About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2025 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2025 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2025 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
Senior Living Home

10 Best Independent Living Communities in Guide, NC

Answer a few questions to get personalized results
Who are you searching for?

If you’re looking for independent living in the Guide area, our local senior living advisors can help you each step of the way. From affordable independent living for seniors to luxury options, we’ll work with you to understand the cost of independent living in Guide. From there, we’ll show you the best independent living communities for your lifestyle, interests, and budget.

Discover unique independent living amenities, social activities, dining, and more independent living benefits. With 19 independent living facilities in Guide, A Place for Mom makes it easier to find your new, maintenance-free home.

We are also serving Assisted Living facilities in surrounding neighborhoods like Conway, North Myrtle Beach and Little River.
You may also consider nearby communities such as Conway, North Myrtle Beach and Little River.

ShortCode tests:
top3CommunitiesWithLinks: Arbor Landing at Surfside, Arbor Landing at Ocean Isle and Indigo at Carolina Forest
zipAveragecost: $3,900

Guide Independent Living Facilities | 853 Reviews

Showing 17 communities
Last Updated: 11/22/25
Sort by
Filter by
Review Score
Distance
Amenities
Providers
Photo of Arbor Landing at SurfsideCommunity card badge
2020 Photos available
10
Review score
45 reviews
10
Review score
45 reviews
5 star
94%
4 star
4%
3 star
2%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
No complaints. They do all they can for him. It is a very clean and pleasant atmosphere. Everyone there is very friendly. The care there seems very good. My experiences with admin and staff have been good. I...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Our independent living neighborhood offers seniors the perfect balance between independence and support, security and freedom, privacy and socialization.All-inclusive services include:•Private studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with convenient kitchenettes, gracious tiled bathrooms,...
See details
Photo of Arbor Landing at Ocean Isle
1212 Photos available
9.9
Review score
51 reviews
9.9
Review score
51 reviews
5 star
80%
4 star
12%
3 star
8%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
A beautiful, clean, and safe place with quality caring staff that offers multiple levels of assisted living options. I would definitely recommend.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Person Centered. Service Focused. Passion Driven. Arbor Landing at Ocean Isle is an exceptional new option for Senior Living in southeastern North Carolina. Arbor Landing offers residents Retirement Living with Assisted Services. A unique alternative for seniors, the community combines just the...
See details
Photo of Indigo at Carolina Forest
77 Photos available
1717 Floor plans available
9.8
Review score
41 reviews
9.8
Review score
41 reviews
5 star
79%
4 star
12%
3 star
5%
2 star
2%
1 star
2%
See all reviews
The staff will do everything that they can to help you. I will say it took my dad about 1 1/2 -2weeks for him to be comfortable. I would suggest that families encourage the prospective resident to get...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
See details
Photo of Arbor Landing at Compass Pointe
2525 Photos available
9.6
Review score
23 reviews
9.6
Review score
23 reviews
5 star
79%
4 star
17%
3 star
4%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
They are nice apartments. They have friendly, caring staff. There are many activities. There are decent meals - good variety of alternatives to chef's selection. They are pet friendly.
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
See details
Photo of Holiday Lake Shore Commons
1717 Photos available
4242 Floor plans available
9.5
Review score
85 reviews
9.5
Review score
85 reviews
5 star
62%
4 star
24%
3 star
7%
2 star
5%
1 star
2%
See all reviews
They have very caring staff, fun activities, and even my picky eater mom liked the food! The apartment is very large compared to other comparably priced places here in Wilmington.
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Lake Shore Commons provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment. Located in a quiet, beautiful section of Wilmington near the city's center, you'll love your peaceful home in the heart of town. We're minutes from healthcare shopping, dining and many interesting...
See details
Photo of TerraBella Myrtle Beach
1717 Photos available
9.5
Review score
100 reviews
9.5
Review score
100 reviews
5 star
59%
4 star
27%
3 star
6%
2 star
2%
1 star
6%
See all reviews
Everyone at Terra Bella has been great to work with. Very friendly and helpful. They have plenty of activities to choose from and my mom has found things to do that keep her busy and happy. She has been...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Terra Bella Myrtle Beach provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment.One of the nation's most popular tourist draws, now you'll be able to call Myrtle Beach home all year round. Conveniently located in the town's center, you're in luck if you like mild weather, miles...
See details
Photo of Magnolia Bridge at Murrells Inlet
1717 Photos available
1818 Floor plans available
9.3
Review score
34 reviews
9.3
Review score
34 reviews
5 star
53%
4 star
32%
3 star
9%
2 star
6%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
The facilities and pricing are a number 5! They ARE certainly struggling with Staff though, lots of turnover and lots of cell phone use during work hours. Seems like the Staff is not capable or cares about...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Magnolia Bridge at Murrells InletMagnolia Bridge at Murrells Inlet is the newest senior living community in the Murrells Inlet area that offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. We began construction in 2022 and welcomed our first resident in the spring of 2023. Many of our...
See details
Photo of Portside at Grande Dunes
1919 Photos available
9.2
Review score
46 reviews
9.2
Review score
46 reviews
5 star
63%
4 star
22%
3 star
9%
2 star
4%
1 star
2%
See all reviews
My father says he is very happy at Portside at Grande Dunes. The people are extremely caring and responsive. Enjoys happy hour and exercise classes.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
At Portside at Grande Dunes, we offer a variety of community features. Residents can enjoy regular off-site adventures and excursions. Cats and dogs are allowed in private quarters. Our property is conveniently located near accessible public transportation. We offer free wi-fi and high speed...
See details
Photo of New Haven at Little River
2121 Photos available
66 Floor plans available
9.1
Review score
40 reviews
9.1
Review score
40 reviews
5 star
55%
4 star
20%
3 star
10%
2 star
10%
1 star
5%
See all reviews
The facility administration was friendly and helpful when problems arose. Once Mom established some friends, her experience was enhanced. Plenty of activities and social hours to bring people together.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
See details
Photo of The Woods at Holly Tree
88 Photos available
9.0
Review score
209 reviews
9.0
Review score
209 reviews
5 star
82%
4 star
11%
3 star
5%
2 star
0%
1 star
2%
See all reviews
The staff was friendly. They kept me and my husband up to date. The facility was clean and the food was good. Yes, we would recommend this community to other families.
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
The Woods at Holly Tree provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment. Located in a quiet suburb of the bustling town of Wilmington, you'll love coming home to a calm and friendly environment in the heart of it all. We're close to excellent shopping and first-class...
See details
Inline cta image

