Best Independent Living in Arlington, MA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 23 independent living communities in Arlington, MA using MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in MA
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Arlington, MA our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Arlington, MA.
23 homes
Other senior care options in Arlington:

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Info below is compiled from the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs, senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Licensed beds designated for special-care services (e.g. memory or other specialized units), as reported in state licensing data.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
Yes/No from payment or funding tags indicating low-income accessibility options in state disclosures—not a determination of personal eligibility.
Whether the community is disclosed as co-located or on the same campus as a nursing home in state records.
Cambridge Court
IL
Cambridge (Riverside)
99
Facility 99
MA AVG 91
Rank #27 / 92
Yes-
96
Facility 96
MA AVG 57
Rank #8 / 238
Studio / 1 Bed
11
Facility 11
MA AVG 22
Rank #53 / 67
-No-
Springhouse Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
Boston (Brook Farm)
49
Facility 49
MA AVG 91
Rank #78 / 92
Yes13
22
Facility 22
MA AVG 57
Rank #196 / 238
1 Bed / 2 Bed
30
Facility 30
MA AVG 22
Rank #7 / 67
-YesNo
AVIVA Country Club Heights
IL
AL
MC
RC
Woburn
107
Facility 107
MA AVG 91
Rank #21 / 92
Yes24
50
Facility 50
MA AVG 57
Rank #141 / 238
Traditional (83), Special Care (24)
30
Facility 30
MA AVG 22
Rank #7 / 67
ANoNo
The Gables at Winchester
IL
AL
RC
Winchester
123
Facility 123
MA AVG 91
Rank #12 / 92
Yes-
52
Facility 52
MA AVG 57
Rank #137 / 238
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
30
Facility 30
MA AVG 22
Rank #7 / 67
-NoNo
Cabot Park Village
IL
Newtonville
-Yes-
71
Facility 71
MA AVG 57
Rank #105 / 238
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 22
Rank #13 / 67
C-No-
Water Street Apartments
IL
Medford (Medford Square)
35
Facility 35
MA AVG 91
Rank #90 / 92
No-
87
Facility 87
MA AVG 57
Rank #48 / 238
1 Bed--No-
Willis Avenue Development
IL
Medford (South Medford)
149
Facility 149
MA AVG 91
Rank #9 / 92
No-
87
Facility 87
MA AVG 57
Rank #48 / 238
2 Bed / 3 Bed--No-
Salem Towers
IL
Malden (Faulkner)
80
Facility 80
MA AVG 91
Rank #47 / 92
No-
84
Facility 84
MA AVG 57
Rank #63 / 238
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed--No-
Weldon Gardens
IL
Medford (Medford Square)
75
Facility 75
MA AVG 91
Rank #54 / 92
No-
93
Facility 93
MA AVG 57
Rank #14 / 238
1 Bed--No-
Haywood House
IL
Newton (Nonantum)
55
Facility 55
MA AVG 91
Rank #74 / 92
No-
87
Facility 87
MA AVG 57
Rank #48 / 238
1 Bed--No-

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other MA independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 23 analyzed for Arlington. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Aviva Country Club Heights

Aviva Country Club Heights is a captivating destination where elegance and serenity intertwine. It presents a range of living options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, catering to the diverse needs of its residents. Choose from thoughtfully designed one or two-bedroom floor plans that exude sophistication and charm. As residents step outside, they are greeted by meticulously landscaped grounds, a sanctuary of natural beauty. They can also engage their green thumb with the home’s gardening opportunities while knowing that their cherished pets are not only welcomed but cherished within our pet-friendly community. With its picturesque location adjacent to a scenic golf course, Aviva Country Club Heights offers an enchanting retreat that seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with timeless allure, creating an atmosphere that is both modern and enduring.

Contact AVIVA Country Club Heights

Overview of Cambridge Court

Offering a lively residential setting for active older adults, Cambridge Court is an independent living community in the Riverside neighborhood of Cambridge. The 99-bed, mid-rise building has been operating for 10 years and currently maintains a 72 percent occupancy rate. This provides a well-established community with consistent resident engagement.

The property offers flexible housing options with studio and one-bedroom floor plans, letting residents choose a living space that suits their needs and lifestyle. Occupants benefit from on-site amenities, including a spa, adding to the overall wellness and leisure experience. Cambridge Court’s location is exceptionally walkable, with a Walk Score of 96, classified as a “Walker’s Paradise.” This means daily errands and activities can be done on foot, and nearby family members will find the neighborhood easy to navigate during visits. The Franklin Street location puts the community near shops, services, and cultural attractions that define Cambridge.

The independent living model supports active, engaged residents wanting maintenance-free living without the need for daily care services. It’s an ideal choice for seniors seeking to remain connected to an urban, walkable neighborhood while enjoying the community living convenience.

Contact Cambridge Court

Overview of Springhouse Senior Living

Lodged within the vibrant Boston, Massachusetts, Springhouse Senior Living unfolds as a cherished home blending independent living floor plans with assisted living facilities and memory care therapy. Beyond its remarkable amenities, this residence envelops residents in a genuine and friendly atmosphere, all while providing seamless access to educational and cultural gems as well as medical centers.

Amidst 13 acres of pristine conservation land, it captures the essence of tranquility and urban convenience. Lush gardens and inviting walking trails frame the surroundings. The comfort of home is also punctuated by 24-hour security, designated parking, and a range of offerings including a gallery, café, library, and a fitness and exercise room. The home’s commitment to holistic care echoes through on-site physician practices, therapeutic sessions, and specialized memory care living. Springhouse Senior Living is absolutely a community that defines the essence of a vibrant senior lifestyle.

