Other senior care options in Burlington:

Best Independent Living in Burlington, VT

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 4 independent living communities in Burlington, VT using VT Dept. of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living (DAIL) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in VT
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jul 2026
We analyzed
4 homes
Other senior care options in Burlington:
Avg Walk Score: 48/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Burlington, VT. 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: The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Burlington, VT. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent Living around Burlington (Metro Area)

Info below is compiled from the VT Dept. of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living (DAIL), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

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

Three Cathedral Square
IL
AL
Burlington (Old North End)
-Yes
93
Facility 93
VT AVG 45
Rank #2 / 68
1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Residence at Shelburne Bay
IL
AL
MC
RC
Shelburne
-No
42
Facility 42
VT AVG 45
Rank #33 / 68
-
The Residence at Quarry Hill
IL
AL
MC
RC
South Burlington
-No
30
Facility 30
VT AVG 45
Rank #42 / 68
-
Harbor Village Senior Communities
IL
AL
RESC
RC
South Burlington
-Yes
25
Facility 25
VT AVG 45
Rank #48 / 68
-
Overview of Three Cathedral Square

Established in 1977, Three Cathedral Square is an assisted living and independent living community in Burlington’s Old North End. The community offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans, which range from 450 to 570 square feet. It provides independent living and assisted housing. There are also dedicated memory care services in a smoke-free and well-maintained setting.

The community emphasizes environmental responsibility through sustainable building practices and energy-efficient features. Residents have access to free on-site parking, dedicated garden spaces, and a full calendar of social, cultural, and recreational activities that encourage engagement. Pets are also welcome in the community. Two pets are allowed per home in recognition of the companionship they provide.

Telephone, internet, and cable television are included in the rental rate, so it’s easier for residents to manage their monthly expenses. The community has a Walk Score of 93. It’s a walker’s paradise where daily errands and many shops can be reached on foot. It is also just 0. 4 miles from Burlington’s city center, providing convenient access to downtown dining and cultural attractions.

Three Cathedral Square participates in Vermont’s state-supported care programs. These include the ACCS Program for personal care and homemaker services and the ERC Program, which provides nursing-level care as an alternative to traditional nursing home placement. The community also offers memory care for residents whose needs change over time. Its continued existence since 1977 and its dedication to sustainable practices are evidence of its long term, considered stewardship.

Contact Three Cathedral Square

Overview of The Residence at Shelburne Bay

The Residence at Shelburne Bay is a senior living community in Shelburne, Vermont, offering a diverse range of care options to meet the evolving needs of older adults. Located at 185 Pine Haven Shores in Chittenden County, the community provides Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, and Respite Care services in a residential setting designed to foster both independence and supportive care. This multi-care model means families can explore options ranging from those seeking an active, independent lifestyle to residents requiring memory support or temporary respite stays.
Shelburne’s location in the greater Burlington area offers residents and visiting family a quieter, more residential environment compared to urban centers. The community scores 42 on the Walk Score scale, which reflects a “somewhat walkable” neighborhood—some nearby services are reachable on foot, though most errands and outings will require a short drive. This setting appeals to seniors who value a peaceful residential community while remaining within reach of local amenities and the broader Burlington region.
The community accepts no pets, making it a suitable choice for households where a pet-free environment is preferred or necessary. For seniors considering The Residence at Shelburne Bay, an in-person visit is the best way to evaluate the community’s fit. During a tour, families can explore the different care levels offered, see the room and housing options available across Independent, Assisted, and Memory Care units, meet staff, learn about daily activities and dining, and gain a sense of the community’s atmosphere and culture.
The Residence at Shelburne Bay is regulated by the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, ensuring that the community operates under state oversight and standards designed to protect resident safety and quality of care. Prospective residents and families are encouraged to inquire about any specific services, programs, or care features that are important to their needs, and to contact the community directly for more information.

Contact The Residence at Shelburne Bay

Overview of The Residence at Quarry Hill

The Residence at Quarry Hill is a senior living community in South Burlington, Vermont. It provides three complementary care levels: independent living, assisted living, and memory care, along with respite care options. The community at 465 Quarry Hill Road in Chittenden County welcomes families seeking a care continuum where residents can transition between service levels while staying in a familiar setting.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 30, indicating it’s somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be within walking reach, though most errands demand transportation. Pets aren’t allowed.

For families interested in how The Residence at Quarry Hill manages daily life, services, dining, and specialized memory care programming, an in-person tour provides the best way to experience what it offers and to learn how the care continuum model works for their loved one.

Contact The Residence at Quarry Hill

Overview of Harbor Village Senior Communities

Harbor Village Senior Communities is a residential senior living community located in South Burlington, Vermont, serving older adults seeking various levels of care and support. The community is situated at 90 Allen Rd and welcomes families to tour its residential spaces through eight photographs showcasing bedrooms, living areas, bathrooms, kitchens, and common gathering spaces.
The community specializes in a full continuum of care services, offering assisted living for residents who need daily support with activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management; independent living for those who want to maintain an active lifestyle with access to community amenities and services; residential care for those requiring more hands-on personal assistance; and respite care for families seeking short-term support during transitions or recovery periods.
Located in South Burlington, the community sits in a neighborhood with a Walk Score of 25, reflecting moderate car-dependency. While some nearby services may be reachable on foot, most errands and outings will require transportation. This quieter, residential setting appeals to those seeking a peaceful environment outside the city center while maintaining reasonable proximity to Vermont’s larger communities.
The community is pet-friendly, allowing residents to keep their companion animals as part of their daily lives. This policy recognizes the importance of pets in promoting emotional well-being and maintaining familiar routines during a transition to senior living.
For specific details about floor plans, monthly pricing, current availability, staffing levels, dining options, activities programming, healthcare services, and other amenities, interested families are encouraged to contact Harbor Village Senior Communities directly or visit in person to experience the community firsthand.

Contact Harbor Village Senior Communities

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
Submit a correction
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today

Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in Burlington, VT

What is the average cost of independent living in Burlington, VT?

The average monthly cost of independent living in Burlington, VT is approximately $2,241. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

What is the price range for independent living in Burlington, VT?

Independent living in Burlington, VT typically ranges from $891 - $3,561 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 4 independent living communities in Burlington, VT. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in Burlington, VT?

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 Burlington, VT, 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 Burlington, VT?

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.