Many seniors are choosing to spend their golden years in Charlotte, North Carolina — a big city with small-town charisma. Often called the “Queen City,” Charlotte has many attractive lures for seniors who want to enjoy their retirement while living like royalty. The thriving metro boasts several museums and cultural attractions, professional sports teams, and delectable dining options. The city is also home to ample parks and outdoor spaces, which can be enjoyed most of the year thanks to Charlotte’s lovely weather.
We partner with several senior apartment communities within a 10-mile radius of Charlotte’s dynamic downtown area. Senior apartments offer active older adults a community where they can embrace an independent lifestyle among residents in a similar life stage. This handy guide compiles proprietary data from partnered senior apartments in Charlotte, North Carolina, high-quality resident reviews, cost information, payment tips, and local senior-specific resources. We also detail the types of senior apartments you can find in the area and outline the most-desired community amenities. We cover everything you need to help you find your ideal senior apartment in Charlotte.
There is new staff onboard who are still transitioning, but no complaints with staff when called upon. They make sure to inform you in a timely manner of any major changes to the residence, activities, or...
I can't imagine living my golden years anywhere else! Beautiful neighborhood! Walking in a safe and fun neighborhood. Beautiful park just steps away! Small but efficient apartment! I just love it! I would...
I live at Senior Villages. It is a quiet and comfortable place to be at. The apartments and amenities here are great. I would definitely recommend Senior Villages to others who are looking for Senior Living...
The residents all seem nice and friendly. They offered to help with the move in. It’s independent living. So a lot of those categories don’t really apply. They don’t have care services or activities. It...
My friend likes the food at this community. The staff have answered our questions and are helpful. The community is very clean and the grounds are nice. They have a memory care unit within the community. ...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Charlotte community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
The average monthly cost in 2022 was $1,501 for a senior apartment in Charlotte, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This is considered affordable when compared to other types of senior living in the area.
This amount represents the total monthly cost that residents in our partner communities paid, which typically includes the rent, community amenities, and sometimes utilities. Our data also represents any additional fees a community may charge, such as the following:
Below, you’ll find the starting cost of senior apartments in Charlotte, North Carolina. These numbers may appear slightly different from what we provided above because they represent baseline starting costs, which don’t account for any extra expenses or fees. The figures below are helpful to compare costs between local areas.
As with a standard apartment community, many residents primarily rely on private funds to pay for senior apartments in Charlotte. Unlike assisted living or memory care facilities, senior apartments aren’t covered by public funding sources like Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance. This is because they are apartments, not care facilities.
In the event that you need in-home care due to a medical condition, public sources may become helpful to offset care costs. Some seniors may also qualify for veterans benefits and/or housing assistance programs that can help pay for their senior apartment. We detail each of those payment methods and what those can cover at a senior apartment community below.
Private funds are commonly used to pay for senior apartments in Charlotte, North Carolina. This could look like savings you’ve been building up over time, as well as any extra proceeds obtained from numerous resources.
Additionally, seniors with access to their retirement income can use these funds to pay for a senior apartment. Certain forms of retirement income are subject to different tax rules in North Carolina, so you’ll want to be mindful of the following before turning to these sources:
Other sources of funding could include options such as these:
Almost half of Charlotte’s veteran population is made up of seniors aged 65 and older.[03] The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the North Carolina Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVA) both offer benefits that can be used for senior apartment expenses. We highlight some benefits that may be available to qualified veterans or their surviving spouses below.
Qualified veterans and their surviving spouses may be able to receive monthly payments through VA pension benefits. This benefit serves as supplemental income that can be used to help veterans and their spouses pay rent at a senior apartment. There are different types and many conditions to a VA pension. Veterans may be eligible if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
Veterans also need to meet service and financial eligibility requirements to be eligible for VA pensions.
Veterans with disabilities that receive the VA Pension may also be eligible to collect the Aid and Attendance benefit in addition to their monthly pension amount. Aid and Attendance can be used to pay for any living costs that benefit a veteran’s quality of life, which can include rent at a senior apartment community.
