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North Carolina’s Port City — Wilmington — has a boatload of appeal for seniors seeking the best of coastal retirement living. The charming town of Wilmington has excellent shopping and dining opportunities, an affordable cost of living, and historic and cultural attractions galore. The area also boasts lovely weather throughout most of the year, which makes it easy to get out and enjoy outdoor excursions at one of the nearby beaches or golf courses.
For seniors seeking a low-key retirement, senior apartments are a great option. Senior apartments let residents continue enjoying an independent lifestyle without the inconveniences of home maintenance and repairs. Senior apartment communities are also considerably more affordable when compared to other senior living options, such as independent living communities.
We’ve crafted this helpful guide to get you started on your search for senior apartments in Wilmington. You’ll find hyper-local details about Wilmington’s senior apartment costs, types of rental communities, and public benefits and programs that could help seniors offset their costs of living. We also detail local highlights for seniors in Wilmington about the area’s top attractions, transportation options, and local hospitals.
Types of care available in Wilmington, NC
Senior Apartments
0, Wilmington, NC 28412
0, Wilmington, NC 28412
5339 -111 Dsher Cut off Road, Southport, NC 28461
5339 -111 Dsher Cut off Road, Southport, NC 28461
On average, senior apartments in Wilmington cost $1,400 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s internal research.[01] This amount doesn’t account for add-on costs or community fees for items like reserved parking spaces, pet rent, or one-time deposits. Plus, the cost of a senior apartment can be higher or lower depending on factors like the location, floor plan, and any interior upgrades (granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, etc.).
The figures below represent the starting costs of senior apartments across the Wilmington area. These can be especially helpful when trying to compare the costs of senior apartments in the greater Wilmington area.
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This guide walks you through the various payment methods you may use to help pay for a senior apartment in Wilmington. You’ll find an overview of the different resources seniors typically put toward their rent. But you’ll also find various housing assistance information and insight into benefits for veterans, which may be able to help eligible individuals pay for a senior apartment. We also break down different sources of public benefits that could be used to pay for in-home senior care services, in the event it’s needed down the road.
Many seniors use their private funds to pay for their choice senior apartment, just like they would a standard apartment community. Some examples of private pay methods include savings accounts, investment returns, and retirement income.
Fortunately, some sources of retirement income can go a long way in North Carolina. Social Security benefits are exempt from income taxes in the Tar-Heel State, and other sources of retirement income are taxed at the state’s 4.99% income tax rate.[02] Seniors in the workforce can also use their monthly income to pay rent.
The following resources are also commonly utilized to fund the move to senior living, depending on a senior’s assets:
As a renter, being familiar with Wilmington senior apartment laws can help you make an informed decision about what community to call home. In this section, we provide a brief overview of North Carolina landlord-tenant laws and the minimum quality standards for rental housing in the state. You’ll also find information about fair housing requirements and reasonable accommodations and modifications for individuals with disabilities.
A housing inspector evaluates Wilmington apartments and determines if a building is safe and fit for people to live in. Residential buildings are considered unfit when violations are found, e.g., lack of proper electrical units, leaning or buckling interior walls, or overloaded roofs or flooring.
Apartment communities are required to adhere to minimum standards for facilities. The following are some general examples of facility standards for apartment rental complexes:
Landlords are ultimately responsible for making sure their buildings are safe and fit for residents to live and thrive in. The property must be in compliance with Wilmington’s minimum housing code. Landlords must make any repairs necessary to keep the place in a livable condition, as well as maintain all plumbing, heating, and electrical equipment. North Carolina housing law holds landlords responsible for an array of maintenance tasks. We highlight some of those landlord responsibilities below:
Landlords must also respect their residents’ privacy while living in a unit. Though landlords do have the right to inspect units, which can be done with or without advanced notice, depending on the lease.
Though the list is less extensive than for landlords, there are certain responsibilities that renters at Wilmington senior apartments are held accountable for. This includes paying rent on time, properly disposing of any trash, and keeping the unit clean. Residents are also responsible for any damage to a property that’s either caused by them directly or by their visiting guests.
