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Asheville, North Carolina, is home to many seniors looking for the best balance of an exciting, cost-effective, and relaxing lifestyle. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is known for its thriving artistic community, as well as an abundance of outdoor opportunities, such as walking trails, fishing areas, and other ways to enjoy the beautiful nature surrounding the city and mild climate.
Independent living communities in Asheville offer comfortable living spaces and a range of enjoyable activities, like swimming, fitness classes, and various types of social events and entertainment. Here, seniors can make the most out of their retirement years by remaining independent and active without worrying about home maintenance or safety.
There are a number of independent living communities to choose from, all within 10 miles of downtown Asheville. A Place for Mom collaborates with multiple communities in the Asheville region to assist seniors in finding the perfect match for their preferences and needs.
In this guide, you will gain insights into independent living in Asheville. Topics covered include costs, payment options, and laws and regulations. Let A Place for Mom support you in choosing the ideal community for the next exciting stage of your life.
Types of care available in Asheville, NC
Independent Living
Heritage Hills is an extremely warm and inviting community with friendly and engaging residents. Many opportunities to find your individual nitch and feel embraced. A chef prepared daily meal is an additional bonus.
This community does offer a lot of activities and amenities. This feels like an upscale community. They have a formal dining room where the wait staff take your order and then bring the meal to you. They offer computers for the residents to use. The staff were friendly and helpful. This community is higher in price. I would recommend taking a look at this community.
My brother did not have a good experience in his stay at this community. They had him in one room when he moved in and then they changed his room the next day. When I inquired as to why they said they try to have them with a roommate they are compatible with. When they moved him into the new room he did not get along with his roommate and due to issues with him and the staff not assisting he is no longer living at this community.
55 Piney Mountain Drive, Asheville, NC 28805
I think that I would recommend Bella Vista to others. My mom's biggest complaints are about the food and how long they have to sit for the meals, but she does like all of the activities that they have for...
We believe that Bella Vista Independent Living is so much more than walls and windows - it's a place to enjoy home-cooked meals, game night, or a quiet evening with family and friends. It's where you always feel comfortable, safe, and secure.At Bella Vista Independent Living, our management teams...
41 Cobblers Way, Asheville, NC 28804
I liked the place and would have kept her there but she said she didn't like it. There were always activities and she did a lot of walking to stay active. I only worried about her getting enough to drink...
Welcome to Harmony at Reynolds MountainIndependent Living | Assisted Living | Secured Assisted LivingIn our continued effort to meet the demand of seniors in Asheville, North Carolina, we are offering Virtual Tours, an enhanced screening procedure for new residents, along with the security,...
421 Overlook Rd Ext, Arden, NC 28704
The staff is very caring and work hard to make it a good place to live. I get three meals a day cooked by two chefs that they hired from restaurants down in Asheville that were closed from the storm. People...
Julian Woods Retirement CommunityJulian Woods Retirement Community is South Asheville’s beautiful brand new senior living community! Opened in May 2024 in Arden NC, Julian Woods has 128 apartments for adults 55 and over — including studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with a variety of...
2533 Hendersonville Rd, Arden, NC 28704
I would highly recommend Trinity View Retirement Community to others. They have great staff who are accommodating with everything. The food has not been what my loved one likes. Otherwise, the experience has...
2400 Appalachian Blvd, Arden, NC 28704
Pricing promotion
The community is very friendly. My mom enjoys all of the social activities. The food is really good and nicely presented. The only drawback might be that there aren't extensive outdoor walking/ exercise...
1617 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
It was extremely nice but it was way too expensive, but that was assisted living and she's not needing assisted living yet. It looked brand new. They had a state of the art gym, an elegant dining room, an indoor wading pool for water aerobics. It was...
2360 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
The entire property is beautiful with many living options, from owning a house or condo. The inside of the main building offers the residence the opportunity to many features, such as an indoor pool, a...
40 Gerber Road, Ste 100, Asheville, NC 28803
60 Givens Gerber Park is pleased to offer an affordable housing option for adults over the age of 55 to enjoy the comforts of home and a community setting within their budget. Choose between spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments where bright light streams through large windows with views of...
95 Holcombe Cove Road, Candler, NC 28715
The average monthly cost for Asheville independent living facilities is $4,873. This number is based on A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, which reflects actual expenses paid by residents at our network facilities. It takes into account a variety of floor plans and amenities, as well as any additional fees, entrance fees, or other costs.
