Best Independent Living in Exton, PA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 7 independent living communities in Exton, PA using PA Depts. of Human Services & Health data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in PA
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Exton, PA our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Exton, PA.
7 homes
Other senior care options in Exton:
Avg Walk Score: 46/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Exton, PA. 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: 100The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Exton, PA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent Living around Exton

Info below is compiled from the PA Depts. of Human Services & Health, 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. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. 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. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
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.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Name of the licensed owner, operator, or managing entity as filed with the state. Useful for grouping facilities under the same organization.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Number of inspections triggered by complaints or allegations. Useful for spotting facilities that receive frequent complaint-driven scrutiny.
Share of inspections that resulted in citations, expressed as a percentage of total inspections in the window.
Total count of citations (cited regulatory issues) recorded in the selected reporting period. Read alongside inspection counts for context.
The average number of citations this facility receives each time it's inspected, calculated as total citations ÷ total inspections. A lower number suggests more consistent compliance with safety and care standards.
Reported profit orientation for the operator or facility (e.g. for-profit vs nonprofit), as provided in state licensing or disclosure data.
Total daily staff count from Pennsylvania inspection/licensing data (headcount snapshot), when reported.
The total number of staff employed per resident. A number greater than or = to 1 is a positive care signal.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Housing or bed configuration options (e.g. studio, shared), often from facility-reported amenities and licensing details.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
The Hickman
IL
AL
MC
RESC
West Chester
125
Facility 125
PA AVG 93
Rank #93 / 522
No
98
Facility 98
PA AVG 47
Rank #2 / 626
The Hickman Friends Senior Community Of West Chester8
2
Facility 2
PA AVG 4
Rank #183 / 477
63%
Facility 63%
PA AVG 67.4%
Rank #182 / 477
60
Facility 60
PA AVG 63
Rank #323 / 477
7.5
Facility 7.5
PA AVG 5.1
Rank #394 / 477
Non-Profit
111
Facility 111
PA AVG 76.9
Rank #69 / 356
1.61
60.0%
Facility 60.0%
PA AVG 68.8%
Rank #313 / 464
--
Merrill Gardens at West Chester
IL
AL
MC
West Chester
94
Facility 94
PA AVG 93
Rank #225 / 522
Yes
14
Facility 14
PA AVG 47
Rank #547 / 626
West Chester Pa Senior Property LLC10
2
Facility 2
PA AVG 4
Rank #183 / 477
90%
Facility 90%
PA AVG 67.4%
Rank #436 / 477
51
Facility 51
PA AVG 63
Rank #291 / 477
5.1
Facility 5.1
PA AVG 5.1
Rank #321 / 477
For-Profit
112
Facility 112
PA AVG 76.9
Rank #67 / 356
1.51
78.7%
Facility 78.7%
PA AVG 68.8%
Rank #145 / 464
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-
Bellingham at West Chester
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
West Chester
80
Facility 80
PA AVG 93
Rank #270 / 522
No
98
Facility 98
PA AVG 47
Rank #2 / 626
Lcs Bellingham Tenant LLC15
4
Facility 4
PA AVG 4
Rank #297 / 477
80%
Facility 80%
PA AVG 67.4%
Rank #357 / 477
218
Facility 218
PA AVG 63
Rank #454 / 477
14.5
Facility 14.5
PA AVG 5.1
Rank #455 / 477
For-Profit
73
Facility 73
PA AVG 76.9
Rank #174 / 356
1.43
70.0%
Facility 70.0%
PA AVG 68.8%
Rank #237 / 464
-A
Echo Lake – SageLife Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
RC
Malvern
104
Facility 104
PA AVG 93
Rank #173 / 522
No
11
Facility 11
PA AVG 47
Rank #564 / 626
Sage Atwater Tenant Trs LLC20
8
Facility 8
PA AVG 4
Rank #429 / 477
75%
Facility 75%
PA AVG 67.4%
Rank #304 / 477
111
Facility 111
PA AVG 63
Rank #411 / 477
5.6
Facility 5.6
PA AVG 5.1
Rank #350 / 477
For-Profit
113
Facility 113
PA AVG 76.9
Rank #63 / 356
1.53
71.2%
Facility 71.2%
PA AVG 68.8%
Rank #225 / 464
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-
Highgate at Paoli Pointe
IL
MC
RC
Paoli
124
Facility 124
PA AVG 93
Rank #102 / 522
Yes
53
Facility 53
PA AVG 47
Rank #241 / 626
600 Paoli Pointe Drive Operations LLC18
12
Facility 12
PA AVG 4
Rank #466 / 477
78%
Facility 78%
PA AVG 67.4%
Rank #337 / 477
350
Facility 350
PA AVG 63
Rank #471 / 477
19.4
Facility 19.4
PA AVG 5.1
Rank #473 / 477
For-Profit
50
Facility 50
PA AVG 76.9
Rank #251 / 356
1.52
35.5%
Facility 35.5%
PA AVG 68.8%
Rank #453 / 464
Private Rooms / Semi-Private RoomsA+
Freedom Village at Brandywine
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Coatesville
60
Facility 60
PA AVG 93
Rank #372 / 522
Yes
9
Facility 9
PA AVG 47
Rank #572 / 626
---------
76.8%
Facility 76.8%
PA AVG 68.8%
Rank #170 / 464
1 Bed / 2 BedA+
Wellington at Hershey’s Mill
IL
AL
MC
RC
West Chester (Bradford Hills)
114
Facility 114
PA AVG 93
Rank #144 / 522
No
37
Facility 37
PA AVG 47
Rank #387 / 626
Arhc Whwchpa01 Trs LLC-----For-Profit---Studio / 1 Bed-

