Choosing a continuing care retirement community is one of the most significant decisions a family will make. A quality CCRC offers the freedom of independent living with the security of knowing that higher levels of care - assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing - are available on the same campus if needed. In 2026, the best CCRCs blend resort-quality amenities with genuine clinical excellence. This guide highlights five of the most well-regarded CCRC providers and explains what to look for when making this important choice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any decisions about care transitions.
| CCRC | Contract Types | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erickson Senior Living | A, B, C | Large campus communities | ★★★★★ |
| Vi Living | A, B | Luxury urban CCRCs | ★★★★★ |
| Westminster Communities | A, B | Faith-based care | ★★★★☆ |
| Acts Retirement-Life | A | Life care / financial security | ★★★★☆ |
| Sunrise Senior Living | B, C | Broad national access | ★★★★☆ |
Erickson Senior Living — Best Large Campus CCRC Experience
Erickson Senior Living operates some of the largest and most amenity-rich CCRCs in the United States, with campuses averaging 1,000-3,000 residents. Their model is designed to create genuine communities, complete with on-site restaurants, fitness centers, pools, hobby shops, and health care centers. Erickson’s health care model integrates primary care physicians directly into the campus, so residents have convenient access to medical attention without leaving the community. Contract types span A, B, and C options to accommodate different financial planning preferences. Erickson communities are particularly popular in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest and are consistently rated among the highest for resident satisfaction. Consult a healthcare professional before transitioning care levels.
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Vi Living — Best Luxury Urban CCRC
For seniors seeking a premium CCRC experience in or near major cities, Vi Living operates some of the most upscale continuing care communities in the country. Vi communities feature concierge services, fine dining, rooftop amenities, and curated wellness programs. The care quality matches the surroundings - Vi’s health centers are staffed at high ratios with a focus on hospitality-style care delivery. All Vi communities offer Type A and Type B contracts; their Type A life care contracts are particularly valued by financially-focused families who want to lock in future healthcare costs. If your retirement vision includes city access, cultural events, and resort amenities, Vi Living is the benchmark in the CCRC space.
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Westminster Communities — Best Faith-Based CCRC
Westminster Communities of Florida is one of the most respected faith-based CCRC operators in the Southeast, with a legacy of care rooted in Christian values of dignity, compassion, and community. Their communities offer comprehensive continuing care across independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing, with strong chaplaincy programs and volunteer engagement opportunities. Westminster operates primarily in Florida - an ideal location for seniors seeking warm weather and active outdoor living. Their Type A Life Care contracts provide genuine peace of mind for residents and families concerned about future healthcare costs. Westminster communities consistently receive high marks from residents for the warmth of staff and the depth of community programming.
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Acts Retirement-Life Communities — Best for Life Care Contracts
Acts Retirement-Life Communities specializes exclusively in Type A Life Care contracts - arguably the most financially protective CCRC contract available. Under a Type A contract, residents pay a defined entrance fee and monthly fee, and all future healthcare costs (including skilled nursing) are covered at no additional charge. This model provides exceptional financial predictability for families worried about escalating care costs in later years. Acts operates primarily along the East Coast and in the Southeast United States. Their campuses are mid-to-large scale with broad amenity offerings, and they have a strong reputation for financial stability - a critical factor when signing a long-term care contract. Always have an elder law attorney review CCRC contracts before signing.
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Sunrise Senior Living — Best for National Accessibility
While Sunrise Senior Living operates more as an assisted living and memory care provider than a traditional CCRC, many of their communities offer a continuum of care that functions similarly. Their national footprint - with over 275 communities across the US, Canada, and UK - makes them a realistic option for families in nearly any major metro area. Sunrise is particularly well regarded for memory care, employing specialized programming for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Their B and C contract options make them accessible at a lower entry cost than pure CCRC models. If you’re looking for a continuum-of-care community with broad availability and strong memory care credentials, Sunrise deserves serious consideration.
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How to Choose the Best Continuing Care Retirement Community
Start with location - most families want a CCRC within a reasonable driving distance of family members. Next, evaluate contract type: Type A offers the most financial protection but higher upfront costs; Type C has lower entry costs but higher long-term care expenses. Request a copy of the community’s audited financial statements and have them reviewed by a financial advisor familiar with CCRCs. Visit in person, ideally on a weekday and a weekend, to assess staff attitudes and resident engagement. Ask specifically about staff turnover rates, which are a leading indicator of care quality. Finally, consult a healthcare professional and an elder law attorney before signing any CCRC agreement.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)?+
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is a senior living campus that provides multiple levels of care - independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing - all on one campus. Residents can move between care levels as their health needs change without uprooting their lives or social connections. CCRCs typically require an entrance fee plus monthly fees and are governed by a contract that defines what services are included. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
How much does a continuing care retirement community typically cost?+
CCRCs typically require an entrance fee ranging fromcurrent pricing to overcurrent pricing depending on location, community type, and contract structure, plus monthly fees ofcurrent pricing. Type A (Life Care) contracts include all future care costs in the monthly fee, while Type B and C contracts shift more healthcare costs to the resident over time. Financial advisors specializing in senior care can help evaluate whether a specific CCRC represents good value.