Assisted Living in Wake Forest, North Carolina
Named one of the nation's best retirement destinations, Wake Forest, North Carolina, is ideal for seniors looking for a small town with easy access to the big city. This community of 45,629 is just 20 miles north of Raleigh, and seniors represent approximately 10% of the population.
Wake Forest features interesting and entertaining attractions ranging from 117-acre E. Carroll Joyner Park to the Pashcal Golf Club and Flaherty Park Community Center. The city has a charming, walkable town center offering an assortment of unique eateries, while the suburbs offer an array of shopping opportunities.
Residents benefit from a strong economy, low crime rates and a balanced Southern climate that's more comfortable than the typical North Carolina city. The cost of living is approximately 10% higher than the national average, and residents at Wake Forest's 21 assisted living facilities pay an average of $5,325 per month for care, which is significantly higher than the state and national averages.
The SeniorScore for Wake Forest, North Carolina
According to research from SeniorAdvice, Wake Forest has a SeniorScore of 73, which is just one point higher than the state and national averages. This scoring system considers four key livability factors, including Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life, to determine whether the area benefits older adults.
Despite having higher than average sales and income tax rates, the city's per capita earnings are significantly above the U.S. median. Assisted living costs are very high compared to other cities, but other types of long-term care tend to be more affordable. These features contributed to a Finances score of 72. Wake Forest also ranked well for General Quality of Life with 64 out of 100 points. Positive features include mild year-round temperatures and a moderate population density. However, the area receives high amounts of annual rainfall, and it has poor air and water quality ratings.
Seniors who want convenient access to medical care and emergency services should know that Wake Forest received 63 points for Health & Safety. The community has a high number of Medicare-registered physicians and home health care workers. Although there's only one hospital, residents have access to 390 pharmacies. The area also scores well for safety thanks to low overall crime rates. With 61 points, Recreation & Leisure rounds out the city's SeniorScore. Wake Forest has 16 shopping centers, 18 community parks and 52 golf courses. Residents are also a short distance from more than 100 grocery stores and 130 churches.
SeniorScore™ for Wake Forest, North Carolina
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
- Wake Forest scores higher than the North Carolina average of 72.
- Wake Forest scores higher than the national average of 72.
- There is a very high number of Medicare registered physicians within the city limits.
- There is 1 hospital within close range of the city (Duke Health Raleigh Hospital).
- There are 63 senior living facilities in close proximity to the city, including The Lodge at Wake Forest, ICMA Retirement Corporation, and Turnberry Apartments.
- There is a high number of home healthcare providers operating in the city.
- There is a high number of fire stations serving the city.
- The average life expectancy is 77.8, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- There are 390 pharmacies within close range of the city.
- The area has a low property crime rate.
- The area has a low violent crime rate.
- The city has a very low percentage of seniors in the population (18% of residents).
- There are 52 golf courses in or around the city, including Wake Forest Golf & Country Club, Paschal Golf Club, and Brevofield Golf Course.
- There are 18 parks near the city center, including H.L. Miller Park, Camp Kanata Barn, and YMCA Camp Kanata.
- There are 131 churches in or near the city, including Good Hope Baptist Church, Falls Baptist Church, and Glen Royal Baptist Church.
- There are 16 malls / shopping centers within close range of the city.
- There are 117 grocery stores within the city.
- There are 8 movie theatres in or near the city.
- There are 30 gyms or health clubs in or near the city.
- The property taxes average 2.12% of total income, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 0.81% of property value, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The city sales taxes averages 7.25%, which is higher than the national average of 6.97%.
- North Carolina has an average state income tax of 4.89%, compared to the national average of 3.38%.
- The city's mean household income is $94,160, which is significantly higher than the national average of $64,580.
- The city's median household income is $79,498, which is significantly higher than the national median of $51,560.
- The city's per capita income is $33,487, which is significantly higher than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs average $50,400 per year, which are very high compared to national figures.
- Nursing home costs average $76,650 per year, which are low compared to national costs.
- Adult daycare costs average $13,780 per year, which are very low compared to national numbers.
- Home healthcare costs average $46,904 annually, which are average compared to national costs.
- The unemployment rate is about 5.73%, which is low compared to national averages.
- The overall cost of living is average compared to national averages.
- 1% of the senior population are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- Wake Forest receives high levels of rainfall each year.
- Wake Forest has mild mean temperatures, with average winters and warm summers.
- This city has very poor air quality.
- This city has very poor water quality.
- Wake Forest has an average population density of 506.6 people per square mile.
- Residents of Wake Forest have a long daily commute time.
- The city has a low public transportation ridership.
- Wake Forest has an average public school quality ranking.
- The city has a very high public school safety rating.
- This city has a very high graduation rate of 93.26%.
Assisted Living Costs in Wake Forest, North Carolina
At $5,325 per month, assisted living in metropolitan Raleigh, which includes the city of Wake Forest, costs $1,275 more than the U.S. median of $4,051 and $1,325 more than the state average of $4,000. This represents a significant cost premium of up to 33% or about $15,900 per year, according to responses collected for Genworth Financial's 2019 Cost of Care Survey.