To be eligible for this benefit, veterans must already be enrolled in a VA pension, have a disability recognized by VA health care, and meet a minimum of one of the following conditions:
Requirements for the Aid and Attendance are complex, and there are also a few other types of benefits for veterans. The VA will take into account your entire service career as well as the specifics of the disability to understand which benefits you qualify for. Some pay out more than others, like disabilities related to wartime service.
The Housebound Allowance is another supplemental benefit available to veterans enrolled in VA pensions. Here are some things you need to know about the housebound benefit:
Qualified veterans may also be able to receive rental assistance through the Housing and Urban Development VA Supportive Housing (known as HUD-VASH) voucher program. HUD-VASH works similarly to HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher program, formerly called Section 8, which reduces the rental rate to 30% of the household income in communities that participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program.
Support for veterans runs deep in North Carolina, and it’s quite evident based on the number of local nonprofits that offer their support and services. The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) is a region-wide effort to prevent homelessness among the veteran population. In addition to providing stable housing for low-income veterans and families, SSVF helps with acquiring VA benefits and other services, such as those listed below:
The Veterans Services of the Carolinas, a division of Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM), is one of the local veteran organizations involved with the program. Additionally, Veterans Bridge Home and Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte partner together to help veterans in Mecklenburg County access these benefits and resources.
Finding and applying for VA benefits can be a lengthy and complex process, but the local organizations in Charlotte can provide benefits and claims assistance. NCServes is the statewide resource that can help provide benefit navigation and connect veterans and families to several local services. You can also look into other nonprofits, like Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) chapters, which can assist and advocate for veterans filing benefit claims.
You can find the contact information for these programs in the resources section below.
Number of veterans who live in Charlotte, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Nearly 45% of Charlotte veterans are age 65+, per the U.S. Census Bureau.
Resources for Charlotte veterans
Request assistance
5500 Executive Center Dr., Suite 132
Charlotte, NC 28212
Phone: 919-664-1080
Find your local office
251 N. Main St., Room 151
Winston-Salem, NC 27101-3914
Phone: 336-631-5481
Mecklenburg Post No. 1160
2831 The Plaza
Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: 704-332-2669
Care and resources for North Carolina’s military community
2200 E. 7th St.
Charlotte, NC 28204
Phone: 855-425-8838
Assistance request form
5260 Parkway Plaza Blvd., Suite 110
Charlotte, NC 28217
Phone: 704-370-3257
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
24 Cumberland Ave.
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: 855-962-8387
Supportive services for veterans
1123 E. Church St.
Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 704-370-3257
NC Medicaid is the North Carolina’s Medicaid program. Medicaid can’t be used to cover the rent at a senior apartment in Charlotte. However, in-home care services may be covered if there’s a medical need for them. Through Long-Term Services and Supports (also known as LTSS), NC Medicaid services seniors with functional limitations that affect their ability to take care of themselves. Read on to learn more about the state’s LTSS that can be received from home if the need arises.
Personal care services offer help with activities of daily living inside a senior’s home. These services are intended to support seniors who struggle to do the following on their own:
These services offer seniors an alternative to an institution-like setting, where medically essential services can be provided from within their homes. Home health services include the following:
Private duty nursing provides nonstop skilled nursing care in the home of Medicaid beneficiaries considered medically fragile. These services provide additional care services to someone already being cared for at home by family or another caregiver. Private duty nursing services give a person’s caregivers the additional support needed to help them remain at home instead of being transferred into a nursing home.
Charlotte resident Medicaid resources
Long-term senior services and support
10735 David Taylor Dr., Suite 250
Charlotte, NC 28262
Phone: 704-372-2416
Learn more about NC Medicaid Ombudsman
Phone: 877-201-3750
Medicare is the federally funded health insurance program for seniors age 65+ or people with certain disabilities. Like NC Medicaid, Medicare can’t be used to cover the cost to live in a senior apartment community. Seniors may be able to receive short-term home care support if there’s a confirmed medical need for the services, which can include the following:
To qualify, seniors need to already be enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B and have a doctor verify that they meet all of the following criteria:
North Carolina’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (also known as SHIIP) is part of the North Carolina Department of Insurance. SHIIP offers the North Carolina Senior Medicare Patrol (NCSMP) program to help educate seniors about Medicare benefits. This educational program is taught by fully trained SHIIP counselors who help seniors understand their Medicare benefits and recognize billing errors and other types of discrepancies.
