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The Charlotte metro area offers many attractive lures for seniors who want to live their golden years like royalty. Charlotte, also known as the Queen City, has the energy of a big city while still maintaining small-town charm. Museums, decadent dining selections, and all-around beautiful outdoor spaces and weather are just a few of Charlotte’s attractions — and its selection of independent senior living communities is a reflection of that appeal. Independent living communities offer seniors all the perks of apartment-style living with extra services and amenities, such as housekeeping, meal services, and personal laundry.
A Place for Mom partners with nine independent senior living communities within a 10-mile radius of Uptown Charlotte, the lively city center. This deluxe guide to independent living in Charlotte is the optimal resource to help get you started on your search journey. It combines our 20+ years of experience in senior living with our proprietary rating system that’s based on location, facility transparency, and recent, high-quality reviews. We detail everything you need to know about Charlotte’s independent living communities, from favorite amenities to types of independent living communities to cost and payment methods. Additionally, you’ll find some highlights and local resources for seniors living in Charlotte.
Types of care available in Charlotte, NC
Independent Living
I love The Blake!! It's an excellent facility and my parents are adjusting nicely to living in their independent care cottage which is simply beautiful. Yes I would tell a friend.
The food options, the activities and the safety the community provides is something we likes most about The Dorchester South community. For activities they have different outings every week as well as party and get togethers. Based on our experience so far, we would recommend the community to other families.
The housekeeping has been better recently. The food is very good,. Communication with the family is good. It is a great value. Based on our experience, I would highly recommend Holiday Carmel Place to others.
4123 Kuykendall Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270
Providence meadows has been a great place for my dad and stepmother. Comfortable, clean, beautiful grounds, 3 meals a day and easy monthly rent. Their apartments have nice patios with woodsy views and very...
3600 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209
Located in the heart of Charlotte, Myers Park and Dilworth neighborhoods.
I am currently a resident at MerryWood on Park and most everything has been very good for me here, so far. The food is great! The cleanliness and friendliness are good. The staff is also good. The value for...
6053 Wilora Lake Road, Charlotte, NC 28212
Aging well can mean living well, especially with the resort-style amenities available at our community. Start your days strolling through expansive courtyards and along flower-lined walking paths, perhaps stop at the wellness center and then enjoy a stage play at the on-site theater. Or maybe...
My loved one is currently a resident at Brookdale Charlotte East. My loved one could no longer care for himself and at Brookdale Charlotte East he is safe and has the care that he needs. He has made friends...
5800 Old Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28226
Care Today, Care TomorrowIf you’re ready to exchange the burden of things like cooking, cleaning and laundry for a community that offers exciting activities and events, custom care that meets your specific needs and amenities and services that resemble life at a destination resort rather than a...
The quality of care is a 2 because we have asked and been told "yes" to them replacing a "fogged" up glass panel in the sliding door to the balcony numerous times. They say it's being "on order" but it's...
9131 Benfield Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269
Shads Landing provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment. Built upon ten-acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with a large pond at the center, Shads Landing offers you all the convenience of Charlotte with a lovely park-like setting to call their own. Yet we're...
Everyone is friendly and very supportive of the transition. If you have questions they will get an answer for you. Residents are extremely friendly and always say hi.They also offer assisted-living...
5512 Carmel Road, Charlotte, NC 28226
Carmel Place provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment. Conveniently located in South Charlotte near some of the city's best shopping, dining and healthcare, you'll enjoy living in our beautiful and peaceful community. You'll wish you called us home sooner. Our...
5 for everything! My sister is so happy there. They just did major renovation and updates and it's beautiful. All staff especially [name removed]/sales staff is amazing. They all care about the residents....
10043 Idlewild Road, Matthews, NC 28105
Willow Grove provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment. Our hometown of Matthews is a largely residential community that is warm, friendly and safe. Between our quaint downtown and network of charming parks, there's plenty to see and do right here in town. Our...
My loved one was previously a resident at Holiday Willow Grove for a short time. Overall, the experience at this facility was good for my loved one. However, my loved one ultimately needed more...
