Other senior care options in Massachusetts:

Best Independent Living in Massachusetts

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 232 independent living communities in MA using MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in MA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jul 2026
We analyzed
232 homes
Other senior care options in Massachusetts:
Avg Walk Score: 53/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Massachusetts. 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: 94The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Massachusetts. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent Living around Massachusetts

Info below is compiled from the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs, senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

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

The Commons in Lincoln
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Lincoln
32
Facility 32
MA AVG 94
Rank #268 / 276
Yes-
5
Facility 5
MA AVG 53
Rank #485 / 498
1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 22
Rank #27 / 181
C-No-
Hebrew SeniorLife
IL
AL
HC
HOS
MC
NH
PC
SNF
Boston (Roslindale)
50
Facility 50
MA AVG 94
Rank #232 / 276
Yes-
38
Facility 38
MA AVG 53
Rank #324 / 498
---No-
Carleton-Willard Village
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Bedford
179
Facility 179
MA AVG 94
Rank #12 / 276
No-
6
Facility 6
MA AVG 53
Rank #484 / 498
1 Bed / 2 Bed Apartments-A+No-
AVIVA Country Club Heights
IL
AL
MC
RC
Woburn (Rehabilitation Way)
107
Facility 107
MA AVG 94
Rank #86 / 276
Yes24
50
Facility 50
MA AVG 53
Rank #259 / 498
Traditional (83), Special Care (24)
30
Facility 30
MA AVG 22
Rank #15 / 181
ANoNo
Mason Wright
IL
AL
MC
Springfield (Six Corners)
90
Facility 90
MA AVG 94
Rank #125 / 276
No23
82
Facility 82
MA AVG 53
Rank #108 / 498
Traditional (67), Special Care (23)
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 22
Rank #27 / 181
-YesNo
Francis Cabot Lowell Mill
IL
Waltham (Bleachery)
258
Facility 258
MA AVG 94
Rank #3 / 276
No-
93
Facility 93
MA AVG 53
Rank #24 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed--No-
Harry S. Truman Apartments
IL
Cambridge (East Cambridge)
-No-
97
Facility 97
MA AVG 53
Rank #6 / 498
1 Bed--No-
Brown Family House
IL
Brookline (North Brookline)
-Yes-
97
Facility 97
MA AVG 53
Rank #6 / 498
1 Bed / 2 Bed--No-
Millers River Apartments
IL
Cambridge (East Cambridge)
-No-
97
Facility 97
MA AVG 53
Rank #6 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed--No-
The Current Beverly
IL
AL
MC
RC
Beverly (Beverly Center Business District)
98
Facility 98
MA AVG 94
Rank #103 / 276
Yes15
93
Facility 93
MA AVG 53
Rank #24 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed--NoNo
Cadbury Commons
IL
AL
MC
Cambridge (Neighborhood Nine)
74
Facility 74
MA AVG 94
Rank #176 / 276
Yes24
86
Facility 86
MA AVG 53
Rank #81 / 498
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 22
Rank #27 / 181
-NoNo
The Residence at Boylston Place
IL
AL
MC
RC
Chestnut Hill
99
Facility 99
MA AVG 94
Rank #101 / 276
No18
78
Facility 78
MA AVG 53
Rank #133 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
26
Facility 26
MA AVG 22
Rank #78 / 181
-NoYes
Brookdale Cushing Park
IL
AL
MC
Framingham (Emeritus At Farm Pond)
100
Facility 100
MA AVG 94
Rank #94 / 276
Yes22
23
Facility 23
MA AVG 53
Rank #395 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
26
Facility 26
MA AVG 22
Rank #78 / 181
A+NoNo
Atria Merrimack Place
IL
AL
MC
RC
Newburyport (Storey Avenue)
129
Facility 129
MA AVG 94
Rank #48 / 276
Yes23
56
Facility 56
MA AVG 53
Rank #228 / 498
Studio / Suite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
26
Facility 26
MA AVG 22
Rank #78 / 181
-NoYes
The Heritage Apartments
IL
Malden (Malden Gaming District)
-Yes-
98
Facility 98
MA AVG 53
Rank #2 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed--No-
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Overview of The Commons in Lincoln

Burrowed in the inviting neighborhood of Lincoln, MA, The Commons in Lincoln is an enticing senior living community offering professional care services. This community is accessible to Boston and its restaurants, music, museums and more. Spacious apartments and cottages are available for its residents tailore to their preferences and needs.