Additional resources
Medicare basics
Albemarle Building
325 N. Salisbury St.
Raleigh NC 27603-5926
Phone: 855-408-1201
Public housing assistance gives low-income seniors a means of support, so they can afford quality housing in Charlotte. Check out some local and federal programs for housing and income assistance below.
Commonly known as Section 8, the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program subsidizes private rental units for low-income seniors. It provides access to safe and adequate housing resources at a reduced rent, which should not exceed 30% of a household’s monthly income. The remaining rent is paid directly to a landlord by INLIVIAN, Charlotte’s housing authority, using federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Eligibility for the voucher program is based on factors like income and household size. You’ll also need to check that a senior apartment community accepts Section 8 vouchers. To apply for a Housing Choice Voucher or to ask general questions, you can contact INLIVIAN or the nearest HUD office in Greensboro. You can find their contacts in the resources section below.
Social Security benefits provide supplemental income to eligible individuals. This income can be used to pay for any living expenses, including rent at a senior apartment in Charlotte. There are different types of Social Security benefits, each with its benefits and application processes. It’s important to learn which ones apply to your situation or your benefits may be denied. Find out more details on which benefit you may qualify for below.
Contact your local Social Security Administration office for more information about these benefits.
Charlotte has emergency housing assistance organizations to help people who face homelessness or need financial support. The Crisis Assistance Ministry is a local nonprofit that provides immediate emergency rent and utility assistance to people at risk of being evicted or facing homelessness. You can also dial 2-1-1 for help with rent and utilities.
Public assistance resources for Charlotte residents
Contact INLIVIAN
400 East Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 704-336-5183
Contact HUD — North Carolina
Asheville Building
1500 Pinecroft Rd., Suite 401
Greensboro, NC 27407-3838
Phone: 336-547-4000
2201 Coronation Blvd., #100
Charlotte, NC 28227
Phone: 800-772-1213
For emergency financial assistance
500-A Spratt St.
Charlotte, NC 28206
Phone: 704-371-3001
Senior apartments in Charlotte are required to uphold standards set in the city’s minimum housing code. All dwellings within Charlotte are checked by code inspectors, who make note of violations like the following:
Additionally, all landlords and tenants are required to meet certain responsibilities at rental properties in North Carolina. We outline the expectations for both parties below, as well as the laws intended to prevent housing discrimination.
Landlords in North Carolina are required to keep their rental properties suitable and safe places for residents to live. By law, landlords are required to meet the following obligations:
Tenants at rental properties must also maintain their share of responsibilities, like the following:
All rental properties in North Carolina are required to follow state and federal laws that prohibit housing discrimination. In particular, the Fair Housing Act prevents landlords from refusing to lease a property to someone because of the following:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (or ADA) requires landlords to make necessary accommodations and modifications to the property to give disabled individuals equal access to spaces. Accommodations can be changes or exemptions to policies, and modifications are adjustments to the construction of the building. Accommodations and modifications enable people with disabilities to fully enjoy their unit and common areas.
Under the law, landlords must let tenants make any reasonable modifications to their living space. Some examples of modifications are listed below:
If tenants believe their community isn’t in compliance with the city’s minimum housing code, they can report violations on the Housing and Neighborhood Services page or dial 3-1-1 to request an inspection.
View code enforcement cases in Charlotte
600 E. Trade St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: 704-336-3380
There aren’t any COVID-19 restrictions or mandates in place for North Carolina, as of February 2023. However, COVID-19 and its variants remain a threat for high-risk populations. Most senior apartment communities are run like typical private apartment complexes, meaning they most likely have no enforced guidelines. Consider checking with your prospective complex to see if they have any specific policies in place to keep residents and staff safe.
Find a COVID-19 testing site near you
You can also check the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) COVID-19 recommendations for any new guidance and local updates. The DHSS is currently recommending the following general practices on its website:
Social distancing. DHSS continues to recommend staying six feet apart in all public settings.
