North Carolina’s Port City — Wilmington — has a boatload of appeal for seniors seeking the best of coastal retirement living. The charming town of Wilmington has excellent shopping and dining opportunities, an affordable cost of living, and historic and cultural attractions galore. The area also boasts lovely weather throughout most of the year, which makes it easy to get out and enjoy outdoor excursions at one of the nearby beaches or golf courses.
For seniors seeking a low-key retirement, senior apartments are a great option. Senior apartments let residents continue enjoying an independent lifestyle without the inconveniences of home maintenance and repairs. Senior apartment communities are also considerably more affordable when compared to other senior living options, such as independent living communities.
We’ve crafted this helpful guide to get you started on your search for senior apartments in Wilmington. You’ll find hyper-local details about Wilmington’s senior apartment costs, types of rental communities, and public benefits and programs that could help seniors offset their costs of living. We also detail local highlights for seniors in Wilmington about the area’s top attractions, transportation options, and local hospitals.
Senior Living Apartments in Wilmington, NC
North Carolina’s Port City — Wilmington — has a boatload of appeal for seniors seeking the best of coastal retirement living. The charming town of Wilmington has excellent shopping and dining opportunities, an affordable cost of living, and historic and cultural attractions galore. The area also boasts lovely weather throughout most of the year, which makes it easy to get out and enjoy outdoor excursions at one of the nearby beaches or golf courses.Read more
For seniors seeking a low-key retirement, senior apartments are a great option. Senior apartments let residents continue enjoying an independent lifestyle without the inconveniences of home maintenance and repairs. Senior apartment communities are also considerably more affordable when compared to other senior living options, such as independent living communities.
We’ve crafted this helpful guide to get you started on your search for senior apartments in Wilmington. You’ll find hyper-local details about Wilmington’s senior apartment costs, types of rental communities, and public benefits and programs that could help seniors offset their costs of living. We also detail local highlights for seniors in Wilmington about the area’s top attractions, transportation options, and local hospitals.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Wilmington, NC
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- Costs of senior apartments in the Wilmington area
- How people pay for senior apartments in Wilmington
- Understand North Carolina laws and regulations for senior apartments
- What to expect from senior apartments in Wilmington
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Wilmington? Highlights for seniors
Costs of senior apartments in the Wilmington area
On average, senior apartments in Wilmington cost $1,400 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s internal research.[01] This amount doesn’t account for add-on costs or community fees for items like reserved parking spaces, pet rent, or one-time deposits. Plus, the cost of a senior apartment can be higher or lower depending on factors like the location, floor plan, and any interior upgrades (granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, etc.).
The figures below represent the starting costs of senior apartments across the Wilmington area. These can be especially helpful when trying to compare the costs of senior apartments in the greater Wilmington area.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Wilmington, NC vs. nearby cities
How people pay for senior apartments in Wilmington
This guide walks you through the various payment methods you may use to help pay for a senior apartment in Wilmington. You’ll find an overview of the different resources seniors typically put toward their rent. But you’ll also find various housing assistance information and insight into benefits for veterans, which may be able to help eligible individuals pay for a senior apartment. We also break down different sources of public benefits that could be used to pay for in-home senior care services, in the event it’s needed down the road.
Many seniors use their private funds to pay for their choice senior apartment, just like they would a standard apartment community. Some examples of private pay methods include savings accounts, investment returns, and retirement income.
Fortunately, some sources of retirement income can go a long way in North Carolina. Social Security benefits are exempt from income taxes in the Tar-Heel State, and other sources of retirement income are taxed at the state’s 4.99% income tax rate.[02] Seniors in the workforce can also use their monthly income to pay rent.
The following resources are also commonly utilized to fund the move to senior living, depending on a senior’s assets:
Number of veterans living in Wilmington as of 2021
Around 66% of veterans who live in Wilmington are age 55+.
Certain Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits can be used to cover senior apartment costs for eligible Wilmington veterans or their surviving spouses. Among these benefits is Aid and Attendance, which can be used to pay for anything that improves a veteran’s quality of life. Veterans who qualify for Aid and Attendance can collect monthly payments on top of their VA Pension and can use it to offset costs of senior living.