The following information represents the average baseline costs of independent living facilities in Asheville, not accounting for add-on fees.
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Independent living communities in Asheville are designed to provide general housing for seniors rather than the specialized care typically found at assisted living or memory care facilities. As a result, long-term health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare do not cover the expenses associated with independent living, and residents often rely on personal, private funds to cover these costs.
However, Medicare and Medicaid can provide financial assistance to seniors to help cover the expenses of in-home health care services. Additionally, there are other financial options and benefits available to make independent living more accessible and cost-effective.
The following sections provide resources to help navigate private payment methods, veterans benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Personal funds are the primary payment method for independent living communities in Asheville. This may include income sources such as personal savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Seniors can also explore the possibility of selling their house and using a reverse mortgage or life insurance policies to offset the cost of independent living.
Because standalone independent living communities in Asheville are considered private residential arrangements meant to house healthy, independent adults, the state of North Carolina does not license or regulate them.
There are some general guidelines that standalone independent living communities in Asheville must follow, such as age requirements (55 and up) and rental and housing laws, including:
Independent living communities in Asheville must also comply with health and safety regulations and disclosure requirements. Health and safety regulations require buildings to be up to code, common areas to be well-maintained, and emergency plans to be in place, while disclosure requirements ensure prospective residents receive certain disclosures about fees, services, and amenities.
Asheville independent living communities are subject to random inspections to ensure compliance with state regulations and housing codes. The City of Asheville Inspections Department is responsible for conducting these inspections, which include obtaining an occupancy permit before tenants can move in to verify that the property meets health, safety, and building standards. If tenants believe that there are any code violations or safety hazards, they can request inspections.
Permit information can be found on the City of Asheville website, and the Development Services Department can be contacted for specific inspection reports.
Independent living communities that provide assisted living or memory care services are subject to various regulations to ensure that they provide safe, accessible, and comfortable living environments for residents. Some of our partners offer such care, so it’s important to understand the laws and regulations governing them.
For example, these Adult Care Homes, or assisted living residences in which 24-hour personal care services are provided to two or more residents, must be licensed by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR), which sets standards for the staffing and services provided. The DHSR also performs yearly inspections to ensure those standards are being met in each facility. The DHSR website has a search function so people can easily find inspection reports.
At a minimum, assisted living facilities in North Carolina must have one staff member awake at all times to provide for residents’ needs. In addition, staff members must be trained in resident care, medication management, emergency procedures, effective communication, and more. These facilities are permitted to provide some health care, but not to the level of skilled nursing care.
To become a resident, a person must need assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing and dressing. Each resident is required to receive an individualized care plan to address their needs related to safety, health, daily activities, socialization, and more.
NC Department of Health and Human Services
2001 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
Phone: 800-662-7030
Asheville, North Carolina has adapted to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by following guidance provided by the CDC and the state of North Carolina. Although there are no specific regulations for independent living facilities to follow in relation to COVID-19 in Asheville, the state regularly provides information and resources related to the pandemic.
The Buncombe County website also provides helpful answers to common questions related to the pandemic, including information about COVID-19 testing sites, vaccination clinics, and health guidelines.
Getting fully vaccinated is strongly encouraged for all North Carolina residents. Those who are not vaccinated are advised to wear masks and maintain a distance of six feet from others as a precautionary measure.
Asheville offers a range of independent living communities for seniors, each with its own unique charm and amenities. This section provides a glimpse into Asheville life, highlighting not only unique features for independent living communities but also what it’s like to live in the area.
Asheville’s independent living communities offer a wide variety of amenities to cater to the needs and preferences of its residents. Beyond the basic features of a safe and comfortable living environment, these communities go the extra mile to enhance residents’ quality of life. Many communities feature shared spaces like recreation centers, fitness centers, and swimming pools where residents can socialize, exercise, and relax. These amenities not only promote physical wellness but also create opportunities for residents to connect with one another and foster a sense of community. In addition, many independent living communities host community events, such as excursions to museums, cultural events, and more.
Most of our partner independent living communities offer meal programs and full-service dining rooms, providing residents with food options without having to leave the premises. This convenience can be especially valuable for seniors who may have mobility or transportation challenges. However, many communities also offer transportation services, taking residents to and from any outings including meals, appointments, social events, and errands. This can provide peace of mind for residents and their families, ensuring they can safely and conveniently get where they need to go.
