Durham is situated along the Eno River in the east-central part of the Piedmont region of North Carolina. It has an estimated 285,527 residents, approximately 11.9% of whom are 65 or older. Many health care companies in the city, over 300 in total, have earned it the title of city of medicine. Durham’s lower than average healthcare costs, warm summers and minimal snowfall make it a perfect place for seniors to retire.

Assisted living is for seniors who wish to maintain independence while receiving assistance with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing and medication assistance. While residents of assisted living communities may not be able to live independently at home, they do not require the level of care provided in nursing homes. Assisted living costs vary based on factors, including the facility’s services and location. According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey Durham residents pay an average of $4,800 per month for care, higher than the respective state and national costs of $4,010 and $4,500. 

With this guide, seniors can better understand the cost of assisted living in the city and how it compares to nearby areas. They’ll also be able to weigh up the pros and cons of living here and have several valuable resources at their disposal.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Durham, NC

2015, 2016

Atria Southpoint Walk

5705 Fayetteville Road, Durham, NC, 27713

Located conveniently within Durham, NC, Atria Southpoint Walk is a luxury assisted living community with a myriad of splendid amenities. Residents rave about the plentiful activities on-site which inc … (read more)
Located conveniently within Durham, NC, Atria Southpoint Walk is a luxury assisted living community with a myriad of splendid amenities. Residents rave about the plentiful activities on-site which inc … (read more)

Brookdale Durham

4434 Ben Franklin Boulevard, Durham, NC, 27704

Residents and visitors alike describe Brookdale Durham as a nice, well-maintained facility. Brookdale Durham is located in Durham, North Carolina, and is situated close to shopping, restaurants and gr … (read more)
Residents and visitors alike describe Brookdale Durham as a nice, well-maintained facility. Brookdale Durham is located in Durham, North Carolina, and is situated close to shopping, restaurants and gr … (read more)

Carolina Reserve of Durham

4523 Hope Valley Road, Durham, NC, 27707

We liked Carolina Reserve of Durham better than others. The place was a little smaller, friendlier, and less institutional than the others. The people were very cordial and warm. There seemed to be pl … (read more)
We liked Carolina Reserve of Durham better than others. The place was a little smaller, friendlier, and less institutional than the others. The people were very cordial and warm. There seemed to be pl … (read more)

Rockbridge Senior Care Home

2713 Green Lane Dr, Durham, NC, 27712, Durham, NC, 27712

Nicole, the owner/director of Rockbridge, is incredibly kind, compassionate, efficient and knowledgeable. She has a passion for eldercare which manifests itself in every aspect of the home…from tho … (read more)
Nicole, the owner/director of Rockbridge, is incredibly kind, compassionate, efficient and knowledgeable. She has a passion for eldercare which manifests itself in every aspect of the home…from tho … (read more)

The Addison

4713 Garrett Road,, Durham, NC, 27707

Carillon Assisted Living of Durham, North Carolina, is conveniently located near I-40 and various shopping centers. Visitors have high praise for the facility’s spacious and clean rooms, and they enjo … (read more)
Carillon Assisted Living of Durham, North Carolina, is conveniently located near I-40 and various shopping centers. Visitors have high praise for the facility’s spacious and clean rooms, and they enjo … (read more)

Springdaile Assisted Living

4315 Holder Road, Durham, NC, 27560

The tour I had at Springdaile Assisted Living was great. We liked it because it’s a small house with about three or four rooms and a small community of residents. My mom has some memory issues and we … (read more)
The tour I had at Springdaile Assisted Living was great. We liked it because it’s a small house with about three or four rooms and a small community of residents. My mom has some memory issues and we … (read more)

LiveWell at Hope Valley

3736 Bentley Dr, Durham, NC, 27707

We’re in the process of moving my mom into LiveWell at Hope Valley. It’s impressive. It’s a high staff-to-client ratio. The staff seemed good. The place is nice. It’s close for us to visit her. It fel … (read more)
We’re in the process of moving my mom into LiveWell at Hope Valley. It’s impressive. It’s a high staff-to-client ratio. The staff seemed good. The place is nice. It’s close for us to visit her. It fel … (read more)

Tower Of Blessing A Refuge To Seek II

2309 Ellington Street, Durham, NC, 27704

Lovely and very nice are two of the things people say about the Tower Of Blessing A Refuge To Seek II in Durham, North Carolina. This senior living facility is praised by visitors and residents as a n … (read more)
Lovely and very nice are two of the things people say about the Tower Of Blessing A Refuge To Seek II in Durham, North Carolina. This senior living facility is praised by visitors and residents as a n … (read more)

