Raleigh, North Carolina, is one of the best places for seniors seeking assisted living in the United States. A booming tech economy and a reputation for affordability are the primary drivers of Raleigh’s rise. As the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh has a population of 478,587, and 12% of people are over the age of 65. Raleigh’s population has increased by 2.4% since 2022, which makes it one of the fastest growing metro areas in the United States.
Seniors in assisted living facilities find little to complain about in Raleigh. Instead, they enjoy the temperate climate, family-friendly environment, and exceptional health care options. Assisted living facilities offer seniors a safe and peaceful environment. Raleigh’s assisted living facilities provide meals, housekeeping, and help with daily activities to promote an independent lifestyle.
In this guide, we offer you a list of assisted living facilities in Raleigh that partner with A Place for Mom. We also provide well-researched and vetted information about assisted living costs, payment methods, North Carolina assisted living laws and regulations, and senior-friendly health care, transportation, and activities.
How do we rank Raleigh assisted living?
Our goal is to help you find high-quality assisted living facilities that fit your needs. Using our 20+ years of experience in senior living, we developed a proprietary rating system based on the following:
Raleigh, North Carolina, is one of the best places for seniors seeking assisted living in the United States. A booming tech economy and a reputation for affordability are the primary drivers of Raleigh’s rise. As the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh has a population of 478,587, and 12% of people are over the age of 65. Raleigh’s population has increased by 2.4% since 2022, which makes it one of the fastest growing metro areas in the United States.Read more
Seniors in assisted living facilities find little to complain about in Raleigh. Instead, they enjoy the temperate climate, family-friendly environment, and exceptional health care options. Assisted living facilities offer seniors a safe and peaceful environment. Raleigh’s assisted living facilities provide meals, housekeeping, and help with daily activities to promote an independent lifestyle.
In this guide, we offer you a list of assisted living facilities in Raleigh that partner with A Place for Mom. We also provide well-researched and vetted information about assisted living costs, payment methods, North Carolina assisted living laws and regulations, and senior-friendly health care, transportation, and activities.
How do we rank Raleigh assisted living?
Our goal is to help you find high-quality assisted living facilities that fit your needs. Using our 20+ years of experience in senior living, we developed a proprietary rating system based on the following:
The staff is very friendly and accommodating. ALWAYS visible doing their jobs. I've had the food on two occasions and I recognize that it is prepared for the residents and not the outsiders. I'm sure it's...
The staff at Brighton Gardens are remarkably caring both in assisted living and in memory care. Staffing is much more stable than at any other senior residence in the area based on the other facilities I’m...
My loved one was a resident at Spring Arbor of Raleigh until they had a fire recently, which unfortunately displaced most of the residents. The staff at this facility was great. My loved one really liked the...
it's been good, very positive. laundry services a bit mixed up but very caring staff. We picked this community because it felt more welcoming.
We have been visiting a family friend who lives at this community for about 2 years now and every time we come it is always so nice. The staff are so friendly and helpful, the activities are always so...
From the moment you walk into Abbotswood at Stonehenge you will realize what a special place it is. Spend some time and you will confirm your initial feelings. You will see smiling faces and happy residents....
So far everything has gone well. My mom has been there 7 weeks and seems to be adjusting better than at first. Everyone has been very friendly and the location is great!
Communicating between staff and shifts could be a little better. Yes we would recommend this community to other families, but they have let go of two Director level staff and we are waiting to see if new...
My dad connects with the staff and they care for him and care about him as a friend. Laundry needs work give it a 3, but everything else has been great. I'm happy with his overall care and he is, too. Dad's...
Waltonwood - Cary has been very easy to work with - sensitive to all of our needs and individual situation. My parents love the food, the socialization, the activities and the grounds, apartments and...
The activity director works hard to include residents in activities. My mother in law does not ask for help and does not recognize her limitations. She is reluctant to engage in activities and has not...
This community came highly recommend to us, and we can't say anything other then we are completely impressed. When we first walk through the door someone is always there to greet us, and there is no stich...
We chose Foundation Senior Living because my mother wanted to stay in the area. It is also a new facility and we figured she would get more attention with the lower amount of residents here. The staff are...
I have found The Addison to be a good place for my mother. It is not perfect, but I do feel confident she is well taken care of. They are responsive to her needs and the staff maintains a positive attitude.
