Great Laurels at Lake Junaluska in Waynesville, NC

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Great Laurels at Lake Junaluska

Great Laurels at Lake Junaluska in Waynesville, NC

80 Candler Street, Waynesville, NC 28745

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

4.6 from 20 reviews
5 stars
15
4 stars
4
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 stars
1

Active Adult Communities (55+)

Great Laurels at Lake Junaluska Costs & Pricing

At Great Laurels at Lake Junaluska, the cost for a two-bedroom unit is attractively set at $565 per month. This represents a significant savings compared to the broader context of Haywood County, where similar accommodations average around $1,183 per month. Furthermore, when considering state averages across North Carolina, which can soar upwards of $4,245 for comparable living spaces, Great Laurels stands out as an exceptional value. The affordability and charm of this community not only make it an appealing choice for potential residents but also highlight its competitive edge in both local and state markets.

Floor plansGreat Laurels at Lake JunaluskaHaywood CountyNorth Carolina
2 Bedrooms$565$1,183$4,245

Overall Review of Great Laurels at Lake Junaluska

Pros

  • pro The staff are very helpful and courteous, and the d?cor is lovely.
  • pro The apartments are very spacious, and the office staff (Linda and Sharon) are wonderful.
  • pro The staff are very caring, and the apartments are nice.
  • pro The staff are friendly and helpful, the grounds are well kept, and it is a nice place to live.
  • pro The community is friendly and has a nice environment.
  • pro The senior living community is very well kept and beautiful.
  • pro It is pretty and very clean.

Cons

  • pro The only downside is the 2+ year wait list.

Review

Great Laurels at Lake Junaluska in Waynesville, NC is best suited for independent seniors who prize beauty, stability, and a courteous, dependable staff, and who can afford to wait for a unit. The setting is park-like and serene, with well-tended grounds and attractive decor that make daily life feel calm and respectful. Apartments are described as spacious and homelike, reinforcing a sense of dignity and personal space rather than institutional housing. Families that value a low-stress environment, responsive maintenance, and a predictable social rhythm will find this community aligns with their priorities. The clear caveat: entry is not fast; a two-plus-year wait list is a defining reality.

Those needing daily personal assistance or memory care should seriously consider alternatives. The reviews frame Great Laurels as an independent living option with a strong emphasis on maintenance, aesthetics, and resident-led social opportunities rather than on-site clinical care. For families seeking immediate occupancy or a setting that provides more intensive care and supervision, other communities with built-in assisted living or memory care services will likely be a better fit. Planning ahead is essential here; projection of availability matters as much as the quality of the environment.

The major positives - spacious apartments, well-kept grounds, and a thoughtful, friendly staff - do a lot to offset the downside of a lengthy wait. Residents repeatedly note that the interiors feel like home, not a facility, and the decor contributes to a sense of pride in where one lives. The staff stands out for courtesy and responsiveness, with specific praise directed at office personnel who handle inquiries and move-ins smoothly. The environment is described as calm and pleasant, underpinned by a clean, well-cared-for campus and a functional recreation room that supports social interaction without feeling crowded or chaotic.

Staff warmth and attentiveness emerge as a consistent strength in the impressions shared by families. Several reviewers highlight how polite, helpful, and genuinely caring the team is, which translates into smoother daily life and dependable problem-solving. The recreational room and common areas provide meaningful opportunities for social engagement, and the overall upkeep - both inside the apartments and on the grounds - contributes to a sense of stability and pride. For seniors who value a dignified, well-maintained home base and want to be part of a friendly, low-key community, these elements carry substantial weight.

The leap from appeal to practicality centers on the wait list and the independence focus. The 2+ year wait becomes the gating factor for anyone whose timeline is driven by a health event, a move from a family home, or a transition from a current living situation that cannot tolerate long delays. In those cases, alternatives offering more immediate occupancy or on-site care should be prioritized. For families who can plan years in advance, Great Laurels offers a compelling combination of aesthetic quality, staff reliability, and resident satisfaction that often translates into a smoother transition and a more satisfying long-term home.

In the end, Great Laurels at Lake Junaluska earns its strong reputation for beauty, cleanliness, and attentive staff, and it remains a top contender for independent-minded seniors who are patient about timing. The environment supports a calm, social lifestyle with practical amenities and a solid focus on day-to-day living quality. The practical takeaway is clear: this is a premier choice for those who can wait for a unit and who want a residence that feels like a well-run, welcoming home, not a temporary housing solution. For those needing timely access or more intensive care, it should be weighed against communities with shorter waitlists and on-site care options, ensuring the right match for each family's timeline and care requirements.

Features

Types of Care

  • Active Adult Communities (55+) Active Adult Communities (55+)Active Adult Communities provide seniors with opportunities for socialization, activities, and wellness programs tailored to their needs. These communities offer a sense of belonging and security while promoting an active and independent lifestyle for those aged 55 and older.