Calyx Living in Durham

4214 Guess Rd, Durham, NC, 27712

We went to the Calyx Living of Durham. It was nice, but for assisted living. The food and the amenities were nice. Everything is brand new, and we were offered food there. The location is convenient. … (read more)
We went to the Calyx Living of Durham. It was nice, but for assisted living. The food and the amenities were nice. Everything is brand new, and we were offered food there. The location is convenient. … (read more)

Durham Ridge Assisted Living

3420 Holloway St, Durham, NC, 27703

Just off Highway 70, you’ll find the Durham Ridge Assisted Living center, which is located in the bustling and cultural city of Durham, North Carolina, and in close proximity to Duke University and … (read more)
Just off Highway 70, you’ll find the Durham Ridge Assisted Living center, which is located in the bustling and cultural city of Durham, North Carolina, and in close proximity to Duke University and … (read more)

Eno Point Assisted Living

5600 N Roxboro Road, Durham, NC, 27712

Patient-to-staff ratio and the cleanliness of Eno Point Assisted Living are just two of the many things residents and their loved ones describe as positive attributes at this senior living facility. R … (read more)
Patient-to-staff ratio and the cleanliness of Eno Point Assisted Living are just two of the many things residents and their loved ones describe as positive attributes at this senior living facility. R … (read more)

Camellia Gardens Assisted Living

5010 S Alston Avenue, Durham, NC, 27713

Do not consider this facility. This building is poorly maintained, not cleaned properly, and is managed by a group of very unprofessional staff / nurses. They do not check on the residents that reside … (read more)
Do not consider this facility. This building is poorly maintained, not cleaned properly, and is managed by a group of very unprofessional staff / nurses. They do not check on the residents that reside … (read more)

Ellison’s Rest Home

100 Ellison Drive, Durham, NC, 27713

Ellison’s Rest Home resides in a welcoming part of Durham, North Carolina. It’s just a short drive from the downtown area and major shopping malls, including many clothing stores, restaurants and more … (read more)
Ellison’s Rest Home resides in a welcoming part of Durham, North Carolina. It’s just a short drive from the downtown area and major shopping malls, including many clothing stores, restaurants and more … (read more)


2013, 2014, 2015

LiveWell at Birchwood Lake Estates

6720 Pauline Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514

LiveWell at Birchwood Lake Estates is located in a natural setting in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in a quiet area away from the city. Relatives of residents note that the staff are attentive and prov … (read more)
LiveWell at Birchwood Lake Estates is located in a natural setting in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in a quiet area away from the city. Relatives of residents note that the staff are attentive and prov … (read more)

Brookdale Chapel Hill Assisted Living

2220 Farmington Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27517

A newer facility with spacious rooms is just one way residents and visitors describe the senior living community of Brookdale Chapel Hill. Located in the beautiful city of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, … (read more)
A newer facility with spacious rooms is just one way residents and visitors describe the senior living community of Brookdale Chapel Hill. Located in the beautiful city of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, … (read more)

Abbotswood at Stonehenge

7900 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC, 27613

The staff at Abbotswood at Stonehenge seemed like they care. The ones that I talked to seemed to have a passion for caring for their people. They had long-term employees and they recognized them with … (read more)
The staff at Abbotswood at Stonehenge seemed like they care. The ones that I talked to seemed to have a passion for caring for their people. They had long-term employees and they recognized them with … (read more)

2014, 2015

Brookdale Meadowmont

100 Lanark Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27517

Brookdale Meadowmont is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, near stores, restaurants and physicians’ offices as well as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Battle Park. Residents … (read more)
Brookdale Meadowmont is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, near stores, restaurants and physicians’ offices as well as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Battle Park. Residents … (read more)

LiveWell – Cary

208 Midenhall Way, Cary, NC, 27513

LiveWell in Cary, North Carolina, is a senior living community that’s surrounded by trees, close to Crabtree Park and only a few minutes drive off of the Dan K Moore Freeway. Seniors here live very cl … (read more)
LiveWell in Cary, North Carolina, is a senior living community that’s surrounded by trees, close to Crabtree Park and only a few minutes drive off of the Dan K Moore Freeway. Seniors here live very cl … (read more)

TerraBella Hillsborough

1911 Orange Grove Rd, Hillsborough, NC, 27278

We had to move my mother resident since mid 2020. This facility is now a home of never ending lies and empty promises of improvement. Glorious change is forever on the horizon This facility was purc … (read more)
We had to move my mother resident since mid 2020. This facility is now a home of never ending lies and empty promises of improvement. Glorious change is forever on the horizon This facility was purc … (read more)

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Durham

Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in North Carolina. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.

