The Best Assisted Living in Greenville

Matthew Jones Matthew Jones Writer and Editor

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Greenville combines small-town charm and Southern hospitality with the modern conveniences and nightlife of a major city. Greenville currently has a population of 72,310, but Greenville County, which incorporates nearby cities like Simpsonville and Mauldin, has a population of 547,950. The county of Greenville is home to approximately 92,600 residents ages 65 and older.1 Many of these seniors live within the city of Greenville, which increases the need for quality senior housing options. Fortunately, there are many assisted living and retirement communities in Greenville.

We’ve compiled a list of the best assisted living communities in Greenville, South Carolina. Continue reading to see which community may be the right choice for you or a loved one.

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Assisted Living in Greenville

Greenville is relatively small compared to other cities in South Carolina, such as Charleston or Columbia. Nonetheless, it’s home to many assisted living facilities, and we spent 50 hours researching the best ones in the area. We focused on several important factors to find the best assisted living in Greenville.

  • Cost: The cost of assisted living in Greenville is lower than the national average. This makes it a good choice for seniors living on a tight budget. However, there’s a wide range of starting costs regarding assisted living, so we tried to find a good balance between cost and overall value.
  • Available care: All the communities on our list offer at least two types of care (assisted living and memory care). We looked for communities that provide seniors with different options so they don’t have to move elsewhere just to get the care they need.
  • Reviews: We look through hundreds of reviews to see what people have said about each community. This way, we can get an overview of the day-to-day operations of a facility, along with potential advantages and drawbacks.
  • Amenities: Amenities help an assisted living community feel more fun and homey. We focused on communities including comforts like beauty salons, outdoor seating areas, and fun daily activity schedules.
  • Location: Greenville County covers a fairly large area, and we found communities that were close to the city center, along with those that were a bit further out. We also focused on some of the surrounding attractions and conveniences, such as parks, shopping centers, and museums.
  • Staff size: We highlighted assisted living communities that offer high staff-to-resident ratios, often with a maximum of eight residents per caregiver.

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  • 1. The Legacy at Southpointe Drive

    Affordable senior community that combines homestyle and facility care

    STARTING PRICE

    $2,300 per month

    ADDRESS

    23 Southpointe Dr., Greenville, SC 29607

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The Legacy at Southpointe Drive

    Source Image: The Legacy at Southpointe Drive

    Highlights

    • Assisted living and memory care
    • Transparent and affordable pricing structure
    • Close to shopping
    • Four unique room layouts

    Overview

    The Legacy at Southpointe Drive is located just minutes from central Greenville, close to the Woodruff Shopping Center and Brookfield Promenade. The location alone makes this assisted living community a fabulous choice for seniors who like to do their own shopping and want easy access to the conveniences of the city. The Legacy at Southpointe Drive offers four-floor plans, ranging from 390 square-foot studios to 900 square-foot two-bedroom apartments. 

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: Need to find affordable housing for seniors? Check out our guide on low-income senior housing!

    Depending on the layout you choose and the level of care you require, The Legacy at Southpointe can be a very affordable option. With assisted living prices starting at just $2,300 per month, the cost is far lower than other local communities like TerraBella Summit. We appreciate these prices, especially for those living on a fixed income. We were also impressed with the value you get at such an affordable price. Some of the services and amenities include in-room, wireless emergency alert systems, restaurant-style meals with seasonal menus, a social activity and wellness calendar, and organized transportation to appointments. It makes The Legacy at Southpointe Drive ideal for seniors who want to save on the cost of assisted living without losing the comforts and amenities of a high-end facility. 

    Types of Care

    The Legacy offers two types of care: assisted living and memory care. If you visit their website, you may feel confused about what kind of care you can get there. The parent company, Navon Senior Solutions, manages multiple senior living properties throughout the southeast. Some of these facilities offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, home care, and respite care. However, The Legacy at Southpointe Drive location only offers assisted living and memory care.

