These 15 North Carolina Nursing Homes Are Under The Spotlight In The Brand New 2027 U.S. News Ratings

Seventeen quality measures go into each side of these new nursing home ratings, which immediately told me this was more than a simple score.

U.S. News released its 2027 results on November 10, giving families a fresh way to compare care across North Carolina.

The ratings look at two very different situations.

Short-term rehabilitation focuses on helping someone recover enough to return home.

Long-term care looks at the experience of people who may live there much longer.

I appreciate that distinction because choosing care for someone you love rarely feels simple.

A ranking cannot make the decision for a family, but it can make the search feel a little less overwhelming.

That is why I started looking across the state.

Each facility below has something specific worth understanding before anyone starts comparing options.

15. Capital Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Being across the street from a major hospital is a pretty handy perk for a rehab center. Capital Nursing & Rehabilitation Center sits right across from WakeMed in Raleigh, with I-40 and I-440 close by.

That location matters when doctor visits pile up after a hospital stay. It also makes life easier for family members driving in from around the Triangle.

The list of services here is long. You’ll find short-term rehab, skilled nursing, long-term care, hospice, palliative care, respite care, and outpatient therapy.

Each new resident gets a personalized care plan right at the start. The goal is to rebuild strength, support recovery, and cut down on trips back to the hospital.

Capital also points to experienced leadership and a clinical team that has stuck around. Low turnover is a big deal, since familiar faces help people feel safe.

The center was voted one of Raleigh’s best nursing homes from 2023 through 2025. It also identifies as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space.

Ask how the team handles other health issues during a rehab stay. Medical services for secondary conditions are part of the plan here.

Address: 3000 Holston Ln, Raleigh, NC 27610

14. Hartwell Health & Rehab Center

Garner calls itself a town of award-winning parks, so it’s fitting that a rehab center here keeps recovery close to green space. Hartwell Health & Rehab Center sits just minutes from downtown Raleigh.

The drive to WakeMed’s main campus takes under 10 minutes. Quick access to I-40 helps too, especially for relatives commuting from across Wake County.

Inside, cleanliness is an important consideration for families touring the facility. Ask about housekeeping routines, infection prevention, and how frequently rooms and shared spaces are maintained.

The team goes beyond nurses. Physical therapists, social workers, and staff who help with Medicare and Medicaid questions all play a part.

That paperwork help is no small thing. Insurance forms can feel like a second full-time job when someone you love is recovering.

Once a patient is ready for outings, Garner has nice spots for a slow stroll. Lake Benson and White Deer Park both offer scenic trails.

Bring your list of questions about therapy schedules and discharge plans. A good team should walk you through both without rushing.

Address: 1101 Hartwell St, Garner, NC 27529

13. Autumn Care of Cornelius

Lake Norman gets the postcards, but Cornelius also has a quieter claim to fame for families. Autumn Care of Cornelius focuses on care plans built around one person at a time.

The center offers short-term rehabilitation, long-term skilled nursing, and respite care. That mix covers a lot of real-life situations.

Respite care deserves a shout-out. It gives family caregivers a short, much-needed break while their loved one stays somewhere safe and supervised.

IV therapy is also available on site. That can mean fewer trips elsewhere for treatments that some patients need during recovery.

The setting aims for a home-like feel rather than a sterile hospital vibe. The facility aims to provide a comfortable setting for residents, and families can assess the rooms, shared spaces, and cleanliness during a scheduled tour.

Specialized programs here are designed around the best possible outcomes. Ask the team which programs fit your family’s specific situation.

A quick tip for anyone touring here or anywhere in North Carolina. Visit at different times of day to see how the routine actually flows.

Address: 19530 Mt. Zion Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031

12. Autumn Care of Statesville

Statesville sits right where I-40 and I-77 cross, which makes it a handy meeting point for families spread across the Piedmont. Autumn Care of Statesville serves that crossroads with skilled nursing, long-term care, and short-term rehab.

The center describes a long tradition of caring for residents with kindness. Its approach is individualized, so plans fit the person instead of the other way around.

What stands out is the focus on emotional wellness, not just physical healing. Recovery is easier when someone feels like themselves again.

Short-term rehab works well after a surgery or hospital stay. Long-term care fits people who need daily support for the long haul.

Not sure which one you need? Ask the admissions team to explain how residents move between the two if needs change.

You should also ask how often care plans get reviewed. Bodies change, and a good plan should keep up.

The facility provides care around the clock, but families should confirm visiting guidelines and any evening access restrictions before arriving.

Address: 2001 Van Haven Dr, Statesville, NC 28625

11. Charlotte Health & Rehabilitation Center

Speech therapy rarely gets the spotlight, but it can be a game changer after a stroke or serious illness. Charlotte Health & Rehabilitation Center offers it alongside physical and occupational therapy.

