10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Raleigh, NC
This guide lists the best assisted living facilities in Raleigh, North Carolina, according to family reviews and our in-house data. We include our updated cost data for Raleigh assisted living facilities, and ideas for how to pay. We also include local laws and regulations for assisted living facilities, health care options, and senior-friendly transportation and activities.
Raleigh has excellent assisted living facilities, a moderate cost of living, and a comfortable climate. Assisted living offers seniors personal care, like grooming help and medication management.
Raleigh Assisted Living Facilities | 530 Reviews
I think Morningside of Raleigh is great and after two months, my dad is getting acclimated. The activities exist, my dad just doesn't participate.
Sunrise of Raleigh is one of the few places that offers a Hoyer lift. They also retain their staff very well. I highly recommend this facility to others.
All categories are a 5. We were very very pleased with the care he received. The nurses aides were so gentle with [name removed] dad and very friendly helpful to us as the family.
Great staff. [name removed] was very accommodating. We were scrambling to get my brother in law tranfered out of rehab into an assisted living facility. Falls river went out of there way to meet are needs...
Everyone is treating us so nice. I love the caring consideration all of the employees have. They keep his room really clean and are so considerate of everything. Thank you so much for helping me find...
When it comes the meals and dining, sometimes, it looks like a cafeteria food. The indoor activities receives a 4 and the outdoor activities gets a 2. With the value for cost that may be due to a decline in...
The staff at Terra Bella has been wonderful and very caring. The health aides are attentive and very nice to my Mom. The activities director has been great at getting my Mom involved. This is a major feat,...
The staff was very good and very attentive to my mother. Even times when I went at different times than my usual they were with her someone was. When she passed away I had just had open shoulder surgery so I...
From the moment you walk into Abbotswood at Stonehenge you will realize what a special place it is. Spend some time and you will confirm your initial feelings. You will see smiling faces and happy residents....
The staff took feedback well and attempted to accommodate special requests etc. it's important that family be involved as staff was sometimes very slim.
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Staff was very helpful and move in went smoothly. They urgently needed to move in, but couldn't get their desired apartment at that time. Once one became available they were able to move them into that...
This community came highly recommend to us, and we can't say anything other then we are completely impressed. When we first walk through the door someone is always there to greet us, and there is no stich...
My mother has made comments that the staff are all very kind to the residence As far as the activities go - It would be nice if they could take the residents on simple outings to somewhere other than target...
My loved one at times complains of the food and she hears staff are unhappy with the chef. Some staff have quit bc of him, she was told. She was pleased with the activity director who may be away. I think...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Raleigh community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Raleigh community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of assisted living in the Raleigh area
- What families are saying about assisted living in Raleigh
- How people pay for assisted living in Raleigh
- Raleigh laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- What assisted living is like in Raleigh
- Raleigh assisted living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Seniors’ guide to the city of Raleigh
Costs of assisted living in the Raleigh area
Assisted living in Raleigh costs $6,591 a month on average, according to A Place for Mom’s data.[01] This amount includes only rent and care fees, and reflects what families actually paid for assisted living in Raleigh in the last 12 months.
This cost typically includes the following:
- Rent for a private or semi-private room
- Daily meals and snacks
- Personal care
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Access to a pool or gym
- Daily or weekly classes and social events
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Services that may result in additional fees include the following:
- Room service or special, diet-specific meals
- Pet fees
- Barbershop, salon, or spa services
- Certain outings, such as a visit to a museum with an entrance fee
Cost of living in Raleigh
Raleigh’s overall cost of living is 3% lower than the national average, but 2% higher than the average in North Carolina. As the epicenter of the Research Triangle, Raleigh’s technology economy is booming and has driven housing costs up around 1.8% since 2022.[02]
Seniors choosing an assisted living facility in Raleigh will pay more than seniors in other North Carolina cities, except Asheville. However, the benefit of living near world-class health care facilities in a city that offers such a high quality of life outweighs the higher-than-average cost of living for many seniors.
