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.
Overall experience has been very good. There are some areas that could be a little better kept. Main one is the laundry room. Everyone is very nice Quality of care is good. Food could be better. The meals...
The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. The inside is always clean and homey. There's plenty for my mom to do and places to go. The gated community and someone always at the front desk makes sure to...
Merrywood on Park is a great place. The apartments are spacious and clean. The staff is very responsive to all issues. Everyone is super friendly and helpful—employees and fellow residents. My dad enjoys...
Moving our parents in has been a very pleasant experience. We were able to visit anytime we wanted prior to moving in and once we chose an apartment they updated everything in that apartment. They are making...
Well to start off, my mother was living with me for almost a year after my father died. My sister said she wanted mom to go down to Tallahassee and stay there. My sister found a place for mom but mom was...
I really enjoy living at Shad’s Landing. Although I’ve only been a resident for about a month, I have made numerous friends engage in many activities and try not to miss a meal because the food is very good....
If you feel guilty for asking your parent to consider moving out of their home, I did too. That was until it finally happened and now the only regret I have is not doing it sooner. Holiday Willow Grove is...
Trevia is beautiful. Every detail is gorgeous including the decorations clean and the stand for absolutely out of this world. The only downside is that you pay for that. If you want to have first class, they...
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...
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...
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.
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...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Charlotte community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
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.
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:
Veterans may be able to pay for some of the costs of independent senior living in Charlotte by utilizing benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the North Carolina Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVA). You’ll find some of the benefits that could be available to qualified veterans provided below.
The VA Pension program gives supplemental monthly income to qualified veterans and their surviving spouses, which can be put toward the cost of an independent living community in Charlotte. To be eligible for a VA pension, a veteran must meet VA service and financial requirements and at least one of the prerequisites:
If a veteran receives VA pension benefits, they may also be eligible to collect the Aid and Attendance benefit. Aid and Attendance is paid in addition to a monthly pension amount and can be used to pay for any living costs that benefit a veteran’s quality of life, which does include the cost of an independent senior living community.
On top of already being enrolled in VA pensions, a veteran must also have a wartime service-related disability recognized by VA Health Care, and meet a minimum of one of the following conditions to qualify:
Another benefit available to veterans enrolled in VA pensions is the Housebound allowance. Like Aid and Attendance, the Housebound allowance is paid on top of a veteran’s monthly pension amount. Veterans can either receive Housebound allowance or Aid and Attendance, but not both at once.
Unlike Aid and Attendance, a veteran’s disability doesn’t have to be related to wartime service for them to receive the Housebound allowance — it can develop from natural, age-related causes. However, the Housebound allowance is mainly intended to cover the cost of in-home care services when a veteran isn’t able to leave their home.
Numerous other local organizations in Charlotte can help veterans find and apply for VA benefits. NCServes is the statewide resource that can help connect veterans and their families to several local services. The Catholic Diocese of Charlotte helps Mecklenburg County veterans access case management services, which helps veterans access VA benefits. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) are some other nonprofits that may also be helpful when it comes to finding and accessing VA benefits. You can also reach out to the benefits specialists at your local VA service office.
Number of veterans who live in Charlotte, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Around 63% of Charlotte veterans are age 55+, per the U.S. Census Bureau.
Resources for Charlotte veterans
Charlotte veterans service office
Locate a veterans service officer
5500 Executive Center Drive, Suite 132
Charlotte, NC 28212
Phone: 919-664-1080
North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
413 N. Salisbury St.
Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 844-624-8387
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
251 N. Main St., Room 151
Winston-Salem, NC 27101-3914
Phone: 336-631-5481
Veterans of Foreign War (VFW)
Veteran benefits and assistance
2831 The Plaza
Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: 704-332-2669
NCServes – Metrolina
Assistance request form for benefits navigation and other services
2200 E. 7th St.
Charlotte, NC 28204
Phone: 855-425-8838
Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte
Supportive services for veterans
1123 E. Church St.
Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 704-370-3257
NC Medicaid is North Carolina’s Medicaid program. While it can’t be used to pay for the cost of living in an independent senior living community, there may be some in-home care services that could be covered if there’s a medical need for them. NC Medicaid has some specified Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) that can help seniors receive care services from home instead of an institutional setting, such as a hospital or nursing home. Read on to learn more about these LTSS services and what they cover.
