This North Carolina Nursing Home Just Ranked No. 1 In A Major 2027 List

I kept coming back to one number: 14,752.

That is how many nursing homes were evaluated nationwide before Newsweek and Statista built their 2027 ranking, and only 1,325 made the final list.

Abernethy Laurels finished No. 1 in North Carolina among facilities with more than 150 beds.

For me, the federal five-star overall rating makes the recognition even more meaningful because it comes from a completely separate system.

Then I started looking beyond the rankings.

The campus spreads across 120 wooded acres in the Blue Ridge foothills, with walking paths, gardens, and an indoor heated pool woven into everyday life.

I think that balance matters.

Numbers can tell me how a facility performed.

They cannot show me what an ordinary Tuesday feels like for the people who actually live there.

First Place Out Of Thousands Is A Pretty Big Deal

Out of 14,752 nursing homes evaluated nationwide, 1,325 earned recognition in Newsweek and Statista’s 2027 rankings. Abernethy Laurels landed at the very top for large facilities in North Carolina.

The honor comes from Newsweek’s America’s Best Nursing Homes 2027 list, developed in partnership with research firm Statista. The category covers nursing homes with 150 or more certified beds, placing Abernethy Laurels among the state’s larger facilities.

Running a big home well is tricky business. More residents mean more staff, more meals, more schedules, and a lot more moving parts.

So how do judges pick a winner? They weigh performance data, recommendations from medical professionals, accreditations, and resident satisfaction.

That mix matters because it isn’t one person’s opinion. It blends hard numbers with input from people who know nursing care well.

The 2027 rankings are already available, giving families an updated comparison of nursing homes across the country.

For now, the current crown sits firmly in this foothills community. If you’re comparing options for a parent or grandparent, that ranking is a smart starting point.

Of course, no list replaces a personal tour and good questions. Still, starting your search at the top never hurts.

Five Gold Stars From The Folks Who Grade Nursing Homes

Government report cards aren’t usually exciting reading. This one is, because Abernethy Laurels’ skilled nursing facility earned a five-star overall rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

That federal agency runs the rating system families see on Medicare’s comparison website. Stars range from one to five, so this is the highest mark available.

The overall score pulls from three areas. Health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures all feed into the final number.

Think of it like a report card with several subjects. Doing well in just one isn’t enough to earn the top grade.

Abernethy Laurels is also certified for both Medicare and Medicaid. Abernethy Laurels began operating in 1971, while federal nursing-home records list January 17, 1977, as its original Medicare and Medicaid certification date.

Those certifications can make a real difference for families planning finances. Many people rely on these programs for skilled nursing and rehab stays.

The community has 174 certified beds for nursing care. That’s a sizable operation, which helps explain its place in the large-facility ranking.

Here’s a tip worth remembering. When you look up any nursing home, check the star rating and read each category separately.

Needs Change, And The Address Doesn’t Have To

Moving once is stressful enough. Moving three or four times as health needs shift sounds exhausting.

That’s the big idea behind a continuing care retirement community, or CCRC. Abernethy Laurels is a licensed, non-profit CCRC, so residents can age in place on one campus.

The menu of care is wide. It includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and skilled nursing.

Short-term rehabilitation is part of the lineup too. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy help people bounce back after surgery or illness.

Assisted living residents have access to staff around the clock, with assistance available for daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and taking medications. Medication management is included, which takes a lot of worry off families.

Home care and respite services round things out nicely. Respite care gives family caregivers a much-needed break without leaving a loved one in a strange place.

Abernethy Laurels opened its new Health and Rehabilitation Center in 2017, featuring 96 private resident rooms arranged into six households.

Private rooms are a quiet luxury in nursing care. When you’re recovering, a little peace and privacy can go a long way toward feeling like yourself again.

Cottage, Villa, Or Apartment? Pick Your Porch

Some folks want a little house with a front porch. Others want an apartment with less to clean.

Good news, because independent living here comes in several shapes. Residents can choose cottages, villas, or apartments.

Apartment floor plans include studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms. Some layouts stretch up to 1,100 square feet, which is roomy enough for the good furniture.

Many homes come with private porches, patios, or balconies. A spot for morning coffee and fresh air is a big win in my book.

The community uses a fee-for-service model. That means residents pick the services and meal options they actually want.

I like that approach because independent living residents can select services and meal options based on their needs, with specific charges outlined in their residency agreements.

Apartment residents also get maintenance, electrical, plumbing, and appliance repair included. No more hunting for a repair person when the dishwasher acts up.

