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 2026 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 2026 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 2026 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
Senior Living Awards
Caregiver ResourcesAdd Review
(866) 374-4058
Talk to a local advisor for FREE
Senior Living Home

10 Best Independent Living Communities in Wards, NC

Answer a few questions to get personalized results
Who are you searching for?

The average monthly cost of Independent Living in North Carolina is $3,534, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data. This can serve as a helpful benchmark for what families in the Wards area can expect to pay. Pricing may vary based on the community’s location, your loved one’s care needs, and any additional services or amenities.

Wards Independent Living Facilities | 538 Reviews

Showing 18 communities
Last Updated: 7/24/26
Sort by
Filter by
Awards
Best of Senior Living

The highest-rated senior living communities stand out for their exceptional care and support of seniors in independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Our Best of Senior Living Award winners represent the top reviewed senior care providers nationwide based on reviews submitted by residents and families.

Review Score
Distance
Amenities
Providers
Photo of Arbor Landing at Surfside
2020 Photos available
9.9
Review score
52 reviews
9.9
Review score
52 reviews
5 star
92%
4 star
4%
3 star
4%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I would give a 5 for all! Excellent facility. The staff is very accommodating and knows every resident by name. The one BR apt is the perfect size with lots of kitchen cabinets, a full size refrigerator and...
Provides: Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
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.
Our independent living neighborhood offers seniors the perfect balance between independence and support, security and freedom, privacy and socialization.All-inclusive services include:•Private studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with convenient kitchenettes, gracious tiled bathrooms,...
See details
Photo of Arbor Landing at Ocean Isle
1212 Photos available
9.8
Review score
52 reviews
9.8
Review score
52 reviews
5 star
80%
4 star
12%
3 star
8%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
The community is just beautiful. Such a nice environment staff and management have put together. Very caring staff. Good food and fun activities.
Provides: Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
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.
Person Centered. Service Focused. Passion Driven. Arbor Landing at Ocean Isle is an exceptional new option for Senior Living in southeastern North Carolina. Arbor Landing offers residents Retirement Living with Assisted Services. A unique alternative for seniors, the community combines just the...
See details
Photo of Indigo at Carolina ForestCommunity card badge
77 Photos available
1717 Floor plans available
9.6
Review score
57 reviews
9.6
Review score
57 reviews
5 star
71%
4 star
21%
3 star
4%
2 star
2%
1 star
2%
See all reviews
Room size is good, place is clean, the staff is terrific, Jim complained about food but he enjoyed when I would pick him up 3 xs a week to go for either breakfast, lunch or dinner. With [ Name Removed] being...
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.
See details
Photo of Portside at Grande Dunes
1919 Photos available
Pricing promotion
9.6
Review score
54 reviews
9.6
Review score
54 reviews
5 star
65%
4 star
20%
3 star
9%
2 star
4%
1 star
2%
See all reviews
We would rate everything 5 except Value for the money 4. The place was extremely clean. The personal were extremely helpful. They all made the experience easier for me as my husband went downhill so fast....
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.
At Portside at Grande Dunes, we offer a variety of community features. Residents can enjoy regular off-site adventures and excursions. Cats and dogs are allowed in private quarters. Our property is conveniently located near accessible public transportation. We offer free wi-fi and high speed...
See details
Photo of Arbor Landing at Compass Pointe
2525 Photos available
9.5
Review score
25 reviews
9.5
Review score
25 reviews
5 star
80%
4 star
16%
3 star
4%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I would give them all a 5. My dad was very happy there. He passed in [Date Removed]. He was very happy with the food and all the choices. The housekeeping and laundry were up to his very high standards. And...
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.
See details
Photo of Magnolia Bridge at Murrells Inlet
1717 Photos available
1818 Floor plans available
9.4
Review score
38 reviews
9.4
Review score
38 reviews
5 star
53%
4 star
34%
3 star
8%
2 star
5%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
The staff is amazing! The facility is well maintained. 90% of the time, the meals are good. My mom has had a few times that she hasn't been pleased with a special but always has the regular menu to order...
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.
Magnolia Bridge at Murrells InletMagnolia Bridge at Murrells Inlet is the newest senior living community in the Murrells Inlet area that offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. We began construction in 2022 and welcomed our first resident in the spring of 2023. Many of our...
Photo of TerraBella Myrtle Beach
1717 Photos available
Pricing promotion expiring soon
9.1
Review score
109 reviews
9.1
Review score
109 reviews
5 star
58%
4 star
28%
3 star
6%
2 star
2%
1 star
6%
See all reviews
We like the staff, the food and the neighbors and we would recommene TerraBella Myrtle Beach to other families based on the experience so far.
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.
Terra Bella Myrtle Beach provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment.One of the nation's most popular tourist draws, now you'll be able to call Myrtle Beach home all year round. Conveniently located in the town's center, you're in luck if you like mild weather, miles...
See details
Photo of The Barclay at Little River
2121 Photos available
66 Floor plans available
8.9
Review score
41 reviews
8.9
Review score
41 reviews
5 star
55%
4 star
20%
3 star
10%
2 star
10%
1 star
5%
See all reviews
The staff is amazing -- friendly, caring, and helpful. I would give the staff a 5/5. What could be improved is communication. It's hard to get in touch with the nurse practitioner, for example.
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 River Park Senior Living
99 Photos available
88 Floor plans available
8.5
Review score
17 reviews
8.5
Review score
17 reviews
5 star
70%
4 star
24%
3 star
6%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Family lives in the area, only three miles from where I am now living. I love the area and like being close to the beach. , I would recommend River Park to my friends. The staff at River Park are the best.
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.
Located on the coast of South Carolina in the heart of the North Grand Strand, River Park Senior Living is a newly-built, non-profit, conveniently located continuing care community, close to dining, shopping, entertainment and medical facilities. River Park is situated on more than 20 acres of...
See details
Photo of Garden Manor Village
33 Photos available
8.5
Review score
23 reviews
8.5
Review score
23 reviews
5 star
30%
4 star
44%
3 star
13%
2 star
4%
1 star
9%
See all reviews
My sister lives there. She is happy there. There's not a lot of activities there that she's used to from another facility that she was in. The prices are great for rent for her. The food is so so but it's...
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.
Cost of residency includes: - Unfurnished apartment. - One well prepared meal per day. - Weekly housekeeping. - All utilities excluding phone and cable. - Scheduled activity program.
See details
Inline cta image

