Page 3 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
Reviewed by
Last updated
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:

Compare Independent Living around Maine

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. 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.
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.
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.
One Willow Manor
IL
AL
South Portland (Ferry Village)
6
Facility 6
ME AVG 47
Rank #32 / 43
No
43
Facility 43
ME AVG 46
Rank #36 / 69
Private Rooms
33.3%
Facility 33.3%
ME AVG 87%
Rank #28 / 28
Caitlin Cline18
6
Facility 6
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #9 / 30
39
Facility 39
ME AVG 3
Rank #14 / 30
2.2
Facility 2.2
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #20 / 30
Park Residences of Waterville
IL
AL
MC
Waterville
38
Facility 38
ME AVG 47
Rank #24 / 43
No
15
Facility 15
ME AVG 46
Rank #60 / 69
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
94.7%
Facility 94.7%
ME AVG 87%
Rank #12 / 28
Renee Hanscom2
2
Facility 2
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #25 / 30
7
Facility 7
ME AVG 3
Rank #23 / 30
3.5
Facility 3.5
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #23 / 30
Anson Street
IL
Farmington
5
Facility 5
ME AVG 47
Rank #37 / 43
No
68
Facility 68
ME AVG 46
Rank #17 / 69
-
80.0%
Facility 80.0%
ME AVG 87%
Rank #21 / 28
-1
1
Facility 1
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #9 / 30
1
Facility 1
ME AVG 3
Rank #8 / 30
1.0
Facility 1.0
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #11 / 30
Dean House
IL
AL
Bangor
4
Facility 4
ME AVG 47
Rank #38 / 43
No
63
Facility 63
ME AVG 46
Rank #20 / 69
-
75.0%
Facility 75.0%
ME AVG 87%
Rank #25 / 28
-4
1
Facility 1
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #9 / 30
2
Facility 2
ME AVG 3
Rank #14 / 30
0.5
Facility 0.5
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #10 / 30
Sentry Hill at York Harbor
IL
AL
MC
RC
York (York Harbor)
54
Facility 54
ME AVG 47
Rank #16 / 43
No
35
Facility 35
ME AVG 46
Rank #42 / 69
--Sara Ann Johnson1
1
Facility 1
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #9 / 30
4
Facility 4
ME AVG 3
Rank #20 / 30
4.0
Facility 4.0
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #24 / 30
Mountain Vista Manor
IL
Franklin (East Franklin)
8
Facility 8
ME AVG 47
Rank #29 / 43
Yes--
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
ME AVG 87%
Rank #1 / 28
Samantha Grey7
4
Facility 4
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #27 / 30
11
Facility 11
ME AVG 3
Rank #26 / 30
1.6
Facility 1.6
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #19 / 30
Montello Heights Retirement Community
IL
AL
Lewiston
-Yes
23
Facility 23
ME AVG 46
Rank #50 / 69
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-Caitlin Cline18
6
Facility 6
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #9 / 30
39
Facility 39
ME AVG 3
Rank #24 / 30
2.2
Facility 2.2
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #27 / 30
Montello Heights
IL
AL
Lewiston
-Yes
16
Facility 16
ME AVG 46
Rank #59 / 69
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-Caitlin Cline18
6
Facility 6
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #9 / 30
39
Facility 39
ME AVG 3
Rank #24 / 30
2.2
Facility 2.2
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #27 / 30
The Cedars Portland
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Portland (North Deering)
-No
49
Facility 49
ME AVG 46
Rank #31 / 69
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-Kathryn Callnan18
5
Facility 5
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #29 / 30
25
Facility 25
ME AVG 3
Rank #29 / 30
1.4
Facility 1.4
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #26 / 30
Hill Street Program
IL
Biddeford
2
Facility 2
ME AVG 47
Rank #43 / 43
No
74
Facility 74
ME AVG 46
Rank #14 / 69
-
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
ME AVG 87%
Rank #1 / 28
Amin Sheikh1
1
Facility 1
ME AVG 1.3
Rank #9 / 30
1
Facility 1
ME AVG 3
Rank #8 / 30
1.0
Facility 1.0
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #11 / 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

Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes
1234...8
Overview of One Willow Manor

Introducing One Willow Manor, a senior community conveniently nestled within the heart of Downtown South Portland, Maine. This assisted living community caters to various service types, including Independent Living and Retirement Home options. In addition, their compassionate team extends round-the-clock support for activities of daily living, encompassing personal care and medication management. Conveniently situated in close proximity to retail shopping, places of worship, medical services, and a plethora of local amenities, One Willow Manor truly enriches the lives of its residents.

Numerous churches stand within a four-mile radius, and an abundance of drug stores are situated within a mile of the facility. Notably, the community is strategically positioned just 1.28 miles away from Mercy Hospital, further ensuring residents’ peace of mind regarding medical care. Within the nurturing environment of One Willow Manor, residents are presented with a diverse array of living arrangements. This unique approach empowers each individual to select the precise level of care and assistance suited to their distinct requirements. This adaptable framework enables senior adults to preserve their autonomy and self-sufficiency, all the while taking solace in the assurance that assistance is perpetually accessible if needed.

Contact One Willow Manor

Overview of Park Residences of Waterville

At 141 W River Rd in Waterville, Maine, Renee Hanscom administers a 38-bed community offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care under one roof. The two-story building has private and semi-private rooms, and it sits in a car-dependent pocket of town (Walk Score 15). Getting around the neighborhood on foot isn’t really the plan here; most errands call for a drive.

Occupancy tells its own story: 36 of the 38 beds are filled, a 95% rate that points to steady local demand. For a community this size, that’s close to full.