There are additional rights in place for apartments that protect residents with disabilities. Through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landlords must allow for necessary modifications and accommodations that give disabled tenants equal access to the property’s spaces.
Accommodations are exemptions to community policies. An example of an accommodation is allowing residents with disabilities to bring their service or therapy animal, even if a community has a no-pet policy. Modifications are more along the lines of structural changes or adjustments to a community’s physical structure or construction. By law, modifications to common areas should be paid for by the landlord. An example of a common area modification can look like installing ramps at building entrances and exits.
Landlords must also let residents make reasonable in-unit modifications that help them fully enjoy their living space. In-unit modifications are generally paid for by the renter. And landlords can ask tenants to return an apartment to its original state before moving out. Some examples of in-unit modifications can include installing grab bars or ramps, widening doorways, and lowering light switches.
In North Carolina, all rental properties are subject to fair housing laws enforced at both the state and federal levels. The federal Fair Housing Act and North Carolina State Fair Housing Act are enforced to prevent discrimination. They aim to make sure everyone has the opportunity to be equally considered for housing, such as seniors seeking apartments. The following are considered unlawful discriminatory housing practices by landlords, when based on factors such as sex, religion, race, disability, and family status:
There are a couple different courses of action you can take if you believe your apartment landlord isn’t in compliance with the antidiscrimination housing laws. You can download a Housing Discrimination Inquiry form to fill out and email to HRC.Complaints@oah.nc.gov. You can also call the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings Civil Rights Division’s Housing Discrimination Section at 984-236-1914.
North Carolina didn’t have any COVID-19 restrictions or mandates in place at the time of this publication. You can keep up with any local updates and new COVID-19 guidance on the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website.
Most senior apartment communities are likely to follow guidance through the state and local officials and won’t have enforced guidelines. However, this can be different in every senior apartment community. Some community landlords may choose to implement stricter rules. You can be sure of a specific community’s COVID-19 policies by contacting a prospective community directly.
Wilmington senior apartment communities come in a variety of layouts and sizes, with amenities that can appeal to anyone. Most of these communities have an assortment of amenities available and are designed exclusively for residents aged 55 and older. Here’s a brief sample of just some of the features you can expect senior apartments in Wilmington to offer.
Wilmington senior apartments offer a selection of amenities and floor plan options, with many offering one- and two-bedroom options. You can also find three-bedroom units in some communities for those who like a little extra space and storage. Some apartment communities also feature units with upgrades like granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and in-unit washers and dryers. Check out some other common in-unit amenities you might find at Wilmington’s senior apartments:
Some Wilmington senior apartment communities have attractive on-site amenities and features available for their residents to enjoy. Here are some common areas and services you can expect to find at Wilmington’s senior apartments:
Life in a Wilmington senior apartment community promises access to all of the area’s top attractions. Most senior apartments in the Wilmington area are within a few miles or less of several beaches — including Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. Additionally, many senior apartment communities are within driving distance to several of Wilmington’s shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
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Number of seniors over the age of 60 living in Wilmington as of 2021
Approximately 23% of seniors are aged 60+in Wilmington
Approximately 27% of Wilmington seniors ages 60 and older are currently employed[08]
Seniors in Wilmington are within reach of quality care with several medical providers located nearby. You can find care for a variety of conditions at one of these Wilmington medical facilities.
Wilmington Health has been servicing Wilmington and Southeastern North Carolina since 1971. Several locations throughout Wilmington offer a range of comprehensive services, from primary care to surgical procedures. Wilmington Health also participates in clinical trials, which gives patients access to medical treatments and medications that may not be available elsewhere.
Novant Health Internal Medicine is part of the Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and offers comprehensive primary and preventative care services. Its team of internal medicine specialists delivers a range of services that include on-site lab services, care for chronic conditions, and minor surgical care. Novant Health Internal Medicine has both same-day and next-day appointment options for sick patients to choose from.
Wilmington is a fairly bike-friendly and walkable city with access to some public transportation services around town. Most errands do require a car, but some Wilmington senior apartment communities may offer transportation services for residents. However, if your community doesn’t offer transportation services and you’re without a vehicle, there are a variety of transportation options for seniors in Wilmington.
