Page 2 of Best Independent Living in Maine

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 74 independent living communities in ME using ME Dept. of Health & Human Services (DHHS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in ME
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We analyzed These are the facilities in Maine our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Maine.
74 homes
Other senior care options in Maine:

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Info below is compiled from the ME Dept. of Health & Human Services (DHHS), 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. 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.
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.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
A named contact for the facility. Hover the name to see their role — Administrator (state administrator of record or facility-provided administrator), Nursing Director, Medical Director, or Staff. The most authoritative available is shown.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
How many inspections had one or more deficiencies recorded. Compare to total inspections to see how often problems were found on visit.
Total count of deficiencies (cited regulatory issues) recorded in the selected reporting period. Read alongside inspection counts for context.
The average number of deficiencies this facility receives each time it's inspected, calculated as total deficiencies ÷ total inspections. A lower number suggests more consistent compliance with safety and care standards.
Woodlands Senior Living of Waterville
IL
AL
MC
Waterville
58
Facility 58
ME AVG 47
Rank #15 / 43
No
15
Facility 15
ME AVG 46
Rank #60 / 69
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
96.6%
Facility 96.6%
ME AVG 87%
Rank #11 / 28
-Renee Hanscom15
3
Facility 3
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #26 / 30
4
Facility 4
ME AVG 3
Rank #20 / 30
0.3
Facility 0.3
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #8 / 30
Merry Gardens Estates
IL
AL
Camden
30
Facility 30
ME AVG 47
Rank #25 / 43
No
72
Facility 72
ME AVG 46
Rank #15 / 69
-
76.7%
Facility 76.7%
ME AVG 87%
Rank #27 / 28
-James Brown15
5
Facility 5
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #9 / 30
25
Facility 25
ME AVG 3
Rank #8 / 30
1.7
Facility 1.7
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #11 / 30
Schooner Estates Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
RESC
Auburn
26
Facility 26
ME AVG 47
Rank #27 / 43
Yes
17
Facility 17
ME AVG 46
Rank #58 / 69
Studio
73.1%
Facility 73.1%
ME AVG 87%
Rank #26 / 28
-John S Rice2
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #1 / 30
2
Facility 2
ME AVG 3
Rank #14 / 30
1.0
Facility 1.0
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #11 / 30
Parker Ridge
IL
AL
RC
Blue Hill
47
Facility 47
ME AVG 47
Rank #21 / 43
Yes
12
Facility 12
ME AVG 46
Rank #64 / 69
-
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
ME AVG 87%
Rank #1 / 28
-Timothy G. Chandler2
1
Facility 1
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #9 / 30
2
Facility 2
ME AVG 3
Rank #14 / 30
1.0
Facility 1.0
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #11 / 30
Stroudwater Street Residence
IL
AL
Westbrook
4
Facility 4
ME AVG 47
Rank #38 / 43
No
13
Facility 13
ME AVG 46
Rank #63 / 69
-
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
ME AVG 87%
Rank #1 / 28
-Shane Ashe1
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #1 / 30
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 3
Rank #1 / 30
0.0
Facility 0.0
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #1 / 30
Mount Joseph at Waterville
IL
HOS
NH
PC
SNF
Waterville
111
Facility 111
ME AVG 47
Rank #3 / 43
No
36
Facility 36
ME AVG 46
Rank #41 / 69
-
84.8%
Facility 84.8%
ME AVG 87%
Rank #18 / 28
A+Lisa Scully244451.9
Clover Health Care
IL
AL
MC
NH
Auburn
109
Facility 109
ME AVG 47
Rank #4 / 43
Yes
47
Facility 47
ME AVG 46
Rank #34 / 69
Private Rooms-A+Kevin Hachey25
7
Facility 7
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #30 / 30
54
Facility 54
ME AVG 3
Rank #30 / 30
2.2
Facility 2.2
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #30 / 30
Atlantic Shores
IL
AL
HOS
MC
NH
SNF
Harrington
6
Facility 6
ME AVG 47
Rank #32 / 43
Yes--
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
ME AVG 87%
Rank #1 / 28
-Jeffrey M. Strout1
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #1 / 30
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 3
Rank #1 / 30
0.0
Facility 0.0
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #1 / 30
Coastal Shores, Inc.
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Brunswick
40
Facility 40
ME AVG 47
Rank #23 / 43
No
92
Facility 92
ME AVG 46
Rank #4 / 69
-
97.5%
Facility 97.5%
ME AVG 87%
Rank #9 / 28
-Wendy A Rider1
1
Facility 1
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #9 / 30
11
Facility 11
ME AVG 3
Rank #26 / 30
11.0
Facility 11.0
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #29 / 30
Assisted Living Household at the Cedars
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Portland (Back Cove)
44
Facility 44
ME AVG 47
Rank #22 / 43
No
87
Facility 87
ME AVG 46
Rank #7 / 69
-
77.3%
Facility 77.3%
ME AVG 87%
Rank #23 / 28
-Katharine O'neill2
1
Facility 1
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #9 / 30
6
Facility 6
ME AVG 3
Rank #22 / 30
3.0
Facility 3.0
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #22 / 30