With its exceptional amenities and services, residents can enjoy a fine dining and housekeeping and linen services. Rejuvenate your body through its heated indoor pool and spa. Further self-care efforts by going to an on-site salon and barbershop. Meet new people and create enjoyable experiences at the walking trails and paths. Participate in various wellness and other social activities to boost endurance and engagement. With The Commons in Lincoln, seniors are assured of a classic retirement.

Contact The Commons in Lincoln

Overview of Hebrew SeniorLife

Hebrew SeniorLife has run a 50-bed skilled nursing facility at 1200 Centre Street in Boston’s Roslindale neighborhood since 1903. That’s over 120 years in the same line of work, and it’s affiliated with Harvard Medical School.

Getting around the neighborhood takes some planning. Walk Score sits at 38, somewhat walkable, so a few errands are doable on foot but most need a car.

The care list here runs long: skilled nursing sits alongside post-acute rehabilitative care, short-term and long-term rehab, and long-term chronic care. Memory care runs through the Wolk Center for Memory Health specifically, not just a generic wing. Nursing staff put in close to 4 hours and 40 minutes of total care per resident each day, and the building is wheelchair accessible with 24-hour staffing in place.

What sets this place apart is the sheer range of named programs beyond standard nursing care: outpatient services, in-home care, intergenerational programming, expressive art therapies, a Russian bilingual program, spiritual care, palliative care, and even an elder abuse shelter and prevention program. That’s not a typical lineup for a nursing home.

State inspections here have tended to center on dietary and food service and medication management, themes that show up across nursing homes broadly rather than anything specific to this one.

Altogether, Hebrew SeniorLife is a long-running, well-connected skilled nursing facility with more specialized programming than most, built on more than a century of continuous operation in Boston.

Contact Hebrew SeniorLife

Overview of Carleton-Willard Village

Experience the finest things in retirement living with Carleton-Willard Village, a non-profit community in Bedford, MA, dedicated to offering skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and assisted living. Residents enjoy utmost comfort and safety in their well-appointed accommodations with easy access to cozy common areas and amenities like their hair salon, auditorium, and the Victoria Café. Dedicated to helping residents live their best lives without worries, the community provides them with comprehensive care services, including daily living assistance, therapy services, and more.

Those living with memory conditions will thrive in a safe and secure environment with access to a multi-level activity program designed to give them enriching experiences that nurture their overall well-being. Dining is a cozy and satisfying experience in the community with its flexible dining options and well-prepared meals that suit residents’ individual dietary needs and preferences.

Contact Carleton-Willard Village

Overview of Aviva Country Club Heights

Aviva Country Club Heights is a captivating destination where elegance and serenity intertwine. It presents a range of living options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, catering to the diverse needs of its residents. Choose from thoughtfully designed one or two-bedroom floor plans that exude sophistication and charm. As residents step outside, they are greeted by meticulously landscaped grounds, a sanctuary of natural beauty. They can also engage their green thumb with the home’s gardening opportunities while knowing that their cherished pets are not only welcomed but cherished within our pet-friendly community. With its picturesque location adjacent to a scenic golf course, Aviva Country Club Heights offers an enchanting retreat that seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with timeless allure, creating an atmosphere that is both modern and enduring.