Daily life leans on restaurant-style dining and shared living areas built for conversation and company. Outside, there are landscaped grounds and gardens; inside, a library and an in-house salon and barber shop. Housekeeping, an emergency call system, scheduled transportation, and a regular activities calendar fill out the rest, backed by staff around the clock.

Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services, through its Division of Licensing and Certification, inspects the facility periodically. Those inspections have tended to center on medication management and how well care plans are documented.

Park Residences of Waterville suits a family looking for assisted living or memory care in a smaller, established setting, one where transportation is handled for you and a car in the driveway matters more than a walk down the block.

Contact Park Residences of Waterville

Overview of Anson Street

Anson Street is an independent living community in Farmington, ME, offering private living with community services and no daily care. It may suit someone who can manage everyday care needs independently. With five beds, the community is small enough for residents and staff to get to know each other.

Anson Street has a Walk Score of 68, classified as somewhat walkable, so some errands can be done on foot. For a resident who does not drive, certain errands may be possible without a car or ride.

Contact Anson Street

Overview of Dean House

Ideally situated near Broadway Park and St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor, ME, Dean House is an astounding community that offers assisted living. Dedicated to residents’ well-being, a kind and highly trained team provides top-notch care for their daily living activities around the clock. Housekeeping services, laundry, and an emergency call system are also provided, ensuring residents have a convenient lifestyle.

For leisure and wellness, light exercises, fun games, and movie nights are conducted. Mealtimes also foster comfort while satisfying nutritional needs with delicious and healthy dining options. Here, residents do not have to worry about their prescriptions, as medication management is also provided. With its supportive environment and well-maintained amenities, the community strives to help residents make the most of their best years.

Contact Dean House

Overview of Sentry Hill at York Harbor

Sentry Hill at York Harbor is an excellent senior living community, settled in York, ME, offering various senior living options, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. Residents experience a worry-free lifestyle with on-site maintenance personnel, monthly housekeeping and free laundry rooms being offered. The community features comfortable and spacious private and semi-private suites, providing comfortable living spaces that match residents’ unique needs.

The community is dedicated to providing its residents with a meaningful lifestyle through a well-curated calendar of activities, enrichment programs, and plentiful amenities. Emergency call systems and 24/7 professional team members are available to make sure residents have access to assistance when they need it. Residents enjoy the convenience of transportation services, laundry, and housekeeping services to ensure residents have plenty of free time for relaxation and enjoyment.

Contact Sentry Hill at York Harbor

Overview of Mountain Vista Manor

Mountain Vista Manor offers independent living in Franklin, Maine, in the East Franklin neighborhood. Independent living here means private living with community services rather than daily care, and each private apartment gives residents their own living space. With eight beds, the home has a small setting that may suit someone seeking a more intimate independent living community.

Pets can stay with residents at Mountain Vista Manor. Evening meals are cooked by Westward Heights Care Center and delivered to private apartments, while the community dining room gives residents another place to eat. Residents have choices about where to take their evening meal.

Wellness programs and an exercise room support planned physical activity. For quieter or social time, the library and recreation room offer indoor spaces for reading and leisure, while the community patio has chairs and gas grills for outdoor seating and grilling. Samantha Grey serves as the administrator.

Contact Mountain Vista Manor

Overview of Montello Heights Retirement Community

Situated at the beautifully landscaped grounds at Lewiston, ME, Montello Heights Retirement Community is an ideal senior living community that offers affordable independent living and assisted living options. With their 24-hour nursing services, residents and their families can rest easy knowing that their loved ones are well-supported and living a comfortable life within a community that protects residents’ freedom and dignity while receiving additional assistance.

Montello Heights deeply values its residents’ comfort and convenience and ensures they get the support they need to live an easy life. Residents enjoy a host of amenities and services, including laundry, transportation, social activities, and fitness activities. The community also takes pride in providing savory chef-prepared meals that taste just like home-cooked meals and are tailored to accommodate special diets for those with low-sodium and diabetic needs.

Contact Montello Heights Retirement Community

Overview of Montello Heights

Montello Heights Retirement Community is an independent living and assisted living home for seniors in Lewiston where a balanced lifestyle of comfort and calmness is met with full support. Residents of the community are encouraged to have a strong sense of freedom with no shame of being able to receive additional assistance.

Montello’s lifestyle is easy and worry-free. Residents can live a fulfilling everyday life through the community’s extensive services. Their amenities and services include laundry, transportation, healthy and savory chef-prepared meals, social activities, and fitness activities.

Contact Montello Heights

Overview of The Cedars Portland

Located in the bright and peaceful residential area of Ocean Avenue, Portland, ME, The Cedars goes above and beyond to deliver assisted living, independent living, memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation for residents to have the finest retirement. The community values residents’ privacy, providing a wide selection of cozy and well-designed floor plans to foster comfort and familiarity. With its long history of exceptional care and assistance since 1929, The Cedars continuously provides a safe place for residents to flourish and experience meaningful things.

Combining the utmost comfort and medical expertise, the community ensures residents’ needs and aspirations are well-cared for. As a non-profit community, The Cedars strives to provide accessible and up-to-date care to enjoy every moment of their best years.

Contact The Cedars Portland

Overview of Hill Street Program

Hill Street Program offers independent living in Biddeford, ME. Residents have private living space and access to community services without daily care, while resident service coordination can help organize support related to day to day needs.

With two beds, the community is a small setting that may suit someone who prefers a smaller community. A Walk Score of 74 places the area in the very walkable band, meaning most errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Amin Sheikh serves as the administrator.

Contact Hill Street Program

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

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
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 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.