Henderson County has enjoyed a reputation as an exceptional place to retire for decades. The climate, stable economy, healthcare options, volunteer opportunities, golf and other recreation, cultural arts and retirement living choices all make Henderson County a top choice for people 55 and older.

The area is a welcoming place where retired and semi-retired adults enjoy a wonderful quality of life and can continue to play a vital role in the community.

To complement this wide range of lifestyles and every stage of retirement, Henderson County is home to a large assortment of housing options for retirees – including an ample number of adult communities. Some communities offer both single-family and attached homes with the convenience of one-level living. Most, but not all, are condominium operated and provide all exterior and grounds maintenance for a monthly fee. Most retirement communities also include emergency call systems and 24-hour security.

CAROLINA VILLAGE in Hendersonville is a Life Plan Community offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled care all on the same campus. A one-time entrance fee provides residents with a place to live that guarantees they will be taken care of for life, with access to long-term care in the assisted living or skilled nursing area if the need arises. The monthly fee varies with the size of the apartment or cottage that the resident chooses and includes an impressive array of services, amenities, dining options, and utilities, as well as social, educational, wellness and fitness programs. The monthly fee doesn’t change if and when additional levels of care are accessed.

DEERFIELD Episcopal Retirement Community in nearby Asheville is a Life Care Community, also known as a Life Plan Community, offering residents a complete continuum of senior living and on-site healthcare services, independent living options including cottages, villas, cluster homes, and apartments. Residents in assisted living suites receive help with bathing, dressing, and monitoring of medications as needed.

FLETCHER PARK INN, an age 55 and older adult Christian retirement community in Hendersonville, offers a variety of independent lifestyle options: villa homes and studio, one- or two-bedroom apartments. Residents enjoy an alcohol-free and tobacco-free campus conveniently located across the street from AdventHealth Hendersonville and adjacent to an aquatic/fitness center. A vegetarian lunch buffet with meat and vegan options and light soup supper are included along with planned activities and excursions. Scheduled transportation to shopping, errands and medical appointments also is available.

HERITAGE HILLS in Hendersonville offers a full spectrum of independent living and memory care services administered by specifically trained and experienced staff. Residents enjoy the convenience of restaurant-style dining, housekeeping and transportation services among many other benefits. Heritage Hills offers a variety of floor plans. Residents pay a monthly fee that includes such on-site amenities as a hair salon/barber shop, a library/reading room, an arts and crafts hobby room, a game room with billiards and bar, a computer center with Internet access and walking paths.

LAKE POINTE LANDING with its adjacent Life Care Center of Hendersonville offers several levels of care on one campus. Many amenities, services and activities are included or available if needed or desired. For independent living, private-ownership villas and rental patio homes are available. The Harbor apartment building houses a swimming pool and theatre/auditorium as well as independent-living rental apartments. The Bridge at Lake Pointe Landing offers assisted living services. Intermediate and skilled nursing care for rehabilitation or long-term care are available at the adjacent Life Care Center of Hendersonville.

As a top retirement destination, Henderson County offers not only exceptional living choices but also a great range of services and activities to enhance retirement.

Retirement Resources

Council on Aging for Henderson County
828-692-4203
COAHC.org

For more than 50 years, the Council on Aging for Henderson County has been providing and coordinating services that engage, connect and support local adults as they age. COAHC strives to ensure that no one ages alone through programs that include Meals on Wheels (delivery of meals to homebound seniors), congregate dining and activities, liquid nutrition, caregiver services, senior companions and community resource coordination. The Council on Aging also offers seasonal services including a heat-relief assistance program and shelf-stable meals for inclement weather.

Mills River Life Enrichment Center
United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
137 Old Turnpike Road, Mills River
828-808-5581
MillsRiverUMC.org

Mills River Life Enrichment Center is a non-denominational outreach ministry of the Mills River United Methodist Church offering a unique place for fellowship and enjoyment for senior adults who are aging at home. MRLEC meets every Thursday at 10AM  in the Fellowship Hall of the Mills River United Methodist Church at 137 Old Turnpike Road in Mills River. Weekly programs consist of chair exercises, blood pressure checks, magazine, book and jigsaw puzzle swap, a devotion and fellowship with others, along with a program to educate and entertain. Lunch is served after each program, and lunch reservations are required.

MountainCare Adult Day Services
55 N Hillside Road, Hendersonville
828-697-7070
MountainCareServices.org

MountainCare Adult Day Services is a nonprofit organization that offers a safe and enjoyable place for aging adults to stay engaged during the day. Compassionate staff at MountainCare’s two centers offer an affordable alternative to staying home alone or entering a nursing home. Adult Day Health/Day Care provides much-needed time for caregivers to work or manage other responsibilities during the day. It also provides peace of mind that loved ones are surrounded by friends and a team of professionals who monitor conditions, safely administer medications, provide nutritious meals and offer meaningful activities that stimulate mind, body and spirit. Offering a high-quality, affordable program for adults, this center is open from 8 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

Lifelong Learning Opportunities

Blue Ridge Center for Lifelong Learning
180 West Campus Drive, Flat Rock
828-694-1740
BRCLL.com

Located on Blue Ridge Community College’s Flat Rock campus, Blue Ridge Center for Lifelong Learning offers courses on a wide variety of topics including history and current affairs (Appalachian, U.S., and international), music, art, technology, literature and more. Classes are held Monday-Thursdays between either 10AM to Noon or 1PM to 3PM and typically span one or two weeks. Some classes are offered simultaneously via Zoom. A one-time lifetime membership fee entitles members to receive a newsletter of classes emailed monthly. Non-members can find our latest newsletter with our schedule of classes on their website.

LIFE@Western Carolina
28 Schenck Pkwy, Suite 102, Asheville
828-227-7397
Life.WCU.edu

A program of Western Carolina University, the mission of LIFE@Western Carolina is to establish a community of lifelong learners ages 50 and older by offering participant-determined topics of interest that promote learning and community-university engagement.

Osher Lifelong Learning Center at UNC-Asheville
Reuter Center, One University Heights, Asheville
828-251-6140
OLLIAsheville.UNCA.edu 

A nationally acclaimed learning program for older adults, the Osher Lifelong Learning Center at UNC Asheville offers opportunities for lifelong learning, leadership, community service and continued growth in a variety of settings. Founded in 1988 as the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement, OLLI’s programming includes intellectual and cultural pursuits as well as social, physical and practical life courses such as life transition and retirement relocation planning, including its Creative Retirement Exploration Weekend (CREW). OLLI’s College for Seniors (CFS) program offers more than 350 courses in four terms every year, including some online programs.