The average cost of assisted living in Raleigh is $6,303 a month. This amount includes basic fees on top of baseline costs. Seniors and their families paid $6,303 a month on average for their assisted living facilities in Raleigh, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[03] This monthly cost typically covers the following:
Some services may require an extra fee. Some of the most common include the following:
Cost of living in Raleigh
Raleigh’s overall cost of living is 3% lower than the national average, but 2% higher than the average in North Carolina. As the epicenter of the Research Triangle, Raleigh’s technology economy is booming, and has driven housing costs up around 1.8% since 2022.[04]
Seniors choosing an assisted living facility in Raleigh will pay more than seniors in other North Carolina cities, with the exception of Asheville. However, the benefit of living near world-class health care facilities in a city that offers such a high quality of life outweighs the additional cost for many seniors.
North Carolina is somewhat tax-friendly for seniors. Unlike many other states, it doesn’t tax retirement benefits from Social Security. However, other forms of income are taxed at a flat rate of 4.75% as of 2023.[05]
Cost of assisted living in nearby areas
The chart below compares the cost of assisted living in Raleigh with nearby cities. The numbers reflect the average baseline costs before other fees are added.
Average monthly costs
Raleigh, NC
Most seniors and family members pay for assisted living with a combination of private income and public assistance. Due to the increasing costs of assisted living, there can be many options to help pay for senior living expenses with public assistance programs, such as veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Read on to find practical information about how to pay for assisted living costs using private funds and public means.
Seniors and their families typically pay for most of their assisted living costs using private funds. Private payment methods include a senior’s savings and all other financial assets, such as real estate, general investments, retirement pensions, and Social Security benefits. It’s a good idea to review your or your loved one’s total financial situation before deciding on an assisted living facility.
You can learn more about specific private payment methods in the articles below:
Number of veterans over 65+ who live in Raleigh
About 40% of Raleigh veterans are 65+
Veterans and their families may be eligible for veterans benefits to pay for some of their assisted living expenses in Raleigh. Veterans benefits won’t cover the entire cost of assisted living, but may cover certain expenses. The Aid and Attendance benefit is one of the most generous veterans benefits. It’s added to an existing VA Pension, and covers anything that improves the veteran’s quality of life, including expenses related to assisted living.
There are many different veterans benefits, each with their own eligibility requirements. If you think you or your loved one may be eligible for veterans benefits, consider reaching out to a veterans benefits counselor. You can find excellent veterans benefits counselors through VA-vetted nonprofit veterans services organizations (VSOs). Some counselors may also help appeal denied claims.
Veterans in Raleigh can reach out to the following organizations for veterans benefits counseling:
Resources for Raleigh veterans
North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
413 North Salisbury St.
Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 844-624-8387
Wake County Region 1 Veteran Service Office
4401 Bland Road
Raleigh, NC 27609
Phone: 919-212-8387
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) North Carolina
5623 Duraleigh Road,
Raleigh, NC 27612-2700
Phone: 919-833-5567
Veterans of Foreign Wars North Carolina
917 New Bern Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-828-5058
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Medicaid is a state-run health insurance program for low-income individuals and people with disabilities. Each state runs their Medicaid program differently. North Carolina Medicaid is run through the Division of Health Service Regulations. Medicaid won’t cover the cost of assisted living facilities in Raleigh. However, Medicaid can offset specific health care costs for seniors in assisted living.
What does North Carolina Medicaid cover?
North Carolina Medicaid functions like most health insurance programs and covers health care costs only. The following health care services are often covered in part or in total by North Carolina Medicaid:
While North Carolina Medicaid doesn’t cover assisted living costs, the state does offer special programs to help seniors in need afford assisted living care. Low-income seniors may be eligible for the Special Assistance (SA) program. The SA program pays up to $1,182 a month for a senior’s assisted living facility. Low-income individuals residing in Raleigh’s memory care facilities receive up to $1,515 a month.
Low-income North Carolina residents in need of health care or insurance assistance are eligible for North Carolina Medicaid. Income limits are updated annually. In 2023, the income limit for North Carolina Medicaid eligibility was $19,392 a month for a single person. To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet one of the following requirements:
Applying for Medicaid benefits can be a confusing process. We recommend reaching out to North Carolina’s Medicaid Contact Center for questions regarding your eligibility or coverage. You can also contact the Wake County Medicaid Department for Medicaid application assistance. Your complaints or concerns can also be sent to the long-term care ombudsman.