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every PA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 7 analyzed for Exton. See how we rank facilities

The Hickman

400 N. Walnut Street, West Chester, PA 19380
Overview of The Hickman

The Hickman offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and residential care in West Chester, PA. Assisted living includes help with dressing, bathing, and medication, while independent living supports private living with community services and no daily care. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Residential care provides a residential setting with personal care.

The Hickman opened in 1891 and has 125 beds. The community is operated by The Hickman Friends Senior Community Of West Chester. Several care levels may allow a resident’s needs to grow over time while remaining in the community, rather than requiring a move elsewhere. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, and the Independent Plus+ program is available.

The Short Term Respite Stay offers temporary care when a usual caregiver needs time away or is recovering. A Walk Score of 98 places the area in the walker’s paradise band, so daily errands do not require a car and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. The Hickman may be a good fit for someone whose needs may change over time and who may be able to move between care settings without leaving the community.

Contact The Hickman

Overview of Merrill Gardens at West Chester

Merrill Gardens at West Chester is an exquisite and upscale residence nestled in the heart of West Chester, Pennsylvania. This remarkable community offers a range of exceptional services, including independent living, personal care, and memory care. Step into a world of elegance as you enter their beautifully appointed interiors, surrounded by galleries, renowned restaurants, and esteemed healthcare facilities.

The home offers specialized memory care services in their dedicated and private homes. These memory care private homes provide a safe and nurturing environment for residents with memory impairments, allowing them to receive personalized attention and support tailored to their specific needs. With their memory care private homes and glowing reviews, Merrill Gardens at West Chester is a beacon of hope and support for individuals and families navigating the challenges of memory loss.

Contact Merrill Gardens at West Chester

Overview of Bellingham at West Chester

Owned by Watermark Bre Investments, Bellingham at West Chester is a post-acute rehabilitation and nursing community at 1615 East Boot Road in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Found in a highly walkable area with a Walk Score of 98, the home operating under Lcs Bellingham Tenant Llc is close to nearby hospitals and medical services, convenient for residents and visiting families. The community caters to those recuperating from surgery or hospitalization, focusing on short-term rehabilitation and reflecting an average stay length of 32 days. The 80-bed home currently operates at a 70 percent occupancy rate.

Total nursing care averages 3 hours 43 minutes per resident day, providing consistent hands-on support alongside registered nurses and licensed practical nursing presence. Bellingham at West Chester accepts Medicare and private pay, creating ways for residents with different insurance coverage. Everyday life is supported by restaurant-style dining featuring chef-prepared meals, which many occupants find more engaging than typical facility food service. The community offers respite care and short-term stay choices for families seeking momentary placement during transition periods. Activities and programming highlight continued learning, physical fitness, and social connection, anchored by on-site amenities including a pool, exercise classes, a living room for gatherings, and a beauty and barber shop. Laundry services reduce the load on residents and families managing personal clothing needs. Operating for two years, the facility is relatively new to the community.

Since opening, the home has undergone state inspections that have marked administrative and operational areas for attention. These include staff training and certification, and documentation completeness. Such areas are worth asking about during a tour to learn how the facility manages ongoing improvements.

