Choosing where to spend your golden years involves looking into a community’s amenities, care services, and living accommodations. Raleigh, the City of Oaks, is a top retirement destination in North Carolina with many places to choose from. So, what are the best 55+ retirement communities in Raleigh, NC?
Capital Oaks Retirement Resort and The Cypress of Raleigh offer luxurious amenities, while ParentCare Assisted Living and The Gardens at Wakefield are intimate communities. Experience signature programs at Treeo Senior Living, Atria Oakridge, and The Cambridge at Brier Creek.
To help you choose the best community to retire in, we included key points to look for when checking out our top picks.
Key Things In Choosing 55+ Retirement Communities
With many top retirement communities in Raleigh, you’re one step ahead if you know the key points to look for.
Age Requirement
Many retirement communities set 55 years old as the base age requirement. However, others set this level higher, lower, or in some instances, non-existent at all.
For example, Encore at Briar Chapel (Chapel Hill, NC) has 30 as the base age requirement for a resident’s companion. In another, Epcon Communities (Cary, NC) has no age limit at all.
Lifestyle Evaluation
Consider the activities you currently enjoy and those you hope to continue during your retirement years, then compare them with the community’s social calendar.
Similarly, many over 55 communities in Raleigh offer a maintenance-free lifestyle, including outdoor maintenance and lawn care.
Rules and Regulations
Most of the 55+ communities in Raleigh have associations that oversee the structure and bylaws for the residents. Here are some common restrictions:
- Access to community amenities by non-residents
- Pet restrictions
- Maximum number of occupants in a home or unit
- Home personalization (decor, landscaping, or paint colors)
- Visitations and overnight stays of visitors below 18 years old
If you have pets or visiting grandkids, it’s wise to know your choice community’s policies about these aspects.
Health Care
When looking at what any of the retirement communities in Raleigh, NC, has to offer, health care options are among the crucial factors.
These communities may offer one, a combination, or all of the following services:
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
- Independent Living
- Continuous Care
- Respite Care
- Rehabilitation Care
Floorplans
Whenever possible, choose communities with single-level floorplans. Moving about without using stairs is conducive long-term. Similarly, opt for communities that give you easy access to storage or have convenience features like walk-in showers.
12 Best 55+ Retirement Communities in Raleigh, NC
Let’s look at our top picks:
- Treeo Senior Living
- Capital Oaks Retirement Resort
- Whispering Pines Gracious Retirement Living
- ParentCare Assisted Living
- Bright Horizon Senior Care
- The Cypress of Raleigh
- Springmoor Life Care Retirement Community
- The Gardens at Wakefield
- Atria Oakridge
- The Cambridge at Brier Creek
- Independence Village of Olde Raleigh
- Verena at Bedford Falls
Here’s a closer look at these communities.
1. Treeo Senior Living
Treeo is among the best 55+ communities in Raleigh that offer excellent independent living plus access to assisted living services, including its signature BrainHQ, a brain training program by Posit Science.
Situated at a prime location in North Raleigh, you get easy access to upscale shopping and dining, plus green spaces amidst Raleigh’s fun and hip ambiance. Nearby top spots include:
- Plantation Point Shopping Center
- Millbrook Exchange Park
- North Carolina State University
- North Carolina State Fairgrounds
- Wake Forest
- Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Treeo’s floor plans are spacious, and you can choose from its selection of apartments:
| Studio | 442 square feet |
| One-bedroom | 595, 655, or 848 square feet |
| Two-Bedroom | 795 or 855 square feet |
The apartments feature:
- Individually controlled heating and air-conditioning
- Outside balconies and patios (select apartments)
- Built-in emergency communication systems
- Washer and dryer
- Vaulted ceilings
- Full kitchens equipped with stainless steel appliances (kitchenettes for one-bedroom apartments)
- Quartz countertops
Amenities in this pet-friendly community include:
- iPad
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Activity room
- Shuttle service
- Movie theater
- Lounges
- Private mailbox
Apartment prices at Treeo start at $2,600.