Raleigh resident Medicaid resources
North Carolina Medicaid Contact Center
2501 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
Phone: 888-245-0179
Email: Medicaid.Transformation@dhhs.nc.gov
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals 65 years of age or older who have paid their Medicare taxes. While Medicare doesn’t cover room or board at an assisted living facility, it can cover specific health care expenses for those residing in a Raleigh assisted living facility. Similar to other health insurance programs, Medicare recipients are expected to pay for a portion of their care through premiums.
In general, Medicare covers short-term and medically-necessary health care expenses. Before Medicare provides coverage, both a physician and a Medicare representative must reach a consensus on the medical necessity and short-term nature of the procedure, item, or test. Keep in mind that what’s considered medically necessary for one person may not be for another. A few examples of what Medicare often covers includes the following:
Medicare doesn’t typically cover services like the following:
If you or your loved one is having trouble paying for Medicare premiums, North Carolina offers a few Medicare savings programs to help offset costs:
Seniors and their loved ones often find themselves applying for Medicaid coverage in the midst of a medical emergency. If this is you, consider speaking with a Medicare benefits counselor to help you make sure you get the coverage you need. There are a few options available to Raleigh seniors, including the following:
Raleigh resident Medicare resources
Find a Social Security Office
3315 Poole Road, Suite 100
Raleigh, NC 27610
Phone: 800-772-1213
Assisted living facilities in Raleigh provide a safe environment and high-quality care. All assisted living facilities in North Carolina are licensed as Assisted Living Residences through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation. Residential care homes and larger, traditional assisted living facilities receive the same license. Assisted living facilities aren’t licensed by the federal government.
The North Carolina state government outlines requirements for assisted living facilities. Facilities that don’t meet these standards during annual inspections are listed on the North Carolina Listings of Facilities with Penalties website, and can lose their license. You can find all inspection results by visiting the North Carolina Adult Care Licensure Section. It’s a good idea to read the most recent inspection reports for any assisted living facility you’re considering.
You can find all assisted living requirements for North Carolina’s assisted living facilities through the Rules and Statutes for Adult Care Homes and the North Carolina Compendium of Residential Care and Assisted Living Regulations and Policy. All assisted living facilities in North Carolina are required to meet the following criteria:
North Carolina Department of Health
101 Blair Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 919-855-4800
Raleigh doesn’t enforce any COVID-19 regulations for assisted living facilities, and neither does North Carolina. However, the North Carolina Department of Health does offer some guidance and training resources for long-term care facilities about how to stop the spread of COVID-19. All assisted living facilities in North Carolina follow CDC guidance.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services track all respiratory diseases on the Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard. This can help you find where flu, RSV, and other respiratory diseases are spreading.
Number of people we referred to assisted living facilities in Raleigh in 2022 – 2023
Average age of residents we referred to assisted living facilities in Raleigh
44% of Raleigh assisted living communities are residential care homes.
Raleigh, North Carolina, is one of the best places to retire in the United States. While most seniors looking for assisted living in Raleigh are either from the area or moving to be near their families, some choose to move to Raleigh to enjoy the temperate climate, low cost of living, and exceptional health care facilities.
Assisted living facilities in Raleigh offer compassionate and personalized care to seniors who need extra, nonmedical help with their daily activities. Seniors with dementia or indefinite skilled nursing care needs may be better suited for Raleigh’s memory care facilities or nursing homes.
A Place for Mom partners with 25 assisted living facilities in North Carolina.[03] While all of these facilities receive the same license, there is some variety in the types of communities seniors can choose from.
In Raleigh, about 44% of assisted living facilities are residential care homes.[03] These smaller communities have less than seven residents and are set within residential homes. In general, these tend to be less expensive than other assisted living facilities, and offer fewer amenities as a result. However, they are a good fit for seniors who prefer a homelike environment instead of a larger, more institutional setting.
In a residential care home, seniors typically share a room with another resident, spend their time in the home’s common areas, and eat meals in the family dining room. Caregivers often live in the facility with the residents. Many seniors enjoy the camaraderie that develops in these residential care facilities. There is no difference between residential care homes and traditional assisted living facilities regarding the types of care they provide or the quality of care. In fact, both residential care homes and traditional assisted living facilities are licensed in the same way through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
The majority of assisted living facilities in Raleigh have between 15 and 50 residents. These facilities are set in larger buildings, and may be large enough to accommodate multiple buildings on a campus. In these communities, residents can choose between private and shared rooms. There are different common areas to enjoy, such as libraries, pools, gyms, spas, bars, game rooms, theaters, and outdoor areas, like gardens and walking trails.
