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Gardens at Wakefield

12800 Spruce Tree Way

4.7(122 ratings)· Raleigh average: 4

Gardens at Wakefield — photo 11 / 8

Quick Facts

Year opened
1985
Overnight staffing
No staff on duty overnight, per one resident
Care flexibility
Outside home health providers have offices on campus
Community type
Operated by Holiday Retirement, a national operator

What Families Think

Families describe The Gardens at Wakefield as a warm, well-run independent living community where staff know residents by name and go out of their way to help. Reviewers consistently praise the caring team, variety of activities, and included services like transportation and housekeeping, though several mention inconsistent food quality and a few cite maintenance or supply issues.

The Good

  • Staff described as caring, attentive, like family
  • Wide variety of daily activities and social events
  • Transportation provided to doctor appointments and shopping
  • Apartments include private washer and dryer
  • Resident Ambassador program helps new residents transition
  • On-site primary care and footcare services available

The Bad

  • Several reviewers note inconsistent or declining food quality
  • One report of a persistent ceiling leak lasting months
  • One resident uncomfortable with no overnight staff on duty
  • One report of slow repair response times

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

About Gardens at Wakefield

The Gardens at Wakefield

A Holiday Retirement Community

Senior Apartments at The Gardens at Wakefield

The Gardens at Wakefield is an award-winning, independent senior living community. Awards include the 2021 SeniorAdvisor Best of Senior Living award, the 2020 Great Place to Work certification, and the 2019 Great Place to Work certification.

The Gardens at Wakefield, a North Raleigh senior living community, is nestled in a beautiful residential neighborhood. Located near WakeMed North Hospital and Triangle Town Center,  nearby attractions include the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and Walnut Creek Amphitheater. Just a half hour further find  historical sites like the North Carolina State Capitol and the largest research park in the United States, Durham/Research Triangle Park.

The Gardens at Wakefield, a Holiday Retirement community in Raleigh, NC offers comfortable senior housing. Located near Durham, Knightdale, Morrisville & more.

Flexibility to Customize Your Care at The Gardens at Wakefield

Residents appreciate the freedom and flexibility our independent living communities offer as needs around personal care and medical assistance change. Choosing a la carte from third-party health care and personal care providers* -- many with offices right inside the community -- gives them the power to choose their providers and obtain similar services as they would in a higher level of care like assisted living, but without giving up the independence, warm community of friends, and fun-loving atmosphere they enjoy so much.

Independent Living Community

An independent living community is a concept pioneered by Holiday Retirement in 1971. Our founders saw a need to provide seniors with an alternative to conventional retirement living options. Today, there are over 245,000 independent living communities in the United States.

Independent living communities feel and function like private residences while providing residents opportunities to spend time with people in their same season of life. Independent senior living is a good option for people who are able to live on their own without assistance, but who would enjoy benefits like companionship, bundled bills, and all-inclusive amenities such as meals, cleaning, and transportation. Many independent living residents use outside home health care providers or aides for medical and personal care services as needed, so they can enjoy an independent lifestyle longer.

Residents of independent living communities can live as active of a lifestyle as they desire with regular opportunities to participate in fitness, off-site community outings, social activities, games, and events. Some independent living community residents choose to have their own cars, although complimentary scheduled transportation is provided for all residents.

Assisted Living

Assisted living communities are suited for seniors who need extra help with activities like managing medication, bathing, and dressing. Residents have access to community rooms and planned activities. Assisted living facilities don’t provide as much medical care and personal assistance as nursing homes. If residents begin experiencing severe mobility issues or severe cognitive issues like dementia and Alzheimer's that extend beyond the level of care assisted living staff provide, they will likely need to transition to memory care or a nursing home.

Alzheimer’s/Memory Care

People’s physical, mental, and safety needs increase substantially as cognitive issues progress. Alzheimer’s and memory care facilities offer specialized care and programs for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other memory loss. They provide a safe and physically secured environment.