2. Capital Oaks Retirement Resort
As one of the over 55 communities in Raleigh, Capital Oaks offers an all-inclusive and worry-free independent retirement experience that revolves around luxury.
Amidst Raleigh’s historic landmarks and cosmopolitan venues for festivals, arts, and sports, this community is set in gently rolling hills and lush greenery. Offering you a luxurious lifestyle are resort-style amenities like:
- Full kitchens
- Designer countertops
- Washer and dryer hookups
- Ceiling fans
- Paid utilities
- Custom cabinets
- Spacious walk-in closets
- Cable TV and Wi-Fi
Its signature Freedom Dining program offers luxury-resort dining, with professional chefs providing three nutritious meals daily and snacks.
Choose among studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units ranging from 560 to 1,200 square feet.
3. Whispering Pines Gracious Retirement Living
Among the best retirement communities in Raleigh, Whispering Pines is designed with your needs in mind for an independent lifestyle.
From its home-cooked meals and game nights to quiet evenings with your family and friends, its management teams who live onsite are available to you 24/7, offering the following amenities and services:
- Culinary (menu items prepared with the freshest and highest quality ingredients)
- Activities and Events (creating writing classes, cooking demonstrations, book and garden clubs, discussion groups, and creative art projects)
- Transportation (scheduled appointments and errands, excursions, and shopping trips)
- Resident Travel Program (based upon availability, allows you to stay up to seven nights per visit in a comfortable guest suite at Whispering Pines’ over 45 communities across the US and Canada)
There are over 50 floorplan varieties at Whispering Pines:
| Studio with 1 bath | 388 to 593 square feet |
| One-bedroom with 1 bath | 542 to 728 square feet |
| Two-Bedroom with 2 baths | 937 to 1,194 square feet |
4. ParentCare Assisted Living
ParentCare is among the 55+ communities in Raleigh that are driven by values. It is a small family care home that serves only six residents or less per house at a time. Its mission is to care for its residents the way they would with their parents.
This assisted living community provides one professional caregiver to every three residents. The staff is well-trained and certified caregivers, committed to ‘caring first and everything next’ in a safe home environment through its amenities and services:
- 24/7 staffing, personal assistance, and nurses
- Medication management
- Onsite medical visits (geriatric physician, podiatrist, and therapists for physical, speech, and occupational needs)
- All levels of personal care
- Daily activities (health, social, leisure, and exercise)
- All utilities except private phone
- Health monitoring
- Three meals daily with snacks (including special dietary needs)
- Transportation
Choose among private and semi-private rooms that are either furnished or unfurnished.
5. Bright Horizon Senior Care
Bright Horizon Senior Care is among the over 55 communities in Raleigh offering assisted living to promote its residents’ health and quality of life.
Its highly skilled care providers leverage a person-centered approach, cultivating the residents’ ability to participate in activities while recognizing their unique strengths, needs, and choices.
Staff members have current CNA licenses in the NC Registry. They have Medical Aid Certificates and are trained to provide CPR.
As an awardee of the SeniorAdvisor.com’s 2017 Best of Senior Living, Bright Horizon has four private units and one semi-private unit (either furnished or unfurnished) featuring:
- Air conditioning/climate control
- Full kitchen
- Laundry room
- Emergency call system
Amenities and activities include:
- Outside patio
- Cable TV
- Special dietary requirements like diabetic or low-salt restriction
- Computer and internet access
- Full-time activity director
- Monthly field trips
- Exercise classes
- Social events
- Spiritual activities
Pets are allowed at Bright Horizon after assessment.
6. The Cypress of Raleigh
The Cypress of Raleigh allows you to experience luxury retirement living, from its experienced professionals to its amenities. It’s a 44-acre neighborhood with well-maintained streets, lakes, and walking paths.
There are 282 villas and 37 cottages in The Cypress. Its beautiful and diverse homes are designed to be expansive, encouraging you to interact with your new peers.
Its CORE Wellness programs start the soonest you set foot on its campus, with a wide array of exceptional services and a comprehensive continuum of care.