Contact AVIVA Country Club Heights

Overview of Mason Wright

Discover a haven of affordable and comfortable living at Mason Wright. This remarkable residence offers seniors a diverse range of options, including assisted living, assisted memory care, and independent living. Within its walls, a harmonious blend of privacy, community, and serenity awaits. Mason Wright understands the evolving nature of memory impairment and offers a variety of thoughtfully designed floor plans. Whether embracing independent living or requiring additional support, residents can select a home that suits their unique needs. Impeccably maintained apartments, adorned with fresh paint, provide a backdrop for cherished memories.
Experienced full-time nurses are readily available to provide professional medical assistance whenever needed. Residents can also indulge in expertly prepared meals that cater to individual dietary requirements, ensuring a delightful culinary experience. The burden of housekeeping and laundry is lifted, allowing residents to fully embrace their desired lifestyle. The meticulous attention to detail extends beyond the living spaces, encompassing beautiful common areas where individuals can socialize, relax, and forge meaningful connections. From cozy living rooms to inviting dining areas, Mason Wright cultivates an environment that feels like home.

Contact Mason Wright

Overview of Francis Cabot Lowell Mill

Live your best years at Francis Cabot Lowell Mill, a distinct community in Waltham, MA, offering independent living. Dedicated to those 62+ and adults with disabilities, the community has purposely built and spacious accommodations. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with maintenance services and convenient apartment features.

A carefully curated calendar of engaging activities and stimulating programs is conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Delightful restaurants and shops surround the area, providing plenty of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include a wellness center, a mini market, a hair salon, a gym, and a game room, creating the ideal setting for residents to thrive in retirement.

Contact Francis Cabot Lowell Mill

Overview of Harry S. Truman Apartments

Create unforgettable moments in retirement at Harry S. Truman Apartments, a vibrant community in Cambridge, MA, offering independent living. With beautifully designed and spacious one-bedroom floor plans, those 52+ and with disability can keep their peace of mind and find the accommodation that best suits their preferences. Residents also experience a hassle-free lifestyle with maintenance services and laundry spaces.

Thriving local shops and recreational spaces are easily accessible, ensuring residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. With kitchen features and delightful restaurants nearby, residents enjoy delightful dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those looking to live independently in their golden years, accompanied by its friendly setting and state-of-the-art amenities.

Contact Harry S. Truman Apartments

Overview of Brown Family House

Create meaningful moments at Brown Family House, an outstanding community in Brookline, MA, offering independent living. The community is committed to improving the quality of life of those 62+, providing thoughtfully furnished and spacious accommodations for their comfort. Residents can ease their worries with maintenance services and compassionate management.

Fun events and enriching programs are conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. With a fully furnished kitchen in each unit, residents can prepare meals that best suit their dietary needs and tastes. Residents can also bring small pets to accompany them and ease their loneliness. Promoting a vibrant and friendly environment, the community ensures residents enjoy a laid-back lifestyle in their golden years.

Contact Brown Family House

Overview of Millers River Apartments

Ideally situated in the harmonious neighborhood of Cambridge, MA, Millers River Apartments is an inviting community that offers independent living. With a variety of beautifully furnished and cozy accommodations, residents can rest assured of finding the best one that best matches their preferences. The community also provides laundry spaces and maintenance services for residents’ convenience.

Here, residents can interact with their surroundings and gain meaningful experiences in its gathering spaces. Delightful restaurants and shops in the area provide residents with a variety of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. With its top-notch amenities and exceptional services, residents can keep their peace of mind and flourish in retirement.

Contact Millers River Apartments

Overview of The Current Beverly

Experience a relaxing coastal retirement lifestyle in The Current Beverly, a charming community in Beverly, MA that offers independent, assisted living, and memory care in one campus. Stay close to stunning beaches while receiving top-notch care and assistance with daily living activities amidst the community’s nurturing setting. Residents here can focus on living their best lives while enjoying the comfort of their well-designed accommodations with air conditioning, a central fireplace, and cable satellite TV for their enjoyment.

Residents here can live their retirement fully while engaging in fun and exciting activities tailored to maintain their overall well-being. The community ensures residents maintain proper nourishment by serving them nutritionally balanced meals. Amenities like a salon, complimentary transportation, and housekeeping services are also available to further improve residents’ comfort. Whether you’re seeking quality care or relaxation, The Current Beverly has it all for you.

Contact The Current Beverly

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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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in Massachusetts

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

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

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 Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts?

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.