Raleigh, the capital city of North Carolina, is home to 469,698 people, 11% of whom are aged 65 and older. It boasts a variety of features that make it well suited to retirees, including high-quality, affordable health care facilities and low transportation costs. There’s a range of long-term care facilities, including assisted living communities.

Assisted living communities offer seniors a helping hand with daily tasks such as personal care, laundry and medication management. Many assisted living communities also provide services such as transportation and recreational activities. They’re best suited to seniors who don’t feel comfortable living independently at home but don’t require the 24/7 medical care that nursing homes provide. In Raleigh, seniors typically pay around $5,388 per month for assisted living care. 

This guide provides seniors with an introduction to assisted living in Raleigh. It compares the cost of care across different cities in North Carolina and provides an overview of free assisted living resources available to seniors. 

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Raleigh, NC

2016, 2017

Sunrise at North Hills

615 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh, NC, 27609

Sunrise at North Hills is a senior living community located in at North Hills in Raleigh, NC. The community specializes in assisted living, short-term stays and Alzheimer’s care services. Sunrise at N … (read more)
Sunrise at North Hills is a senior living community located in at North Hills in Raleigh, NC. The community specializes in assisted living, short-term stays and Alzheimer’s care services. Sunrise at N … (read more)

2014

Brighton Gardens of Raleigh

3101 Duraleigh Road, Raleigh, NC, 27612

Brighton Gardens of Raleigh is an active assisted living and memory care facility in Raleigh, North Carolina near the UNC REX Hospital just off of Edwards Mill Road. Residents praise the community for … (read more)
Brighton Gardens of Raleigh is an active assisted living and memory care facility in Raleigh, North Carolina near the UNC REX Hospital just off of Edwards Mill Road. Residents praise the community for … (read more)

Sunrise of Raleigh

4801 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh, NC, 27612

Sunrise of Raleigh is located conveniently in the Crabtree Valley area of Raleigh, North Carolina where access to state parks, shopping and dining are nearby and easily accessible. Visitors to the fac … (read more)
Sunrise of Raleigh is located conveniently in the Crabtree Valley area of Raleigh, North Carolina where access to state parks, shopping and dining are nearby and easily accessible. Visitors to the fac … (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)

2016

Bright Horizon Senior Care

1405 Falls Church Road, Raleigh, NC, 27609

Bright Horizon Senior Care is nestled in north Raleigh, North Carolina on a quiet residential street, just minutes from Millbrook Exchange Park, shopping and dining. Residents and their loved ones pra … (read more)
Bright Horizon Senior Care is nestled in north Raleigh, North Carolina on a quiet residential street, just minutes from Millbrook Exchange Park, shopping and dining. Residents and their loved ones pra … (read more)

Cadence North Raleigh

5219 Old Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27609

Cadence North Raleigh is very caring and attentive to its residents. It’s a very warm environment. They have lots of wonderful activities and really good food. They celebrate all the holidays. Like in … (read more)
Cadence North Raleigh is very caring and attentive to its residents. It’s a very warm environment. They have lots of wonderful activities and really good food. They celebrate all the holidays. Like in … (read more)

Lynn’s Care Home at Riverside

5614 Apalachicula Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27616

This is a wonderful, loving home for my elderly mother. It is not an institution and that is why we love it. My mom especially enjoys mealtime and interaction with others. The staff is incredibly kind … (read more)
This is a wonderful, loving home for my elderly mother. It is not an institution and that is why we love it. My mom especially enjoys mealtime and interaction with others. The staff is incredibly kind … (read more)

TerraBella Northridge

600 Newton Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27615

Terrabella of North Ridge is right in the heart of North Raleigh, North Carolina. It is located just a few miles away from the center of the city with access to museums, shopping, parks and fine dinin … (read more)
Terrabella of North Ridge is right in the heart of North Raleigh, North Carolina. It is located just a few miles away from the center of the city with access to museums, shopping, parks and fine dinin … (read more)

