Best Independent Living in Boston, MA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 20 independent living communities in Boston, 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 Boston, MA our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Boston, MA.
20 homes
Other senior care options in Boston:
Avg Walk Score: 56/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Boston, 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: 83The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Boston, MA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent Living around Boston (Metro Area)

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. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. PC (Palliative Care): Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
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.
The Residence at Boylston Place
IL
AL
MC
RC
Chestnut Hill
99
Facility 99
MA AVG 86
Rank #63 / 227
No18
78
Facility 78
MA AVG 54
Rank #124 / 438
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
26
Facility 26
MA AVG 22
Rank #77 / 178
-NoYes
Atria Longmeadow Place
IL
AL
MC
Burlington
110
Facility 110
MA AVG 86
Rank #42 / 227
Yes13
53
Facility 53
MA AVG 54
Rank #218 / 438
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
28
Facility 28
MA AVG 22
Rank #54 / 178
-YesNo
Atria Marina Place
IL
AL
MC
North Quincy (Marina Bay)
110
Facility 110
MA AVG 86
Rank #42 / 227
Yes21
12
Facility 12
MA AVG 54
Rank #404 / 438
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
27
Facility 27
MA AVG 22
Rank #61 / 178
-NoYes
Stonebridge at Burlington
IL
AL
MC
Burlington
110
Facility 110
MA AVG 86
Rank #42 / 227
Yes26
36
Facility 36
MA AVG 54
Rank #290 / 438
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Companion
13
Facility 13
MA AVG 22
Rank #124 / 178
A-NoNo
Springhouse Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
Boston (Brook Farm)
49
Facility 49
MA AVG 86
Rank #187 / 227
Yes13
22
Facility 22
MA AVG 54
Rank #355 / 438
1 Bed / 2 Bed
30
Facility 30
MA AVG 22
Rank #14 / 178
-YesNo
Grove Manor Estates
IL
AL
MC
Braintree
70
Facility 70
MA AVG 86
Rank #138 / 227
No15
54
Facility 54
MA AVG 54
Rank #213 / 438
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 22
Rank #26 / 178
-NoNo
Maplewood at Weston
IL
AL
MC
Weston
93
Facility 93
MA AVG 86
Rank #77 / 227
Yes13
17
Facility 17
MA AVG 54
Rank #384 / 438
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
12
Facility 12
MA AVG 22
Rank #130 / 178
C+NoNo
The Parc at Harbor View Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
Winthrop
73
Facility 73
MA AVG 86
Rank #133 / 227
No20
71
Facility 71
MA AVG 54
Rank #149 / 438
Traditional (53), Special Care (20)
11
Facility 11
MA AVG 22
Rank #139 / 178
-NoNo
Brightview Canton
IL
AL
MC
Canton (Ponkapoag)
65
Facility 65
MA AVG 86
Rank #149 / 227
Yes25
22
Facility 22
MA AVG 54
Rank #355 / 438
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
10
Facility 10
MA AVG 22
Rank #151 / 178
-NoNo
Waterstone at the Circle
IL
HOS
PC
Boston (Commonwealth)
-Yes-
87
Facility 87
MA AVG 54
Rank #68 / 438
1 Bed / 2 Bed
9
Facility 9
MA AVG 22
Rank #154 / 178
-No-

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every MA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 20 analyzed for Boston. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of The Residence at Boylston Place

The Residence at Boylston Place offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care in Chestnut Hill, MA. Independent living provides a private home with community services and no daily care, while assisted living adds help with dressing, bathing, and medication without requiring a resident to leave their own apartment. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Respite care offers a short stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

The community has 99 beds, with studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom layouts. A studio suits someone who wants one private space, while a two bedroom layout may work for a couple moving together or for someone who wants a companion. Having several care levels and respite care on one campus may suit a resident whose needs could grow over time, or a family needing short term support. A Walk Score of 78 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently.

Contact The Residence at Boylston Place

Overview of Atria Longmeadow Place

Situated in the tranquil community of Mall Road, Burlington, MA, Atria Longmeadow Place is an idyllic senior living community offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Well-equipped with household amenities, the community features spacious floor plans ranging from studio to one-bedroom, to two-bedroom apartments. The community focuses on its residents’ individuality and independence, providing care and assistance that best suits their unique needs and preferences.

Atria Longmeadow Place is a vibrant community that encourages its residents to remain active and engaged. The community provides Alzheimer’s and dementia support groups and opportunities for educational, social, cultural, and fitness through its exclusive Life Guidance program. Residents enjoy three chef-prepared healthy meals in the private dining room or with friends. The pet-friendly community is equipped with a courtyard, a library, a media room, a fitness center, a salon and spa, a game room, an in-campus sundries shop, a resident garden, and a peaceful sunlit patio.

Contact Atria Longmeadow Place

Overview of Atria Marina Place

Located nearby Boston, Atria Marina Place in Quincy is one of the premier senior living communities that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. They understand that an enriching senior living experience begins with the right lifestyle that suits your needs; independent living offers a lifestyle that allows retiring seniors to stay active and pursue their activities without having to worry about chores such as cooking, cleaning, and maintenance. Assisted living encourages, empowers, and enriches residents to still live freely on their own terms while receiving the necessary support. Atria Marina Place has been one of the trail blazers in reinventing the approach to senior living– modern and innovative care.

Atria Marina Place is a branch of the renowned Atria senior living group. Rest assured that residents of Atria Marina Place are able to experience their array of amenities such as garden, salon, and café bistro; along with services such as transportation, housekeeping and laundry– to name a few of the features that residents from both living options get unlimited access. As of today, there’s around a twenty-five percent vacancy rate, making it a testament to how many families trust in bringing their loved one into the hands of Atria Marina Place.