North Carolina is somewhat tax-friendly for seniors. Unlike many other states, it doesn’t tax retirement benefits from Social Security. However, other forms of income are taxed at a flat rate of 4.75% as of 2023.[03]
Cost of assisted living in nearby areas
The chart below compares the cost of assisted living in Raleigh with nearby cities. The numbers reflect the average baseline costs before other fees are added.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Raleigh, NC vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Raleigh, NC vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Raleigh vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Assisted Living in Raleigh, NC by room type
Average cost of Assisted Living in Raleigh over time
What families are saying about assisted living in Raleigh
Recent reviews for assisted living in Raleigh
The Reserve at Mills Farm in Apex, NC
Carolina Reserve of Durham
Cadence at North Raleigh by Cogir
Reviews mention these favorite features of communities
Raleigh review score based on 134 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 134 reviews of 21 Raleigh assisted living communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Raleigh review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Raleigh assisted living
When assisted living residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 134 reviews of 21 Raleigh assisted living communities. This chart helps you compare Raleigh resident and family assisted living satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for assisted living in Raleigh
Most seniors or their families pay for assisted living with a mix of private income and public assistance. Due to the increasing costs of assisted living, many seniors look to public assistance to help cover senior living expenses, such as veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Seniors and their families typically pay for most of their assisted living costs using private funds. Private payment methods include a senior’s savings and all other financial assets, such as real estate, investments, retirement pensions, and Social Security benefits.
It’s a good idea to review your or your loved one’s total financial situation before deciding on an assisted living facility.
You can learn more about specific private payment methods in the articles below.
Number of veterans over 65+ who live in Raleigh
About 40% of Raleigh veterans are 65+
Veterans in Raleigh find a welcoming community and plenty of government and independent resources to help apply for benefits. Veterans benefits won’t cover the entire cost of assisted living in Raleigh, but may cover certain expenses.
The Aid and Attendance benefit is one of the most generous veterans benefits. It’s added to an existing VA Pension and covers anything that improves the veteran’s quality of life, including expenses related to assisted living.
There are many different veterans benefits, each with their own eligibility requirements. If you think you or your loved one may be eligible for veterans benefits, consider reaching out to a veterans benefits counselor.
You can find excellent veterans benefits counselors through VA-vetted nonprofit veterans services organizations (VSOs). Some counselors may also help appeal denied claims.
Veterans in Raleigh can reach out to the following organizations for veterans benefits counseling:
- North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. This state department offers benefits counseling to all veterans and their loved ones residing in the state. All counseling services come at no cost to veterans or their families. The department has local offices in every county in North Carolina, and you can sign up for benefits counseling through their website.
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV). This nonprofit organization is not affiliated with the VA, but offers benefits counseling through their local offices. The DAV caters to American veterans with disabilities.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). This organization is a nonprofit that offers support to local veterans, including benefits counseling. It’s not affiliated with the VA, but counselors still offer useful information regarding veterans benefits applications. Contact the post closest to you to get connected.
Resources for Raleigh veterans
North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
413 North Salisbury St.
Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 844-624-8387
Wake County Region 1 Veteran Service Office
4401 Bland Road
Raleigh, NC 27609
Phone: 919-212-8387
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) North Carolina
5623 Duraleigh Road,
Raleigh, NC 27612-2700
Phone: 919-833-5567
Veterans of Foreign Wars North Carolina
917 New Bern Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-828-5058
Find a post
Medicaid won’t cover the cost of assisted living in Raleigh. However, Medicaid can pay for specific health care costs for seniors in assisted living.
Medicaid is a state-run health insurance program for low-income people and people with disabilities. North Carolina Medicaid is run through the Division of Health Service Regulations.
What does North Carolina Medicaid cover?
North Carolina Medicaid functions like most health insurance programs and only covers health care costs. The following health care services are often covered in part or total by North Carolina Medicaid:
- Preventative care, including vaccines and physicals
- Outpatient physical and rehabilitative therapy
- Home health care services
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment
- Laboratory testing
- Vision care, dentistry, and podiatry
- Inpatient hospital care
Special assistance programs to cover assisted living costs in Raleigh
While North Carolina Medicaid doesn’t cover assisted living costs, the Special Assistance (SA) program may. As of 2023, the SA program pays up to $1,182 a month for a low-income senior’s assisted living facility. Seniors who meet the income requirements and live in Raleigh’s memory care facilities receive up to $1,515 a month.
