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
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7 Best Independent Living Communities in Guide, NC

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The cost of independent living in Guide is about $4,967 per month. To find the best independent living for your preferences and budget, browse these 7 options. Read 266 reviews, see photos, and learn about amenities that make independent living the ideal next step for adults 55+ who wish to enjoy friendships and hobbies without the hassle of cooking and home maintenance.

As you explore independent living near you, you may also want to consider options in areas like You may also consider nearby communities such as Conway, Shallotte and North Myrtle Beach.

Guide Independent Living Facilities | 266 Reviews

Showing 7 communities
Last Updated: 12/4/25
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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...
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Photo of Indigo at Carolina Forest
77 Photos available
1717 Floor plans available
9.7
Review score
41 reviews
9.7
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 Portside at Grande Dunes
1919 Photos available
9.3
Review score
47 reviews
9.3
Review score
47 reviews
5 star
64%
4 star
21%
3 star
9%
2 star
4%
1 star
2%
See all reviews
An amazing place. It was a great transition place for my mother from CA in [date removed]. Started not knowing true condition mentally, or physically after my father's death, since I was in SC and was being...
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...
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Photo of River Park Senior Living
99 Photos available
88 Floor plans available
9.2
Review score
17 reviews
9.2
Review score
17 reviews
5 star
70%
4 star
24%
3 star
6%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Family lives in the area, only three miles from where I am now living. I love the area and like being close to the beach. , I would recommend River Park to my friends. The staff at River Park are the best.
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.
Located on the coast of South Carolina in the heart of the North Grand Strand, River Park Senior Living is a newly-built, non-profit, conveniently located continuing care community, close to dining, shopping, entertainment and medical facilities. River Park is situated on more than 20 acres of...
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Photo of The Barclay 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 Brightwater Assisted Living
1313 Photos available
8.0
Review score
68 reviews
8.0
Review score
68 reviews
5 star
99%
4 star
1%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Brightwater provided exceptional care for my mother while in both assisted living and nursing care. Sharon went above and beyond to help ensure my mother was in good care. The staff including [names removed]...
Provides: Assisted Living, 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.
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.
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
50%
2 star
0%
1 star
50%
See all reviews
Provides: Independent Living, Senior Apartments
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.
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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Cost of independent living in Guide, NC

The average cost of senior living in Guide is $4,967 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Orrum, NC with an average of $3,528 per month.

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

Guide, NC
$4,967/mo
$4,141/mo

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

Guide, NC
$4,967/mo
U.S. national average
$4,167/mo

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

$4,577/mo
Independent Living
$4,967/mo

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

Semi-Private
$5,340/mo
Studio
$5,063/mo
1 Bedroom
$5,277/mo
2 Bedroom
$5,520/mo
Detached Cottage/Bungalow
$4,049/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$4,967/mo$3,700/mo$4,167/mo
Assisted Living$4,062/mo$4,433/mo$4,835/mo
Memory Care$4,577/mo$5,282/mo$5,614/mo
Independent Living
Guide, NC:$4,967/mo
North Carolina:$3,700/mo
U.S.:$4,167/mo
Assisted Living
Guide, NC:$4,062/mo
North Carolina:$4,433/mo
U.S.:$4,835/mo
Memory Care
Guide, NC:$4,577/mo
North Carolina:$5,282/mo
U.S.:$5,614/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$4,172/mo$3,671/mo+13.6%
North Carolina$3,148/mo$3,006/mo+4.7%
National$3,004/mo$2,867/mo+4.8%
Guide, NC
2024 average cost:$4,172/mo
2023 average cost:$3,671/mo
Percent change:+13.6%
North Carolina
2024 average cost:$3,148/mo
2023 average cost:$3,006/mo
Percent change:+4.7%
National
2024 average cost:$3,004/mo
2023 average cost:$2,867/mo
Percent change:+4.8%
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

Indigo at Carolina Forest in Myrtle Beach, SC

4.5
The place is very nice and great location The staff are really great They will bend over backwards to help you We love the people that work there. As far as the food goes, they need to serve the food hot and have more of of variety on the menu.

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
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
28.6%
34.4%
No sugar
No sugar
14.3%
30.9%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
14.3%
33.6%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
14.3%
10.5%
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
57.1%
36.5%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
71.4%
43.5%
Room service
Room service
42.9%
37%
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
71.4%
45.1%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
57.1%
28.3%
Community service programs
Community service programs
57.1%
33%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
71.4%
47.5%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
71.4%
48.9%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
71.4%
54%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
57.1%
42.9%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
57.1%
38.1%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
71.4%
41.8%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
71.4%
47.1%
Live performances
Live performances
71.4%
46.8%
Dances
Dances
57.1%
33%
Fitness center
Fitness center
71.4%
39.5%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
71.4%
46.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
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