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Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Morganton, North Carolina, is a scenic community that’s the seat of Burke County. Seniors 65 and older represent nearly 20% of the city’s 17,474 residents. The community is a relatively safe place to live with below-average crime rates. Thanks to the city’s low cost of living, seniors can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while stretching their retirement funds further. Winters in the city are cold and snowy, yet temperatures rise to 88 degrees in the summer.
Due to its proximity to picturesque spots, such as the Fonta Flora Trail, Morganton is an ideal retirement option for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is also a cultural hub that’s home to the Benjamin F. Long Frescoes and the Historic Burke County Courthouse.
Assisted living facilities in Morganton charge $4,000 each month on average. The city is home to one community, and there are four more in neighboring areas.
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 >
Rates for assisted living in Morganton are $200 higher than the state average and $300 below the national monthly median. Morganton costs are almost in line with the nearby state of Virginia ($4,850), if slightly lower. South Carolina ($3,988) and Tennessee ($4,039) have higher assisted living rates than Morganton, while Georgia’s average ($3,500) is significantly lower.
Morganton has a similar cost for assisted living as Durham with the latter’s rates being slightly higher. Some of the lowest rates in the state are in Asheville ($2,750), Burlington ($2,850) and Jacksonville ($2,675) where the median costs for assisted living are substantially below Morganton. Costs in southeastern Fayetteville are $500 lower. In areas like Charlotte ($4,649) and Winston ($4,500), rates are at least $500 higher than Morganton. Wilmington is the most expensive city for assisted living in the state with costs that are $1,877 above those in Morganton.
Note: Data for Morganton was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Hickory, was used instead.
North Carolina’s Division of Health Services manages the State/County Special Assistance for Adults Program and Community Alternatives for Disabled Adults. These waivers can help Medicaid-eligible older adults pay for the cost of their assisted living. Seniors must reside in state-approved facilities to qualify. Learn more about these financial assistance programs by visiting our Assisted Living in North Carolina page.
| Contact | Description | |
| The East Burke Senior Center | (828) 397-3397 | Morganton residents aged 55 and older can visit their senior center for an array of activities and programs. Recreational events include chair fitness classes, line dancing and jewelry-making classes. The center can also offer assistance with benefits and legal services. |
| The Area Agency on Aging | (828) 322-9191 | The AAA serving seniors in Morganton is operated by the Western Piedmont Council of Governments. By getting in touch with the agency, seniors can access information about local programs and request referrals for them. Older adults can also sign up for evidence-based programs, such as A Matter of Balance and Living Healthy with Chronic Disease. |
| The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program | (828) 485-4213 | This advocacy program is overseen by The Department of Health and Human Services and delivered locally by the Area Agency on Aging. Seniors and their family members can contact their regional ombudsman for advice about assisted living communities. Residents can get help understanding their rights and can discuss concerns about specific facilities confidentially. |
| The Burke County Veterans Services Office | (828) 439-4376 | Seniors who were part of the country’s military can get advice on the financial assistance programs that they’re eligible for and request help with claims. The Veterans Services Office is managed by the county and located within the Burke Senior Center. |
| Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program | (855) 408-1212 | North Carolina’s Department of Insurance delivers this free informational service for seniors. A trained SHIP counselor can help older adults understand Medicare parts A, B, C and D and other Medicare health insurance products. Callers can also receive advice on long-term care insurance. |
| Senior Law Project | (877) 579-7562 | This Legal Aid South Carolina initiative is available to all state residents starting at age 60. Older adults can call the legal helpline for assistance with powers of attorney, public benefits like Medicaid and consumer issues. |
| Options Counseling | (828) 485.4265 (information) (866) 271-4894 (referral) | Options Counseling is a statewide program offered to seniors in Burke County by the Area Agency on Aging. This free service can help seniors understand their options and make informed choices about their long-term care. Counselors can assist seniors with tailoring care plans to their needs. |
Assisted living laws and regulations that apply to communities in Morganton are set by the state’s Division of Health Services. See our Assisted Living in North Carolina page for more information about these regulations.
