When you think of the best cities to live in North Carolina for retirement, you might immediately think of the big hitters like Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte. But nestled in the Raleigh suburbs are North Carolina retirement towns that are worth a second look -- especially Knightdale, NC. This town has personality, outdoor spaces, and a wide range of programs tailored to adults aged 55+.
It is also home to TerraBella Knightdale, a senior living community offering assisted living and memory care under one roof. With 45% of seniors in North Carolina assisted living having Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, our community is the perfect choice for seniors thinking long-term. Our comfortable apartments are set in beautiful grounds -- the perfect setting for a relaxed yet fulfilling retirement.
Yes, especially if you're looking for a balance of calm neighborhoods yet easy access to Raleigh's amenities. Knightdale has been one of "the Triangle's" notable growth stories over the past few decades. It has steadily attracted new residents from across the state and country who value its community feel, outdoor space, and closeness to the metro area's healthcare and other conveniences.
According to Niche, Knightdale is one of the best towns to live in North Carolina. And it ranks highly for many things that seniors value, including:
Knightdale is noted for its slower pace of life than other Raleigh suburbs. There are no crowds to battle, and the town's amenities allow residents to enjoy the great outdoors. Yet, at the same time, you are close to the world-class medical centers of the Raleigh-Durham metro area.
As we get older, few of us want to live in the heart of a big city. Yet, that's often where the best healthcare providers are located. That's certainly true of Raleigh, which is home to top hospitals such as Duke University Hospital, UNC Hospitals, and WakeMed Raleigh Campus.
To achieve peace of mind while aging in the Carolinas, ensure you choose the right assisted living in NC, plus proximity to the healthcare services you need. TerraBella Knightdale gets the mix just right with its ideal location in a sleepy suburb close to everything you need to remain in optimal health.
Best is a relative concept, and will be different for each person. Location is important for some, while the community amenities matter more to others. At TerraBella Knightdale, our amenities include exclusive programs such as:
According to the National Institutes of Health, it is projected that around 42% of Americans will develop dementia. Therefore, it makes sense to consider not just your current needs but your future ones as well.
TerraBella Knightdale combines assisted living, which is for seniors with care needs, and memory care, which is for seniors with memory challenges, on a single site. This means that if you develop a memory condition in the future, you may be able to transition to an enhanced level of care without having to relocate to a new community at a time when this could be very disruptive.
If you've decided aging in the Carolinas is the right choice for you, this may be your burning question. Both states are known for their affordable cost of living compared with other parts of the country. However, the 2025 cost of living data gives South Carolina a slight edge over its northern counterpart.
That does not necessarily mean, though, that South Carolina is the best choice for seniors. It pays to find out the actual costs of Knightdale senior living and do a side-by-side comparison. Also, factor in the advantages that Knightdale offers when making your final decision.
Knightdale offers a quieter, close-knit feel compared with larger cities. At the same time, it still plugs into the Triangle's cultural, dining, and recreation scene. That means that day-to-day life feels relaxed, with outings to local parks, neighborhood events, and other attractions forming part of life at TerraBella Knightdale.
For many seniors, Knightdale provides the perfect mix of social connection, a slower pace of life, yet access to the big-city amenities they need.
Three factors that matter to most families are a comfortable daily experience (think dining, housekeeping, and activities), personalized care, and a plan for the future. This can help ensure comfort and security now, along with the reassurance of knowing this can be a long-term home for elderly loved ones.
Communities like TerraBella Knightdale that offer both assisted living and memory care on one campus can simplify long-term planning for families. Many seniors in North Carolina will require memory care support in the future. Choosing a combined community like ours can help minimize disruption and prioritize comfort in the long term.
The mountain and coastal areas of North Carolina sure provide the wow factor. However, when it comes to what seniors are looking for, the hefty price tag of these attractive areas may not be worth the investment. In reality, most seniors are better served by excellent in-house services, a welcoming community, and proximity to healthcare resources.
Knightdale may not have the fame of other cities, but we have seen that it is certainly among the best cities to live in North Carolina for seniors. Beautiful scenery, closeness to Raleigh, and TerraBella Knightdale make this the community to be for seniors looking for a comfortable retirement.
Having assisted living and memory care communities on one campus truly sets us apart from other providers, making us a long-term option for seniors, whatever happens in the years ahead. Reach out today for more information and to schedule a tour.