Best Assisted Living Facilities in Raleigh, NC

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

Raleigh, North Carolina, has a lot of great assisted living communities, so narrowing them down was no easy task. Our team spent over 50 hours researching and comparing the best facilities. To treat each community fairly and create this list, we considered the following factors:

• Cost: The cost of assisted living in Raleigh is higher than the national average. Fortunately, there are many communities with affordable starting rates and even opportunities to save on costs through shared accommodations. While searching for the best assisted living communities in Raleigh, we aimed to include communities with varied costs for different budgets. Costs listed come from facility websites or conversations with staff members.
• Available care: More isn’t always better, but when it comes to the types of housing and care you can get at a given community, we like to see more options! All of the facilities on this list offer at least two kinds of living options, with several offering three or more.
• Reviews: We always read through online reviews before we ever consider recommending a location to our readers. This allows us to see people’s personal experiences with each assisted living community and the aggregate “score” of each community based on user reviews.
• Amenities: All assisted living communities have amenities in one form or another. We tried to find communities that offer varied and high-quality amenities for seniors with different interests.
• Location: Location is extremely important, especially for those who have family living in the area or older adults who want to get out and enjoy the city. We tried to find communities that were close to major highways or interstates, along with attractions that might appeal to seniors.
• Staff size: We highlighted assisted living communities that offer a high staff-to-resident ratio, often with a maximum of eight residents per caregiver.

How to Find the Right Assisted Living Community for You

Our list is a good starting point for anyone who wants to find the best assisted living in Raleigh, but you should still do your own planning and research. Here are some important things to consider before making a decision:

• Identify your needs. We can speak broadly about the needs of seniors, but we can’t identify your specific needs. Think about the kind of care you (or a loved one) require. Also, talk with your doctor and plan for potential changes five years from now. For example, you may have no problem getting in and out of your chair today, but if you have worsening osteoarthritis, you may need assistance in the near future. Once you’ve identified your needs, you can narrow down your list to the communities that can accommodate you.
• Review your budget. Assisted living in most cities, including Raleigh, is not cheap. Always consider your budget and figure out how long you can afford to pay for care out of pocket. Remember that Medicare usually doesn’t cover assisted living. Many seniors depend on Social Security benefits, retirement savings, and long-term care insurance to cover costs.
• Read reviews. We always read reviews, and we think you should too! Online reviews offer a glimpse into the daily life of a community — the good, the bad, and the ugly. Even if an assisted living community looks great on paper, you may read the reviews and discover that it’s completely different from what you imagined. So, before you make a decision, find out what other people are saying about the place(s) you like.
• Visit communities. After reading reviews, you’ll want to actually see things for yourself. Visiting a community is the best way to know if it will suit your needs and preferences. You may not get the whole picture from a scheduled tour, but you can learn a lot by talking to residents and staff members. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions!
• Check licensing and certifications. While researching a community, check that it has up-to-date licensing and certifications to operate in North Carolina.
• Trust your gut. At the end of the day, if you or a loved one needs assisted living, you’ll have to decide where to go. It’s an extremely important decision, and we understand how stressful it can be. You don’t want to make the wrong choice. If you have two or more communities that you like, and you don’t know what to do, don’t be afraid to go with your gut. It will often steer you in the right direction!

What Is Living in Raleigh Like for Seniors?

Raleigh is a college town with beautiful forests and parks, but it’s also a great place to call home for older adults. Below is a quick look at what life is like for seniors in Raleigh.

• Climate: Raleigh has a humid subtropical climate that stays comfortable and moderately cool throughout most of the year. Temperatures often drop below freezing in winter, and it usually snows at least once every year. Summers are generally warm, mild, and sunny, so Raleigh is still good for “snowbirds” who want to escape colder climates.
• Health care: Raleigh consistently ranks among the top cities for health care. It is part of the Research Triangle, which includes Durham and Chapel Hill. As a result, it has one of the highest concentrations of medical researchers and physicians in the country.
• Cost of living: The cost of living in Raleigh is slightly lower than other cities in the region, falling about 4 percent below the national average. Life in an assisted living community typically reduces everyday costs for things like gas, groceries, and internet, but you should still expect average city prices when you go out shopping.
• Walkability: Raleigh is a relatively walkable city, partly because walking is encouraged by the city government. The most walkable areas are near the city center, while most assisted living communities are located in the outer suburbs, where it’s often harder to get around without a car.
• Activities: Raleigh has plenty of fun attractions and activities for seniors, including museums, golf courses, ghost tours, public parks, and college sporting events.
• Safety: Raleigh has a low crime rate, and it is generally safe to be out alone during the day. However, crime is more common at night, and some neighborhoods are less safe than others.
• Tax structure: North Carolina has a flat state income tax of 4.75 percent. However, the state does not institute an inheritance tax or estate That could have a positive impact on estate planning.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Raleigh, North Carolina?

The median cost of assisted living in Raleigh is $5,888 per month in 2024, according to Genworth. That’s nearly 20 percent higher than the national median of $4,917, making Raleigh an expensive city for assisted living care.

While the median cost of assisted living in Raleigh is high, there are plenty of affordable options. The starting prices of every community on this list are well below the city average, and it’s important to shop around to find a location that fits your budget. Just keep in mind that certain types of care may cost more than others. Memory care, for example, is more expensive than assisted living. Fortunately, there is a wide range of options in Raleigh, so you can find one that’s right for you or your loved one.