As a senior veteran or surviving spouse, it’s worth reaching out to a local veterans service organization (VSO), even if you think you don’t qualify for benefits. You can get in touch with a qualified benefits specialist by reaching out to the Wilmington veterans service center (VSC), the New Hanover County Veteran Services (NHCVS) office, or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Wilmington chapter. These organizations staff qualified veteran service officers that can help make sure you don’t miss out on any benefits you may qualify for. They’ll help identify your eligibility and assist you with the complex application process.
Resources for Wilmington veterans
North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) — State veterans service centers
Wilmington Veterans Service Center (VSC)
3205 Randall Parkway, Suite 102
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: 919-664-1065
New Hanover County Veterans Services (NHCVS)
1650 Greenfield St.
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: 910-798-7611
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) — Find your local office
4601 Park Ave.
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: 910-313-2190
North Carolina’s Medicaid program — NC Medicaid — can be used to pay for some home health services for eligible beneficiaries living in a private residence, such as a senior apartment. Seniors who need long-term services and supports (LTSS) may be able to utilize one of the state’s home and community based (HCBS) programs.
HCBS programs let Medicaid beneficiaries receive certain health care services from their home or community instead of a nursing home. You’ll find some of NC Medicaid HCBS programs below, with links to more information about each program, eligibility, and covered services.
- Personal care services (PCS) support eligible Medicaid beneficiaries who need assistance with activities of daily living like eating, bathing, and getting dressed.
- Home health services provide medically necessary services like skilled nursing services, specialized therapies (physical, speech, occupational, etc.), and medical supplies.
- Community Alternatives for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) supplements specific services and supports from within a person’s home or community, which benefits medically fragile beneficiaries who would otherwise be at risk for nursing home placement if services weren’t available
- Private Duty Nursing (PDN) arranges continual skilled nursing care from the home of a medically fragile Medicaid beneficiary, which is intended to provide additional support care that’s already being provided in the home by a designated caregiver.
You’ll need to apply for NC Medicaid to access these different programs. There are several different ways to apply for NC Medicaid:
- Apply online using the ePass website.
- Visit the New Hanover County Department of Social Services to apply in person.
- Download an application and mail it to your local Department of Social Services office.
You can reach out to the NC Medicaid contact center or your local Department of Social Services office for any questions or issues that may come up during the application process. You can also contact the NC Medicaid Ombudsman if you have trouble getting access to care or have any Medicaid-related questions or complaints. The NC Medicaid Ombudsman provides free support services and can refer you to an array of resources that include legal aid and social services.
Medicaid resources for Wilmington seniors
NC Medicaid Contact Center
2501 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
Phone: 888-245-0179
New Hanover County Department of Social Services
1650 Greenfield St.
Wilmington, NC 28402
Phone: 910-798-3400
Phone: 877-201-3750
Some short-term home health care services may be covered through Medicare — the federal health insurance program for seniors age 65+ and people with disabilities. Medicare beneficiaries could be eligible to receive the following services when there’s a confirmed medical need for services:[04]
- Home health aide or intermittent skilled nursing care
- Medical social services
- Specialized therapies
- Medical supplies
Although Medicare can’t be used to help with the cost of a senior apartment, you may be able to save on out-of-pocket Medicare costs through some of North Carolina’s programs. Seniors with limited income and resources may be eligible for Extra Help, which can help pay for Medicare prescription drug costs. There are also Medicare savings programs that can help lower the costs of Medicare deductibles, premiums, coinsurance, and copayments for those who qualify.
Medicare assistance for seniors in Wilmington
For more information about these Medicare savings programs or for general Medicare questions, you can reach out to the state’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). The program provides free Medicare counseling and also offers an educational program called North Carolina Senior Medicare Patrol (NCSMP). The program is aimed at educating seniors about the ins and outs of Medicare to help them understand Medicare benefits and statements, as well as recognize billing errors or signs of Medicare fraud. Find the SHIIP website and telephone number in the resources section below.
Medicare resources for Wilmington seniors
Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)
Phone: 855-408-1212
Low-income seniors may qualify for rental assistance at certain senior apartments. There are also benefits through Social Security that some seniors may be eligible for, which could help with the cost of living, like rent at a senior apartment. Find more about these different public assistance resources below.
Low-income senior housing: Housing Choice Vouchers
Some senior apartment communities participate in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Formerly known as Section 8, this program provides eligible individuals with a monthly rent subsidy, which helps them secure affordable rental housing at a reduced rate. Not all senior apartment communities participate in the HCV program, so you’ll want to check directly with a community to make sure they accept vouchers.