    » Compare Types of Care: Assisted living vs. memory care

    It isn’t a drawback per se, but it’s important to understand what kind of care you can get at The Legacy. While The Legacy offers most of what you would need as an older adult facing physical impairments or cognitive decline, it doesn’t have the same range of services as a community like Pine Grove Senior Living, which also offers respite care and companion living. If you’re looking for a community with a full spectrum of care to prepare for changes in your needs as you age, you may want to look elsewhere. That said, The Legacy does a great job of combining the homey environment of a smaller assisted living facility with the medical services and trained staff of a larger one.

    Feedback and Reviews

    The Legacy at Southpointe Drive has received dozens of glowing reviews over the past three years. Most reviewers mention the warm, welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. The cleanliness and layout of the facility have also been commended on several occasions. Despite an overwhelming number of positive reviews, there have been some detractors. In one instance, a family member claimed that her ailing father went without his pain medication for six days, despite many attempts to communicate the issue with his caregivers.

  • 2. Waterstone on Augusta

    Spacious, well-lit accommodations close to downtown

    STARTING PRICE

    $4,000 per month

    ADDRESS

    1004 Augusta St., Greenville, SC 29605

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Waterstone on Augusta

    Source Image: Waterstone on Augusta

    Highlights

    • Assisted living and memory care
    • Extensive on-site therapy programs
    • Minutes from downtown and nearby nature trails
    • High-end facilities and amenities

    Overview

    Waterstone at Augusta is right in the heart of Greenville, located less than a mile south of downtown. This means that Waterstone residents have access to shopping, restaurants, entertainment, nightlife, and even nature, including the Reedy River and the Fernwood Nature Trail. But Waterstone’s campus has most of what you’ll need to feel right at home. From fireside common areas to landscaped courtyards, Waterstone at Augusta embodies a lifestyle that lives somewhere between homey retirement and active city living.

    Did You Know?

    Did You Know? Compared to sedentary seniors, older adults who live an active lifestyle can enjoy an additional year (or more) of healthy living.2

    While Waterstone at Augusta is certainly pricier than The Legacy at Southpointe Drive, it also offers more in the way of therapeutic services. Both communities have assisted living and memory care, but Waterstone also specializes in a wide range of therapies, including occupational, speech, and physical therapy. It also has unique programs like It’s Never Too Late (IN2L) for tech-based social engagement. We love Waterstone at Augusta’s beautiful rooms, which feature full-size kitchenettes, bistro tables, and living and bedroom spaces with plenty of natural light.

    Types of Care

    Waterstone at Augusta offers assisted living and memory care. It provides all of the standard services you would expect with each of these living options but also incorporates advanced therapies and even spa treatment to promote physical and mental well-being. It is excellent for those who want access to many forms of care in one place. After all, you never know how your needs will change over the years, and the option to receive all care in the same place without moving is a bonus. Unlike Oakview Park, which offers the same living options plus respite care, Waterstone doesn’t provide any additional services to primary caregivers.

    » Learn About: Help for family caregivers of seniors

    Feedback and Reviews

    Waterstone at Augusta generally receives great feedback thanks to its modern facilities and excellent therapeutic services. Former staff members have commended management on their superb communication skills, which help create a positive work environment and better overall experience for staff, residents, and family members. However, the community has received various complaints about the low staff-to-resident ratio. Some reviewers have directly contradicted those reviews lauding the administrators, with one reviewer blaming poor management for the high turnover rate among caregivers.

