Located in South Asheville, Givens Estates is a progressive Life Plan Community that supports older adults to live meaningful lives. Here, diverse and interesting residents use Givens Estates as a springboard for personal growth and fulfillment. The expansive campus and mountain setting empower residents to direct how they live their best lives, whether they take advantage of first-class amenities on campus, explore the great outdoors, or tap into the Asheville scene.
Located in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina in the quaint town of Black Mountain, Givens Highland Farms is a community in the truest sense. Though the residents come from many walks of life, with fascinating careers and personal and professional accomplishments, they all know each other by the first name and not by title. Here, thoughtful and creative people live intentionally and care about friends and neighbors. Residents enjoy volunteering, joining interest groups, maintaining a community garden, and greeting neighbors as they walk their dogs on campus. The beautiful surroundings, casual atmosphere, and genuine neighborhood camaraderie are among the best amenities.
Givens Gerber Park is a rental retirement community in vibrant, urban South Asheville for adults 55+ who wish to pursue an active and independent lifestyle. Offering a broader menu of resources than typically found at an affordable community, this supportive community empowers residents to explore new opportunities and navigate this next adventure successfully. Residents enjoy peace of mind and thrive with abundant onsite amenities and services, including an onsite clinic, a Community Nurse, and Resident Services Coordinators, all of which help residents age well in the community. Givens Gerber Park is proud to offer tax credit and HUD-subsidized apartments as well as accessible housing for moderate-income seniors.
Givens Great Laurels is a warm and welcoming rental community situated between the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina in the beautiful town of Waynesville. No one is an outsider in this small yet close-knit community with a big heart that demonstrates fellowship among friends who enjoy the simple treasures of life. Whether exploring the arts and crafts culture popular in this region, enjoying a quiet stroll around Lake Junaluska, or taking advantage of the many other outdoor opportunities that abound, residents appreciate knowing they have the support of staff and neighbors in their corner. Givens Great Laurels proudly accepts low-income housing tax credits and HUD 202 funding.
Givens Communities earned top spots, including a number one in the state – in Newsweek’s inaugural “America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities 2025” rankings.
Givens Highland Farms in Black Mountain ranked 7th statewide, while Givens Estates in Asheville was ranked 1st in North Carolina and 8th in the country, out of more than 2,000 Continuing Care Retirement Communities coast-to-coast.
The rankings are the result of extensive evaluations conducted by Newsweek in collaboration with the international research firm Statista. Scores were calculated using online surveys of medical professionals and CCRC residents, as well as data from multiple accreditation sources. The recognizable commitment to providing exceptional care, amenities, and a fulfilling lifestyle for residents was a deciding factor.
The Givens Communities story covers four decades, beginning with the generosity of Marion Givens and her husband, Dr. Maurice Givens. The Givens were charitable people who donated to hospitals, universities, and museums. Marion Givens treasured her summer months cooling off at their home in the western North Carolina mountains of Asheville.
During her final years, with the help of a few trusted advisors, she arranged to leave 160 acres of her Asheville estate on Sweeten Creek Road with the stipulation it would be developed into a retirement community. After her death, the Marion… J. Givens Trust worked with leaders in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church to establish Givens Estates.
In 1979, the flagship community of Givens Estates consisted of 78 one-and two-bedroom apartments within ten buildings, partly funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Now, four distinct senior living communities, outreach ministries, and partnerships support older adults and their families. An all-volunteer board of directors approved by the United Methodist Conference governs the Givens organization.
Givens’ relationship with the WNC United Methodist Church and the Marion J. Givens Trust has remained constant throughout four decades of exponential growth. The Givens’ initial generosity has continued to provide a solid foundation for growth and development across four decades. The Givens story continues to unfold and has had an impact on more lives for decades to come.
Our Mission: Creating Community, Empowering Lives
Our Vision: Endless Possibilities, Vibrant Aging
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