To apply for the HCV program, you can reach out to a local public housing agency (PHA) or your nearest HUD office.
Social Security benefits
Social Security benefits act as supplemental income that can be put towards the monthly rent of any senior apartment. Take a look at the various Social Security benefits below to see which you may qualify for:
- Social Security Survivors Pension is designed to provide benefits for widows or widowers of a person with work credits.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) gives financial benefits to those who have work credits and a disability that meets the program’s criteria.
- Social Security in retirement (also called SSR or Social Security Retirement benefit) supplements some of a person’s monthly income when they retire or work fewer hours.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays out for people who have a disability and are low income, but it doesn’t require work credits.
Your local Social Security office can provide more information on these benefits and eligibility. You can also follow the links in the Social Security section below to get started with the application process.
Public assistance resources for Wilmington seniors
HUD North Carolina — Greensboro field office
1500 Pinecroft Road, Suite 401
Greensboro, NC 27407-3838
Phone: 336-547-4000
Understand North Carolina laws and regulations for senior apartments
As a renter, being familiar with Wilmington senior apartment laws can help you make an informed decision about what community to call home. In this section, we provide a brief overview of North Carolina landlord-tenant laws and the minimum quality standards for rental housing in the state. You’ll also find information about fair housing requirements and reasonable accommodations and modifications for individuals with disabilities.
Minimum housing standards
A housing inspector evaluates Wilmington apartments and determines if a building is safe and fit for people to live in. Residential buildings are considered unfit when violations are found, e.g., lack of proper electrical units, leaning or buckling interior walls, or overloaded roofs or flooring.[05]
Apartment communities are required to adhere to minimum standards for facilities. The following are some general examples of facility standards for apartment rental complexes:[05]
- All habitable rooms must have a minimum of one window or skylight to provide adequate light and ventilation.
- All units must contain a properly working kitchen sink, restroom, tub or shower, and water closet, which must have access to both hot and cold water.
- All units must have safe and working heating units that can maintain temperatures of at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit in all habitable rooms and bathrooms.
- All exterior and interior structures (roofs, walls, ceilings, etc.) should be maintained in safe structural conditions.
Landlord responsibilities for Wilmington senior apartments
Landlords are ultimately responsible for making sure their buildings are safe and fit for residents to live and thrive in. The property must be in compliance with Wilmington’s minimum housing code. Landlords must make any repairs necessary to keep the place in a livable condition, as well as maintain all plumbing, heating, and electrical equipment. North Carolina housing law holds landlords responsible for an array of maintenance tasks. We highlight some of those landlord responsibilities below:[06]
- Keeping all common spaces in a safe condition (i.e. sidewalks, stairs, hallways)
- Repairing any broken-down appliances provided in the unit (such as a stove, refrigerator, etc.)
- Keeping all plumbing, heating, and electrical equipment in good working order
- Letting residents know if they sell the property
- Providing a smoke alarm
Landlords must also respect their residents’ privacy while living in a unit. Though landlords do have the right to inspect units, which can be done with or without advanced notice, depending on the lease.
Responsibilities for North Carolina renters
Though the list is less extensive than for landlords, there are certain responsibilities that renters at Wilmington senior apartments are held accountable for. This includes paying rent on time, properly disposing of any trash, and keeping the unit clean.[06] Residents are also responsible for any damage to a property that’s either caused by them directly or by their visiting guests.[06]
Accommodations and modifications for persons with disabilities
There are additional rights in place for apartments that protect residents with disabilities. Through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landlords must allow for necessary modifications and accommodations that give disabled tenants equal access to the property’s spaces.
Accommodations are exemptions to community policies. An example of an accommodation is allowing residents with disabilities to bring their service or therapy animal, even if a community has a no-pet policy. Modifications are more along the lines of structural changes or adjustments to a community’s physical structure or construction. By law, modifications to common areas should be paid for by the landlord. An example of a common area modification can look like installing ramps at building entrances and exits.
Landlords must also let residents make reasonable in-unit modifications that help them fully enjoy their living space. In-unit modifications are generally paid for by the renter. And landlords can ask tenants to return an apartment to its original state before moving out. Some examples of in-unit modifications can include installing grab bars or ramps, widening doorways, and lowering light switches.
