Brunswick County: A Retirement Haven

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is an excellent place to retire, with its beautiful scenery, friendly communities, and range of retirement homes and communities. The county offers a mix of quiet beach towns, vibrant cities, and charming villages, providing something for everyone.

For those seeking a peaceful beach retirement, Oak Island, Calabash, Ocean Isle Beach, and Leland are excellent choices, offering pristine beaches, beautiful wildlife, and tranquil walks. Niche users have given these locations an average rating of 3.6 to 4.6 stars.

If you're looking for a place with more amenities and social activities, St. James is a great option. Located in Brunswick County, it offers the natural beauty of Woodlands Park and Waterway Park, as well as recreational activities like fishing, hiking, and biking. Niche users have rated St. James 5 out of 5 stars.

For those who need more specialised care, Brunswick County also offers a range of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, such as the Southport Nursing Center, Ocean Trail Healthcare & Rehab Center, and Shallotte Assisted Living. These facilities provide care for older adults with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or those recovering from injuries or surgeries.

With its variety of options, Brunswick County, NC, is an ideal place to consider for your retirement.

Retirement homes and communities

Brunswick County, North Carolina, offers a range of retirement homes and communities to suit different needs and preferences. Here are some options to consider:

Independent Living Communities:

Independent living facilities cater to seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live independently. Here are some options in Brunswick County:

• The Woods at Holly Tree: Located in Wilmington, this community offers a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a quiet, suburban setting. It's close to excellent shopping and first-class medical facilities.
• Brightmore of Wilmington: This community provides an exceptional retirement destination, especially for those who appreciate the beauty, tradition, and charm of Wilmington.
• Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall: Also located in Wilmington, this community offers independent living options.

Assisted Living Facilities:

Assisted living facilities are designed for seniors who need support with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Here are some options in Brunswick County:

• Carillon Assisted Living of Southport: This retirement community provides a family environment, three daily meals, and private or companion suites. It can accommodate up to 96 residents.
• Shallotte Assisted Living: Located in Shallotte, this facility offers Alzheimer's and dementia care, scheduled wellness visits, and visiting physician services. It can accommodate up to 80 seniors.
• Leland House: A pet-friendly retirement home in Leland that offers amenities like a spacious dining room, social activities, and complimentary laundry service. It can accommodate up to 78 residents.

Nursing Homes:

Nursing homes provide round-the-clock care for older adults with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or those recovering from surgeries or injuries. Here are some options in Brunswick County:

• Brunswick Cove Nursing Center: Located in Winnabow, this facility offers skilled nursing care and assistance for up to 175 seniors. Services include memory care, dialysis, transportation, and more.
• Autumn Care of Shallotte: This nursing and retirement facility in Shallotte provides services such as Alzheimer's care, IV therapy, social work services, and dermatology services. It can accommodate up to 100 seniors.
• Ocean Trail Healthcare & Rehab Center: Located in Southport, this Medicare-licensed facility offers dementia care, sub-acute nursing care, podiatry services, and more. It can accommodate up to 99 residents.

These options showcase the variety of retirement homes and communities available in Brunswick County, NC. Each facility differs in terms of amenities, services, and levels of care, so it's essential to consider your specific needs and preferences when making a decision.

Assisted living facilities

There are several assisted living facilities in Brunswick County, North Carolina, offering a range of services and amenities to cater to the needs of retirees. Assisted living facilities are ideal for individuals who need help with daily tasks and personal care but want to maintain a level of independence. Here is a detailed overview of some of the top options:

Carillon Assisted Living of Southport

Located at 1125 E Leonard Street in Southport, this facility offers a family-like environment and provides three daily meals prepared by a registered dietitian. It can accommodate up to 96 residents and offers both private and companion suites.

Shallotte Assisted Living

Situated at 520 Mulberry Street in Shallotte, this facility provides care and housing for up to 80 seniors. They offer specialised care for individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia, as well as scheduled wellness visits and a visiting physician.

Leland House

Leland House is a pet-friendly facility located at 1935 Lincoln Road in Leland. It offers a range of amenities, including a spacious dining room, social activities, and complimentary laundry services. Up to 78 residents can be accommodated.

Arbor Landing at Ocean Isle

Addressed at 5490 Arbor Branch Drive in Shallotte, this facility receives positive reviews for its bright and welcoming atmosphere and the variety of events and activities on offer.

TerraBella Southport

TerraBella Southport, located at 1125 E Leonard St in Southport, is praised for its reasonable pricing and the high level of care it provides. The food is described as fantastic, and the staff is said to be amazing.

Arbor Landing at Compass Pointe

While this facility, located at 2771 Compass Pointe South Wynd NE in Leland, is beautiful and resort-like, it is a newer establishment and has not yet fully developed its activities and programs.

The Landings of Oak Island

A resident's wife speaks highly of the care she has received over the past 10 months at The Landings of Oak Island (2910 Pine Plantation Pkwy, Bolivia).

Shalom Assisted Living

Shalom Assisted Living, located at 520 Mulberry Street in Shallotte, offers assisted living services and is described as an old but well-maintained facility.

Brunswick Cove Nursing Center

Brunswick Cove Nursing Center, located at 1478 River Road SE in Winnabow, provides skilled nursing care and assistance for up to 175 senior citizens. It includes amenities such as a memory care unit, security system, dialysis, and transportation to outings.

When considering assisted living facilities, it is important to assess the level of care required, the amenities offered, and the overall atmosphere of the facility. Visiting the facilities and speaking with staff and residents can help determine if it is the right fit.