Pets

  • Cats allowed Cats allowed"Pet friendly" senior living communities are important for seniors because pets provide companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, promote physical activity and mental stimulation, and offer a sense of purpose and responsibility. Pets can improve overall well-being and quality of life for seniors in many ways.
  • Dogs allowed Dogs allowed"Pet friendly" senior living communities are important for seniors because pets provide companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, promote physical activity and mental stimulation, and offer a sense of purpose and responsibility. Pets can improve overall well-being and quality of life for seniors in many ways.

Amenities

  • Indoor common areas Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
  • Outdoor common areas Outdoor common areasOutdoor common areas are important for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, physical activity, and relaxation. Being outside in nature can improve mood and overall well-being, while also encouraging movement and engagement with others. These spaces can help combat feelings of isolation and promote a sense of community among residents.

Description

Great Laurels at Lake Junaluska in Waynesville, NC is a premier assisted living community that offers a comfortable and enriching environment for seniors to thrive in. Nestled in the picturesque town of Waynesville, our community is located near the serene Lake Junaluska, offering stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere.

At Great Laurels, we prioritize the well-being and happiness of our residents. Our highly trained and compassionate staff is available around the clock to provide personalized care tailored to individual needs. We understand that each resident has unique requirements, so we offer various levels of assistance to ensure everyone receives the support they need while maintaining their independence.

Our community boasts outdoor common areas where residents can relax and enjoy nature's beauty. Whether it's taking a leisurely stroll along our landscaped gardens or soaking up some sunshine on our spacious patio, there are plenty of opportunities for residents to connect with nature and rejuvenate their spirits.

In addition to our exceptional care services, we offer a range of engaging activities and amenities designed to enhance each resident's quality of life. From wellness programs and social events to arts and crafts classes, there is always something exciting happening at Great Laurels. Our goal is to foster a vibrant community where seniors can form meaningful friendships, pursue their passions, and live life to the fullest.

Great Laurels at Lake Junaluska is conveniently located near shopping centers, restaurants, medical facilities, and other amenities, ensuring that residents have easy access to everything they need. With its idyllic setting and comprehensive services, our assisted living community provides a warm and welcoming home for seniors in Waynesville, NC.

Nearby Places of Interest

Waynesville, North Carolina, offers a tranquil and convenient setting for senior living. The town boasts several parks for leisurely walks and outdoor activities, as well as various healthcare facilities such as Midway Medical Center and Brevard Orthopaedics for medical needs. Residents can find spiritual fulfillment at nearby places of worship like St Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church and Grace Baptist Church. Additionally, there are multiple pharmacies in the area for easy access to medications. Dining options include familiar establishments like Cracker Barrel and Applebee's, as well as local favorites like Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack and UpCountry Brewing. For coffee enthusiasts, cafes such as Pisgah Coffee Roasters and Jordan Street Cafe offer a cozy atmosphere to enjoy a cup of coffee. With hospitals like Mission Childrens Hospital nearby, Waynesville provides a supportive environment for seniors seeking a peaceful yet vibrant community to call home.

Parks

  • Canton Park (7.9 miles)
  • Cosby Entrance (23.2 miles)

Physicians

  • Midway Medical Center (8.4 miles)
  • Julie Hanson, MET Practitioner (22.6 miles)
  • Pisgah Institute (24.1 miles)
  • Carolina Pediatric Therapy (24.1 miles)
  • Frances Warde Family Health (24.2 miles)
  • Brevard Orthopaedics (24.2 miles)
  • MAHEC Family Health Center at Newbridge (24.2 miles)

Places of Worship

  • St Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church (17.8 miles)
  • Biltmore Baptist Church (23.5 miles)
  • Grace Baptist Church (23.9 miles)
  • Iglesia Oasis De Esperanza Church Of God (24.3 miles)

Pharmacies

  • Ingles (18.3 miles)
  • Walgreens (18.5 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (19.3 miles)
  • Walgreens (20.7 miles)
  • Genoa Healthcare (21.8 miles)
  • Walgreens (22.2 miles)
  • Good Neighbor Pharmacy (22.9 miles)

Restaurants

  • Cracker Barrel (19.7 miles)
  • Applebee's (19.8 miles)
  • Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack (21.4 miles)
  • UpCountry Brewing (21.7 miles)
  • Moose Cafe Asheville (21.7 miles)
  • KFC (22.4 miles)
  • Taco Bell (22.6 miles)

Hospitals

  • Mission Childrens Hospital (21.8 miles)
  • Highland Hospital (23.9 miles)
  • Transylvania Health System (24.4 miles)
  • Mission Hospital Operating Room (24.7 miles)

Cafes

  • Starbucks (22.7 miles)
  • Pisgah Coffee Roasters (23 miles)
  • BattleCat Coffee Bar (23.1 miles)
  • Taco Billy (23.3 miles)
  • Starbucks (24.1 miles)
  • Pollen (24.3 miles)
  • Jordan Street Cafe (24.4 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live at Great Laurels at Lake Junaluska in Waynesville, NC?
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