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other ME independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 74 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Woodlands Senior Living of Waterville

Resting gracefully in Waterville, Maine, Woodlands Senior Living of Waterville is a flourishing community that has held its place as the premier retirement destination in central Maine since 1996. Spread across a spacious campus, this community offers a plethora of care options for seniors, including assisted living with memory care, along with independent living private homes. With meticulous design and architecture, every facet of this community has been carefully considered to ensure a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

With a focus on providing top-notch care, they offer various apartment layouts for independent living, ranging from studios to one and two-bedroom units. For those in need of assisted living or memory care, private and shared rooms are available, ensuring a personalized and supportive environment. With round-the-clock availability of their carefully selected staff, this community is dedicated to ensuring the well-being and comfort of its residents. Woodlands Senior Living of Waterville is committed to offering a comprehensive range of care solutions and accepts both private pay and MaineCare.

Contact Woodlands Senior Living of Waterville

Overview of Merry Gardens Estates

Merry Gardens Estates offers assisted living and independent living in Camden, ME. Assisted living provides help with medication and personal care, while 24-hour care staff remain available. Independent living provides private apartment living with community services and no daily care. The combination may be a good fit for a resident whose needs may increase over time, since moving from independent living to assisted living can happen within the same community.

The community has 33 beds, making it a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other. Residents live in one-bedroom apartments with a separate bedroom and living area, and wheelchair accessibility supports residents who use mobility devices. Staff can help arrange transportation, so residents have assistance coordinating rides when needed.

Outdoor spaces and a library give residents places to spend time outside or read on site. Pets are allowed, so a resident may be able to continue living with a pet. A Walk Score of 72 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, allowing a resident who no longer drives to reach nearby destinations independently. Christine Rice serves as the administrator.

Contact Merry Gardens Estates

Overview of Schooner Estates Senior Living

Located in the heart of Maine, Schooner Estates Senior Living is an assisted living community in Auburn. The assisted living and memory care home offers a stimulating and engaging environment where residents thrive and be better versions of themselves. Management and staff are dedicated to accommodating everyone on their mental and physical abilities. Many services center on personalized care that focuses on comfort and comprehensive care. Schooner Estates is a social, safe, and fun community where residents are encouraged to be enriched.

The staff ensures everything is conveniently provided for seniors, making it a point that they just sit back and relax. Community amenities are maintenance-free, so residents can enjoy seamless access to living spaces like a lounge room, fitness center, and dining area. Other services include essential housekeeping, laundry, and transportation.

Contact Schooner Estates Senior Living

Parker Ridge

63 Parker Ridge Ln, Blue Hill, ME 04614-6129
Overview of Parker Ridge

Parker Ridge offers assisted living, independent living, and respite care in Blue Hill, ME. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident keeps a private living space. Independent living offers private living with community services for residents who do not need daily care, while respite care provides a short stay for someone whose usual caregiver is traveling or recovering.

With multiple living and care options, Parker Ridge may be a good fit for a resident whose needs could change over time or a family needing temporary care. Housing includes assisted living suites, residential living apartments, and cottages, matching assisted living residents with suites and independent living residents with apartments or cottages. The community has 47 beds, a size that can allow staff and residents to become familiar with one another.

A pool, fitness center, salon, and barber give residents options for recreation, exercise, and personal grooming within the community. Parker Ridge also has nine nature trails with different levels of difficulty and accessibility, creating outdoor walking options suited to varied abilities. Rehabilitation services are available through the community, and assisted living residents can use the Parker Court dining room, where meals are prepared with dietary needs in mind.

Pets are allowed, so residents may keep a pet while living at Parker Ridge. Timothy G. Chandler serves as the administrator.

