The Forest at Duke Named One of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities for 2026

Early this year, The Forest at Duke was recognized as one of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) for 2026 by Newsweek in partnership with global research firm Statista. The Forest ranked #2 in North Carolina and #14 among all CCRCs in the nation.

Of course, this recognition reflects something we already know from living and working here: The Forest is special. On our vibrant campus, engaged living and thoughtful support come together to create meaningful days for our residents. We’re proud that retirees come here to expand their world, grow their community, and live healthier lives.

How Continuing Care Retirement Communities Are Rated

It’s helpful to understand how Newsweek and Statista determine which communities make it to the top of the list.

These rankings go beyond single measures or opinions. Instead, they draw on multiple independent data sources to give a full picture of life in each community they consider. Four key areas are included in the evaluation:

1. Reputation from National Surveys (70%)

This is the largest piece of the overall score. Statista and Newsweek conduct nationwide online surveys that collect recommendations and ratings from all of the following groups:

• Medical professionals and long-term care administrators
• Current CCRC residents
• Family members and acquaintances of residents, and other people who know the CCRC firsthand

These surveys focus on care, safety, accommodations, amenities, community life, engagement opportunities, and overall quality of experience.

2. Visitor Satisfaction (15%)

Visitor feedback is gathered through Accushield’s Reputation Accelerator, which helps to measure how satisfied family members and other visitors are when they visit a community (reviews and ratings are gathered as visitors sign in and out of a CCRC).

3. Accreditation (10%)

An accreditation score from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), a nonprofit independent accreditor of health and human services, contributes to the overall rating. CARF evaluates both clinical and non-clinical areas, from care services to lifestyle offerings, across the full continuum of care.

4. Online Satisfaction (5%)

Where available, public Google review ratings are factored in as an indicator of overall community satisfaction.

Together, these data points create a balanced score to reflect both professional insight and lived experience. Communities with the highest overall scores, like The Forest at Duke, are recognized as part of the 2026 ranking.

What This Recognition Means for Our Community

For our residents and team, this honor is meaningful because it aligns with our day-to-day experience: quality care, opportunities for connection and enrichment, and a supportive environment that adapts to changing needs. As resident Myrna Adams shares, “There’s a stimulating population here, and they all have wonderful stories to tell. There’s plenty of warmth and humanity and friendship available to you, and I have that.”

Residents new to The Forest often find that their social circles and interests expand upon arrival, as they become even more engaged in lifelong learning, volunteering in the larger Durham community, and staying active on our beautiful campus. Our residents also enjoy rich cultural programming, from live chamber music to meditation circles and celebrations of special holidays, like Diwali and Mardi Gras.

Our entire team—from wellness and dining to community life and healthcare services—brings warmth, professionalism, and purpose to everything we do. This ranking highlights the full continuum of care and living options that make The Forest at Duke a trusted choice for retirement living and peace of mind.

Looking Ahead

While rankings offer useful context for families exploring options, they always represent a snapshot in time. What matters most is how a community feels and functions every day. At The Forest at Duke, our commitment remains the same: to support residents in living fully, with dignity, engagement, and joy—today and into the future.

—Katherine Van Dis