Memory care units

When considering memory care units in Brunswick County, NC, it's important to understand the specific needs and requirements of the individual. Memory care facilities are designed for those experiencing memory loss, often due to Alzheimer's or dementia, and require specialised care and a safe environment. Here is some information on memory care options in the area:

Coastal Pointe:

Coastal Pointe is Brunswick County's newest senior living community, offering assisted living and memory care. The community is designed with a unique "Main Street" theme, featuring Coastline Commons, Driftwood Coffee Bar, a spa, and the Ocean Cinema. The staff is described as caring and friendly, creating a family-like environment. Residents can enjoy various amenities, and the community prioritises the comfort and well-being of its members.

Brunswick Cove Nursing Center:

Brunswick Cove Nursing Center is a licensed senior retirement home in Winnabow, North Carolina, providing skilled nursing care and assistance for up to 175 senior citizens. It includes a memory care unit as part of its services, ensuring that residents with memory-related issues receive specialised care. The centre is Medicare-licensed and accepts Medicare and Medicaid. Its address is 1478 River Road, Winnabow, North Carolina, with the zip code 28479.

Autumn Care of Shallotte:

Autumn Care of Shallotte is a nursing and retirement facility located at 237 Mulberry Street in Brunswick County. It provides Alzheimer's care as one of its services, indicating that it has the necessary resources and expertise to support individuals with memory-related conditions. Autumn Care can accommodate up to 100 seniors and is licensed to provide nursing care services.

Ocean Trail Healthcare & Rehab Center:

Ocean Trail Healthcare & Rehab Center is a Medicare-licensed nursing home located in Southport, North Carolina, with the address 630 Fodale Avenue and the zip code 28461. They offer dementia care as part of their range of services, indicating their capacity to provide specialised memory care for residents experiencing cognitive decline. The facility can accommodate up to 99 Brunswick residents requiring 24/7 skilled nursing services.

Shallotte Assisted Living:

Shallotte Assisted Living is a retirement home in Brunswick County, situated at 520 Mulberry Street in Shallotte, North Carolina. It offers Alzheimer's and dementia care, indicating that memory care is a key component of their services. The facility can house up to 80 seniors and provides a range of amenities and care options for retirees in the area.

These options showcase the variety of memory care units available in Brunswick County, NC. Each facility differs in terms of location, capacity, and specific amenities offered. It is important to consider the unique needs and preferences of the individual when making a decision about memory care units, ensuring that they receive the best possible care in a suitable environment.

Nursing homes

Brunswick County, North Carolina, offers a range of options for those seeking nursing homes or retirement communities. The county is known for its beautiful beaches, friendly neighbours, and social activities, making it an attractive place for retirees.

Brunswick County has several nursing homes providing skilled nursing care and assistance for older adults with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or those recovering from injuries or surgeries. Here are some options to consider:

• Brunswick Cove Nursing Center: Located in Winnabow, this nursing home can accommodate up to 175 residents and offers services such as memory care, dialysis, and transportation. It is Medicare and Medicaid-certified and has a licensed capacity of 175 beds. It provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, with average ratings for both.
• Autumn Care of Shallotte: This facility in Shallotte offers nursing services to all Brunswick County residents, including Alzheimer's care, IV therapy, and dermatology services. It has a licensed capacity of 100 beds.
• Ocean Trail Healthcare & Rehab Center: A Medicare-licensed nursing home in Southport, with a capacity of 99 residents. They offer dementia care, sub-acute nursing care, and podiatry services.
• Southport Nursing Center: Another Southport-based nursing home accepting Medicare and Medicaid, with a capacity of 64 residents. They provide physical and therapeutic activities, psychological services, and restorative nursing care.
• Universal Health Care / Brunswick: Located in Bolivia, this nursing home serves up to 90 residents and offers services such as air fluidized bed therapy, respite care, and physical therapy.

Retirement Communities in Brunswick County, NC:

Brunswick County also offers independent living, assisted living, and continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) for those who do not require the level of care provided by nursing homes. Here are some options:

• Carillon Assisted Living of Southport: A retirement community in Southport, offering a family environment, daily meals, and private suites for up to 96 seniors.
• Shallotte Assisted Living: Located in Shallotte, this facility provides care and housing for up to 80 seniors, including Alzheimer's and dementia care, and scheduled wellness visits.
• Leland House: A pet-friendly retirement home in Leland, accommodating up to 78 residents. They offer amenities such as a spacious dining room, social activities, and complimentary laundry service.

When considering a nursing home or retirement community, it is essential to assess the level of care required, the amenities offered, and the cost. Additionally, visiting the facilities, speaking with staff and residents, and checking reviews can help determine the best fit for you or your loved one.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Brunswick County, North Carolina, varies depending on the specific location and the type of retirement community chosen. On average, retirees can expect to pay between $2,000 and $6,000 per month to live in a retirement community in the county. This cost typically covers a range of amenities, such as dining facilities, recreational activities, transportation services, and medical assistance.

For example, in the town of Leland, which is about 10 minutes from Wilmington, retirees can find a mix of stores, restaurants, and other amenities. The cost of living in Leland is generally considered affordable, with low yearly taxes. Similarly, the town of Shallotte, which is known for its southern hospitality, is also mentioned as an affordable option for retirees.

Other areas in Brunswick County that are worth considering for retirement include Sunset Beach, known for its pristine homes and immaculate yards, and Boiling Spring Lakes, which offers a charming and supportive small-town environment. These areas provide easy access to beaches, shopping areas, and restaurants, while also being away from the hustle and bustle of more touristy destinations.

When considering the cost of living in Brunswick County, it's important to factor in the level of care and accommodation type required. The county offers a range of options, from independent living communities to assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The specific amenities and services provided can also impact the cost, so it's advisable to inquire about these details when considering different retirement communities.

Frequently asked questions