Vaccinations. The DHSS recommends North Carolinians stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
Masking. Masks are encouraged in indoor public spaces, especially if unvaccinated or in a setting with high COVID-19 community levels.
Staff safety. Employers should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) isolation and quarantine protocols for employees who test positive for or were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
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Charlotte offers several impressive senior apartment communities for those who want to live like royalty. We highlight some of the most distinguished features you can expect to find at senior apartments in the Queen City.
You’ll find that many senior apartments in Charlotte come with lavish on-site amenities like resort-style pools, round-the-clock fitness centers, and sun decks. Enjoy strolling through the impeccably manicured grounds, where you’ll likely find walking paths and a charming gazebo. Some newer apartment communities offer plenty of outdoor activity spaces — like pickleball courts, grilling decks, and on-site dog parks. Residents can also revel in five-star services that may be offered as “a la carte” options, which can include housekeeping, laundry, and private outdoor patios and verandas. Additionally, you can always expect reliable on-call maintenance services at our partnered senior apartments.
Our partner Charlotte senior apartment communities typically offer one- and two-bedroom, open-concept layouts. Though rare, a select number of communities may offer three-bedroom options as well. Select communities offer upgraded kitchens with stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops, grand garden tubs, and soaring 9-foot ceilings. Some communities include in-unit washers and dryers, impressive closets, and walk-in showers. Private balconies and patio options can be found at several of our partner senior apartment communities, as well as ground-floor units with wheelchair-accessible features.
On-site common spaces make the perfect settings to gather and delight in the company of other residents. Enjoy a few rounds of pool in a billiards lounge or game room, curl up with a good book in a community library, or stay active with weekly fitness classes and yoga. Most of our partner communities have on-site clubhouses that play host to social events like holiday parties, happy hours, and wine tastings. Some of our Charlotte partner communities provide daily activities through the local YMCA and Mecklenburg senior recreation programs.
Our in-network senior apartments in Charlotte are luckily within access to all of the city’s attractions and conveniences. Most sit within 20 miles of Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Other partner senior apartments are minutes away from local golf clubs, shopping, and scrumptious dining options popular among residents. Our partner communities are also located near Charlotte’s center city — or Uptown area — within proximity to the Bank of America stadium, the Charlotte Convention Center, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Communities a little further out from Uptown Charlotte have nearby access to ample parks and lush nature preserves.
Number of seniors age 60 and older currently living in Charlotte, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors age 60+ in Charlotte who are married, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau
Average household earnings for Charlotte seniors age 60 and older, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau
Exceptional medical care can be found throughout Charlotte. From primary care to intensive trauma care, some of the region’s best medical experts are located at Charlotte’s hospitals. Below, you’ll find a list of some of the best hospitals in Charlotte.
Carolinas Medical Center is the leading hospital in Charlotte. It’s one of the largest hospitals in the Southeastern United States and is the area’s only Level I trauma center, which makes it capable to provide the maximum care to patients with critical injuries. Carolina Medical Center is an approved transplant center and one of North Carolina’s select Academic Medical Center Teaching Hospitals.
CaroMount Health sits about 30 minutes outside of Charlotte in Gastonia, North Carolina. This acute care hospital features a nationally accredited cancer center, a Level III trauma center, and exceptional cardiac care. Its surgical department utilizes the latest leading-edge technology and techniques that result in minimal pain and recovery times.
Novant Health Charlotte is one of the leading orthopedic hospitals in North Carolina and offers various treatments and services, ranging from advanced imaging to comprehensive rehabilitative therapies. It’s received national recognition for its performance in surgical care, along with its joint and spine programs. Additionally, its total joint replacement unit provides comprehensive support throughout the journey from pre-surgery consults to recovery.
When living independently, having reliable transportation is essential to access resources like health care, nutritious food, and religious and social organizations. Around 33% of our partner senior apartment communities have at-cost transportation, but it may be helpful to learn about the local transportation options available to seniors in Charlotte if you no longer drive.
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates several bus and rail routes throughout the city, as well as paratransit services to anyone who can’t access the fixed routes because of a disability.