The New Hanover County Senior Resource Center has nonemergency medical transportation services available to local seniors. The program provides two monthly round-trip visits to medical appointments within the county. Seniors can also expect coordinated transportation to and from the Senior Resource Center and to shopping trips every now and then.
This transportation program is designed to service New Hanover County seniors aged 60 or older that don’t receive Medicaid. Seniors need to complete an application process to take part in the program. Transportation requests must be made at least seven days in advance. For more information, call 910-789-6401.
While getting around on foot can easily be done, seniors can also utilize Wilmington’s fixed-bus route, which is operated by the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority (also knowns as Wave Transit). Wave Transit has 12 fixed-bus routes located throughout Wilmington that make over 400 stops in the service area. Seniors aged 65 and older can receive a discounted fare to ride when they show either their red, white, and blue Medicare card or photo ID.
Wave Transit also runs the free-to-ride Port City Trolley, which services all five of Wilmington’s downtown districts, and an ADA-accessible van service called Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART). DART has vans with wheelchair lifts and restraints, which are available for people with disabilities who can’t ride on a fixed-route bus. Wave doesn’t provide care aides through DART, but passengers can bring their own personal attendants on board at no extra charge. You need to live within 3/4 of a mile of a fixed route and have a confirmed medical need for the service to qualify for DART.
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Wilmington truly is a little slice of paradise with gorgeous beaches, historic sites, and a limitless assortment of outdoor activities to enjoy. The charming Southern town offers ample opportunities to dive into senior-specific activities and programs. Or you can simply unwind at one of the local spas and salt caves. Take a look at some of the top Wilmington attractions below and find even more to explore on the Visit Wilmington website.
Wilmington is within reach of not one, but three pristine beaches. Each of Wilmington’s beaches has something to offer everyone, whether you’re interested in a relaxing beach day, shopping, or joining in on some water sports.
The Battleship North Carolina is a refurbished WWII battleship that serves as a memorial to honor the over 11,000 North Carolinians who sacrificed their lives for their country. Take a self-guided tour through the ship’s sprawling nine decks to explore the living quarters, engine rooms, and other critical areas of the ship. Guided tours are also available, with special options for visitors with limited mobility.
What better way to enjoy the local surrounding beauty than by getting out and enjoying Wilmington’s outdoor trails and parks? Whether you prefer jogging, biking, or hiking, Wilmington is full of ways to appreciate outdoor wonders, natural scenery, and local fauna. Here are just a few of the area’s unique trails and walking paths:
Senior centers are a great way for seniors to stay involved with the community and participate in an assortment of activities and programs with friends.
The New Hanover County Senior Resource Center has an assortment of in-person activities for seniors and games like billiards and table tennis. The center even has a fully equipped fitness studio with classes designed for every fitness level. The Senior Resource Center also provides nutritious lunches to seniors aged 60+. You can find more information about the center’s other locations, programs, activities, and services in the Senior Resource Center participant guide.
Indulge in some self-care at one of Wilmington’s rejuvenating spas. Several of the local spas embrace the use of natural, organic products and offer services that range from massages and facials to hair treatments. You can even find some Wilmington spas that replicate Himalayan salt caves to promote enhanced relaxation and healing. Take a look at some of Wilmington’s relaxation destinations below.
Arbor Trace, Arbor Trace and Sacred Heart Villa's are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Wilmington, NC. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Wilmington is 0 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.
Smart Asset. (2021). North Carolina retirement tax friendliness.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Wilmington [Data set]. American community survey.
Medicare.gov. Home health services.
Code of Ordinances. (2023, March 08). Chapter 16 —buildings and building regulations. In Code of Ordinances City of Wilmington, North Carolina.
Legal Aid of North Carolina. Landlord/tenant law.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Housing discrimination and the fair housing act.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 60 years and over in the United States: Wilmington (S0102) [Data set]. American community survey.
Walk Score. (2021).Living in Wilmington.
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