Protection from housing discrimination
In North Carolina, all rental properties are subject to fair housing laws enforced at both the state and federal levels. The federal Fair Housing Act and North Carolina State Fair Housing Act are enforced to prevent discrimination. They aim to make sure everyone has the opportunity to be equally considered for housing, such as seniors seeking apartments. The following are considered unlawful discriminatory housing practices by landlords, when based on factors such as sex, religion, race, disability, and family status:[07]
- Charging different rental prices
- Refusing to lease a property
- Using different qualification criteria
- Having different terms or conditions in place to rent a unit
- Designating someone to a certain building or section of the community
There are a couple different courses of action you can take if you believe your apartment landlord isn’t in compliance with the antidiscrimination housing laws. You can download a Housing Discrimination Inquiry form to fill out and email to HRC.Complaints@oah.nc.gov. You can also call the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings Civil Rights Division’s Housing Discrimination Section at 984-236-1914.
COVID-19 regulations for Wilmington senior apartments
North Carolina didn’t have any COVID-19 restrictions or mandates in place at the time of this publication. You can keep up with any local updates and new COVID-19 guidance on the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website.
Most senior apartment communities are likely to follow guidance through the state and local officials and won’t have enforced guidelines. However, this can be different in every senior apartment community. Some community landlords may choose to implement stricter rules. You can be sure of a specific community’s COVID-19 policies by contacting a prospective community directly.
What to expect from senior apartments in Wilmington
Wilmington senior apartment communities come in a variety of layouts and sizes, with amenities that can appeal to anyone. Most of these communities have an assortment of amenities available and are designed exclusively for residents aged 55 and older. Here’s a brief sample of just some of the features you can expect senior apartments in Wilmington to offer.
In-unit amenity and floor plan options
Wilmington senior apartments offer a selection of amenities and floor plan options, with many offering one- and two-bedroom options. You can also find three-bedroom units in some communities for those who like a little extra space and storage. Some apartment communities also feature units with upgrades like granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and in-unit washers and dryers. Check out some other common in-unit amenities you might find at Wilmington’s senior apartments:
- Ceiling fans
- Walk-in closets
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Stand-up showers or bathtubs
- Private patios or balconies
Community amenities
Some Wilmington senior apartment communities have attractive on-site amenities and features available for their residents to enjoy. Here are some common areas and services you can expect to find at Wilmington’s senior apartments:
- Swimming pools
- Dog parks
- Beauty salons
- Theater rooms
- Indoor mail rooms
- Billiards rooms
- Community gardens
- Concierge services
- Creative arts centers
- Monthly library delivery
- Community clubhouses for activities
- Exercise classes and water aerobics
Close to beaches and shopping
Life in a Wilmington senior apartment community promises access to all of the area’s top attractions. Most senior apartments in the Wilmington area are within a few miles or less of several beaches — including Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. Additionally, many senior apartment communities are within driving distance to several of Wilmington’s shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
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Unfamiliar with Wilmington? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 60 living in Wilmington as of 2021
Health care for seniors in Wilmington
Seniors in Wilmington are within reach of quality care with several medical providers located nearby. You can find care for a variety of conditions at one of these Wilmington medical facilities.
Wilmington Health
Wilmington Health has been servicing Wilmington and Southeastern North Carolina since 1971. Several locations throughout Wilmington offer a range of comprehensive services, from primary care to surgical procedures. Wilmington Health also participates in clinical trials, which gives patients access to medical treatments and medications that may not be available elsewhere.
Novant Health Internal Medicine Wilmington
Novant Health Internal Medicine is part of the Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and offers comprehensive primary and preventative care services. Its team of internal medicine specialists delivers a range of services that include on-site lab services, care for chronic conditions, and minor surgical care. Novant Health Internal Medicine has both same-day and next-day appointment options for sick patients to choose from.
Transportation for seniors in Wilmington
Wilmington is a fairly bike-friendly and walkable city with access to some public transportation services around town. Most errands do require a car, but some Wilmington senior apartment communities may offer transportation services for residents. However, if your community doesn’t offer transportation services and you’re without a vehicle, there are a variety of transportation options for seniors in Wilmington.
The Senior Resource Center transportation program
The New Hanover County Senior Resource Center has nonemergency medical transportation services available to local seniors. The program provides two monthly round-trip visits to medical appointments within the county. Seniors can also expect coordinated transportation to and from the Senior Resource Center and to shopping trips every now and then.
