for activities. The location is great for access to many things nearby. The senior director has changed twice in the last year, and...
My grandfather has been living at Brookdale Charlotte East for a little over a year and a half and we have loved the care he's receiving. Every time we visit, both the residents and staff are very friendly...
I find Holiday Gardens at Wakefield a superior retirement facility in practically every way. Facilities are wonderful and the staff is both competent and friendly, and always helpful. There's a great variety...
I have been a resident here for several years and enjoy it very much. Moving here was a good decision for me. The staff and residents are very friendly, and I enjoy interacting with them on a daily basis....
What we like the most about Brookdale North Raleigh are the friendships our loved one is making, not eating alone, and the activities. Also having OT and PT on-site when she needs it. Based on the experience...
Very friendly staff, residents and living environment. My friend is very pleased and happy living here. The living quarters are quite large and comfortable and the facilities are clean, comfortable and...
My dad loves it here! This is his feedback: "The Ridge is amazing. The facility is beautiful sitting on 12 acres. It is quite peaceful, just so enjoyable sitting on the front porch in rocking chairs. The...
Heritage Woods would get a 5 in all the categories that are listed. We could not be happier with me. Our loved one has made so many new friends while being there and she lives so much better. We would most...
I think that I would recommend Bella Vista to others. My mom's biggest complaints are about the food and how long they have to sit for the meals, but she does like all of the activities that they have for...
My view was a big reason for moving to Harmony. My living room and balcony look out at the Asheville mountains. No matter the season, the view brings joy and peace. There are numerous activities. I can...
I would highly recommend Trinity View Retirement Community to others. They have great staff who are accommodating with everything. The food has not been what my loved one likes. Otherwise, the experience has...
Independent living communities are not regulated or licensed like senior care facilities in North Carolina. While independent living communities typically offer senior-focused features and amenities and have age restrictions, they are treated as regular rental properties.
Some North Carolina independent living communities may share a campus with other senior living facilities. This may include assisted living or memory care communities which offer a higher level of care and are subject to regulatory oversight and licensing requirements. For information senior living communities that offer care services, you can visit our overviews of assisted living and memory care in North Carolina.
Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation.
Stand-alone independent living communities don’t share a campus with other senior living facilities and often closely resemble an apartment building or other multi-family home dwellings. Unlike typical rental properties, independent living facilities are allowed to impose age restrictions which usually require residents to be 55+ or 62+.
In North Carolina, residents of independent living facilities are entitled to certain rights as outlined in the state’s landlord-tenant laws. These rights may include the following:[01]
Many towns and counties in North Carolina have housing codes that offer additional protections for residents of rental properties. Examples of local house codes may require a rental home to have screens on windows, specific types of locks on the doors, and regulations around hot and cold water. For an example of other municipal housing codes, see the city of Charlotte’s Code of Ordinances page.
The federal government and the state of North Carolina protect residents of rental properties against discriminatory practices. Property owners cannot refuse to rent to someone based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or family status.[01]
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
101 Blair Drive
Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 888-893-1162
Overview of Independent Living in NC
Find assisted living near you
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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