It’s a Life Plan Community that offers flexible care options:
- Independent Living
- Assisted Living
- Home Care
- Skilled Nursing
- Memory Care
- Short-term Rehabilitation (Rosewood Health Center)
Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, The Cypress brings you close to Raleigh’s acclaimed museums and award-winning restaurants. Plus, the city capital of North Carolina is in your backyard.
7. Springmoor Life Care Retirement Community
It’s a premier continuing care retirement community that enriches your life on every level – intellectually, educationally, physically, spiritually, and culturally.
Its single-level residences come in different styles that accommodate your unique preferences. There are 19 distinct floorplans to choose from, ranging from an alcove apartment to a two-bedroom with a garage and den.
All residences in Springmoor include:
- Attractive brick exteriors
- Maintenance and repair (except personal property)
- Flat linen service
- Full kitchens and dishwashers
- All utilities (gas, local telephone, electric, water, and Spectrum Cable with over 100 channels)
- Housekeeping service
- Central smoke and fire system
Select residences include special features like fireplaces, built-ins, and bay windows.
Services and facilities include:
- Heated saltwater pool, sauna, and hot tub
- Bistro dining and tournaments
- Movie theater and hospitality bar
- Salon plus hair and nail services
- Expansive exercise room
- Computer room and game room with billiards table
- Individual fitness assessments, health screenings, and massage therapy
- Luncheon and social events
- Lectures, lessons, clubs, and seminars
- Pneumonia, Hepatitis B, flu, and shingles vaccinations
Springmoor is your steppingstone to an incredible senior lifestyle while living close to all that is Raleigh.
8. The Gardens at Wakefield
This is among the best retirement communities in Raleigh, less than 15 miles from downtown Raleigh. As a close-knit active independent senior living community, it lets you enjoy your retirement your way.
This community’s senior apartment pricing is all-inclusive, starting at $3,500 a month. Whether it’s a spacious one-bedroom unit or a comfortable two-bedroom apartment, convenience is at your fingertips with the following features:
- Full kitchen or a kitchenette
- Patio or balcony
- Walk-in closet and tub
- Wi-Fi and basic cable TV
- Carpet and window treatment
- Wheelchair accessible
- Refrigerator, washer, and dryer
- Telephone hookup
- Individually controlled HVAC unit
Among the amenities are:
- Fitness equipment
- Lounge area and billiard lounge
- Game, activity, and computer rooms
- Library and theater
- Garden, walking paths, and patio area
- Community fireplace
- Safety rails, smoke alarm, and sprinkler system
- Guest suites
- Beauty salon and barbershop
- Parking, laundry facilities, and locked mailboxes
The Gardens at Wakefield is a pet-friendly community.
9. Atria Oakridge
Atria Oakridge is just minutes away from downtown Raleigh, NC. It’s a vibrant independent senior living community amidst stunning views and local entertainment that supports an active lifestyle.
Starting at less than $3,600 a month, its spacious one- and two-bedroom floorplans feature:
- Individual thermostat control
- Balcony or patio (select apartments)
- Walk-in shower and closet
- Cable TV
- Apartment maintenance
- Electronic ken entry
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Washer and dryer (select apartments)
- Utilities included
- Housekeeping and linen service
Its all-inclusive amenities and services aim to pamper you and indulge your interests:
- Sports lounge with billiards table
- Off-site pool privileges
- Library and fitness center
- Parking garage
- Restaurant and private dining room for special events
- Courtyard and walking paths
- Physical therapy center and onsite physician office space
- Outdoor grill, patio, and resident garden
- Movie theater, media room, and game room
- Personalized dining (crafted around your preferences)
- Community Lounge with Wi-Fi
- Concierge and car service
Atria Oakridge offers its signature Engage Life Program. It populates your social calendar with programs and events that support the four lifestyle choices of successful aging:
- Connection
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Purpose
Atria has daily social, cultural, fitness, and educational opportunities. You have two chef-prepared meals every day with vegetarian options.