Those three therapies tackle different goals. One builds strength and balance, another works on daily tasks, and the third helps with talking and swallowing.

The center also provides skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and long-term care. Its post-hospital recovery services focus on helping residents regain independence.

That word, independence, is the whole point for many families. Getting back to making your own coffee or walking to the mailbox feels huge.

The team describes its approach as patient-centered. In plain terms, care should be shaped around the person, not just the diagnosis.

The building is on Toddville Road on Charlotte’s west side. That’s handy if your family lives in that part of the Queen City.

When you tour, ask to see the therapy space. Then ask how many sessions per week a typical rehab patient gets.

Address: 1735 Toddville Rd, Charlotte, NC 28214

10. University Place Nursing & Rehabilitation

Plenty of nursing homes talk about physical health, but University Place Nursing & Rehabilitation adds three more items to the list. Its services aim to meet each resident’s emotional, social, and spiritual needs too.

That fuller view makes sense. A person recovering from surgery or illness still wants friends, purpose, and a real sense of peace.

The center serves both adults and seniors. Some come for a short-term rehab stay, while others are beginning the move into long-term care.

That transition can feel scary for everybody involved. A team that supports health, comfort, and independence can make the change a little gentler.

You’ll find it in northeast Charlotte, in the University City area. On-site parking makes frequent visits less of a hassle.

The building also has a gender-neutral restroom. Small details like that show attention to who might come through the door.

Ask the staff how they support residents socially during long stays, especially on weekends. Activities and visits matter more than most people expect.

Address: 9200 Glenwater Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262

9. Mill Creek Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation

New knee or a tough bout with pneumonia? Mill Creek Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Winston-Salem offers both orthopedic and pulmonary rehab, which covers two common recovery paths.

Orthopedic rehab helps after joint replacements and broken bones. Pulmonary rehab focuses on breathing, which is key after lung problems.

Short-term therapy here includes physical, occupational, and speech services. The center also handles post-acute recovery for patients leaving the hospital.

Long-term care is part of the picture as well. Residents who stay get daily living support from the same team.

Mill Creek calls itself committed to high-quality care in a supportive setting. Ask what that looks like day to day, from therapy times to meal routines.

Winston-Salem families get the convenience of staying close to home. Shorter drives mean more visits from grandkids, and more visits usually mean happier patients.

One smart move is asking for a sample weekly therapy schedule. It shows you how busy, or how relaxed, rehab will really be.

Address: 4911 Brian Center Ln, Winston-Salem, NC 27106

8. Grove Park Health & Rehab Center

Few rehab centers can claim the Blue Ridge Parkway as a neighbor. Grove Park Health & Rehab Center sits in a wooded spot near that famous road on Asheville’s east side.

The setting is quiet and nature-focused, which is a nice change from beeping hospital halls. Mission Hospital is still only about 5 miles away.

The center provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Recovery is the main focus, with care built for people getting back on their feet.

Visitors coming from out of town will find plenty nearby. The Folk Art Center and the Omni Grove Park Inn are both close.

Fun fact for the road trip. Asheville is home to the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned home in America.

Mountain weather can change quickly, especially in winter. Plan visits with a little wiggle room and check road conditions first.

Ask whether residents can spend time outdoors when they’re able. In a setting this green, fresh air feels like part of the therapy.

Address: 100 Riceville Rd, Asheville, NC 28805

7. Greentree Ridge Health & Rehab Center

Under two miles. That’s the distance between Greentree Ridge Health & Rehab Center and HCA Mission Hospital, which is great news when follow-up appointments stack up.

The building sits on a tree-lined ridge in south Asheville. It’s also near the Biltmore Estate, so visiting family has something lovely to see nearby.

The facility provides nursing and rehabilitation services, along with administrative support for residents and families managing care arrangements.

Meals are another important part of daily care. Families can ask about menus, nutritional planning, and accommodations for individual dietary needs.

Cleanliness is another important area to assess during a visit. Families should look at resident rooms and shared spaces and ask about housekeeping procedures.

The business staff deserves a nod as well. Billing questions can be confusing, and clear answers help everyone breathe easier.

Asheville’s mountain views and the Blue Ridge Parkway are close by for outings later on. Ask the team which goals a patient should hit before heading home.

Address: 70 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

6. August Healthcare at Wilmington

A 120-bed skilled nursing facility in a beach town sounds like a nice combination. August Healthcare at Wilmington brings that setup to North Carolina’s coast.

Wilmington mixes riverfront history with easy access to the ocean. For families, that means visits can double as a mini getaway.

The facility focuses on skilled nursing care. That level of care covers people who need daily medical attention from licensed nurses.

At 120 beds, it’s a mid-sized place. That’s big enough for a full team, yet small enough that faces can become familiar.

Planning a visit or a tour? Contact August Healthcare at Wilmington to confirm its admissions office hours and arrange a convenient time to meet with staff.