Our free advisors can help

  • Compare local facilities
  • Determine care type
  • Schedule tours
  • Evaluate pricing
Photo of Prime Carolina Coast
1313 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.
See details
Photo of Brightwater Assisted Living
1313 Photos available
5 star
99%
4 star
1%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Brightwater provided exceptional care for my mother while in both assisted living and nursing care. Sharon went above and beyond to help ensure my mother was in good care. The staff including [names removed]...
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 Wesley Pines
1212 Photos available
44 Floor plans available
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.
Wesley Pines is managed by Life Care Services®, An LCS® Company. Life Care Services ranked highest in customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power 2019 Senior Living Study and achieved the highest score in all seven study factors: resident services and activities; community staff; food and beverage;...
Photo of Lumberton 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.
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
50%
2 star
0%
1 star
50%
See all reviews
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.
Photo of Providence Place III
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 Seagate 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.
Photo of Scotia Village
88 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.
Life at Scotia Village Scotia Village provides a lifestyle that allows you to stay engaged, to try new things and continue challenging yourself. The choices of activities are many, and what you choose to do is limited only by your imagination. Enjoy eating in our delectable restaurant style...

Cost of independent living in Wards, NC

The average cost of senior living in North Carolina is $3,534 per month as compared to $3,520 in the United States.

Senior living costs in North Carolina vs. national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column communityType: Community type
Column state: North Carolina
Column national: U.S.
Column costDifference: Cost difference
Community typeNorth CarolinaU.S.Cost difference
Independent Living$3,534/mo$3,520/mo0.4% above national median
Assisted Living$6,196/mo$5,830/mo6.3% above national median
Memory Care$7,410/mo$6,999/mo5.9% above national median
Independent Living
North Carolina:$3,534/mo
U.S.:$3,520/mo
Cost difference:0.4% above national median
Assisted Living
North Carolina:$6,196/mo
U.S.:$5,830/mo
Cost difference:6.3% above national median
Memory Care
North Carolina:$7,410/mo
U.S.:$6,999/mo
Cost difference:5.9% above national median
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Discover the many ways to pay for senior living

Planning ahead can better position you to make good choices for your loved one’s care in the future. But if your aging family member needs care now, there are ways to finance the cost of long-term care through a combination of approaches.

