Raleigh Independent Living

The median cost of independent living in Raleigh for a single-occupancy apartment is $2,721/month (SeniorHomes.com - 2015). This monthly cost typically includes rent, utilities, dining, housekeeping and transportation.

Known as the “City of Oaks” for its abundance of beautiful Oak trees, the city of Raleigh is the both capital of North Carolina and the second largest city in the state. Named after Sir Walter Raleigh of the infamous lost Roanoke colony, the city plays host to over 400,000 residents. The senior percentage of the population has seen a huge uptick in recent years, with a study by the Institute of Aging projecting that seniors over 65 years of age will comprise 18% of the state’s population by 2030, citing the Raleigh-Cary area as #1 in fastest senior growth from 2000 to 2010. A hotspot for seniors and retirees, Raleigh independent living communities provide an enticing proposition for those who would like to spend their golden years in the Tarheel state among their peers.

Attractions

The greater Raleigh area boasts three shopping malls packed with must-see stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and H&M. A dozen antique and consignment stores satisfy shoppers who prefer their goods with a little history, and 13 farmer’s markets serve those who enjoy the experience of shopping for ingredients al fresco. Museums and cultural venues abound in the area, with many both free of charge and close to popular Raleigh independent living locations for easy commuting. The North Carolina Museum of Art features one of the largest Rodin sculpture collections found in the US and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences provides plenty of entertainment for inquiring minds and curious adventurers.

Senior Activities

A large, impressive senior center in Cary serves adults 55 ages and over from nearby Raleigh independent living communities. Located in the heart of beautiful Bond park, this 17,000 square foot facility is specifically for educational courses, daily senior recreation classes, and senior group meetings for residents in the surrounding areas. Fairs, luncheons, and even computer instruction courses are offered through the Cary senior center to provide socialization and fun to older adults in the greater Raleigh area.

Medical Facilities

Duke University Medical Center is located in nearby Durham and is not only noted as the best hospital in the entire state of North Carolina, but 8th best geriatric hospital in the country out of 4,793 contenders by US News and World Report. Within the city of Raleigh itself, Rex Healthcare is also noted as high performing in geriatrics by USN, and is distinguished as a Magnet Hospital by the ANCC as well. Both hospitals are well-equipped with the services and staff needed for the particular health challenges of seniors who opt for Raleigh independent living.

Transportation

Seniors who elect to live in Raleigh independent living communities without a car are served mainly by Capital Area Transit “CAT” public buses, which offer discounted fares to seniors and handicapped riders. The city routes across all major areas in the city, and an additional as-needed service known as ACT, or Accessible Capital Transportation, assists handicapped passengers who live within 3/4s of a mile from a stop but cannot travel to the stop on their own.

North Carolina’s capital city offers moderate weather, an exciting roster of senior activities through the Cary center, a robust public bus system and unparalleled cultural outings to those considering Raleigh independent living. With the senior population of the entire state on the rise and in Raleigh in particular, there’s never been a better time to discover why so many retirees are clamoring to call the “City of Oaks” their new home.