The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Garner, NC for 2024

This guide provides more information on assisted living in Garner, including how facilities are licensed, monthly rate comparisons across other North Carolina cities and alternative senior care options in Garner. It also breaks down the benefits and drawbacks of living here and the local agencies that serve older adults. 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation, licenses assisted living facilities in Garner and the rest of the state. This division establishes criteria and guidelines facilities must meet for licensure, and it enforces rules and regulations pertaining to staffing, care planning and meals.  

• Garner is among the more expensive cities in North Carolina to live in, with its cost of living coming in about 5% higher than the state as a whole. However, living costs are about 4% less than the national average, which may make it a financially viable option for retirees. Healthcare expenses are particularly affordable compared to the rest of the state.  
• Garner seniors don’t pay state income taxes on Social Security benefits, though other types of retirement income are taxed at the state’s flat rate. North Carolina’s sales and property tax rates are moderate, and the state eliminated its estate tax in 2014. 
• Garner has 220 sunny days per year, compared to the national average of 205 days. It sees about 46 inches of rain and just 3 inches of snow annually. Temperatures are favorable throughout the year, with the spring and fall having the lowest humidity levels and most pleasant temperatures.  
• On a 100-point air quality index, Garner rates two points higher than the national average at 60. Its water quality is exceptional with a rating of 90, which is 35 points higher than the nationwide median of 55. Clean air and water promote general health and reduces risks associated with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, which may make Garner a good retirement location.  
• On a 100-point crime index, Garner’s property crime rates 56.5 and violent crime rates 13.1, compared to national respective averages of 35.4 and 22.7. While property crime rates in Garner are historically higher than state and national medians, this type of crime has been trending downward for the past decade. Violent crime is uncommon, occurring at a rate of about 254 incidents per 100,000 people versus the national rate of 379.  
• GoWake Access is a county-operated public van service that’s available to those aged 60 and over, as well as veterans. Services are available Monday through Saturday and reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance by calling (919) 212-7005. Public transit services to Raleigh are available through GoRaleigh via Route 7, Route 20 and Route 40X.   

Seniors in Garner pay approximately $4,800 per month for assisted living services. This is 26% higher than the state median of $3,800 and 12% higher than the national rate of $4,300.  

Garner is among the more expensive cities in North Carolina for assisted living services, with seniors paying approximately $4,800 per month for this type of care. However, it’s an affordable option compared to Wilmington, where fees are the highest in the state at $5,877. In Jacksonville, the cheapest surveyed city in North Carolina for assisted living, average monthly fees are 44% lower than in Garner at $2,675. In Fayetteville, facilities charge about $3,500, and in Hickory, rates come in at around $4,000.  

Assisted living fees in Garner average $4,800 monthly, but because this includes housing, meals, recreation and personal care, it may be a financially feasible option despite its high price tag. Seniors who don’t pay rent or mortgage payments may save money on care by obtaining services in their own homes. The cheapest senior care option is adult day health care at $1,463 per month. Homemaker services, which include personal care, housekeeping and meal preparation, costs $4,004, and home health aides, who also provide skilled nursing, charge approximately $4,195. Seniors pay an average of $7,148 for semiprivate rooms in nursing homes and $8,060 for private accommodations.  

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.