Seniors in the Raleigh-Durham metropolitan area and the state's Research Triangle pay more for assisted living than residents in other parts of North Carolina. Monthly rates of $5,325 make Raleigh and Wake Forest among the most expensive cities in the state. However, the cost in the area is $83 lower than the average rate in the coastal city of Wilmington and $238 more affordable than nearby Durham, where seniors pay up to $5,563 per month for assisted living.
In Charlotte, the state's largest city, monthly rates are $740 lower followed by Winston, which provides a savings of $850, and Greensboro, the state's third-largest city, where assisted living costs an average of $1,676. For budget-conscious seniors, more competitive rates are available in military-oriented Fayetteville and trendy Asheville. Seniors in these communities pay just $3,193 and $3,325, respectively, which represent monthly savings of up to $2,066 when compared to Wake Forest.
- Fayetteville: $3,193
- Asheville: $3,325
- Greensboro: $3,649
- Winston: $4,473
- Charlotte: $4,583
- Wake Forest/Raleigh: $5,325
- Wilmington: $5,408
- Durham: $5,563
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Wake Forest, North Carolina
Located at 968 East Wait Ave in Wake Forest, North Carolina, Hillside Nursing Center and Rehab is a 130 unit nursing care facility. With about 54,000 residents in the 27587 zip code, the neighboring area is densely populated. ...
Brookdale Wake Forest is a senior care facility serving residents 55 and over. It is located at 611 South Brooks St in Wake Forest, North Carolina. The surrounding area has a dense population, with roughly 54,000 people residing ...
Carillon Assisted Living of Wake Forest is a senior care community located at 3218 Heritage Trade Dr in Wake Forest, North Carolina. The community is in a mostly middle class area, with an average per-household income of $68,948. ...
The Lodge at Wake Forest is a senior care community located at 1151 South Main St in Wake Forest, North Carolina. The surrounding area is heavily populated, with around 54,000 people residing in the 27587 zip code. With ...
Spring Arbor of Wake County is a senior care facility located at 306 S Allen Rd in Wake Forest, North Carolina. The facility is in a largely middle income area, with an average per-family income of $68,948. With ...
Turnberry Apartments is a senior housing facility located at 755 S White St in Wake Forest, North Carolina. With approximately 54,000 residents in the zip code of 27587, the neighboring area is densely populated. It is a generally ...
The Gardens at Wakefield Plantation is a senior care facility located at 12800 Spruce Tree Way in Raleigh, North Carolina. The facility is in a mostly upper class area, with a median family income of $114,744. With around ...
3 miles away from Wake Forest, NC
Located at 100 Sunset Dr, Franklin Manor is a senior care community in Youngsville, North Carolina. With an average per-household income of $52,680, the community is in a primarily middle class area. It has a medium-density population, with ...
4 miles away from Wake Forest, NC
The Haven at Rolesville is a senior housing community located at 129 Nortwick Rd in Rolesville, North Carolina. With a median family income of $66,293, the facility is in a primarily middle class area. It has a sparse ...
5 miles away from Wake Forest, NC
Situated in the North Raleigh neighborhood, Senior Lifestyle is a senior community serving Raleigh, North Carolina. With approximately 33,000 residents in the 27614 zip code, the encompassing area is heavily populated. It is a mostly well-to-do area, with ...
6 miles away from Wake Forest, NC
Located in the North Raleigh neighborhood, Falls River Court is a senior housing facility in Raleigh, North Carolina. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with around 33,000 residents in the zip code of 27614. With an average per-family ...
6 miles away from Wake Forest, NC
Universal Health Care-North Raleigh is located around the Northeast Raleigh area of Raleigh, North Carolina. It is a 112 unit nursing home facility. The community is in a mostly middle class area, with a median household income of ...
6 miles away from Wake Forest, NC
Lynn's Care Home at Riverside is a care home situated around the Northeast Raleigh neighborhood of Raleigh, North Carolina. The encompassing area has a dense population, with roughly 43,000 poeple living in the 27616 zip code. It is ...
6 miles away from Wake Forest, NC
Litchford Falls Healthcare is situated in the North Raleigh area of Raleigh, North Carolina. It is a 90 unit nursing facility. The community is in a mostly upscale area, with a median per-family income of $85,079. It ...
7 miles away from Wake Forest, NC
Located at 10916 Raven Rock Dr, Elsie's Place Family Care Home is a family care home serving Raleigh, North Carolina. The neighboring area is densely populated, with roughly 43,000 individuals living in the 27615 zip code. With a ...
8 miles away from Wake Forest, NC
Lynn's Home at Saybrooke is a senior community situated in the Northeast Raleigh area of Raleigh, North Carolina. The facility is in a predominantly middle income area, with an average per-family income of $47,787. With approximately 43,000 poeple ...