Housekeeping, cable TV, and an emergency call system add more peace of mind. Put together, it’s a setup that keeps independence front and center while trimming the chores.

Pack A Swimsuit, Because The Pool Is Heated

Water aerobics in January? Totally doable here.

CORE Fitness, the on-campus wellness center, features an indoor heated pool. Right next to it sits a spa, so tired muscles have somewhere warm to recover.

The equipment list goes well beyond a couple of dusty treadmills. Nautilus strength machines, cardio equipment, and free weights all share the space.

Lockers and shower areas make it easy to work out and head straight to lunch. Small details like that keep people coming back.

Here’s the best part for residents. Use of CORE Fitness is included with residency, so there’s no extra gym bill.

Pool exercise is especially friendly for older joints. Water supports the body, which can make moving feel easier and safer.

The community also offers a range of health and wellness programs. Staying active is easier when the gym is a short walk instead of a car ride.

My advice for anyone touring? Ask to see the pool and fitness schedule, then picture your weekly routine there.

Fine Dining, Coffee Breaks, And A Bistro On Standby

Mealtime can make or break a day. At Abernethy Laurels, dining gets treated like the main event it deserves to be.

Residents can enjoy a fine dining experience with healthy meals. Dishes are tailored to both nutritional needs and personal tastes.

That balance is harder than it sounds. Plenty of places manage healthy or tasty, but aiming for both shows real care.

Need a midmorning pick-me-up? A coffee shop on campus has that covered.

There’s also a bistro for something more casual. Even short-term rehab patients can use the bistro during their stay.

Private dining rooms are available for gatherings. Birthdays, anniversaries, and family visits get a special spot without leaving campus.

The fee-for-service setup lets residents choose meal options that suit them. So someone who loves cooking at home isn’t stuck paying for three restaurant meals a day.

I can’t imagine a nicer way to host the grandkids than a private room and good food. If you’re visiting, ask about booking one of those spaces ahead of time.

120 Acres Of Woods, Trails, And Tomato Plants

Most backyards end at a fence. This one rolls across 120 wooded acres.

The campus sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. That’s a pretty lovely backdrop for an afternoon stroll.

Walking and greenway trails wind through the property. A daily loop counts as exercise and a nature break at the same time.

Gazebos give walkers a shady spot to rest and chat. I like the idea of a built-in excuse to pause and enjoy the view.

Then there’s the resident garden. Residents can grow their own vegetables right on campus.

Gardening keeps hands busy and minds engaged. Plus, nothing beats bragging about a homegrown tomato at dinner.

A meditation area adds another quiet corner to the mix. It’s a thoughtful touch for anyone who needs a calm moment.

Wooded land like this changes with every season. Spring green, summer shade, and fall color mean the walks never look exactly the same twice.

Billiards, Books, And Free Stays At Sister Campuses

A community center sits at the heart of daily life here. It’s packed with activities, events, and plenty of reasons to leave the recliner.

Take the billiards area, for starters. Friendly competition never really goes out of style.

The Fireside Library offers books plus computer access. Wireless internet is available in the community center, so video calls with family are easy.

Social clubs give residents a chance to find their people. Shared hobbies turn neighbors into friends surprisingly fast.

Now for the fun travel perk. The Passport to Travel program lets residents stay at sister communities for up to two weeks free of charge.

Travelers cover only transportation and incidentals. The program runs through the United Church of Christ’s Council for Health and Human Services Ministries.

That’s a clever way to see new places without hotel bills. A beach getaway or city visit suddenly feels much more doable.

Back home, a beauty salon and barber shop keep everyone looking sharp. Guest accommodations also make it easy for out-of-town family to visit.

More Than Fifty Years Of Practice Shows

Since 1971, this campus has welcomed older adults looking for a place to call home. That’s a long track record in North Carolina retirement living.

Abernethy Laurels is owned and operated by EveryAge, a Christian ministry. The group was formerly known as United Church Homes and Services.

EveryAge now operates 19 locations across North Carolina and Virginia, serving more than 3,500 older adults.

You’ll find the community at 102 Leonard Avenue, Newton, NC 28658. Newton sits in Catawba County, within easy reach of the foothills scenery.

Practical perks make daily life smoother. Residents get 24-hour security, a 24-hour ATM, and business center services.

Getting around is easier too. Individual and airport transportation services help residents keep appointments and catch flights.

Being non-profit shapes the mission in a meaningful way. The focus stays on residents and care rather than outside investors.

So is a No. 1 ranking the whole story? Not quite, but decades of experience plus top marks make Abernethy Laurels well worth a visit and a long list of questions.