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Best Independent Living in Maine

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Jan 2026
We analyzed 397 homes in Maine

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Maine Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

Explore home photos

Video Tour: Top-rated Independent Living facilities in Maine.

Watch this Video to see Maine's Top-rated Senior Communities
Other Senior care options:

Compare Independent Living around Maine

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Huntington Common
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Kennebunk (Kennebunk)
82
Yes
30
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
80.5%
-
Peggy Farrington
17
5
2
The Enclave of Scarborough
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Scarborough (Oak Hill)
92
No
57
Studio / 1 Bed
-
-
Samantha Ashley Beaton
20
4
0
Atria Kennebunk
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

Kennebunk (Kennebunk)
74
Yes
51
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
100.0%
-
Jessica Goodell
26
4
0
Stroudwater Lodge
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Westbrook
115
No
18
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
84.3%
-
Nichole Doyer
14
3
0
The Landing At Cape Elizabeth
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Cape Elizabeth
60
Yes
19
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
96.7%
-
Deborah Riddell
4
0
0
Dirigo Pines
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Orono (Orono)
50
Yes
1
1 Bed
-
-
Paul Arbour
2
0
0
Montello Heights Retirement Community
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

Lewiston
80
Yes
23
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
-
-
Michele Carey
11
4
0
Sentry Hill at York Harbor
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

York (York Harbor)
54
No
35
-
-
-
Sara Ann Johnson
5
2
4
The Atrium at the Cedars
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Portland (North Deering)
30
Yes
54
1 Bed / 2 Bed
86.7%
-
Katharine O\'Neill
13
7
2
Schooner Estates Senior Living
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Auburn
26
Yes
17
Studio
73.1%
-
John S Rice
23
6
4
Sunnybrook Senior Living
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Brunswick
51
Yes
10
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
92.2%
-
Lyndsay Renadette
12
4
3
Montello Heights
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

Lewiston
80
Yes
16
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
-
-
Michele Carey
11
4
0
Woodlands Senior Living of Waterville
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Waterville
58
No
15
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
96.6%
-
Renee Hanscom
75
12
6
Solstice Senior Living at Bangor
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Bangor
-
Yes
31
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
-
A+
-
0
0
0
Sable Lodge Retirement Community
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

South Portland
-
Yes
38
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
-
-
-
0
0
0
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The McLellan

26 Cumberland St, Brunswick, ME 04011

Maintain your independence in retirement at The Mclellan, a purposely built 62+ community that offers independent living. Featuring 19 beautifully furnished and secure accommodations, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Housekeeping and laundry services are also taken care of, ensuring residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle.

With a variety of engaging activities and enriching programs, residents are encouraged to make new friends and gain meaningful experiences. One delicious and well-balanced meal is also provided daily, easing the burdens of meal preparation for a delightful dining experience. Scheduled transportation is also available for convenience and safety. This pet-friendly community has a library, a sauna and jacuzzi, a patio game room, a fitness center, a library, parking garage, and a well-maintained garden, creating the ideal setting where residents can thrive in their golden years.

Overview of The Mclellan

Maintain your independence in retirement at The Mclellan, a purposely built 62+ community that offers independent living. Featuring 19 beautifully furnished and secure accommodations, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Housekeeping and laundry services are also taken care of, ensuring residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle.

With a variety of engaging activities and enriching programs, residents are encouraged to make new friends and gain meaningful experiences. One delicious and well-balanced meal is also provided daily, easing the burdens of meal preparation for a delightful dining experience. Scheduled transportation is also available for convenience and safety. This pet-friendly community has a library, a sauna and jacuzzi, a patio game room, a fitness center, a library, parking garage, and a well-maintained garden, creating the ideal setting where residents can thrive in their golden years.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Dining Services

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Transportation Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

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Parking Available

Ashton Gardens is a Gracious Retirement Living community in the heart of Portland, Maine.With a dedicated staff available 24 hours a day, Ashton Gardens ensures seniors receive the highest support and assistance. With its commitment to quality care, engaging activities, delightful culinary offerings, and a range of independent living floor plans, this residence is truly worth every penny.