10. The Cambridge at Brier Creek
Situated between Raleigh and Durham, this community offers the best of both worlds, from outdoor exploration to enriching events.
Its signature Optimal Living® supports your overall wellbeing, encouraging an active lifestyle through its health and wellness amenities and services:
- Indoor heated saltwater pools
- Weekly group exercises classes
- Exercise physiologist
- Fitness center (over 23,000 square feet)
- Salon and spa
- Onsite primary care
- Cutting-edge Cambridge Fitness Center
- Hot tub and sauna
- Yoga studio
- Personal trainers and therapy services
- Cambridge Fitness Cafe and Smoothie Bar
Supporting your everyday luxuries are comfortable homes designed with your interest in mind. There are 205 spacious apartments to choose from, ranging from 741 to 1,448 square feet featuring:
- Granite countertops
- Patios and balconies
- All appliances and utilities (trash, electric, and water)
- Weekly housekeeping
- 24/7 reception, security, and emergency response
- Maintenance and repairs
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Ample cabinet space and walk-in closets
- Individual thermostats
The apartments offer several layout options, including one bedroom and a bath or two bedrooms and two baths.
11. Independence Village of Olde Raleigh
This retirement community in the City of Oaks gives you the privacy and freedom to live the way you choose in an environment that overflows with activities.
Its two senior living options, Independent Living and Temporary Stay offer services that earned the community’s badge of Best Senior Living in 2022 by APlaceforMom.com.
The apartment homes have quality finishes, are thoughtfully designed with built-in safety features, and have over 20 floorplans:
- Studio (377 square feet)
- Small one bedroom (500 square feet)
- Large one bedroom (555 square feet)
- Small two bedrooms (712 square feet)
- Large two bedrooms (975 square feet)
Its state-of-the-art amenities, activities, and services include:
- Tastefully decorated dining room
- Bell choir practices
- Library with a computer
- Beauty salon and barbershop
- Theater with movies nights and documentary screenings
- Books and DVDs
- Linen service
- Church and religious services
- Scheduled courtesy transportation
- Daily newspaper delivery
Independence Village at Olde Raleigh is a pet-friendly community.
12. Verena at Bedford Falls
This 62+ independent senior living community in Raleigh offers a full range of services that will keep you busy or relaxed.
With a monthly price that starts at less than $3,000, the spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments feature:
- Deluxe kitchens with stainless steel appliances
- Large walk-in closets
- Full-size washers and dryers
- Private patio or balcony with storage
Located in a quiet neighborhood and near the heart of Raleigh, Verena at Bedford Falls’ all-inclusive monthly rates include:
- Daily meals
- Social activities
- Wellness programs
- Housekeeping
- Outings
Amenities include:
- Custom-designed heated swimming pool
- Movie theater
- Fitness studio
At Verena at Bedford Falls, you are surrounded by natural beauty (Wilkerson Nature Preserve, Neuse River Greenway Trail, and Forest Ridge Park), even in the winter. Learn more about winter in North Carolina.
Conclusion: 12 Best 55+ Retirement Communities in Raleigh, NC
Let’s recap the best 55+retirement communities in Raleigh, NC, that top our list:
- Treeo Senior Living
- Capital Oaks Retirement Resort
- Whispering Pines Gracious Retirement Living
- ParentCare Assisted Living
- Bright Horizon Senior Care
- The Cypress of Raleigh
- Springmoor Life Care Retirement Community
- The Gardens at Wakefield
- Atria Oakridge
- The Cambridge at Brier Creek
- Independence Village of Olde Raleigh
- Verena at Bedford Falls
Whatever community you choose, you can be confident that you’ll receive world-class care in Raleigh. This is because you can access the research triangle, the three universities in the Raleigh-Durham area – North Carolina State University, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
Living in a city home to the fastest-growing companies and communities worldwide also equates to more innovative care from tier-one hospitals at costs lower than the national averages.
So, whatever factors matter to you most when choosing your retirement community, Raleigh offers them with scenic views.