Our free advisors can help

  • Compare local facilities
  • Determine care type
  • Schedule tours
  • Evaluate pricing
Photo of Carolina Gardens at Conway
1313 Photos available
8.6
Review score
18 reviews
8.6
Review score
18 reviews
5 star
66%
4 star
17%
3 star
11%
2 star
0%
1 star
6%
See all reviews
Staff is very friendly and most of them really care and respect my Mom. She loves her apartment. Not very mobile so she can't take take advantage of all the amenities. We had visited several places and we...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Carolina Gardens at Conway is an assisted living and memory care community in Conway, South Carolina. Conway is a thriving city in the Myrtle Beach metro area, home to Coastal Carolina University and has been designated as a Tree City USA for over 20 years. With a revitalized downtown area that...
Photo of Garden Manor Village
33 Photos available
8.2
Review score
22 reviews
8.2
Review score
22 reviews
5 star
27%
4 star
45%
3 star
14%
2 star
5%
1 star
9%
See all reviews
It is an independent living facility. They only offer lunch but it is a large meal with soup and salad and dessert. My father ate half of it and always brought half back to his place. The meal however is the...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Cost of residency includes: - Unfurnished apartment. - One well prepared meal per day. - Weekly housekeeping. - All utilities excluding phone and cable. - Scheduled activity program.
See details
Photo of Lakes at Litchfield
1212 Photos available
5 star
96%
4 star
4%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I am thoroughly happy as a member of this community. The location is wonderful and awe enjoy excellent friendships. We are more than comfortable with excellent amenities.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living, Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Photo of Seagate Village
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Wesley Pines
1212 Photos available
44 Floor plans available
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Wesley Pines is managed by Life Care Services®, An LCS® Company. Life Care Services ranked highest in customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power 2019 Senior Living Study and achieved the highest score in all seven study factors: resident services and activities; community staff; food and beverage;...
Photo of Lumberton Assisted Living
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Brightmore of Wilmington
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Welcome To An Exceptional Retirement Destination!When selecting a retirement destination, one of the most important considerations is location. Brightmore of Wilmington is especially appealing to residents who appreciate the beauty,tradition and charm of one of America's oldest cities, as well as...

Cost of independent living in Guide, NC

The average cost of senior living in Guide is $3,900 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Orrum, NC with an average of $3,495 per month.

