Founded in 1753, Salisbury is the oldest continually settled community in North Carolina’s scenic Piedmont region. The city is home to 33,988 residents, and seniors represent more than 18% of the population, which is slightly higher than the national average. Salisbury is a great place for older adults. The climate is warm and pleasant, and the cost of living is 15% lower than the national average.
Thanks to the city’s convenient location between Charlotte, Greensboro and Winston-Salem, the area has enjoyed steady growth. Local attractions include the Waterworks Visual Arts Center, Hurley Park and the historic Hambley Wallace House. Emergency medical care is available at the Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, and the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Medical Center serves veterans from across the region.
Local seniors can choose from more than a dozen assisted living facilities in town and eight additional communities in the surrounding area. The median cost of assisted living in Salisbury is $4,500 per month, which includes meals, accommodations, personal care and everything needed for a maintenance-free lifestyle.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
At $4,500 per month, assisted living prices in Salisbury are slightly higher than the U.S. median of $4,300 and well above the state median of $3,800. According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020, rates are also higher than most neighboring states, excluding Virginia where assisted living tops $4,850. Seniors in Tennessee pay $4,039 per month followed by South Carolina at $3,988 and Georgia at $3,500, which represents a monthly savings of $1,000.
Although assisted living prices in Salisbury are $700 higher than the state median, rates are similar to major cities in the region. Seniors in Raleigh pay $4,800, or $300 more per month. Residents in Charlotte pay $4,649, or $149 more, and rates in Greensboro are comparable to Salisbury at $4,509. More affordable options include the midsize city of Hickory at $4,000 as well as Burlington and Asheville at $2,850 and $2,750, respectively.
Note: Data for Salisbury was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Winston, was used instead.
One program that can help with the cost of assisted living is North Carolina’s Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA). This Home and Community-Based Services waiver is available to individuals who require a nursing home level of care and meet certain income and asset limits. It can pay for personal care attendants and many other services provided in an assisted living facility or residential setting. For more information, see our page on assisted living in North Carolina.
Contact | Description | |
Centralina Area Agency on Aging | (704) 372-2416 | Based in Charlotte, the Centralina Area Agency on Aging serves seniors, caregivers and disabled adults in Salisbury and the surrounding nine-county area. The agency’s long-term care ombudsman addresses questions or concerns regarding assisted living. It manages the Family Caregiver Support program, provides evidenced-based programs for managing chronic diseases and helps residents apply for Medicare Extra Help benefits. The Area Agency on Agency also funds local senior centers and provides direct care through various partners. |
Rufty-Holmes Senior Center | (704) 216-7714 | Home to the Salisbury Department of Senior Services, the Rufty-Holmes Senior Center provides a wealth of programs and resources for older adults. Recreational opportunities include clubs, classes, parties and games such as bingo and golf. The center features aerobics studios, an aquatics center and a well-equipped gym. Staff members are available to help with Medicare/Medicaid, insurance counseling, tax preparation, legal questions and needs assessments. |
Rowan Transit System | (704) 216-8888 | Rowan County sponsors several transportation programs in Salisbury and surrounding areas. Medicaid recipients qualify for free transportation to medical appointments, and the county operates a complimentary fixed-route ADA-compliant paratransit service. Seniors can take advantage of Rowan Express, which offers $1 fares to Kannapolis, Landis and China Grove. Residents may qualify for $2 rides through Rowan Individual Transportation Assistance, which serves designated areas one day a week. Bus service is also available throughout the city. |
Salisbury-Rowan Senior Games & SilverArts | (704) 216-7780 | Since 1983, the Salisbury-Rowan Senior Games have been providing meaningful recreational, social and educational activities for seniors age 50 or older as well as their friends and family. More than 700 local seniors participate in this year-round program, which tests residents’ skills in basketball, bocce ball, bowling and Olympic-style games. SilverArts highlights seniors’ skills in stained glass, crochet, woodworking and other specialized crafts. |
Rowan County Veterans Services | (704) 216-8138 | This government agency supports more than 14,000 veterans countywide. Military families, including survivors and dependents, can contact the department for assistance with VA medical care, pensions, long-term care supplements, life insurance, and final expenses. Veterans may qualify for low-cost transportation through Rowan County and the City of Salisbury. Officers can provide a complete rundown of available programs that individuals may qualify for. Consultations and services are free to all military families. |
Legal Aid of North Carolina Senior Legal Helpline | (877) 579-7562 | Sponsored by Legal Aid of North Carolina, the Senior Legal Helpline provides free legal information and advice to local residents aged 60 or older. Services are available to all seniors although individuals with the greatest social or economic need receive priority assistance. Attorneys with the Senior Law Project can help with estate planning, advance directives, billing disputes, taxes and housing. It also addressed claims related to public benefits, such as Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security and food stamps. |
Assisted living facilities in Salisbury and other parts of the state are licensed and regulated by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation, Adult Care Licensure Section. See our page on Assisted Living in North Carolina to learn more about these requirements.