The Haven at Waterford Landing

1008 Flower Round Court, Raleigh, NC, 27604

The Haven is a home in a nice neighborhood with about six residents and, at least, has 2 full-time helpers all the time. It is very calm. When we visit my mom, it is like visiting her in a house inst … (read more)
The Haven is a home in a nice neighborhood with about six residents and, at least, has 2 full-time helpers all the time. It is very calm. When we visit my mom, it is like visiting her in a house inst … (read more)

Falls River Village Assisted Living

1110 Falls River Ave, Raleigh, NC, 27614

Falls River Village was absolutely beautiful. The people were fantastic. The food looked amazing. It was very, very, very nice, but the room was a bit smaller than the other facility. It was like a st … (read more)
Falls River Village was absolutely beautiful. The people were fantastic. The food looked amazing. It was very, very, very nice, but the room was a bit smaller than the other facility. It was like a st … (read more)

North Hills Senior Living

110 Dartmouth Road, Raleigh, NC, 27609


Avendelle at Lazy River

2268 Lazy River Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27610


Peach Tree Assisted Living Homes

502 Carolina Avenue, Raleigh, NC, 27606


Renaissance Care Home at Neuse River Estates

3604 Neuse Estates Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27604


Lakepark Family Care Home

1505 Lake Park Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27612


Parent Care Assisted Living

3720 Vesta Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27603


Morningside of Raleigh

801 Dixie Trail, Raleigh, NC, 27607

I love the staff at Morningside of Raleigh. They were great, very friendly, and very open. They spent a lot of time with me, had a great follow-up, and they were delightful. The facility was nice, but … (read more)
I love the staff at Morningside of Raleigh. They were great, very friendly, and very open. They spent a lot of time with me, had a great follow-up, and they were delightful. The facility was nice, but … (read more)

2012, 2013

Magnolia Glen

5301 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC, 27612

My father is in Magnolia Glen. He seems to have gotten a lot better. He was OK and then he had a stroke and they wouldn’t let him stay there without the nursing care. He’s in assisted living. We have … (read more)
My father is in Magnolia Glen. He seems to have gotten a lot better. He was OK and then he had a stroke and they wouldn’t let him stay there without the nursing care. He’s in assisted living. We have … (read more)

Spring Arbor of Raleigh

1810 New Hope Road, Raleigh, NC, 27604

I am so thankful for Spring Arbor of Raleigh. My mom moved in approximately three months ago and is absolutely thriving. The facility is quaint and extremely clean. They have fun, novel activities, a … (read more)
I am so thankful for Spring Arbor of Raleigh. My mom moved in approximately three months ago and is absolutely thriving. The facility is quaint and extremely clean. They have fun, novel activities, a … (read more)

Springmoor Life Care Retirement Community

1500 Sawmill Road, Raleigh, NC, 27615

My mother-in-law is in Springmoor. It’s a high-end place, and probably costs $6,000 to $7,000 a month. They have beautiful grounds, it’s a life-care community, and if we could afford it, I’d probably … (read more)
My mother-in-law is in Springmoor. It’s a high-end place, and probably costs $6,000 to $7,000 a month. They have beautiful grounds, it’s a life-care community, and if we could afford it, I’d probably … (read more)

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Raleigh

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 Raleigh

The Division of Health Service Regulation, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, regulates assisted living communities in Raleigh and the rest of North Carolina. The division is responsible for licensing assisted living communities and other adult care homes and issuing and renewing certificates and approvals. It performs annual inspections to ensure facilities comply with regulations. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Raleigh