Personal care services provide support with everyday tasks for seniors who struggle to do the following independently:
Elderly adults may be able to receive several long-term services from their home or independent living community through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). The program helps seniors avoid placement in an institutional setting, such as a nursing home. Seniors may be eligible to participate in PACE if they can pay with private funds and are either enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or are eligible for both programs.
This additional criteria also needs to be met to receive PACE services:
Your local Area on Agency can help you navigate Medicaid and LTSS. The NC Medicaid Ombudsman is another source available to help. NC Medicaid beneficiaries can also utilize the NC Medicaid Ombudsman, which helps provides updates about any program changes. It also connects recipients to useful resources that offer the following assistance:
Charlotte resident Medicaid resources
Long-term senior services and support
10735 David Taylor Drive, Suite 250
Charlotte, NC 28262
Phone: 704-372-2416
Learn more about NC Medicaid Ombudsman
Phone: 877-201-3750
Similar to NC Medicaid, Medicare doesn’t pay for the cost to live in an independent senior living community in Charlotte, North Carolina. However, some Medicare-approved health services can be provided in an independent living community if a medical need arises. Eligible seniors may be able to receive these short-term home care services:
Seniors must already be enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B to qualify. Additionally, they must meet all of the following requirements:
A part of the North Carolina Department of Insurance, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provides Medicare education to seniors through its North Carolina Senior Medicare Patrol (NCSMP). Through NCSMP, seniors can absorb all sorts of useful information from trained SHIIP counselors about Medicare benefits, how to recognize billing errors, and other potential discrepancies to look out for.
Additional Medicare resources
Albemarle Building
325 N. Salisbury St.
Raleigh, NC 27603-5926
Phone: 855-408-1201
Seniors who don’t require the types of services covered by Medicare and Medicaid may be able to utilize the following other forms of public assistance.
Also known as Section 8, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program helps low-income seniors afford safe and affordable housing in Charlotte. This program gives eligible recipients a voucher that pays a landlord for some of the monthly rent and utility expenses. Federally funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, HCV is administered locally by public housing authorities, such as Charlotte’s INLIVIAN, to make sure private landlords are properly compensated.
The rent subsidy is usually capped at 30% of a person’s monthly income, and eligibility is based on several factors, including a household’s size and income. You’ll want to check with an independent living community first to make sure they participate in the HCV program. Additionally, HCVP recipients also need to follow program rules that include the following conditions:
You can reach out directly to INLIVIAN or the nearest HUD office in Greensboro for help applying for the HCVP or general questions.
Eligible seniors can receive supplemental income from Social Security benefits, which can be put towards any expenses incurred to live in an independent senior living community. Different types of Social Security benefits have distinct applications and benefits processes. Understanding which one best applies to your situation can help you avoid being denied benefits. Read on to find out which benefit may be available to you.
Your local Social Security Administration office can provide more information about these benefits.
Emergency housing assistance organizations help Charlotte residents who need financial assistance or are at risk of homelessness. The Crisis Assistance Ministry is one local nonprofit that can provide instant emergency rent and utility support for individuals facing eviction or utility shutoff. You can access other resources to help with rent and utilities by dialing 2-1-1.
Public assistance resources for Charlotte residents
400 East Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 704-336-5183
Asheville Building
1500 Pinecroft Road, Suite 401
Greensboro, NC 27407-3838
Phone: 336-547-4000
2201 Coronation Blvd., #100
Charlotte, NC 28227
Phone: 800-772-1213
For emergency financial assistance
500-A Spratt St.
Charlotte, NC 28206
Phone: 704-371-3001
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.
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:
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Charlotte, North Carolina
Percentage of Charlotte seniors 65 and older without a disability
Average annual income for Charlotte seniors 65 and older
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.[01] 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.[17]
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. 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 Crescent Heights, Chandler Place Independent Living 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 $3,156 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Test answer:
The average cost of Independent Living in Charlotte is $3,156 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).
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
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).