Best Independent Living in Massachusetts

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 233 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
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Massachusetts our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Massachusetts.
233 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.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. 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. 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.
Licensed beds designated for special-care services (e.g. memory or other specialized units), as reported in state licensing data.
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.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
Yes/No from payment or funding tags indicating low-income accessibility options in state disclosures—not a determination of personal eligibility.
Whether the community is disclosed as co-located or on the same campus as a nursing home in state records.
Traditions of Dedham
IL
AL
MC
RC
Dedham
95
Facility 95
MA AVG 94
Rank #110 / 276
No14
57
Facility 57
MA AVG 53
Rank #224 / 490
Studio / Alcove / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
24
Facility 24
MA AVG 22
Rank #96 / 181
A+YesNo
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 #107 / 490
Traditional (67), Special Care (23)
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 22
Rank #27 / 181
-YesNo
Atria Merrimack Place
IL
AL
MC
RC
Newburyport
129
Facility 129
MA AVG 94
Rank #48 / 276
Yes23
56
Facility 56
MA AVG 53
Rank #226 / 490
Studio / Suite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
26
Facility 26
MA AVG 22
Rank #78 / 181
-NoYes
AVIVA Country Club Heights
IL
AL
MC
RC
Woburn
107
Facility 107
MA AVG 94
Rank #86 / 276
Yes24
50
Facility 50
MA AVG 53
Rank #258 / 490
Traditional (83), Special Care (24)
30
Facility 30
MA AVG 22
Rank #15 / 181
ANoNo
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 #132 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
26
Facility 26
MA AVG 22
Rank #78 / 181
-NoYes
Atria Longmeadow Place
IL
AL
MC
Burlington
110
Facility 110
MA AVG 94
Rank #80 / 276
Yes13
53
Facility 53
MA AVG 53
Rank #242 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
28
Facility 28
MA AVG 22
Rank #55 / 181
-YesNo
Concord Park Senior Living
IL
AL
HOS
MC
PC
RC
Concord (West Concord)
95
Facility 95
MA AVG 94
Rank #110 / 276
Yes18
70
Facility 70
MA AVG 53
Rank #170 / 490
Studio / Suite / 1 Bed
25
Facility 25
MA AVG 22
Rank #90 / 181
-YesNo
Atria Marland Place
IL
AL
MC
RC
Andover
141
Facility 141
MA AVG 94
Rank #37 / 276
Yes38
53
Facility 53
MA AVG 53
Rank #242 / 490
Studio / Suite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
30
Facility 30
MA AVG 22
Rank #15 / 181
-NoNo
The Village at Willow Crossings
IL
AL
MC
RC
Mansfield (Mansfield Center)
104
Facility 104
MA AVG 94
Rank #89 / 276
Yes18
21
Facility 21
MA AVG 53
Rank #409 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
27
Facility 27
MA AVG 22
Rank #62 / 181
C-NoNo
The Residence at Melrose Station
IL
AL
MC
RC
Melrose
90
Facility 90
MA AVG 94
Rank #125 / 276
Yes25
93
Facility 93
MA AVG 53
Rank #24 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
27
Facility 27
MA AVG 22
Rank #62 / 181
-NoNo

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every MA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 233 on this page.

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Overview of Traditions of Dedham

Traditions of Dedham has been running at 735 Washington St since 2002, which puts it at 24 years and counting. The community spans independent living, personal care, memory care, and respite services, all inside a three-story, 95-bed building with studio, alcove, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts.

The Walk Score sits at 57, moderately walkable, and the community is only 1.4 miles from Dedham’s city center. Norwood Hospital is 3.53 miles out, close enough that it’s not an afterthought if health needs shift.

Day-to-day care covers the essentials that actually matter: help with daily activities, laundry, meals, and a system for coordinating with outside healthcare providers when a resident’s needs go beyond what’s handled in-house. Transportation and fitness and recreation programs round out the practical side. Spacious common areas give residents room to actually move around and socialize, and social events and wellness programming are built in, not an afterthought tacked onto a brochure.

Twenty-four years of operating history, four levels of care under one roof, and a location close to both downtown Dedham and a hospital: what Traditions of Dedham is is a community built for staying power, one that can likely accommodate a resident’s needs as they change over time without requiring a move somewhere new.

Contact Traditions of Dedham

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 Atria Merrimack Place

Nestled within the scenic neighborhood of Newburyport, MA, Atria Merrimack Place is a trusted senior living community that offers excellent assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. Residents are free to idle around with the convenience of having housekeeping and maintenance services, allowing them to focus on more meaningful activities. The community’s care team are trained to be reliable during emergencies and offer an array of supportive and care services, including assistance with daily living activities.

An array of educational, social, cultural, and fitness programs are also offered to keep residents entertained and active. Delicious and nutritious meals with accommodations for special diets and nutritional needs are available to help residents maintain their health. Amenities such as a pub, a library, a fitness center, a salon and spa, a movie theater and a courtyard are also provided to make residents’ living experience more fun and exciting.