Eligibility for North Carolina Medicaid
Low-income North Carolina residents are eligible for North Carolina Medicaid. Income limits are updated annually. In 2023, the income limit for North Carolina Medicaid eligibility was $1,215 a month or less for a single person.
To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- Be 65 years of age or older
- Be blind
- Have a disability
- Be responsible for a person age 18 or younger
- Be pregnant
Find help applying for North Carolina Medicaid
Applying for Medicaid benefits can be confusing. We recommend reaching out to North Carolina’s Medicaid Contact Center for questions regarding your eligibility or coverage. You can also contact the Wake County Medicaid Department for Medicaid application assistance. Your complaints or concerns can also be sent to the long-term care ombudsman.
Raleigh resident Medicaid resources
North Carolina Medicaid Contact Center
2501 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
Phone: 888-245-0179
Email: Medicaid.Transformation@dhhs.nc.gov
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 years or older who paid Medicare taxes.
While Medicare doesn’t cover room or board at an assisted living facility, it can cover specific health care expenses for those living in a Raleigh assisted living facility. Similar to other health insurance programs, Medicare recipients are expected to pay for a portion of their care through premiums.
What does Medicare cover?
Medicare covers short-term and medically-necessary health care expenses. Keep in mind that what’s considered medically necessary for one person may not be for another. A few examples of what Medicare often covers include:
- Emergency in-patient care, such as an appendectomy
- A walker or wheelchair
- A short-term stay at a rehabilitation facility after a procedure or an illness
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Medicare doesn’t cover services like these:
- Meals or rent at an assisted living facility
- Nonmedical care, such as personal care
- Long-term or indefinite stays at a facility
Medicare benefits counseling
Seniors and their loved ones often find themselves applying for Medicaid coverage amid a medical emergency. If this is you, consider speaking with a Medicare benefits counselor:
- Medicare and Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). This program employs Medicare benefits counselors who help with eligibility and application questions. You can call them directly at 855-408-1212 from Monday through Friday during normal business hours, or email questions to ncdoi.ncshiip@ncdoi.gov.
- North Carolina Long-Term Care Ombudsman. You can direct all complaints about your Medicare coverage to the long-term care ombudsman, who can help resolve them.
- Long-term care attorneys. If your situation is unique or you’re having trouble applying, consider reaching out to a long-term care attorney for personalized assistance.
Raleigh resident Medicare resources
Find a Social Security Office
3315 Poole Road, Suite 100
Raleigh, NC 27610
Phone: 800-772-1213
Raleigh laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
Assisted living facilities in Raleigh offer safe and high-quality care. All assisted living facilities in North Carolina are licensed as Assisted Living Residences through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation.
Residential care homes and larger, traditional assisted living facilities receive the same license. Assisted living facilities aren’t licensed by the federal government, but skilled nursing facilities are.
Inspection reports
The North Carolina state government outlines requirements for assisted living facilities. Facilities that don’t meet these standards during annual inspections are listed on the North Carolina Listings of Facilities with Penalties website, and can lose their license.
You can find all inspection results by visiting the North Carolina Adult Care Licensure Section. It’s a good idea to read the most recent inspection reports for any assisted living facility you’re considering.
Requirements for North Carolina assisted living facilities
You can find all of the assisted living requirements in North Carolina in these booklets: Rules and Statutes for Adult Care Homes and the North Carolina Compendium of Residential Care and Assisted Living Regulations and Policy.
All assisted living facilities in North Carolina are required to meet the following criteria:
- Meet all safety and building codes
- Respect the residents’ dignity and autonomy
- Allow residents to make their own health care decisions
- Allow residents and family members to make complaints without retaliation
- Provide at least 80 hours of personal care training to caregiving staff
- Provide care plans for each resident, including an initial assessment with annual updates
- Update residents and family members about any changes to fees or care
- Not accept residents who need skilled nursing care
North Carolina Department of Health contact information
North Carolina Department of Health
101 Blair Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 919-855-4800
COVID-19 regulations for Raleigh assisted living facilities
Raleigh doesn’t enforce any COVID-19 regulations for assisted living facilities, and neither does North Carolina. However, the North Carolina Department of Health does offer some guidance and training resources for long-term care facilities about how to stop the spread of COVID-19. All assisted living facilities in North Carolina follow CDC guidance.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services tracks all respiratory diseases on the Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard. This can help you find where flu, RSV, and other respiratory diseases are spreading.