2801 Carmel Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226
Carmel Hills is a Continuing Care Retirement Community for Christians. We have specialized in the care and encouragement of the Lord’s people for over 30 years. Our long-term staff consists of trained, experienced, and friendly people who are all interested in the safety and security of our...
There are not enough words to describe Carmel Hills! It is the most wonderful loving place. My Mother lived there for 14 months and was taken better care of than I could ever imagine. The people that work...
4830 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
Description of Overture Cotswold 55+ Apartment Homes - conveniently located in Charlotte, North CarolinaAt Overture Cotswold 55+ Apartment Homes we have a wide variety of community features. Pets such as dogs and cats are permitted in private quarters. Our community conveniently offers both...
I would tell others that it is a great safe place. There is a lot of things to do. The other residents and staff watch out for you. My loved one doesn't think a lot of the food. The breakfast is more of...
6805 Walnut Branch Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277
Welcome to Overture Providence, your premiere 55+ active adult living destination. Here, you will discover beautifully designed apartment homes, one-of-a-kind services and over 12,000 square feet of resort-inspired amenities. We offer everything you’ll need to maintain a happy and healthy...
I shop locally nearby at CVS, etc. Traffic is light to moderate (bank of am, chase, etc). Easy access to major banks. Wireless internet hookup adequate w/ heated swimming pool and foyer and exercise.
5939 Reddmann Rd, Charlotte, NC 28213
This community was just not the right place for my loved one and they just did not offer enough for my loved one. This felt more like a nursing home and my father wanted socialization.
8919 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210
Our family had an in person tour and the staff were very friendly and it is a nice community but to expensive.
5100 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210
My father was in the healthcare side; they have a very good staff and the facilities are nice, it's just not set up for someone who's trying to leave. Their lobbies and common areas are located where the elevators are so if someone presses the wrong ...
5945 Reddman Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212
Making the transition to retirement apartment living is easy at Brian Center Retirement Apartments. Our helpful staff is here to assist you with all the details of your move. Whether it's sorting through financial details or carrying boxes into your new apartment; you can count on us to help you...
Needs to be re-painted and updated to be more inviting. The management appeared to be very knowledgable about the business and that was impressive.
3442 Cypress Club Dr, Charlotte, NC 28210
They have a really expensive upfront fee, I think its 10000 upfront. Of course it's just beautiful, but they didn't have any private rooms available. You could go in semi-private and be on a waitlist and they're just really geared for their residents...
3501 East Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205
2700 Eastway Dr, Charlotte, NC 28205
4009 Craig Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28211
8520 Cliff Cameron Drive Suite 190, Charlotte, NC 28269
733 Plantation Estates Dr, Matthews, NC 28105
Independent living communities in Charlotte cost an average of $3,367 per month, according to our proprietary data.[01] This takes into account any additional fees and the cost of potential add-on services and fees, such as the following:
Some communities include certain costs in the standard monthly rent, such as utilities, cable, and Wi-Fi. Independent living communities also may offer options that are a la carte, meaning they can be added to your monthly rent individually for extra costs. The following services may be included in these costs:
When touring independent living communities, you’ll want to ask what’s included in the baseline rent to avoid paying for any additional amenities or services you don’t want. The baseline rent, or starting costs, tends to look a little different from the one we provide above. You can take a look at what the starting costs of independent living in Charlotte look like below, particularly as they compare to other nearby locales.
17.66 miles from you
Your zip code
17.13 miles from you
Many residents of independent living in Charlotte often use private funds to pay for community costs. Since these communities typically don’t provide the level of care provided in an assisted living or memory care facility, the services and living costs typically aren’t covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance.
However, if a person residing in an independent living community experiences a medical need for in-home care services, those may be covered by Medicaid and Medicare. There are also public assistance and veterans benefits that some seniors may qualify for. We detail each of those private and public funding options below.
Many seniors use personal funds from savings or retirement income to pay for an independent living community in Charlotte. This can also look like any additional proceeds you can collect from the following sources:
Stand-alone independent living communities in Charlotte aren’t regulated by the state and often aren’t licensed to provide medical care or other supportive services. For the most part, North Carolina considers independent living communities the same as senior apartments. This means independent senior living communities must comply with Charlotte’s minimum housing code, which is enforced by code inspectors who observe and report any of the following violations:
Residents at an independent senior living community can expect a landlord-tenant type of relationship. This means that property owners and tenants are expected to meet certain responsibilities outlined in the North Carolina Legal Aid brochure on Landlord-Tenant laws. We detail some expectations for both parties below, as well as anti-discrimination housing laws.