Alzheimer’s/memory care options may operate as stand-alone facilities or as separate wings in an assisted living community. Memory care offers 24/7 onsite staff to assist residents as needed. A locked environment allows residents to move around the assisted living space freely without the danger of wandering off. The average cost of memory care is around $5000 per month.

Respite Care

Respite care is a short-term stay within an assisted living facility or nursing home that allows primary caregivers a break or gives the resident a trial stay to get acquainted with the service provider. Respite care may take place in a health care facility, retirement community, or adult day care. Private insurance typically does not cover respite care. Medicaid sometimes covers part of costs. Medicare helps with respite care costs for up to five consecutive days for people receiving hospice care.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes provide 24-hour skilled care for seniors on a long-term basis. They also serve seniors who require short-term nursing care or rehabilitation assistance. Nursing homes provide the highest level of care of the senior living options. Nursing homes are ideal for people who can’t care for themselves but don’t require hospitalization. Nursing homes typically have dining rooms, community areas, activities, and outings appropriate to the population.

Home Care

Home care allows seniors to receive in-home assistance based on frequency and level of need, and may include daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and other personal care, as well as housekeeping, meals, and medication. Home care is available for private home and independent living and assisted living, but may be restricted in facilities providing higher levels of care.

Home care providers and aids allow seniors to pay for only the extra services they need, when they need them, which can be a cheaper option than moving to a higher level of care. At Holiday Retirement, home care is available through outside agencies, many of whom have  offices on campus.

Types of Care

Assisted LivingAt-Home CareHome Health and HospiceIndependent LivingMemory CareRespite / Short-Term CareSkilled Nursing / Long Term Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Private Rooms
  • Wi-Fi / High-Speed Internet

Meals & Dining

  • Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
  • Professional Chef

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Fitness Center
  • Gathering / Activity Spaces
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry Service
  • On-Site Medical Staff
  • Outdoor Patio
  • Pet Friendly
  • Salon / Barber
  • Security
  • Transportation Services
  • Walking Paths

Activities

  • Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)

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Reviews

4.7overall · 122 ratings combined

4.7★ on Google (122)

Rick Williams

Jul 2026

via Google

The Gardens has great facilities, including a garden, good food with a wide variety, and lots of nice people. It is also close to outside facilities like doctors and hospitals, shopping malls, and as near as I can tell anything else that you might need.

Mariah Quinn

May 2026

via Google

Me and my family tour inspirit last week. It’s a beautiful place. We also had lunch. The food is awesome and the staff is wonderful.

Mart Williams

May 2026

via Google

My father and I visited the gardens not too long ago and it was a beautiful place we had a lunch tour were we were able to sit and have some wonderful lunch and chat with some of the lovely residents the staff there make you feel very welcomed and at home

Mervellene Reid

May 2026

via Google

I tour the place a few weeks ago it's a great place for mom

elizabeth king

May 2026

via Google

My Mom lived at the Gardens for 8 years before recently moving to an Assisted Living Community. It was a great experience for her and for us! The staff is amazing and provided a loving community for my Mom. A special shout out to Heather, Wendy and Carmen for always going above and beyond and showing my Mom so much kindness. Her apartment was incredible, she had a two bedroom, two bath that was so spacious and laid out well. The activities, meals and service were all top notch and we were very sad to leave the Gardens Community. if you are looking for Independent Living, the Gardens is a great choice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does Gardens at Wakefield offer?

Gardens at Wakefield offers Assisted Living, At-Home Care, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite / Short-Term Care and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

Is Gardens at Wakefield pet friendly?

Yes — Gardens at Wakefield lists pet-friendly accommodations among its amenities. Ask about any size or breed policies when you visit.

Where is Gardens at Wakefield located?

Gardens at Wakefield is located at 12800 Spruce Tree Way in Raleigh, North Carolina.

What do families say about Gardens at Wakefield?

Families describe The Gardens at Wakefield as a warm, well-run independent living community where staff know residents by name and go out of their way to help. Reviewers consistently praise the caring team, variety of activities, and included services like transportation and housekeeping, though several mention inconsistent food quality and a few cite maintenance or supply issues.

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