One of the highlights of independent living communities in Asheville is their proximity to nature. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. Seniors can also enjoy the area’s numerous parks, gardens, and nature reserves, which are perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll.
A number of our partner independent living communities have nature trails right on the property for residents to explore and frequently take residents on excursions to the mountains and other outdoor areas. Surrounded by trees and fresh mountain air and within close distance to downtown, independent living in Asheville provides the perfect balance for residents who want to experience the great outdoors and vibrant city life.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Asheville
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Asheville population
Median annual income for Asheville seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Asheville
Mission Hospital is widely recognized as a top-tier Level II Trauma center and is renowned for its expertise in performing complex procedures. With its focus on orthopedic trauma care, it is the sole trauma hospital serving the western region of North Carolina.{{citation: 3}}
UNC Health-Pardee is renowned for its Level I Trauma Center and its exceptional health care services. Among its specialties are comprehensive treatments for COPD and GI-related conditions, as well as in-patient care for substance abuse disorders.{{citation: 4}}
Charles George VA Hospital provides comprehensive care and general surgical services for patients. As a Veterans Affairs hospital, the facility is dedicated to serving the health care needs of veterans who have served in the armed forces.
Asheville’s downtown area is pedestrian-friendly, and walking is the best way to explore the heart of the city. However, if seniors plan on venturing outside of downtown or to access the surrounding outdoor activities, having a car is necessary. While 100% of A Place for Mom’s independent living partners offer complimentary transportation and 50% offer at-cost transportation if you are exploring farther than their typical range, Asheville has plenty of public transportation options that seniors should still be aware of.
For seniors who need to utilize public transportation, Asheville Rides Transit (ART) bus services offer a free monthly bus pass for individuals aged 65 and older through Mountain Mobility. This service provides flexible travel options without the need for reservations. Seniors can also take advantage of the RIDE voucher program, which offers transportation services to elderly and disabled residents at a discounted rate.
To gauge the ease of getting around the city on foot, bike, or public transportation, Asheville’s walkability and public transportation scores can be helpful. These scores, which range from 0 to 100, are determined by the city’s transportation system, density, biking infrastructure, and walking routes.
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Asheville is a thriving city that caters to the diverse interests of its senior population. Whether residents prefer to stay active outdoors or simply relax and socialize with friends, Asheville has a variety of activities to suit every interest and lifestyle.
Asheville’s breathtaking natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. The city’s location in the Blue Ridge Mountains and close proximity to the Smoky Mountains offers stunning mountain views, miles of hiking trails, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
Seniors can continue to explore the outdoors and stay active by joining the Green Thumb Garden Club or the Senior Hike Trail Club. Additionally, birdwatchers can join the Story Trail Bird Watching Club to discover and identify different species of birds in the area.
Asheville’s charm is not limited to the outdoors, though. The Folk Art Center and Lexington Glassworks offer a diverse collection of contemporary and modern art exhibitions, as well as art classes for seniors looking to explore their creative side. For those interested in history, the Carl Sandburg Home and Hendersonville Brewery Tour provide glimpses into the history and culture of the city.
Asheville’s many restaurants, cafes, and breweries offer opportunities for seniors to socialize and enjoy the local culinary scene. Whether it’s a coffee date with friends, a wine tasting, or a food tour, seniors can take advantage of everything Asheville’s food and drink culture has to offer.
Senior and community centers also provide a wide variety of engaging activities that seniors of all interests can find appealing. From art classes and bridge tournaments to woodworking and sports leagues, there is something for everyone. Explore some of Asheville’s popular senior and community centers below:
Asheville is the perfect destination for seniors looking to explore and stay active, no matter their interests! The city offers a wide variety of attractions that can be tailored to suit any individual and many activities are accessible for those with disabilities. Just get in touch with each location before you plan to visit so they can accommodate accordingly.
LaurelHurst and LaurelWoods, Julian Woods Retirement and Pacifica Senior Living Heritage Hills are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Asheville, NC. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Asheville is 3,566 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Mission Hospital-Asheville.
Healthgrades (2023). Pardee Hospital.
Walk Score. (2023). Asheville, NC.
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