This transportation program is designed to service New Hanover County seniors aged 60 or older that don’t receive Medicaid. Seniors need to complete an application process to take part in the program. Transportation requests must be made at least seven days in advance. For more information, call 910-789-6401.
Wave Transit
While getting around on foot can easily be done, seniors can also utilize Wilmington’s fixed-bus route, which is operated by the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority (also knowns as Wave Transit). Wave Transit has 12 fixed-bus routes located throughout Wilmington that make over 400 stops in the service area. Seniors aged 65 and older can receive a discounted fare to ride when they show either their red, white, and blue Medicare card or photo ID.
Wave Transit also runs the free-to-ride Port City Trolley, which services all five of Wilmington’s downtown districts, and an ADA-accessible van service called Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART). DART has vans with wheelchair lifts and restraints, which are available for people with disabilities who can’t ride on a fixed-route bus. Wave doesn’t provide care aides through DART, but passengers can bring their own personal attendants on board at no extra charge. You need to live within 3/4 of a mile of a fixed route and have a confirmed medical need for the service to qualify for DART.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Wilmington
Wilmington truly is a little slice of paradise with gorgeous beaches, historic sites, and a limitless assortment of outdoor activities to enjoy. The charming Southern town offers ample opportunities to dive into senior-specific activities and programs. Or you can simply unwind at one of the local spas and salt caves. Take a look at some of the top Wilmington attractions below and find even more to explore on the Visit Wilmington website.
Beaches aplenty
Wilmington is within reach of not one, but three pristine beaches. Each of Wilmington’s beaches has something to offer everyone, whether you’re interested in a relaxing beach day, shopping, or joining in on some water sports.
- Carolina Beach is a perfect family-friendly spot with miles of beach to enjoy excellent fishing, unique events and festivals, and a scenic boardwalk.
- Wrightsville Beach is the perfect spot for adventurous beachgoers who enjoy activities like surfing, paddle boarding, and kayaking.
- Kure Beach is a small-town beach with plenty to do — from visiting the North Carolina Aquarium’s Adventure Reef to fishing at the Kure Beach Fishing Pier.
Battleship North Carolina
The Battleship North Carolina is a refurbished WWII battleship that serves as a memorial to honor the over 11,000 North Carolinians who sacrificed their lives for their country. Take a self-guided tour through the ship’s sprawling nine decks to explore the living quarters, engine rooms, and other critical areas of the ship. Guided tours are also available, with special options for visitors with limited mobility.
Scenic trails and parks
What better way to enjoy the local surrounding beauty than by getting out and enjoying Wilmington’s outdoor trails and parks? Whether you prefer jogging, biking, or hiking, Wilmington is full of ways to appreciate outdoor wonders, natural scenery, and local fauna. Here are just a few of the area’s unique trails and walking paths:
- Wrightsville Beach Park
- Gary Shell Cross-City Trail
- Carolina Beach State Park
- Blue Clay Bike Park
- Greenfield Park
New Hanover County Senior Resource Center
Senior centers are a great way for seniors to stay involved with the community and participate in an assortment of activities and programs with friends.
The New Hanover County Senior Resource Center has an assortment of in-person activities for seniors and games like billiards and table tennis. The center even has a fully equipped fitness studio with classes designed for every fitness level. The Senior Resource Center also provides nutritious lunches to seniors aged 60+. You can find more information about the center’s other locations, programs, activities, and services in the Senior Resource Center participant guide.
Spas and wellness central
Indulge in some self-care at one of Wilmington’s rejuvenating spas. Several of the local spas embrace the use of natural, organic products and offer services that range from massages and facials to hair treatments. You can even find some Wilmington spas that replicate Himalayan salt caves to promote enhanced relaxation and healing. Take a look at some of Wilmington’s relaxation destinations below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arbor Trace and Sacred Heart Villa's are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Wilmington, NC. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Wilmington is 1059.1 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Smart Asset. (2021). North Carolina retirement tax friendliness.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Wilmington [Data set]. American community survey.
Medicare.gov. Home health services.
Code of Ordinances. (2023, March 08). Chapter 16 —buildings and building regulations. In Code of Ordinances City of Wilmington, North Carolina.
Legal Aid of North Carolina. Landlord/tenant law.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Housing discrimination and the fair housing act.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 60 years and over in the United States: Wilmington (S0102) [Data set]. American community survey.
Walk Score. (2021). Living in Wilmington.
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