The Templeton at Cary

Pros

• Templeton is a really great place to spend the best years of life.
• The Templeton of Cary is a vibrant, welcoming, and active community.
• The staff and residents are friendly and kind.
• Krista and her team do a great job of welcoming families and visitors and truly making The Templeton feel like home.
• The Templeton has been a great addition to the neighborhood since it opened.
• The dining is delicious and there are lots of activities and fitness classes for everyone.
• The anniversary celebration was fabulous, with a wonderful atmosphere and great food.

Cons

• Templeton is not the place for memory care options for a family member.
• The advertised "support" at Templeton is non-existent.
• The "support" is marketing language weaponized by the staff.
• The promised support expires when it becomes inconvenient for the residents.
• Templeton has been a consistent disappointment.
• Prospective families would be advised to take their business elsewhere.

Review

The Templeton in Cary presents itself as a warm, vibrant hub for active aging, where the physical setting, the everyday activities, and the dining experience all exceed expectations. Across reviews, residents and families consistently describe a campus that feels above average, and often exceptional, in its care and atmosphere. The buildings and amenities are complemented by a sense of companionship - friendly residents, a professional, responsive staff, and a community that makes newcomers feel at home from the moment they arrive. For many, choosing The Templeton has felt like making the right move at the right time, with people who would do it all again if given the chance.

There is no shortage of activities to fill the days at The Templeton. Wellness classes are varied and skill-based, designed to start easy and progress to more challenging levels as residents' abilities grow. Life Enrichment programs are described as just that - an ongoing invitation to learn, explore, and engage. Residents look forward to new monthly offerings and relish the outside excursions that bring the world a bit closer to home: trips to local nurseries, visits to wine farms, and a day spent at the Carolina Beach. The breadth of programming ensures there's something for every interest, whether it's physical fitness, mental stimulation, or social interaction.

Spiritual life is expressly valued and made accessible within the community. Residents can participate in Catholic communion, Bible study, and non-denominational services, providing a steady thread for their faith and reflection. This inclusive approach to spirituality helps many maintain their routines and connect with others who share similar beliefs, contributing to a sense of purpose and belonging that permeates daily life at The Templeton.

Family is a central theme in the stories about living at The Templeton. For many residents, being close to loved ones while retaining independence is the ideal balance. Families report peace of mind knowing their relatives are engaged, happy, and thriving. One reviewer notes a mom who moved into The Templeton and quickly joined a broad spectrum of activities - from card games and water aerobics to chair yoga and mental exercises - while continuing to participate in faith-based gatherings. Outings to theaters, garden centers, and local restaurants keep them social and stimulated, and the dining experiences are described as amazing. The presence of a family-friendly, welcoming environment is underscored by comments that even a dog has made friends within the community, highlighting a warm, inclusive vibe.

Move-in days and ongoing resident relations are repeatedly described as smooth, welcoming, and well-organized. Apartments arrive clean, ready, and inviting, and the transition is eased by a cadre of friendly residents who greet newcomers with warmth. Among the standout staff members named by residents is Misty, the Business Office Manager, who is praised for going the extra mile to assist with problems beyond her stated duties, including helping with technology issues. Other staff - Nicol, Debra, Liz, Krista, and many others - are singled out for their professionalism and willingness to make residents feel at home. The overall tone is that of a well-run, caring community where staff are attentive without being overbearing, and where residents' needs are treated with respect and urgency.

A number of reviews celebrate The Templeton as a place people genuinely love calling home. Phrases like "the best place to live ever" and "Templeton is a really great place to spend the best years of life" capture a strong sense of satisfaction. The ambience is described as warm and easy, with staff and residents alike described as friendly, efficient, and dedicated. A sentiment of cruising through life in a comfortable, well-cared-for environment comes through in several notes - visitors and residents alike feel that the community offers high standards for dining, activities, and caregiving, making it a place people are proud to recommend to others.