Contact Bellingham at West Chester

Overview of Echo Lake – SageLife Senior Living

Echo Lake – SageLife Senior Living is located on North Atwater Drive in Malvern, which is part of Chester County. The location is very car-dependent, as shown by its low Walk Score of 11. The building is a mid-rise structure with 104 total beds. These are divided into studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Right now, 74 of these beds are occupied, which means the building is running at a 71 percent occupancy rate.

The facility offers four different types of care in one location. These include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and short-term respite stays. The memory care program has 38 units specifically for Alzheimer’s patients, which shows it is a major part of the facility’s operations. The services list also includes specialized Parkinson’s care. Licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants provide care on the premises.

Recent state inspections have often focused on things like fire safety systems, plans for emergencies, and resident rights. These reports have not typically focused on the quality of direct clinical care provided to the residents.

For older adults whose health needs may change over time, or for families who are helping a loved one manage a dementia diagnosis, having these different levels of care in one place can be helpful. This structure helps families avoid the stress of having to move to a new location if care needs increase later on. This ability to provide consistent care is the foundation of how Echo Lake is organized.

Contact Echo Lake – SageLife Senior Living

Overview of Highgate at Paoli Pointe

Highgate at Paoli Pointe offers independent living, memory care, and respite care in Paoli, PA. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Respite care is a short stay that can suit a family caregiver who needs time to travel or recover. The community may be a good fit for someone living with dementia who needs a secured, supervised setting.

The community has 124 beds. Private rooms give one resident a room of their own, while semi-private rooms are shared accommodations. The starting price is $5,425 per month, giving families a monthly baseline for budgeting. Highgate at Paoli Pointe is operated by 600 Paoli Pointe Drive Operations.

A Walk Score of 53 makes the area somewhat walkable, meaning some errands can be done on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may be able to handle some nearby errands independently. Pets are allowed, so a resident may be able to keep a pet in the community. Excursions provide opportunities for residents to participate in outings, while beauty salon and barber services provide personal grooming on site. Maintenance-free living means residents do not handle routine home maintenance themselves.

Contact Highgate at Paoli Pointe

Freedom Village at Brandywine

15 Freedom Blvd, Coatesville, PA 19320
Overview of Freedom Village at Brandywine

Bask in the sunlight with the esteemed senior living community of Freedom Village at Brandywine which is situated in the lively neighborhood of Freedom Boulevard, Coatesville, PA, offering independent living, memory care, personal care, long-term care, and rehabilitation. With its commitment to providing a safe place for seniors to rest and safely spend their golden years, the community features a variety of cozy and elegant one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Gain meaningful experiences with the compassionate and specially-trained team that strives to lend extra hands for seniors’ everyday living.

Create wonderful moments with friends and join enjoyable activities and exciting events for an active and well-engaged lifestyle. Focusing on residents’ tastes and nutritional needs, the community meticulously prepares delightful meals for the finest dining experience. Freedom Village at Brandywine is a good place for seniors who want to experience the best things in their golden years. As proof of its unwavering dedication to seniors’ welfare, the community was awarded the Best Nursing Homes for Short-Term Rehabilitation from 2022 to 2023 and Long-Term Care in 2024 by US News and World Report.

Contact Freedom Village at Brandywine

Overview of Wellington at Hershey’s Mill

Peacefully settled in West Chester, PA, Wellington at Hershey’s Mill is a blissful senior living community that offers a range of care options including Independent Living, Personal Care, Memory Care, and Respite Care. For over 15 years, the community has been a pillar of comfort and convenience with their well-designed accommodations and comprehensive services. With 24-hour support and assistance provided by a dedicated team, residents enjoy immediate response to their needs.

Residents here can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with amenities such as an aquatic center, fitness center, and various social activities, ensuring they remain active and engaged. With on-site physicians, a beauty and barber shop, a bistro, and a library, residents have everything they need within reach. The award-winning Embrace Memory Care program offers specialized support for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, while the Personal Care service provides assistance with daily activities, ensuring every resident’s well-being.

Contact Wellington at Hershey’s Mill

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
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in Exton, PA

What is the average cost of independent living in Exton, PA?

The average monthly cost of independent living in Exton, PA is approximately $2,096. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

What is the price range for independent living in Exton, PA?

Independent living in Exton, PA typically ranges from $508 - $4,222 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 7 independent living communities in Exton, PA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in Exton, PA?

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 Exton, PA, 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 Exton, PA?

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.