Independent living costs in Guide, NC, vs. nearby cities

Guide, NC
$3,900/mo
$4,016/mo

Independent living costs in Guide, NC, vs. state and national averages

Guide, NC
$3,900/mo
U.S. national average
$4,070/mo

Independent living costs in Guide, NC, vs. other senior living options

$4,596/mo
Independent Living
$3,900/mo

Independent living costs in Guide, NC, by floor plan type

Semi-Private
$4,965/mo
Studio
$4,569/mo
1 Bedroom
$4,538/mo
2 Bedroom
$4,982/mo
Detached Cottage/Bungalow
$4,079/mo

Senior living costs in Guide vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column communityType: Community type
Column destination: Guide, NC
Column state: North Carolina
Column national: U.S.
Community typeGuide, NCNorth CarolinaU.S.
Independent Living$3,900/mo$3,599/mo$4,070/mo
Assisted Living$4,026/mo$4,273/mo$4,612/mo
Memory Care$4,596/mo$5,171/mo$5,372/mo
Independent Living
Guide, NC:$3,900/mo
North Carolina:$3,599/mo
U.S.:$4,070/mo
Assisted Living
Guide, NC:$4,026/mo
North Carolina:$4,273/mo
U.S.:$4,612/mo
Memory Care
Guide, NC:$4,596/mo
North Carolina:$5,171/mo
U.S.:$5,372/mo
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Independent living costs in Guide, NC, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly independent living costs have shifted over the past five years in Guide and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent quarterly averages of what seniors actually paid after moving into A Place for Mom partner communities.

Guide, NCNC stateNational

Independent living cost trends in Guide, NC

The table below shows how monthly independent living costs in Guide have changed in the last two years and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent averages of actual costs paid by seniors who moved into A Place for Mom partner communities in 2023 and 2024.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column location: Location
Column cost2024: 2024 average cost
Column cost2023: 2023 average cost
Column percentChange: Percent change
Location2024 average cost2023 average costPercent change
Guide, NC$3,592/mo$3,403/mo+5.6%
North Carolina$3,600/mo$3,416/mo+5.4%
National$3,265/mo$3,169/mo+3.0%
Guide, NC
2024 average cost:$3,592/mo
2023 average cost:$3,403/mo
Percent change:+5.6%
North Carolina
2024 average cost:$3,600/mo
2023 average cost:$3,416/mo
Percent change:+5.4%
National
2024 average cost:$3,265/mo
2023 average cost:$3,169/mo
Percent change:+3.0%
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Discover the many ways to pay for senior living

Planning ahead can better position you to make good choices for your loved one’s care in the future. But if your aging family member needs care now, there are ways to finance the cost of long-term care through a combination of approaches.

What families are saying about independent living in Guide

Recent reviews for independent living in Guide

Brightwater Assisted Living in Myrtle Beach, SC

5.0
All prominent senior living communities have well-appointed housing options with a variety of health, wellness and entertainment programs. What makes Brightwater standout are its Move Coordinator and Mentoring Program. The Brightwater Move Coordinator works with you, your movers and ...
Read more

Arbor Landing at Ocean Isle in Shallotte, NC

5.0
Moving mom to an independent living apartment was of course very stressful. Chosing the right facility and getting buy-in from mom, who had a 3 bedroom 2 bath house by herself was sometimes tenuous. A place for mom helped to make the right facility choice. The fact that momcould take her ...
Read more

Garden Manor Village in Murrells Inlet, SC

4.3
My mom and dad experienced happiness at Garden Manor Village in their remaining years and received compassion from the staff and management when they passed. They spoke highly of the living conditions and entertainment . Now, my sister in law is living there and loves it. Those that say there ...
Read more

Guide independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Guide independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Guide, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Guide independent living

Independent living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Guide partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Guide, NCNational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
5.9%
20.5%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
29.4%
34.1%
No sugar
No sugar
17.6%
31.5%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
17.6%
33.6%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
5.9%
8.1%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Guide independent living

Our independent living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Guide communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Guide, NCNational
Professional chef
Professional chef
23.5%
36.5%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
58.8%
43.5%
Room service
Room service
41.2%
36.9%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
11.8%
17.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Guide independent living

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered independent living communities in Guide offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Guide, NCNational
Activity director
Activity director
64.7%
45.3%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
35.3%
28.4%
Community service programs
Community service programs
41.2%
32.8%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
82.4%
49.3%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
58.8%
49.8%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
82.4%
54.9%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
47.1%
43.1%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
29.4%
37.7%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
52.9%
41.7%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
58.8%
47.5%
Live performances
Live performances
58.8%
47.3%
Dances
Dances
41.2%
32.6%
Fitness center
Fitness center
58.8%
39.8%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
58.8%
47%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
Photo cta image

More questions?

Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
Back to top