Traditional assisted living facilities in Raleigh often employ an activity’s coordinator who arranges daily classes, events, and outings for the residents. Among the larger assisted living facilities, approximately half provide at least one additional type of care. Typically, these establishments feature dedicated memory care wings for residents with dementia. These larger facilities tend to be more expensive than residential care homes.
Raleigh is growing quickly — a result of the booming technology industry and the Research Triangle. Seniors in Raleigh’s assisted living facilities benefit from Raleigh’s growth. The overall wealth and safety in the city means seniors have no trouble finding parks, events, and educational opportunities. Plus, family members may be eager to move to Raleigh if their loved one is a local resident.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Raleigh
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Raleigh population
Median annual income for Raleigh seniors 65 and older
Due to the proximity of Duke and North Carolina University hospitals, seniors have access to the best cutting-edge geriatric care in the nation.
Duke University Hospital offers a full range of primary and specialty care, including geriatrics, oncology, and ophthalmology. Considered one of the best hospitals in the nation, Duke University Hospital is a teaching institution where Duke University medical students and residents receive training. The hospital is located in Durham, and patients have access to cutting-edge technology and treatments. It’s approximately thirty minutes from Raleigh’s city center, but serves the entire Raleigh-Durham area.
The UNC Hospital System has eight different locations across North Carolina. The Raleigh location is called UNC REX Healthcare, and was named a five-star Hospital by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS). It offers the full scope of primary and specialty care, including geriatrics, general surgery, and urgent care.
This private, nonprofit hospital system has three locations across North Carolina. The Raleigh location offers a range of primary and specialty services, including geriatrics, orthopedic surgery, and rehabilitation care. This hospital uses some of the most updated surgical and imaging technology to give patients the best care.
Most seniors in Raleigh assisted living facilities don’t need to worry about finding transportation, as 56% of our partnering assisted living facilities offer it as a complimentary service.[03] Seniors can count on their facilities to help them arrange transportation to and from appointments. However, seniors may need help finding their own transportation to attend social gatherings or events outside of their community. Family and friends are usually able to take their loved one out for day trips or vacations.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services offers their Transportation Services to seniors across the state. This program funds free transportation for seniors over 60 years of age. The department does this through funding local public transportation, which provides their services for free. Seniors can use these services to go to the grocery store, social events, and appointments. Seniors living in Raleigh can call 919-872-7933 to schedule a ride.
Traffic in the Raleigh-Durham area is increasingly congested, especially during rush hour. Visiting family and friends should keep this in mind as they plan visits and day trips around the area.
Raleigh is a budget-friendly city for seniors who want to experience world-class museums, relaxing outdoor activities, and quaint farmers markets. Seniors living in Raleigh’s assisted living facilities may find they’re kept busy with a variety of activities within their community. Around 92% of Raleigh’s assisted living facilities offer on-site activities, such as tai chi, happy hours, bingo games, and visiting performers. In Raleigh’s assisted living facilities, 48% also offer educational opportunities where residents can polish up their financial literacy and even learn a different language.[03]
Raleigh’s growing economy and engaged community means visitors are common, including university volunteers who want to chat with the residents or teach them a new skill.
Outdoor activities around Raleigh
With over 150 parks, Raleigh is a great place for seniors of all mobility levels to enjoy the great outdoors. Local family and visitors find no shortage of things to do year-round in Raleigh.
Cultural activities around Raleigh
Raleigh’s status as the capital of North Carolina and as part of the Research Triangle means there’s no shortage of cultural activities appropriate for seniors.
Oak Hill Assisted Living, Sunrise of Cary and Gabriel Manor are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Raleigh, NC. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Raleigh is 5517.63 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Raleigh city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Macrotrends.net. (2023). Raleigh Metro Area Population 1950-2023.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Rentcafe.com. (2022). Raleigh, NC rental market trends.
North Carolina Department of Revenue. (2023). Tax Rate Schedules.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Raleigh city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2023). Mean income in the past 12 months (S1902): Raleigh city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
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United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Raleigh city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Macrotrends.net. (2023). Raleigh Metro Area Population 1950-2023.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Rentcafe.com. (2022). Raleigh, NC rental market trends.
North Carolina Department of Revenue. (2023). Tax Rate Schedules.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Raleigh city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2023). Mean income in the past 12 months (S1902): Raleigh city [Data set]. American Community Survey.