Owners of rental properties are required to keep the building and units in safe and suitable conditions for residents. By law, landlords in North Carolina must do the following:
Tenants must also own their fair share of responsibilities when renting a property in North Carolina. The state law requires tenants to do the following:
In North Carolina, all rental properties have to follow federal and state antidiscrimination housing laws. The Fair Housing Act, in particular, prohibits landlords from denying a tenant to lease a property from them because of the characteristics below:
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations and modifications to a property if it gives disabled individuals equal access to the spaces. Accommodation can look like any changes or exemptions to certain policies, while modifications are constructional adjustments to the building. Both accommodations and modifications help people with disabilities enjoy their units or common areas to the fullest.
Landlords must also let tenants make reasonable modifications to their personal living spaces. Some examples of these modifications are listed below:
If you have concerns about a community not complying with the city’s minimum housing code, you can report violations on the Charlotte Housing and Neighborhoods Services page or dial 3-1-1 to request an inspection.
Charlotte Housing and Neighborhood Services
View code enforcement cases in Charlotte
600 E. Trade St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: 704-336-3380
Legal Aid of North Carolina
Phone: 877-579-7562
As of February 2023, North Carolina doesn’t have any COVID-19 regulations or mandates in place for independent living communities. However, COVID-19 and its variants continue to be a threat to high-risk populations like seniors. You can check directly with prospective independent living communities about any precautions they may have in place to keep residents and staff safe.
NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) resources
Find a COVID-19 testing site near you
For the latest local guidance and updates, you can check the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) COVID-19 recommendations. Here’s a brief rundown of what the DHHS is currently recommending:
Staff safety. Employers should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s isolation and quarantine protocols for employees who test positive for or were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Social distancing. DHSS continues to recommend staying 6 feet apart in all public settings.
Masking. Masks are encouraged in indoor public spaces, especially if you’re unvaccinated or in a setting with high-risk populations.
Vaccinations. The DHSS recommends North Carolinians stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
Independent living communities in Charlotte deliver the royal treatment to active seniors looking to retire in the Queen City. These communities range from stand-alone independent living communities to ones that also offer assisted living and memory care services. Whether you prefer proximity to nature or Charlotte’s popular attractions, these independent living communities have something to offer all.
Settle into the countryside for a more rustic approach to senior independent living in Charlotte. These craftsman-style communities can be found within Charlotte’s quieter suburban settings. Most have a rustic, homelike ambiance with cozy furnishings and common areas with inviting fireplaces.
These communities offer nearly unlimited access to the area’s beautiful surroundings with waterfront views, plentiful golf courses, and scenic parks nearby. Whether you prefer to spend your days tending to the raised garden beds or dropping into cooking demonstrations, these scenic retreats offer ample opportunities to pursue your passions and interests.
Additionally, most of these communities offer add-on options that may include the following:
Experience Charlotte independent senior living at its finest in these chic, sophisticated communities. These homes offer regal senior living with palatial living spaces equipped with full-sized kitchens, marble countertops, and walk-in showers.
While many of these independent living communities boast close access to Charlotte’s shopping, restaurants, and lively cultural scene, you may find you have everything you need at home, with so many lavish amenities available on-site. Many offer complimentary concierge services, as well as all-inclusive options like housekeeping, personal training, and dry-cleaning services.
Enjoy the best of resort-style living with posh indoor and outdoor common spaces that often include these amenities:
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Percentage of Charlotte seniors 65 and older without a disability
Charlotte has access to some of the top health systems and medical facilities in the region. Get to know some of the area’s best health care providers below.
Novant Health First Charlotte Physicians Epicentre provides primary care services to adults from the heart of Uptown Charlotte. It provides preventative care services from a team of internal medicine specialists, as well as treatment for illness and injuries. Additionally, Novant Health First Charlotte offers on-site services that include cardiac stress tests, audiograms for hearing loss detection, and an allergy injection clinic.