What assisted living is like in Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina, is one of the best places to find assisted living in the United States. While most seniors are either from the area or moving to be near their families, some choose to move to Raleigh to enjoy the temperate climate, low cost of living, and exceptional health care facilities.
Assisted living facilities in Raleigh offer compassionate and personalized care to seniors who need extra, nonmedical help. Seniors with dementia or indefinite skilled nursing care needs may be better suited for Raleigh’s memory care facilities or nursing homes.
A Place for Mom partners with 25 assisted living facilities in Raleigh.[01] While all of these facilities receive the same license, there’s some variety in the types of communities seniors can choose from.
Residential care homes
In Raleigh, about 44% of assisted living facilities are residential care homes.[01] These smaller communities have less than seven residents and are set within residential homes.
In general, these tend to be less expensive than other assisted living facilities, and offer fewer amenities as a result. However, they are a good fit for seniors who prefer a homelike environment instead of a larger setting.
In a residential care home, seniors typically share a room with another resident, spend their time in the home’s common areas, and eat meals in the family dining room. Caregivers often live in the facility with the residents. Many seniors enjoy the camaraderie that develops in these residential care facilities.
There’s no difference between residential care homes and traditional assisted living facilities in the type or quality of care. In fact, both residential care homes and traditional assisted living facilities are licensed in the same way through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Traditional assisted living facilities
The majority of assisted living facilities in Raleigh have between 15 and 50 residents. These facilities are set in larger buildings and may be large enough to accommodate multiple buildings on a campus.
In these communities, residents can choose between private and shared rooms. There are different common areas to enjoy, such as libraries, pools, gyms, spas, bars, game rooms, theaters, and outdoor areas, like gardens and walking trails.
Traditional assisted living facilities in Raleigh often employ an activity coordinator who arranges daily classes, events, and outings for the residents. Among the larger assisted living facilities, approximately half provide at least one additional type of care. These establishments may feature dedicated memory care wings for residents with dementia and tend to be more expensive than residential care homes.
Living in Raleigh as a senior
Raleigh is growing quickly — a result of the booming technology industry and the Research Triangle. Seniors in Raleigh’s assisted living facilities benefit from Raleigh’s growth. The overall wealth and safety in the city mean seniors have no trouble finding parks, events, and educational opportunities. Plus, family members may be eager to move to Raleigh if their loved one is a resident.
Raleigh assisted living services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Raleigh assisted living
Availability of select dementia care services in Raleigh assisted living
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Raleigh assisted living
Availability of select dining options in Raleigh assisted living
Availability of select programs and activities in Raleigh assisted living
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Seniors’ guide to the city of Raleigh
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Raleigh
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Raleigh population
Median annual income for Raleigh seniors 65 and older
Best hospitals for seniors in Raleigh
Due to the proximity of Duke and North Carolina University hospitals, seniors have access to some of the best geriatric care in the nation.
Duke University Hospital
Duke University Hospital offers a full range of primary and specialty care, including geriatrics, oncology, and ophthalmology. Considered one of the best hospitals in the nation, Duke University Hospital is a teaching institution where Duke University medical students and residents receive training. It’s approximately thirty minutes from Raleigh’s city center, but serves the entire Raleigh-Durham area.
UNC Hospitals
The UNC Hospital System has eight different locations across North Carolina. The Raleigh location is called UNC REX Healthcare, and was named a five-star Hospital by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS). It offers the full scope of primary and specialty care, including geriatrics, general surgery, and urgent care.
WakeMed Raleigh Campus
This private, nonprofit hospital system has three locations across North Carolina. The Raleigh location offers a range of primary and specialty services, including geriatrics, orthopedic surgery, and rehabilitation care.
Transportation for seniors in Raleigh
Most seniors in Raleigh assisted living facilities don’t need to worry about finding transportation. 56% of our partnering assisted living facilities offer transportation as a complimentary service.[01]
Family and friends are always able to take their loved one out for day trips or vacations.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services offers their Transportation Services to seniors across the state. This program funds free transportation for seniors over 60 years of age.