Scheduling ahead gives families an opportunity to discuss admissions requirements, available services, and visiting arrangements.

Coastal storms are part of life here, so it’s fair to ask about emergency plans. Any good facility should explain how residents stay safe during hurricane season.

When you meet the team, ask about staffing on nights and weekends. Also ask how they plan for a smooth discharge home.

Address: 820 Wellington Ave, Wilmington, NC 28401

5. Autumn Care of Myrtle Grove

Back in 2000, Autumn Care of Myrtle Grove opened its doors on Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington. More than two decades later, it’s still serving the southern end of town.

The location is a big selling point. It’s just minutes from the beach, plus doctors’ offices, hospitals, shopping, and restaurants.

That last part matters for visiting family. You can grab lunch nearby, run errands, and still spend real time with your loved one.

Major Wilmington roadways make it easy to reach. Drivers coming from Pleasure Island or downtown won’t need a complicated route.

Myrtle Grove is a busy, growing part of the Wilmington area. Being close to so many services makes medical follow-ups much simpler.

Care options include short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing. Respite care is available too, giving home caregivers time to rest and recharge.

Respite stays are worth knowing about before you need one. Ask how far ahead you should book, especially around holidays.

Address: 5725 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412

4. Carver Rehabilitation & Living Center

With 232 beds, Carver Rehabilitation & Living Center is one of the larger skilled nursing facilities you’ll find in Durham. Big can be a good thing when it comes to range of services.

Short-term rehab is a main focus here. Long-term care is also available for residents who need ongoing support.

Secure memory care stands out on the list. It’s designed for people living with memory loss who need a safe, secure place to stay and get daily support.

Carver offers outpatient therapy too. That means someone can keep working with therapists even after moving back home.

Respite care rounds things out. It gives family caregivers a short break without worrying about who’s checking in on Mom or Dad.

The center says resident satisfaction is a priority. It also aims to recognize the specific needs of each person, which matters in a place this size.

Ask how the building is divided into units or wings. Knowing who your daily care team is helps you build trust quickly.

Address: 303 E Carver St, Durham, NC 27704

3. Southpoint Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center

Private luxury rooms in a rehab center? Southpoint Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Durham offers exactly that in its sub-acute rehabilitation unit.

The building holds 140 beds. Its rehab side is built for patients who need intensive care and therapy right after a hospital stay.

Privacy can make a big difference during recovery. Sleeping better and having your own space helps a lot when you’re working hard in therapy.

Long-term care is the other half of the story. Residents there receive nursing care paired with individualized therapeutic support.

The center describes its setting as luxurious, safe, and welcoming. That’s a combo plenty of families hope for and don’t always find.

Durham’s medical community is a big draw for families across North Carolina. A strong rehab option nearby makes that network even more useful.

Fayetteville Road puts it near the Southpoint area of south Durham. Shopping and dining are close by for visitors who need a quick break.

Ask whether private rooms are available when you need them. Demand can vary, so it pays to plan ahead.

Address: 6000 Fayetteville Rd, Durham, NC 27713

2. Woodlands Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Eight different types of care under one roof is an impressive lineup. Woodlands Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Fayetteville covers short-term rehab, skilled nursing, long-term care, and assisted living.

The list keeps going with outpatient therapy, hospice, palliative care, and respite services. That range can save families from switching facilities as needs change.

Assisted living is the standout here compared with many rehab centers. It suits people who want some help but still value their independence.

Hospice and palliative care focus on comfort. They’re gentle options for serious illness, and having them nearby brings peace of mind.

New arrivals get a person-centered care plan from day one. The aim is to support recovery, build strength, and keep people out of the hospital.

Woodlands also welcomes LGBTQ+ residents and identifies as a transgender safe space. Feeling respected is part of feeling well.

Fayetteville has a large military community thanks to Fort Bragg nearby. Ask how the team supports families juggling care with busy schedules.

Address: 400 Pelt Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28301

1. The Greens at Viewmont

Short and sweet, the motto at The Greens at Viewmont says the focus belongs on you. It’s a simple promise, and simple promises are the easiest ones to check.

This skilled nursing facility sits in the Viewmont area of Hickory. It offers both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care.

The facility emphasizes personalized nursing care, rehabilitation, and support for long-term residents. Compassion and respect are important qualities families can assess when visiting.

Hickory is a friendly Catawba Valley city with easy access to I-40. That makes visits simpler for relatives coming from Charlotte or the mountains.

Short-term rehab helps patients regain strength after an illness or surgery. Long-term care offers steady support for people who need help each day.

When you tour, watch how staff speak to residents in passing. Those small moments tell you more than any brochure.

Ask about how rehab goals are set and tracked. Clear goals help everyone know when home is within reach.

Choosing care is a big decision, so take your time. A visit or two will tell you a lot about whether it feels right.

Address: 220 13th Ave Pl NW, Hickory, NC 28601