Contact Parker Ridge

Overview of Stroudwater Street Residence

Live blissfully in retirement at Stroudwater Street Residence, an inviting retreat in Westbrook, ME, that offers assisted living. The community strives to help residents with their daily living activities and personal needs around the clock. Medication reminders are also provided, so residents do not have to worry about their prescriptions.

Here, residents are encouraged to live actively with a variety of fun recreational activities and engaging programs that highlight their interests and capabilities. Mealtimes also promote social interactions and satisfy dietary needs with delightful dining options. With transportation services and parking spaces, residents can travel as they prefer. The community is a great choice for those needing assistance to make the most of their best years.

Contact Stroudwater Street Residence

Overview of Mount Joseph at Waterville

Mount Joseph at Waterville is a continuing care community in Waterville, Maine, providing nursing care, hospice services, palliative care, and independent living options. Operating for more than four decades, the community has 111 beds and is owned by BSD ME 26 LLC under the leadership of Administrator Diane Sinclair. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, offering multiple payment options for families.

Clinical support is available around the clock, with nursing staff and an on-staff physician helping address residents’ medical needs. A post-sub-acute care program serves individuals recovering after a hospital stay, while long-term nursing and palliative care support those with ongoing health needs. Residents stay an average of 163 days, reflecting a mix of short-term rehabilitation and longer-term care. Nursing services average about five hours per resident each day across registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides.

Health inspections have most frequently focused on resident rights, quality of care, quality of life, administration, pharmacy services, and infection prevention practices. Families considering the community may wish to discuss how these areas are monitored and managed.

Older adults have access to amenities such as a café, beauty salon, gardens, and walking paths, along with daily enrichment activities that encourage engagement. Freshly prepared meals are served each day with alternative menu options available, and pastoral care services provide spiritual support for those who choose to participate.

Contact Mount Joseph at Waterville

Overview of Clover Health Care

Clover Health Care specializes in delivering personalized services tailored to meet the unique needs of your loved ones. Offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing care, the staff delivers a heartfelt resident-centered approach to care; they strive to help seniors and adults thrive in the comfort of their own homes. With over 40 years of experience, expect Clover Health Care to help achieve your goals and holistic needs.

Their all-inclusive amenities include daily delicious and nutritious meals by a chef, weekly housekeeping and laundry, transportation to and from, specialized programs, social gatherings, and educational activities.

Contact Clover Health Care

Overview of Atlantic Shores

Receive exceptional support in retirement at Atlantic Shores, an idyllic haven in Harrington, ME, that offers assisted living. With a compassionate and well-trained team available 24/7, residents do not have to worry about their daily living activities, like bathing and grooming, as well as household responsibilities. Medication management and incontinence care are also provided for convenience.

A jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Mealtimes also promote social interactions and satisfy dietary needs with delicious and healthy dining options. Residents can travel conveniently and safely with transportation services and parking spaces. The community is a good option for those seeking comfort in retirement, especially with its supportive and welcoming environment.

Contact Atlantic Shores

Overview of Coastal Shores

Coastal Shores provides assisted living, independent living, and skilled nursing care in Brunswick, ME. Assisted living provides help with personal care while a resident keeps a private apartment. Independent living offers private living without daily care, while skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock. The range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time because care can continue within the same community.

Coastal Shores has 40 beds, making it a smaller community where staff and residents get to know each other. The community opened in 2015, and Wendy A Rider serves as its administrator.

A Walk Score of 92 out of 100 places the area in the walker’s paradise band, meaning daily errands do not require a car and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently.

Contact Coastal Shores, Inc.

Overview of Assisted Living Household at the Cedars

Assisted Living Household at the Cedars offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing in Portland, ME. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks while a resident maintains an apartment, independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, memory care provides a secured setting with supervision, and skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Because these care levels are available within one community, a resident whose needs grow may be able to move to a different level of care without leaving the community or starting over socially. The 44-bed community is smaller in scale, where staff and residents get to know each other, and it may suit someone who prefers a smaller setting. The community opened in 1929.

Rehabilitation services include short-term rehab, giving someone who needs recovery-focused care a temporary stay rather than an ongoing residence. A Walk Score of 87 places the area in the very walkable band, so most errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently.

Assisted Living Household at the Cedars is administered by Katharine O’neill.

Contact Assisted Living Household at the Cedars

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 Maine at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 46/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Maine. 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: 47The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Maine. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in Maine

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 74 independent living communities in Maine. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in Maine?

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 Maine, 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 Maine?

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.