  • 3. Oakview Park

    Ample senior services and programs in southwest Greenville

    STARTING PRICE

    $3,400 per month

    ADDRESS

    110 Hood Rd., Greenville, SC 29611

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Oakview Park

    Source Image: Oakview Park

    Highlights

    • Assisted living, memory care, and respite care
    • Focus on physical and mental wellness
    • Activities and programs to involve family members
    • The Academy Program for Cognitive Stimulation

    Overview

    While Oakview Park still resides within the Greenville city limits, it’s just far enough off the beaten path to provide residents with a sense of peace and tranquillity. Located near the intersection of Highways 81 and 153, Oakview Park is a secluded assisted living community that still has easy access to central Greenville. If residents don’t feel like arranging transportation into the city, there are plenty of convenience stores, fast food joints, shopping centers, and even a golf club within walking distance! Studies have found that walking may help maintain both physical and cognitive independence as we age, so a walkable neighborhood is a big plus.

    » Related Reading: Activities for Seniors

    We like the emphasis Oakview Park puts on keeping seniors physically active and mentally engaged. The community has an on-site fitness center with regular exercise classes, as well as a dietitian, registered nurse, and fitness instructor to manage each resident’s overall health. Being active is essential to staying healthy and living longer as we age, so we appreciate this touch. Residents of Oakview Park are also encouraged to participate in The Academy Program, which features performances, classes, and visits from presenters and local educators, as well as excursions to nearby museums and other cultural hot spots.

    Types of Care

    Unlike The Legacy at Southpointe Drive and Waterstone on Augusta, Oakview Park goes the extra mile for caregivers. Along with assisted living and memory care, primary caregivers can take advantage of respite care as needed. Oakview Park also implements programs that help seniors maintain their physical independence for as long as possible, along with SPIRIT brain fitness and memory programs to help those with dementia or cognitive decline. Oakview Park does an excellent job of helping residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) while also working to keep them in fighting shape for as long as possible!

    » Learn More: What are activities of daily living?

    Feedback and Reviews

    Oakview Park is one of the most positively reviewed communities to make this list. The overwhelming majority of reviews praise Oakview Park for treating residents with respect and dignity. More than a dozen reviews mention assisted living coordinator Erica Huff by name as a shining example of quality care and customer service. Many of the positive reviews have noted that Oakview Park feels understaffed on occasion, with many caregivers struggling to attend to resident needs promptly.

  • 4. TerraBella Summit

    Amenity-rich community with beautiful courtyards and facilities

    STARTING PRICE

    $4,980 per month

    ADDRESS

    414 Summit Dr., Greenville, SC 29609

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    TerraBella Summit

    Source Image: TerraBella Summit

    Highlights

    • Assisted living and memory care
    • Landscaped courtyards and walking paths
    • On-site concierge and transportation services
    • Close to downtown Greenville

    Overview

    TerraBella Summit is a community that feels like resort-style living. Situated about a mile north of downtown Greenville, TerraBella Summit is nestled in the comfort of the suburbs, making it a treat for seniors who want to enjoy the serenity of retirement without being far from the city. It doesn’t hurt that TerraBella Summit has clean, meticulously designed facilities with plenty of courtyards and walking paths. The community is an ideal place for homebodies plus seniors who like to get out and enjoy everything Greenville offers.

    » Learn About: Personal transportation for seniors

    TerraBella Summit makes it even easier for residents to enjoy the city thanks to its on-site concierge and transportation services. Residents can arrange a ride, make a reservation at their favorite restaurant, or confirm the time of a medical appointment. The community also has a calendar full of engaging classes and activities. On-site amenities include a beauty salon, recreation room, and house of worship. TerraBella Summit is ideal for seniors who still maintain some of their independence but require extra help with ADLs or memory-related tasks.

    Types of Care

    Similar to Waterstone at Augusta, TerraBella Summit offers assisted living and memory care. The assisted living segment of the community offers a few unique services that aren’t always available at other facilities, such as glucose and insulin management. However, TerraBella Summit still doesn’t offer a full continuum of care or additional care options that are available in communities like Pine Grove Senior Living. This means that TerraBella Summit may not be the best option for seniors who want to age in place as their needs change.