Contact Springhouse Senior Living

Overview of The Gables at Winchester

An assisted living community on Cambridge Street in Winchester, Massachusetts, is The Gables at Winchester. It’s a residential area north of Boston with moderate walkability, scoring 52. The home houses a three-story building and offers 123 apartments across studio, one, and two-bedroom floor plans, letting occupants choose the space fitting their needs. Having served residents for 35 years, The Gables at Winchester provides independent living support for older adults wanting help with daily personal care and activities while being as independent as possible.

Winchester’s location puts the home within easy reach of local shops and services, with some walkable errands. Nearby family members can visit regularly. The Cambridge Street address connects occupants and their families to the town’s established neighborhood character. It also offers proximity to Boston area resources.

For families navigating options, an on-site visit to The Gables at Winchester gives a clear sense of the floor plans, daily culture, and community environment.

Contact The Gables at Winchester

Cabot Park Village

280 Newtonville Avenue, Newtonville, MA 02460
Overview of Cabot Park Village

Led by chairperson and CEO Tom Grape, Cabot Park Village is an independent living community that Benchmark Senior Living operates in Newtonville, Massachusetts. Situated on Newtonville Avenue just 0.6 miles from the city center, the mid-rise community has been operating for 29 years. It offers occupants a choice of floor plans: studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments that give individuals flexibility in choosing the space that fits their needs and lifestyle.

The highly walkable neighborhood scores 71 on the Walk Score scale, meaning most daily errands and essentials are reachable on foot. Hospitals, drug stores, restaurants, shopping, markets, banks, golf courses, and parks are all conveniently located nearby. It’s then easy for residents and visiting families to access local services and amenities without a long commute. Cabot Park Village spotlights services for the needs of independent-living residents. Transportation services help with getting around. To bolster an active lifestyle, the home offers fitness and recreation facilities. Occupants can access a set of activities and social and educational programs tailored to foster engagement and connection. The community accepts pets, which can be a vital factor for residents wanting to bring a companion with them.

Operating for nearly three decades in senior housing, Cabot Park Village has developed systems to handle daily operations and respond to resident needs. The walkable Newtonville location puts residents near a full range of services, dining, and recreational opportunities in the surrounding community.

Contact Cabot Park Village

Overview of Willis Avenue Development

Live your best years at Willis Avenue Development, an astounding community situated in the harmonious neighborhood of Medford, MA, offering independent living. Residents can ease their worries with a variety of specially designed and sophisticated accommodations. The community also helps with maintenance, providing residents with more time to do the things they love.

Residents can spend their days as they please, especially with unique local shops, serene parks, and other recreational spaces in the area. Restaurants nearby also provide residents with a variety of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. With its warm and inviting environment, residents can rest assured of living comfortably in retirement.

Contact Willis Avenue Development

Overview of Weldon Gardens

Spend a blissful retirement at Weldon Gardens, a distinct community in Medford, MA, offering independent living. The community features thoughtfully furnished and spacious one-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Laundry spaces and maintenance services are also provided, so residents have a worry-free lifestyle.

Thriving local shops and recreational spaces are also available nearby, providing endless leisure and wellness opportunities. Restaurants in the area also allows residents to enjoy a variety of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community’s warm and inviting environment creates the ideal setting for residents to make the most of their best years.

Contact Weldon Gardens

Overview of Salem Towers

Spend a blissful retirement at Salem Towers, a welcoming 62+ community in Malden, MA, offering independent living. The community features 80 beautifully designed and cozy studio to two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. With income-based rents, residents can ease their worries and financial burdens.

Fun gathering spaces and wellness opportunities are available, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Residents can also prepare meals that best suit their tastes and nutritional needs with a fully equipped kitchen in each unit. The community’s extensive amenities and friendly setting ensure residents can thrive in their golden years.

Contact Salem Towers

Overview of Water Street Apartments

Surrounded by thriving local amenities in Medford, MA, Water Street Apartments is a purposely built community that offers independent living. Designed for low-income older adults, the community features a variety of cozy one-bedroom accommodations. Here, residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle, as maintenance is taken care of.

Entertainment sites and convenient local shops surround the area, providing endless leisure and wellness opportunities. Residents also enjoy various dining options with restaurants nearby. The community strives to maintain affordability, including utilities in the rent to ease financial burdens. With its warm and friendly environment, residents can keep their peace of mind and create unforgettable moments in retirement.

Contact Water Street Apartments

Overview of Haywood House

Live blissfully at Haywood House, an astounding community in Newton, MA, offering independent living. Dedicated to improving the living experiences of those 62+, the community has 55 specially designed one-bedroom floor plans. Residents also experience a hassle-free lifestyle, accompanied by exceptional maintenance services and top-notch apartment features.

With cozy gathering spaces and wellness opportunities, residents can spend their days as they please. Dining, shopping, and distinct local amenities are also easily accessible, providing residents with their needs. The community strives to promote a bright and friendly environment for residents to flourish in their golden years.

Contact Haywood House

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Independent Living in Arlington at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 76/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Arlington, MA. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 79The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Arlington, MA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in Arlington, MA

What is the average cost of independent living in Arlington, MA?

The average monthly cost of independent living in Arlington, MA is approximately $2,890. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

What is the price range for independent living in Arlington, MA?

Independent living in Arlington, MA typically ranges from $694 - $4,187 per month, depending on the community, room type, and care needs.

What is independent living?

Independent living communities are residential settings for active older adults — typically with private apartments or cottages, shared amenities (dining, fitness, activities), and no built-in medical care.

How many independent living communities are listed on this page?

This page features 23 independent living communities in Arlington, MA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in Arlington, MA?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Arlington, MA, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting independent living communities in Arlington, MA?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.