9 miles away from Wake Forest, NC
Situated near the North Raleigh area of the city, Elmcroft of Northridge is a senior community serving Raleigh, North Carolina. With a median per-household income of $85,079, the community is in a largely wealthier area. It is ...
9 miles away from Wake Forest, NC
Bright Horizon Senior Care Home is a residential care home located near the Falls of Neuse area of Raleigh, North Carolina. The community is in a generally middle class area, with a median per-household income of $56,562. With ...
9 miles away from Wake Forest, NC
Elmcroft of Northridge is a senior housing community located close to the North Raleigh area of Raleigh, North Carolina. With around 43,000 individuals living in the 27615 zip code, the neighboring area has a dense population. It is ...
9 miles away from Wake Forest, NC
The Cypress of Raleigh is a senior community located near by the North Raleigh area of Raleigh, North Carolina. The surrounding area is heavily populated, with around 43,000 poeple living in the 27615 zip code. It is a ...
9 miles away from Wake Forest, NC
The Cypress Raleigh is a 36 bed senior community situated close to the North Raleigh neighborhood of Raleigh, North Carolina. With an average family income of $85,079, the community is in a predominantly wealthier area. It has ...
9 miles away from Wake Forest, NC
Free Assisted Living Resources in Wake Forest, North Carolina
Northern Wake Senior Center This 18,000-square-foot activity center offers a wide variety of programs for adults aged 55 and older. Programs are provided in partnership with Resources for Seniors, which also offers informational services and community-based supports. Organized activities include fitness classes, arts and crafts, ceramics, day trips, educational seminars and social events. 235 East Holding Avenue, Wake Forest, NC 27587 (919) 554-4111 https://www.wakeforestnc.gov/northern-wake-senior-center |
Resources for Seniors Resources for Seniors has provided options counseling and community services to Wake Forest residents since 1973. The organization's mission is to help individuals and families make informed long-term care decisions that allow them to live as independently as possible. It supports local senior centers, provides transportation for appointments and provides information and referrals for aging-related programs and resources. 1110 Navaho Drive, Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27609 (919) 872-7933 http://www.resourcesforseniors.com/ |
Triangle J Council of Governments, Area Agency on Aging This Area Agency on Aging serves older adults in Wake Forest and the surrounding seven-county region. It provides information and services to help local seniors age well, live safely in the community and plan for their future long-term care needs. 4307 Emperor Boulevard, Suite 110, Durham, NC 27703 (919) 549-0551 https://www.tjcog.org/ |
Legal Aid of North Carolina Inc. This statewide nonprofit provides noncriminal legal representation to low-income residents in Wake County. It also operates the Senior Law Project, which offers free advice and phone assistance related to housing, estate planning, government benefits and consumer services. The Senior Legal Helpline is available to all seniors regardless of income, although priority is given to clients with the greatest need. 224 South Dawson Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 (919) 856-2570 https://www.legalaidnc.org/about-us/projects/senior-law-project |
Aging and Adult Services The Division of Aging and Adult Services coordinates a variety of benefits and programs that help state residents live healthy, independent lives. The agency works hand in hand with Area Agencies on Aging and other community partners to provide transportation services, case management, senior nutrition programs and options counseling. It's also home to the regional long-term care ombudsman program, which represents the rights of nursing home and assisted living residents statewide. 2101 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699 (919) 855-3400 https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/daas |
Wake Network of Care Sponsored by Alliance Health and the county government, Wake Network of Care is an online resource that connects residents with services in the local community. The directory includes listings for senior centers, nutritional support, housing, transportation, supportive services and many other programs for older adults and at-risk residents. 1101 Fifth Avenue, Suite 250, San Rafael, CA 94901 (919) 651-8890 https://wake.nc.networkofcare.org/ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
How much do assisted living communities cost in North Carolina?
Answer
Assisted living in North Carolina averages around $98 per day (ranging from $37 to $263), $2,940 per month (ranging from $1,100 to $7,895), and $35,280 annually (ranging from $13,200 to $94,740).
Question
How much is assisted living in Wake Forest?
Answer
The price of assisted living in Wake Forest, North Carolina runs between $1,500 and $7,143 per-month, with an average of $4,200 (or about $50,400 per year).
Question
What services are offered with assisted living?
Answer
The services administered in assisted living facilities generally include regular medical care, medication monitoring, incontinence care, social activities, and meal preparation.
Question
Are there assisted living facilities in Wake Forest that take Medicaid?
Answer
There are multiple assisted living facilities in Wake Forest that accept Medicaid, which include Glenaire, Smithfield Manor Nursing and Nursing, Cary Health and Rehabilitation, Hillside Nursing Center and Rehab, and Universal Health Care-Fuquay-Varina.
Question
Are there many retirees in Wake Forest?
Answer
While the city itself includes 53,078 people, the surrounding statistical area contains a populace of 1,112,065. People over the age of 55 represent about 18% of the total population.