What to Consider About Assisted Living in Durham

The North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation regulates assisted living facilities in Durham and throughout North Carolina. It oversees adult care services and conducts regular checks to ensure residents’ safety and quality of care. They also provide a free hotline where residents can register any complaints.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Durham

  • Despite above-average rainfall throughout the year, Durham residents enjoy comfortable weather conditions. There is minimal snowfall during winter and 220 sunny days each year, above the national average.
  • Violent and property crimes in the city are much higher than the national average, but statistics indicate that both are declining. Many assisted living facilities provide advanced security measures such as 24-hour surveillance and specialized access control, so seniors needn’t be concerned.
  • On a scale of 100, Durham has a cost of living rating of 95.2, slightly lower than the national average. Only housing and utilities are higher, and only moderately so. The most significant savings can be found in transportation and health, while groceries are virtually on par with nationwide costs.
  • In Durham, seniors have access to several transportation options. The Triangle Transit Authority Bus and the Durham Area Transit Authority bus offer free fixed-route trips to anyone 60 or older, making it easy and affordable to travel to appointments and shops to pick up essentials.
  • The air quality in Durham is fair. It is ranked one of the cleanest cities for short-term particle pollution, which is good news for people with COPD or other lung diseases. According to the American Lung Association, it has seen an improvement in two metrics, ozone and particle pollution.
  • Durham seniors enjoy moderately favorable tax laws. Social security income is not taxable, but withdrawals from retirement accounts are, as are public and private pensions. This factor should be considered when calculating the cost of assisted living.

Paying for Assisted Living in Durham

The average cost of assisted living in Durham is $4,800, but prices may vary depending on location, amenities, and services. 

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Durham assisted living services are relatively expensive compared to the national and state averages of $4,500 and $4,010. However, residents a short distance away in Raleigh pay $5,388, almost $700 more each month. With monthly costs averaging $4,400 in Charlotte, seniors could save $400. Cheaper still is Fayetteville and Greensboro where prices range from $3,000-$3,800 monthly. Burlington is one of the least expensive places in the state for assisted living, with average fees of $3,325 per month. 

$4800

Durham

$4010

North Carolina

$4500

United States

$5388

Raleigh

$4400

Charlotte

$3000

Fayetteville

$3800

Greensboro

$3325

Burlington

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

An alternative to the $4,800 per month for assisted living in Durham is in-home care or home health care, each costing $4,767 and offering similar services but delivered in the home. Adult day health care is the least expensive option at $1,636 per month while those requiring a higher level of care may need a semiprivate room in a nursing home at a monthly cost of $7,026.

$4800

Assisted Living

$4767

In-Home Care

$4767

Home Health Care

$1636

Adult Day Health Care

$7026

Nursing Home (semiprivate room)

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Durham

Eligible seniors who live in Durham or in other cities in North Carolina can apply for funding to help pay for assisted living costs through one of two state-funded programs: Project C.A.R.E (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty) or the State/County Special Assistance Program.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in North Carolina page.

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in North Carolina

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in North Carolina page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Durham

In Durham, seniors have access to numerous resources to assist them in making the transition to assisted living. They can get advice on benefits, understand the city’s tax regulations, and locate an approved assisted living facility with the help of a local ombudsman.

Resource

Contact

Description

(800) 772-1213

The Social Security Administration serves three dozen cities across the state, including Durham. It provides advice and assistance in filing for retirement benefits as well as referrals to other agencies and can help with managing benefits online.

North Carolina's Long-Term Care Ombudsman offers a variety of services and programs to seniors living in long-term care throughout the state. Seniors can get advice on selecting an assisted living facility and details about specific communities. Seniors can also seek guidance from the ombudsman about Medicaid and Medicare coverage and application procedures.

(800) 698-2411

Veterans and their qualifying spouses or dependents are served by a network of medical facilities and community-based centers operated by the VA. Among them are several outpatient clinics, a number of regional veteran centers, and four VA hospitals. Vets can also get help with filling out applications for Aid & Attendance and other benefits related to assisted living.

(888)-892-1162

United Way of North Carolina's 211 programs is a valuable resource for information and referrals in North Carolina. Nearly 309 million people throughout the country have access to 211, which is recognized as the leading source of health and human services information. Residents can access the free service any time of day or night to receive confidential information on health and human services available in their community.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Durham

Durham Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in North Carolina are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in North Carolina page for more information about these laws.