Contact Atria Merrimack Place

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 The Residence at Boylston Place

The Residence at Boylston Place has been open at 615 Heath Street in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts since 2000. Twenty-six years in the same building, offering assisted living, independent living, and respite care across 99 beds. The building is mid-rise, with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts.

Walkability stands out at The Residence at Boylston Place and its surrounding neighborhood. The Walk Score hits 78, very walkable, so a lot of daily errands don’t need a car at all. That’s not typical for a community this size, and its a gret boon for more mobility challenged seniors, as well as any visiting family.

There’s also a nursing home co-located on the same campus, which matters more than it might sound. It means a resident who eventually needs a higher level of care doesn’t have to leave the area they already know to get it.

Between assisted living and independent living, residents have room to shift support levels without relocating, and respite care covers families who need a short-term stay rather than a permanent one.

What this adds up to is a well-established, walkable Chestnut Hill community built for flexibility, offering more than one level of senior living in the same place, with a nursing home nearby for whatever comes next.

Contact The Residence at Boylston Place

Overview of Atria Longmeadow Place

Situated in the tranquil community of Mall Road, Burlington, MA, Atria Longmeadow Place is an idyllic senior living community offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Well-equipped with household amenities, the community features spacious floor plans ranging from studio to one-bedroom, to two-bedroom apartments. The community focuses on its residents’ individuality and independence, providing care and assistance that best suits their unique needs and preferences.

Atria Longmeadow Place is a vibrant community that encourages its residents to remain active and engaged. The community provides Alzheimer’s and dementia support groups and opportunities for educational, social, cultural, and fitness through its exclusive Life Guidance program. Residents enjoy three chef-prepared healthy meals in the private dining room or with friends. The pet-friendly community is equipped with a courtyard, a library, a media room, a fitness center, a salon and spa, a game room, an in-campus sundries shop, a resident garden, and a peaceful sunlit patio.

Contact Atria Longmeadow Place

Overview of Concord Park Senior Living

Concord Park Senior Living is a beacon of choice for local seniors, offering a secure, supportive, and independent lifestyle. The community, nestled in historic West Concord Village, provides independent and assisted living options alongside a state-of-the-art Compass Memory Support Neighborhood®. Notably accredited with the Purple Flag for Dementia Care™️ and Platinum accreditation from SAGECare, Concord Park prioritizes excellence in memory care and a commitment to LGBTQ older adults.

Residents enjoy personalized services, innovative programming, award-winning Brain Healthy Cooking, and upscale amenities in beautifully landscaped grounds. Concord Park excels in memory support, holding the prestigious Purple Flag for Dementia Care Accreditation™️.  Led by a dedicated Program Specialist, this program enhances residents’ self-esteem and independence through a daily calendar of immersive activities, fostering compassion and understanding among members.

Contact Concord Park Senior Living

Overview of Atria Marland Place

Atria Marland Place is a cozy senior living community settling in Stevens Street, Andover, MA providing independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Featuring homey and spacious floor plans ranging from studio to one- and two-bedroom apartments equipped with kitchenettes and individual thermostat controls, the community ensures comfort and security. Prioritizing the seniors’ freedom and uniqueness, Atria Marland Place ensures that they receive proper care and assistance that best matches their unique needs and preferences.

Atria Marland Place strives to deliver a better quality of life, encouraging them to remain energized and engaged. The community serves three chef-prepared healthy and delicious meals daily in multiple dining venues to satisfy residents’ dietary needs. With pet-friendly amenities including a pub, a library, a movie theater, a fitness center, a salon and spa, an onsite physician office space, an art studio, and a billiards room, the community ensures the entertainment and wellness of its residents.

Contact Atria Marland Place

Overview of The Village at Willow Crossings

Settled in the quiet community of Mansfield, MA, The Village at Willow Crossings is an enticing senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care services. Beautifully appointed and spacious accommodations including one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and memory care studio are available for its residents. In terms of memory care, this community provides specialized programs such as research-based therapy and activities to stimulate memory for those with cognitive conditions.

Explore its top-notch amenities and services wherein residents can enjoy inspired dining with chef-prepared meals based on dietary needs, weekly housekeeping, laundry, linen service, and transportation services. Join in diverse options for social activities based on your interests and create meaningful memories with new companions. Maximize comfort and relaxation by visiting its beautifully shared spaces. With The Village at Willow Crossings, seniors are assured of a secure living.

Contact The Village at Willow Crossings

Overview of The Residence at Melrose Station

The Residence at Melrose Station undoubtedly provides the highest quality of care for independent living, assisted living, and memory care residents. Management makes it a point that seniors are given the freedom and choice given to each resident, and ensures that they attend to the unique needs of each individual with kindness and compassion. The upscale senior living community prides itself on being a renowned home in Boston that is enriched by diversity, elevated by accommodations, and enhanced by lifestyle.

The lifestyle at The Residences is an easy and worry-free community; through the community’s extensive services, residents are able to live a fulfilling everyday life. Some of the all-inclusive features include ALDs, medication management, transfer assistance, housekeeping and laundry services– all of which are tailored to their unique needs.

Contact The Residence at Melrose Station

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.
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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 233 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.