There are also concrete, personal examples that illustrate the depth of care at The Templeton. One review highlights a mom's experience with a rehabilitative stay on a dedicated Swift Creek wing - brand-new facilities, excellent food, and staff who provided attentive, individualized care. The patient's discharge included thoughtful touches - magazines and puzzles delivered to the room, nails polished, and a schedule of activities that kept her engaged. Another note recounts a family's appreciation for the anniversary celebration, where staff and dining teams pulled out all the stops to create a memorable, festive atmosphere. For families, the combination of practical support, social opportunities, and moments of genuine warmth translates into real peace of mind and pride in having loved ones nearby.

It is important to acknowledge that not every review is without caveats. A single review raises concerns about memory care, describing The Templeton as not suitable for someone with memory-related needs and critiquing the level of "support" offered in that area. The reviewer characterizes the claimed memory support as marketing language that does not align with experience, and suggests looking elsewhere for memory care. This perspective stands in contrast to the overwhelmingly positive experiences documented by many residents and families, and it serves as a clear reminder that prospective residents should conduct their own, thorough evaluations of memory care options to ensure a good fit for their specific needs.

Taken as a whole, The Templeton paints a portrait of a lively, compassionate, and well-rounded community. Residents speak with affection about a place that feels both like a neighborhood and a home, where daily life is enriched by a wide array of activities, meaningful spiritual offerings, and an atmosphere of genuine kindness. The combination of well-maintained facilities, engaging programs, attentive staff, and a strong sense of family makes The Templeton of Cary a compelling option for those seeking an independent-leaning senior living environment that respects autonomy while providing abundant opportunities for connection, growth, and comfort. For many families and residents alike, the Templeton represents not just a residence, but a community in which life can continue to be rich, social, and deeply human.

This area of Cary, North Carolina is conveniently located near a variety of amenities that cater to seniors. With restaurants such as City Barbeque And Catering, Chick-Fil-A, and A'Verde Cocina + Tequila Bar within a short distance, residents have plenty of dining options to choose from. In terms of healthcare, there are several pharmacies and hospitals nearby, including WakeMed Cary Hospital and UNC Specialty Women's Center at Rex. Additionally, there are reputable physicians, cafes like Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery and Starbucks for socializing or relaxation, parks for outdoor activities, theaters for entertainment, and reliable transportation options such as rental car services and Raleigh-Durham International Airport within a reasonable distance. Overall, this area offers a well-rounded lifestyle ideal for seniors looking for convenience and accessibility in their daily lives.

Restaurants

• City Barbeque And Catering (0.3 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.2 miles)
• Carolina Ale House (2.2 miles)
• A'Verde Cocina + Tequila Bar (2.2 miles)
• Woody’s Sports Tavern & Grill (2.5 miles)
• Big Easy (3.3 miles)
• McDonald's (3.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.4 miles)
• Walgreens (4.8 miles)
• Walgreens (5.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.5 miles)

Hospitals

• WakeMed Cary Hospital (1.1 miles)
• UNC Specialty Women's Center at Rex (6 miles)
• Duke Raleigh Hospital (10.4 miles)

Physicians

• Western Wake Pediatrics, PA (1.2 miles)
• Internal Medicine and Pediatric Associates PA (2.2 miles)
• Raleigh Neurology (4.1 miles)
• Family Dermatology (4.4 miles)
• Cary Skin Center (5.5 miles)
• MyEyeDr (5.8 miles)
• Wake Endoscopy Center (5.9 miles)

Cafes

• Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3 miles)
• Starbucks (7.1 miles)
• Starbucks (8.2 miles)
• Starbucks (8.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (9.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Christ the King Lutheran Church (1.5 miles)
• Pleasant Grove Baptist Church (9.3 miles)

Parks

• Fred G. Bond Metro Park (3.2 miles)
• Method Road Park & Community Center (5.5 miles)
• Harmony Community Pool and Playground (5.6 miles)
• Carolina Pines Dog Park (6.4 miles)
• Dorothea Dix Park (7 miles)
• Chavis Park (8.6 miles)
• Brookhaven Nature Park (8.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC DINE-IN Holly Springs 9 (7.1 miles)
• Cinemark Raleigh NC (8.8 miles)
• Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh (10 miles)

Transportation

• CCO Concourse (7.7 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (7.8 miles)
• National Car Rental (7.9 miles)
• American Airlines (8.3 miles)
• Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) (8.3 miles)
• RDU - Terminal 2 (8.4 miles)