    Feedback and Reviews

    Many online reviews compliment TerraBella Summit for its knowledgeable staff, delicious food, and beautiful décor. Several reviewers noted that the Executive Director went out of her way to talk to each resident and get to know everyone who stepped foot on the property. Some reviewers mention that TerraBella Summit is more expensive than other assisted living communities in the area. We found these claims to be true, as the starting prices are nearly twice as high at TerraBella Summit as they are at The Legacy at Southpointe Drive. Still, if your budget is flexible and you’re looking for a luxury community, TerraBella Summit is a great choice.

  • 5. Pine Grove Senior Living

    Tech-enhanced care in a comfortable, mid-sized community

    STARTING PRICE

    $2,600 per month

    ADDRESS

    2006 Pelham Rd., Greenville, SC 29615

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Pine Grove Senior Living

    Source Image: Pine Grove Senior Living

    Highlights

    • Assisted living, memory care, respite care, and companion living
    • Technology-driven senior programs
    • Emergency call systems in each room
    • Dozens of unique activities each month

    Overview

    Pine Grove Senior Living is located northeast of the city center, just a short drive from Rocky Creek, Oak Grove Lake Park, and the surrounding forests and nature paths. It made our list of the best assisted living communities in Greenville for many reasons. First, it does a great job of balancing quality care and value. With monthly fees as low as $2,600 per month, the only option on this list that’s cheaper is The Legacy at Southpointe Drive. This is excellent for those living on a fixed income or tight budget. Plus, the newly renovated facilities and tech-driven care give the community a clean, fresh, and modern feel.

    What really sets Pine Grove Senior Living apart are the many technology-focused programs. For example, the Viva Vita program gets seniors involved with stimulating virtual reality activities, while the Eversound program provides high-quality hearing devices to those who need them. We’re big fans of empowering older adults to stay connected through technology, so we love this program! The Sagely app also lets staff communicate with family members to keep them updated on resident health and social engagement. Another thing we enjoy about Pine Grove Senior Living is the full activities calendar, which includes everything from word games to massages.

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: Need help finding the right hearing devices for you? Check out our guide to the best hearing aids of 2024!

    Types of Care

    Pine Grove Senior Living offers more types of care than any other community on this list. In addition to assisted living and memory care, Pine Grove offers respite care and companion living. Companion living is somewhat unique to Pine Grove. While many communities allow couples, siblings, and even roommates to live together, Pine Grove Senior Living offers special accommodations for people who want to enjoy the comfort and familiarity of living with a friend or loved one. We appreciate that Pine Grove offers living options tailored to single residents, couples, and close friends.

    Feedback and Reviews

    Pine Grove generally receives positive reviews. Some online reviewers praise the caregivers’ quality and specifically mention that staff always make sure to have a smile on their faces. Other reviewers have criticized management for poor communication. In one instance, a reviewer removed their family member from the facility after repeatedly dealing with rude and disrespectful desk workers.

  • The Legacy at Southpointe Drive
  • Waterstone on Augusta
  • Oakview Park
  • TerraBella Summit
  • Pine Grove Senior Living

How to Find the Right Assisted Living Community for You

We like to think we know a thing or two about assisted living, but that doesn’t mean you should only trust our word! It’s important to consider your circumstances and be prepared to do some research on your own. Here are a few of the most important things to consider when comparing communities:

  • Identify your needs: Do you struggle to move around without a walker or a wheelchair? Do you need help getting in and out of the shower? Are you afraid of falling or getting hurt when getting dressed? Are you feeling forgetful when it comes to taking your medication? Any of these signs could mean that it’s time for assisted living, but you’ll want to make sure that the community you choose can meet your specific needs.
  • Review your budget: The cost of assisted living varies from one community to the next, though the average cost in Greenville is relatively low (compared to the national average). Always review your budget and see how much you can comfortably afford to pay. Remember that assisted living costs typically include room and board, three meals a day, and assistance with ADLs, so consider these expenses when budgeting for your future. Also, remember Medicare doesn’t cover assisted living in most cases, and many seniors depend on Social Security benefits, retirement savings, and long-term care insurance to cover costs.
  • Read reviews: When you read reviews, be wary of communities that only receive positive feedback. No assisted living is perfect, so it’s not uncommon to see a community with many positive reviews and a few negative ones. Try to read through all of them to get a more honest idea of what it’s like to live there.
  • Visit communities: Visiting an assisted living community gives you the chance to see everything in person. Photos and virtual tours may let you know what the property looks like, but actually being there allows you to see how the staff interacts with residents and what life will be like if you choose to move in. Be sure to ask plenty of questions!
  • Check licensing and certifications: While researching a community, check that it has up-to-date licensing and certifications to operate in South Carolina.
  • Trust your gut: When in doubt, trust your gut! There will probably be a few different communities that catch your eye, so if you’re struggling to decide, you may need to go with your intuition to find the best assisted living.

What Is Living in Greenville Like for Seniors?

Most people praise Charleston or other cities on the coast for their cultural hot spots and beautiful beaches, but Greenville is among the most lively and fun cities in upstate South Carolina. It features unique benefits for adults of all ages, particularly seniors. Below is a quick look at what life is like for older adults in Greenville.

  • Climate: Greenville has a humid subtropical climate. The summers are typically long, hot, and humid, while winters are short and fairly mild. It rarely snows in Greenville, but it does get plenty of rainfall throughout the year. The warm weather is a plus for most seniors, especially in the spring, early summer, and early fall.
  • Health care: Greenville is known for having some of the best health care providers in the state. PRISMA Health and Bon Secours St. Francis Health System are two of the most highly reviewed medical centers in the region.
  • Cost of living: The cost of living tends to be a bit lower in Greenville than in the rest of the country. It’s also cheaper to live in Greenville than other large cities in South Carolina, like Columbia or Charleston.
  • Walkability: Greenville is a great city for seniors who like to walk around. Downtown Greenville and the surrounding suburbs aren’t too spread out. Plus, the city’s infrastructure includes plenty of sidewalks and outdoor plazas at public parks.
  • Activities: Greenville is relatively small, so it may not have as many attractions as larger cities in the region. That said, it does have plenty of great shopping centers, restaurants, museums, public parks, and a zoo.
  • Safety: Greenville tends to be a very safe city and rates of violent crime are low. However, safety can vary somewhat by neighborhood.
  • Tax structure: As of 2022, South Carolina taxes income at a rate anywhere between zero and 6.5 percent. This means that the state taxes you pay will vary substantially based on your income. The state doesn’t have inheritance or estate taxes, which could have a positive impact on your estate planning.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Greenville, South Carolina?

According to Genworth, the projected estimated median cost of an assisted living community in Greenville is $4,790 per month for 2024. That’s about 13 percent lower than the national median of $5,511.4

Assisted living in Greenville is more affordable compared to other cities and states throughout the country. But as you can see from this list, the starting costs vary based on amenities, location, types of care, and other factors. Memory care, for example, tends to be far more expensive than assisted living in Greenville. If you have memory loss, you may pay more for care. Fortunately, you can shop around and find communities with starting prices well below average for Greenville.

Citations
  1. U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). Quick Facts.

  2. National Library of Medicine. (2014). Physical Activity and Years of Healthy Life in Older Adults: Results From the Cardiovascular Health Study.

  3. National Library of Medicine. (2015). Positive messaging promotes walking in older adults.

  4. Genworth. (2022, Jun 2). Cost of Care Survey.

Written By:
Matthew Jones
Writer and Editor
Read About Our Panel of Experts
Matthew is a freelance writer who has written on a wide range of topics, from personal finance to nutrition. Over the past three years, Matthew has worked extensively on articles and guides for seniors related to Medicare, insurance, and finance…. Learn More About Matthew Jones
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