Seniors can use these services to go to the grocery store, social events, and appointments. Seniors living in Raleigh can call 919-872-7933 to schedule a ride.
Traffic in the Raleigh-Durham area is increasingly congested, especially during rush hour. Visiting family and friends should keep this in mind as they plan visits and day trips around the area.
Things to do in Raleigh for seniors and their families
Raleigh is a budget-friendly city for seniors who want to experience world-class museums, relaxing outdoor activities, and quaint farmers markets. Seniors living in Raleigh’s assisted living facilities may find they’re kept busy with a variety of activities within their community.
Around 92% of Raleigh’s assisted living facilities offer on-site activities, such as tai chi, happy hours, bingo games, and visiting performers. In Raleigh’s assisted living facilities, 48% also offer educational opportunities where residents can polish up their financial literacy and even learn a different language.[03]
Raleigh’s growing economy and engaged community means visitors are common, including university volunteers who want to chat with the residents.
Outdoor activities around Raleigh
With over 150 parks, Raleigh is a great place for seniors of all mobility levels to enjoy the great outdoors. These parks are all accessible for seniors with limited mobility, and are perfect for family outings.
- Pullen Park. Set on 66 acres, Pullen Park is one of the oldest amusement parks in the nation. This is an especially popular place to bring grandchildren. It has a carousel, pedal boats, and regular theater performances. It’s open all year and most activities and performances are free. The park’s outdoor spaces are open from dawn to dusk every day.
- Dorothea Dix Park. The largest park in Raleigh, Dorothea Dix Park has a sprawling 308 acres in the heart of Raleigh. It offers groomed lawns, shaded tree areas with picnic spots, and a beautiful view of the downtown Raleigh skyline. It’s open all year and is free to the public.
- Mordecai Historic Park. Mordecai Historic Park is set in downtown Raleigh and encompasses a range of historic buildings in Raleigh’s downtown neighborhoods. Included in these buildings are Andrew Johnson’s birthplace, the Plantation Office, and the famous Mordecai House. To fully enjoy this experience, you can purchase tickets for a guided tour at the Visitor’s Center. Seniors have discounted tour fees. Call 919-996-4364 to see if there are spots available for your preferred time.
- JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University. This beautiful oasis is part of the North Carolina State University horticulture program. Located near the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, it includes a Japanese garden, perennial and annual flower displays, and an educational center. Admission is free but donations are accepted. Most paths are not paved, but are wheelchair-accessible.
Cultural activities around Raleigh
Raleigh’s status as the capital of North Carolina and part of the Research Triangle means there’s no shortage of cultural activities for seniors.
- North Carolina Museum of Art. Set on a 164-acre park, the North Carolina Museum of Art has a collection that ranges from ancient history to contemporary pieces. Both the museum and the park are free to visitors, but special exhibitions often cost about $15. There is an accessible drop-off area and parking, and wheelchairs are available at no cost for visitors. Check their website for updated hours.
- Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. Previously known as the Duke Energy Center, this performing arts center showcases the North Carolina Symphony, and dance and theater performances. All upcoming events can be found on the website. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster, and seniors may receive a discount for individual performances. The center has accessible parking and wheelchair-accessible seating.
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers academic courses for seniors over 50. Courses are not credited but include a wide range of subjects. Seniors can learn about microbiology, ancient history, or Shakespearean drama. The institute occasionally offers field trips to local museums and historic sites. It costs $40 to participate during a semester. Most classrooms are wheelchair-accessible.
- Triangle Restaurant Week. Triangle Restaurant Week is an annual event celebrating the culinary treasures of the Raleigh-Durham area. While the dates change each year, they’re typically in the middle of June. Participating restaurants offer special menus and fixed pricing so you can try as much of the local fine dining as possible. Lunch costs about $15 and dinner costs between $25 and $50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brookdale Meadowmont, Oak Hill Assisted Living and Spring Arbor of Apex are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Raleigh, NC. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Raleigh is $5,528 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Rentcafe.com. (2022). Raleigh, NC rental market trends.
North Carolina Department of Revenue. (2023). Tax Rate Schedules.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Raleigh city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Raleigh city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2023). Mean income in the past 12 months (S1902): Raleigh city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
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