Eligible seniors in Charlotte may also be able to access nonemergency transportation services through the Mecklenburg Transportation System (MTS). MTS operates several transportation services with different eligibility requirements and services. Read on below to find out more about these unique programs.
Below, you can find how WalkScore ranks Charlotte for its walkability, public transit, and bike friendliness. These numbers reflect that most Charlotte residents are very reliant on cars, with some public transportation and limited bike lanes.
The city’s lovely weather and tax friendliness may draw people to North Carolina’s largest city, but it offers many more amenities that make people want to stay.
Charlotte has several senior centers in the community for adults ages 55+. These centers serve as spaces to enjoy meeting new friends and socializing with peers in the same life stage. Most senior centers include recreation areas, such as pools, fitness facilities, and indoor walking tracks. Seniors can also learn or re-learn skills with on-site computer centers, technology labs, and nature education areas available at some locations.
Home of the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte is a dream come true for sports fans. The city plays the host of the annual ACC Championship Game, the New Year’s Eve Belk Bowl, and the Wells Fargo Championship. From watch parties to tailgating, there’s ample opportunity to dive into Charlotte’s sports culture.
Retail therapy is a beloved activity throughout Charlotte. Locally owned shops and neighborhood boutiques are treasure troves for one-of-a-kind finds. You’ll find options for all budgets and tastes at the area’s malls and outlet spots. Additionally, Charlotte’s open-air shopping districts provide a divine retail experience at these popular locations:
Not surprisingly, Southern food is king in the Queen City, but Charlotte’s dynamic food scene has much more to savor. Its rapidly growing restaurant scene offers culinary selections ranging from barbecue, seafood, and burgers to Cuban-American fare. The area also features impressive craft beer and wine selections from locally owned breweries and vineyards.
For one of the top 25 largest cities in the U.S., Charlotte has an impressive tree-dense environment with over 45% tree canopy coverage in 2016. The city has a profusion of outdoor destinations that include over 200 parks and nature preserves. Ponds, trails, and remarkable foliage are just a few things you can expect to find at one of Charlotte’s outdoor retreats. You’ll also find botanic bliss at the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens.
Culture is alive and well in Charlotte and can be found in a variety of forms. You’ll find public art and murals throughout the city, as well as captivating museums, live performances, and exhibits at these popular attractions:
Rock Hill Grove Senior Living, Sage Highland Creek and The Dorchester South are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Charlotte, 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 Charlotte is $1,859 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
SmartAsset. (2021). North Carolina retirement tax friendliness.
U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101). [Data set]. American community survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). Eligibility for veterans pension.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2021, March). Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program.
State of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, February). Fact sheet LTSS service description and requirements.
Medicare.gov. Home health services.
NC Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, September 06). Protecting each other from COVID-19.
Mecklenburg County, NC. Department of Social Services. Mecklenburg transportation system (MTS).
City of Charlotte. (2019, February 04). Tree canopy assessment.
U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). Population 60 years and over in the United States (S0102) [Data set]. American community survey.
Walk Score. (2022). Living in Charlotte.
Legal Aid of North Carolina. Landlord/tenant law.
Code of Ordinances City of Charlotte, North Carolina. (2022, November 23). The housing code of the city of Charlotte, Chapter 11: Housing. Municode Library.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
SmartAsset. (2021). North Carolina retirement tax friendliness.
U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101). [Data set]. American community survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). Eligibility for veterans pension.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2021, March). Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program.
State of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, February). Fact sheet LTSS service description and requirements.
Medicare.gov. Home health services.
NC Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, September 06). Protecting each other from COVID-19.
Mecklenburg County, NC. Department of Social Services. Mecklenburg transportation system (MTS).
City of Charlotte. (2019, February 04). Tree canopy assessment.
U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). Population 60 years and over in the United States (S0102) [Data set]. American community survey.
Walk Score. (2022). Living in Charlotte.
Legal Aid of North Carolina. Landlord/tenant law.
Code of Ordinances City of Charlotte, North Carolina. (2022, November 23). The housing code of the city of Charlotte, Chapter 11: Housing. Municode Library.