From the beautiful common areas to the carefully curated events and excursions, Ashton Gardens strives to make each day exciting and fulfilling for its residents. Seniors can look forward to engaging experiences such as visiting museums, going on day trips to interesting places, and participating in planned activities that foster socialization and engagement. The community also offers a variety of independent living floor plans, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, providing seniors with the freedom to choose a living space that suits their individual needs and preferences. Each apartment is thoughtfully designed to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Overview of Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living

Ashton Gardens is a Gracious Retirement Living community in the heart of Portland, Maine.With a dedicated staff available 24 hours a day, Ashton Gardens ensures seniors receive the highest support and assistance. With its commitment to quality care, engaging activities, delightful culinary offerings, and a range of independent living floor plans, this residence is truly worth every penny.

From the beautiful common areas to the carefully curated events and excursions, Ashton Gardens strives to make each day exciting and fulfilling for its residents. Seniors can look forward to engaging experiences such as visiting museums, going on day trips to interesting places, and participating in planned activities that foster socialization and engagement. The community also offers a variety of independent living floor plans, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, providing seniors with the freedom to choose a living space that suits their individual needs and preferences. Each apartment is thoughtfully designed to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 355 - 590 / 485 - 920 / 940 - 1085 sq. ft

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise

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Dining Services

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Transportation Services

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Recreational Activities

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Housekeeping Services

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Exercise Programs

Contact Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living

Gorham House is a hidden gem nestled in the peaceful town of Gorham, Maine. This exceptional residence offers a range of services to meet the unique needs of seniors, including assisted living homes, nursing home care, and memory care living. With a commitment to excellence, Gorham House ensures that residents receive the highest quality of care and support.

From weekly housekeeping services to convenient transportation options, Gorham House strives to create a worry-free lifestyle for residents. With fully staffed LPNs and RNs available 24 hours a day, the nursing home care provided is of the utmost quality. Gorham House has built a reputation for its dedication to nursing home quality measures, ensuring that residents receive top-notch care that exceeds industry standards. The home also offers a variety of floor plans to suit the preferences and requirements of residents. Whether it’s independent living, assisted living, or specialized memory care, seniors can find a living space that meets their specific needs and desires.

Overview of Gorham House

Gorham House is a hidden gem nestled in the peaceful town of Gorham, Maine. This exceptional residence offers a range of services to meet the unique needs of seniors, including assisted living homes, nursing home care, and memory care living. With a commitment to excellence, Gorham House ensures that residents receive the highest quality of care and support.

From weekly housekeeping services to convenient transportation options, Gorham House strives to create a worry-free lifestyle for residents. With fully staffed LPNs and RNs available 24 hours a day, the nursing home care provided is of the utmost quality. Gorham House has built a reputation for its dedication to nursing home quality measures, ensuring that residents receive top-notch care that exceeds industry standards. The home also offers a variety of floor plans to suit the preferences and requirements of residents. Whether it’s independent living, assisted living, or specialized memory care, seniors can find a living space that meets their specific needs and desires.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Private Rooms

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Building Type: 3-story

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact Gorham House

Assisted Living Magazine Ranking Methodology

View Full Ranking Methodology

How We Score & Rank Senior Living Communities

Assisted Living Magazine ranks nursing homes using a rigorous, data-driven scoring model built specifically for skilled nursing.
Because this care level is regulated, clinical outcomes and compliance carry significantly more weight than transparency or digital presence. Each community receives a ranking based on the factors below, weighted according to their importance in predicting resident safety, care quality, and long-term stability.

Update cadence: Reviewed quarterly, with prompt updates when new reviews, reports, or complaints are filed.

What We Prioritize Most

The largest portion of every community’s score comes from resident feedback and online reputation (40%), which reflects real experiences shared by families and caregivers.

An additional 45% of the score comes from a combination of transparency and operational quality signals, including:

  • Photos, videos, and virtual tours (visual transparency)
  • Website quality and digital trust indicators
  • Occupancy levels and number of units (community scale & stability)

These factors help us evaluate how well a community presents itself and how consistently it meets resident needs.

Balancing Additional Factors

The final 15% of the score comes from supportive context data, including: walkability and local accessibility, estimated property value, and pricing information.

These elements provide helpful context but carry less weight because our rankings prioritize real-world satisfaction and care consistency first.

The result is a fair, clear, and data-driven ranking system for families researching senior living options.

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

What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:

  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
  • Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
  • State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
  • Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up. 

What services do you offer?
  • Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
  • Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
  • Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
  • Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
  • Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
  • Senior-focused concierge medicine
  • Senior-focused nutritionist
  • Senior-focused personal training
  • Memory care specialists
  • Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
  • Custom hearing aids
  • Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
  • Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
  • Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.