Contact Atria Marina Place

Overview of Stonebridge at Burlington

Discover the Stonebridge Way of Life at Stonebridge at Burlington, an exceptional assisted living and memory care community located near Boston, Massachusetts. Residents of Stonebridge get access to a variety of amenities and services designed to enhance their daily lives and provide peace of mind. From chef-prepared dining to programs and social events, residents can savor an active lifestyle while enjoying a maintenance-free home.

At Stonebridge, a dedicated personal care team is available throughout the day to assist residents with their individual needs such as bathing, dressing, medication management and housekeeping. Their Wellness Team is always ready to lend a helping hand. Personal care plans are thoughtfully developed for each resident, ensuring that they receive the assistance they need when they need it the most. Residents can choose from a variety of apartment options, ranging from smart studios to spacious two-bedroom suites. The community boasts amenities, including the Good Dog Cafe, an art studio with courtyard views, the Journey salon and spa, and a calendar filled with cultural programs and events. Three delicious chef-prepared meals are served daily, providing residents with a delightful dining experience. 

Contact Stonebridge at Burlington

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 Grove Manor Estates

Operating for 29 years, Grove Manor Estates is an assisted living community in Braintree, Massachusetts, that offers independent living, personal care, and memory care. The community also features a variety of studio to two-bedroom apartments in a three-story setting, ensuring older adults’ comfort. Three daily meals, weekly housekeeping, and personal laundry are also offered to support residents’ daily living. Along with 24-hour staffing, a round-the-clock emergency call system is also available for residents’ safety.

Regular exercise programs and social events foster interaction and encourage residents to maintain holistic wellness. A chapel, a library, and a cinema are among the amenities available on-site for residents’ leisure and wellness. With a relatively walkable neighborhood, the community earned a Walk Score of 54, which also allows residents to access some amenities on foot.

Contact Grove Manor Estates

Overview of Maplewood at Weston

Maplewood at Weston has been part of its Weston, Massachusetts neighborhood for 12 years, sitting at 99 Norumbega Rd in a two-story building with 93 beds. It’s not built around a single kind of care. Independent living, personal care, and memory care all coexist here, spread across studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments.

Getting around does mean getting in a car. The Walk Score is 17, solidly car-dependent, so most errands and outings involve driving rather than walking. Pets are welcome, small animal companions specifically, so residents don’t have to leave a cat or a small dog behind to make the move.

Staffing runs around the clock here, with licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants on hand at all hours. Respite care, transportation, and housekeeping round out the practical side of things, the kind of support that takes real weight off a family’s shoulders. Beyond the basics, there’s a real push toward engagement: educational programs, cultural events, and wellness programming show up regularly, backed by a library, landscaped grounds, and a 24-hour emergency call system that residents can rely on if something goes wrong.

Twelve years in, spanning three levels of care, with staffing that doesn’t clock out: what Maplewood at Weston adds up to is a community built for residents whose needs might shift over time, without forcing a move somewhere new when they do.

Contact Maplewood at Weston

Overview of The Parc at Harbor View Senior Living

Just a few minutes away from Boston is the Park at Harbor View Senior Living in Winthrop. The Park offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care; where they have been recognized as the Best Assisted Living for 2022 to 2023 by the U.S. News and World Report. The senior living community is made up of compassionate and professional staff who are dedicated to delivering the best level of care that meet the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of each resident. The Parc ensures that each and everyone of their residents are being well cared for.
The Parc has created award-winning programs that boast friendly and results-driven activities such as their SPARK™ program that aims to enhance and enrich the experiences and lifestyle of their residents by designing specific care plans that are matches their interests, abilities, and needs– from baking to bingo, there’s always something available for everyone.

Contact The Parc at Harbor View Senior Living

Overview of Brightview Canton

Have a magnificent retirement with Brightview Canton, located in the vibrant community of Canton, MA, offering a comprehensive range of services including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and enhanced care. The community features resort-style amenities and dining, ensuring an active and luxurious lifestyle. As an award-winning community, ranking 1st in FORTUNE Magazine for four consecutive years already, residents can receive the top-notch customized care and support they deserve.

Experience its above-and-beyond amenities and services including gourmet dining prepared by a talented culinary team, a full-service salon, and on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Engage in a diverse set of life enrichment programs focusing on engagement, recreation, and wellness. With Brightview Canton, seniors are assured of enjoyable, fulfilling, and worry-free senior living.

Contact Brightview Canton

Overview of Waterstone at the Circle

At 385 Chestnut Hill Ave in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood, Waterstone at the Circle occupies one of the more genuinely walkable addresses in the Boston senior living market. A Walk Score of 87 means residents can handle most daily errands on foot, which in a city like Boston carries real weight for people who want to stay connected to an urban environment without relying on transportation logistics.

The building is a mid-rise, nine years into operation, with one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. The amenity list reads like someone actually thought about how people spend their time: an indoor heated pool, fitness center, library, card room, and movie theater are all on-site. Dining uses an anytime model built around locally sourced ingredients and seasonal offerings, which is a meaningfully different structure than set-schedule communal dining. Programming is run by a life enrichment team, and the community offers two named specific programs, Financial Resources and the EPOCH Exchange.

The facility carries an independent living designation, and the full profile coheres around that: no staffing hours, no clinical services listed, just a well-appointed building in a walkable Boston neighborhood designed for people who are managing their own lives and want a good physical environment to do it in. For that population in this market, the combination of location, amenities, and flexible dining is a substantive offer.

Contact Waterstone at the Circle

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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in Boston, MA

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

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

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

Independent living in Boston, 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 20 independent living communities in Boston, MA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in Boston, 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 Boston, 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 Boston, 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.