What families are saying about independent living in Wards

Recent reviews for independent living in Wards

Brightwater Assisted Living in Myrtle Beach, SC

5.0
All prominent senior living communities have well-appointed housing options with a variety of health, wellness and entertainment programs. What makes Brightwater standout are its Move Coordinator and Mentoring Program. The Brightwater Move Coordinator works with you, your movers and ...
Read more

Garden Manor Village in Murrells Inlet, SC

4.0
It is an independent living facility. They only offer lunch but it is a large meal with soup and salad and dessert. My father ate half of it and always brought half back to his place. The meal however is the same for all . There is no selection or choices. The staff are very nice people and ...
Read more

Arbor Landing at Ocean Isle in Shallotte, NC

4.8
The staff is fabulous, the only complaint would be the quality of the food. Definitely has gone down since mom first got there. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would definitely recommend this community to other families.

Reviews mention these favorite features of communities

Friendly and welcoming staff. Numerous reviews mention the friendly and welcoming nature of the staff at various communities. For example, at Arbor Landing at Compass Pointe, the Director and entire staff are described as caring, helpful, and always ready to assist. At TerraBella Myrtle Beach, TerraBella's staff members ...
Read more
Variety of activities for independent living. Residents in independent living communities appreciate the wide range of activities offered, providing opportunities for socializing and staying active. At River Park Senior Living, the staff plans activities tailored to residents' interests, including writing classes, art classes, and water a ...
Read more
Well-maintained facilities. Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness and upkeep of the communities, with some commenting specifically on the maintenance and repairs. For instance, at Arbor Landing at Ocean Isle, the facility itself is described as beautiful, and the staff are praised for their quick and efficient main ...
Read more
Caring and compassionate staff. Families and residents often express appreciation for the caring and compassionate nature of the staff at their communities. For example, at Arbor Landing at Compass Pointe, the staff are described as warm and caring, always looking out for the well-being of their residents. At Garden Manor V ...
Read more
Communication with families and residents. Clear and effective communication is a key factor in ensuring families and residents are informed and their concerns are addressed. For instance, at TerraBella Myrtle Beach, the administration is praised for their friendliness and caring approach, making it a point to keep families updated. At ...
Read more
Convenient transportation. Transportation is an essential aspect of senior living, and communities that offer convenient options are highly regarded. For example, at TerraBella Myrtle Beach, transportation is available for shopping trips and doctors' appointments. At Portside at Grande Dunes, the community is located ...
Read more
AI generated from the text of family reviews

Wards independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Wards independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Wards, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Wards independent living

Independent living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Wards partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Wards, NCNational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
11.1%
21.1%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
33.3%
35.6%
No sugar
No sugar
22.2%
31.9%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
22.2%
34.7%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
5.6%
11.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Wards independent living

Our independent living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Wards communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Wards, NCNational
Professional chef
Professional chef
38.9%
37.5%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
61.1%
44.7%
Room service
Room service
33.3%
38%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
11.1%
17.6%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Wards independent living

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered independent living communities in Wards offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Wards, NCNational
Activity director
Activity director
61.1%
46.3%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
27.8%
29.2%
Community service programs
Community service programs
44.4%
34%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
72.2%
48.3%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
66.7%
50%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
72.2%
54.9%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
55.6%
44.2%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
50%
39.5%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
61.1%
42.9%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
66.7%
48.2%
Live performances
Live performances
66.7%
47.9%
Dances
Dances
50%
34.1%
Fitness center
Fitness center
66.7%
40.6%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
66.7%
47.5%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Arbor Landing at Surfside, Arbor Landing at Ocean Isle and Indigo at Carolina Forest are the top-rated independent living facilities near Wards, North Carolina. See full list of communities.
There are 18 independent living facilities near Wards, North Carolina. See the full list.
The best independent living facility near you in Wards, North Carolina is Indigo at Carolina Forest. This independent living community received the highest ranking based on verified family reviews.
Photo cta image

More questions?

Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.

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.
Back to top