  • The cost of living in Raleigh is slightly higher than the national average, as indicated by its score of 102 on a 100-point cost of living scale where 100 is the U.S. average. Although it’s more expensive than the North Carolina average, the price of health care is significantly more affordable than the state and national averages. Transportation costs in Raleigh are also less expensive than the U.S. average. 
  • The city has some public transportation available to its residents. GoRaleigh offers several routes around the city, and the bus fares are free for seniors aged 65 and older once they obtain a GoRaleigh ID card. 
  • The crime rate in Raleigh is very similar to the state and national averages. For violent crime, it has a rate of 4.15 per 1,000 residents, compared to the state rate of 4.26 and the U.S. rate of 4. Similarly, the average rate for property crime is 21.34 per 1,000 residents, very similar to the North Carolina average of 22.61 and the national average of 19. 
  • Raleigh has many excellent health care facilities, including Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke University Medical Center and WakeMed Health & Hospitals. Raleigh’s average cost of health care is also significantly more affordable than the state and national averages. 
  • North Carolina is moderately tax-friendly for seniors. The state doesn’t require you to pay income tax on Social Security retirement benefits. However, it taxes all other retirement income at a flat rate of 5.25%. The state also has moderate property and sales taxes.
  • The climate is pleasant in Raleigh for most of the year. It has around 45 inches of rain per year, compared to the U.S. average of 38 inches, but it has only around 3.7 inches of snow per year, compared to the national average of 27 inches. Summer months are hot, with a July high of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and winters are cold, with a January low of 30 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Paying for Assisted Living in Raleigh

Assisted living in Raleigh typically costs around $5,388 per month; however, the costs can vary depending on the types of amenities and services offered by the community.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

The cost of assisted living care varies across North Carolina. Raleigh is significantly more expensive than the state average of $4,010 and the national average of $4,500. Raleigh is also the most expensive city for assisted living care in the state. Nearby in Durham, the average cost is slightly lower at $4,800 per month. In Rocky Mount and Charlotte, the prices are close to the national average at $4,470 and $4,400 per month, respectively. By far the most affordable city for assisted living care in the state is Fayetteville, where seniors typically pay $3,000 per month.

$5388

Raleigh

$4010

North Carolina

$4500

United States

$4800

Durham

$4470

Rocky Mount

$3000

Fayetteville

$4400

Charlotte

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Other types of care are available to seniors in Raleigh. The average cost of in-home care or home health care is $4,957 per month. The most affordable option is adult day health care, which typically consists of weekday care and costs around $1,300 per month. Nursing home care is the most expensive option at $6,996, but it provides the highest level of care with 24/7 medical support.

$4957

In-Home Care

$4957

Home Health Aide

$1300

Adult Day Health Care

$5388

Assisted Living Facility

$6996

Nursing Home (semiprivate room)

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Raleigh

Eligible seniors who live in Raleigh 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 Raleigh

Seniors in Raleigh have access to a variety of agencies and programs to support them with choosing and paying for an assisted living community. The following resources can help seniors connect with advisers, legal aid and counselors. 

Resource

Contact

Description

(800) 662-7030

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program consists of advocates who regularly visit seniors in long-term care facilities, including assisted living communities. They work to help residents with any complaints or issues they have and solve any problems between residents and the facility. The ombudsman provides advice and information on specific facilities, explains residents’ rights and other laws and guides matters such as Medicare and powers of attorney.

(919) 627-0080

The Area Agency on Aging offers a variety of services for seniors. Services include health classes, dining programs and transportation assistance. The agency aims to help seniors live independent, dignified lives. 

(919) 361-6419

Raleigh Vet Center offers confidential help for veterans and their families. It provides various services, including counseling services for depression, PTSD, and Military Sexual Trauma (MST), grief counseling and family counseling, as well as mental health care. For needs such as addiction and substance abuse, referral services connect veterans to the appropriate care specialists. 

(877) 579-7562

Legal Aid of North Carolina provides free legal aid to in-need individuals. It aims its senior law project at problems senior citizens may face. These include elder abuse, rights of residents in long-term care, powers of attorney and claiming public benefits. The team of lawyers offers free help to seniors across the state and prioritizes seniors with the greatest need. 

(919) 996-4730

Five Points Center for Active Adults is a senior center for adults aged 50 and over. It offers programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life of seniors. On-site amenities include a fitness room, a ballroom, a computer lab and a library. It has a wealth of information about support and referral services that may be useful for seniors, including legal aid, housing and transportation. 

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Raleigh

Raleigh 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.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in North Carolina