10 Best Independent Living Communities in Highlands, NC

Independent Living

Independent Living Communities provide individuals with a handy harmony between an opportunity to live an independent lifestyle and not having to worry about housekeeping. Basic needs such as meal planning and housekeeping are handled by staff and a calendar of recreational and leisure activities is provided, allowing residents the autonomy to use their time as they choose, free from daily responsibilities. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy the opportunity to be among peers, in a community with others of similar ages and backgrounds. Residents’ quarters consist of private living spaces, each with their own kitchen. The independence of apartment life is still enjoyed, offering an opportunity to socialize with guests and visitors in a private and personal setting. While policies differ between locations, a number of residences allow pets as well. Nursing and health care services may always be arranged for with independent care providers if desired. There are an assortment of benefits and expenditures to consider while selecting an independent living community. It is important to determine if these services are included in the service plan: field trips, internet access, utilities, private phone, meals, laundry, housekeeping, and initial assessment fee. The benefits that pertain to independent living include beauty salon & barber shop, community activities, laundry service, game/TV room, private rental hall, golf course, security guards, and concierge services.

Cost of Living

The neighborhood in which a care community is located might have a huge impact on the price of care. The total cost of living can be a major influence in selecting which destination works for you or your loved one’s needs. The rent burden for Highlands is around 14.5% of the average person’s monthly income. The median home value in Highlands costs around $480,343 and the median rent is about $975 per month a month.

Demographics and Values

Demographically, Highlands is 0.0% Native American, 2.2% Asian, 5.9% Hispanic, 1.4% black, 3.8% other or not specified, 0.3% mixed race, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, and 92.3% white. Highlands has a population density of 59 people per square mile. The total population of Highlands consists of 939 people. Out of the total population of Highlands, 10.4% consider themselves widows, 5.6% live in poverty, 14.6% do not have health insurance, and 9.7% have some form of disability. Out of the total city population, 52.5% are female and 47.5% are male. The median age of Highlands is 60 years old. Of the population of Highlands 18.2% have a high-school diploma, 23.7% have a graduate degree, and 44.9% have a college degree. In Highlands, 11.6% of the citizens are veterans of the United States armed forces.

State Information

An overview of North Carolina

There are 123 hospitals and 236 health centers that service a population of 10,497,679. The top three hospitals in the state are considered to be Memorial Mission Hospital And Asheville Surgery Ce, Atrium Health Kings Mountain, and The Moses H Cone Memorial Hospital. In terms of resources, North Carolina has a cost of living index of 94.0, a grocery index rating of 96.6, and a housing index rating of 83.1. These index ratings are based on a system where 100 is considered the national average and anything below 100 is considered less expensive than the national average. The quality of life enjoyed by the average North Carolina citizen is ranked 18th nation-wide. Additionally, North Carolina is ranked 30th by healthcare standards. Based on natural beauty, North Carolina ranks 36th in the nation.

Social demographics of the state

In the most recent presidential election, 50% of North Carolina residents voted Republican and 46% voted Democrat. The state has a median age of 39 and 29% of its population being over the age of 55. In North Carolina, 39% of the population attend some form of religious service and there are 15,737 different congregations. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-<1%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%, with the most common Christian denominations consisting of Evangelical Protestant-35%, Mainline Protestant-19%, and Historically Black Protestant-12%. In North Carolina there are 635 masonic lodges. In terms of diversity, North Carolina ranks 20th in the nation.

State-wide weather information

North Carolina experiences an average humidity rating of about 71%. The highest monthly average humidity rating is 77% in the month of August. The average air quality index rating in North Carolina is 36.0 AQI. The highest seasonal air quality index rating occurs in the month of April with a rating of 45.3 AQI. The average amount of precipitation peaks during the month of July at around 9.06 inches. On average, the state receives 4.20 inches of precipitation a month. During the winter, the average temperature in North Carolina drops to around 41F. During the winter, the average high temperature peaks at around 62F during the month of December. The average low temperature during the winter drops to around 19F in the month of January. During the summer, the average temperature in North Carolina is around 76F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 92F during the month of July. In the summer, the average low temperature drops to around 53F during the month of June. While residents of North Carolina mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in North Carolina can include hurricanes, floods, and and earthquakes (moderate).

Wildlife to be found in North Carolina

The state of North Carolina has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of dwarf crested iris, Atlantic white cedar, dragon’s mouth orchid, and winged elm. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the gray and red foxes, the nine-banded armadillo, the bobcat, or the groundhog. The state animal of North Carolina is the the squirrel.