Atrium Health Cabarrus is located just outside of Charlotte in Concord, North Carolina. This nonprofit hospital offers comprehensive cancer and cardiac care, round-the-clock emergency medical treatments, as well as general and specialized surgical procedures. Its Levine Cancer Institute-Concord provides acclaimed cancer treatment from chemotherapy to radiation, and it has several supportive services available for patients and families.
CaroMount Health is an acute care hospital that sits about 30 minutes outside of Charlotte in Gastonia, North Carolina. It’s part of the CaroMont Health regional health system and is nationally acknowledged for its exceptional cardiac care, specialized orthopedic care, and Cancer Center. Specially trained traumatologists are available around the clock to provide a range of services to patients with critical injuries.
While 77% of our partnered independent communities have complimentary transportation, it’s crucial to have other reliable transportation available when maintaining one’s independence. Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is the city’s main form of public transportation and operates numerous bus and rail lines throughout the metro, as well as paratransit services for disabled individuals who can’t access its fixed routes.
The Mecklenburg Transportation System (MTS) may also be able to help seniors access nonemergency transportation services in Charlotte. Read on to learn more about some of these transportation services and who may be eligible:
Many Charlotte residents often rely on cars to run errands or get around town. Below, we provide Charlotte’s rankings for the city’s proximity to amenities within a five-minute walk, its access to nearby transportation, and its bike infrastructure.
26
27
31
Sure, pleasant weather and sensible cost of living are some of the commonly known appealing qualities that draw people to Charlotte. But what else does the Queen City have to offer seniors considering independent living in Charlotte, North Carolina?
Charlotte’s enticing, tree-dense geography provides a wealth of outdoor destinations that include more than 200 parks and nature preserves. The city has over 45% tree canopy coverage, as well as ample parks, trails, and stunning foliage.[18] You’ll also find botanic bliss at one of the city’s majestic gardens:
Charlotte’s rapidly growing restaurant scene offers a range of culinary selections to satisfy every craving. Barbecue is king in the Queen City, and there are plenty of spots to get your fix of masterfully smoked Carolina ‘cue. From South American fare to Southern brunch specialties, Charlotte has a zest for serving up delectable dishes.
Shopping is a cherished pastime in Charlotte, and you’ll find plenty of options for every budget and style at the local malls and outlet spots. For unique treasure hunters, the ample local shops and boutiques are treasure troves for one-of-a-kind finds. Meanwhile, Charlotte’s open-air shopping districts provide a divine retail experience at these popular locations:
From community watch parties to local taverns and cigar bars, there’s ample opportunity to partake in Charlotte’s sports culture. This city is very much a sports dominion with several professional teams, including the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets. It’s also the site of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Additionally, Charlotte hosts college football’s annual ACC Championship Game and New Year’s Eve Belk Bowl, as well as the PGA Wells Fargo Championship for golf.
Arts and culture are central in Charlotte, and the city itself is a masterpiece of creative expression. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the cultural scene from the public art and murals throughout the city to these popular artistic attractions:
Holiday Pinecrest, Providence Meadows and Greenway Square Retirement Community are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Charlotte, 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 Charlotte is 3,464 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101). [Data set]. American community survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). Eligibility for Veterans Pension.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2021, March). Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program.
State of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, February). Fact sheet LTSS service description and requirements.
Medicare.gov. Home health services.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Housing choice voucher fact sheet.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program.
Code of Ordinances City of Charlotte, North Carolina. (2022, November 23). The housing code of the city of Charlotte, Chapter 11: Housing. Municode Library.
Legal Aid of North Carolina. Landlord/tenant law.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Housing discrimination under the Fair Housing Act.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
NC Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, September 06). Protecting each other from COVID-19.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and older in the United States (S0103) [Data set]. American community survey.
Mecklenburg County, NC. Department of Social Services. Mecklenburg transportation system (MTS).
Walk Score. (2022). Living in Charlotte.
City of Charlotte. (2019, February 04). Tree canopy assessment.
North Carolina Medicaid Division of Health Benefits. Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).
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