Other senior care options in Massachusetts:

Best Independent Living in Massachusetts

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 228 independent living communities in Massachusetts using Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in MA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jun 2026
We analyzed
228 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

The Residence at Orchard Grove
IL
AL
MC
Shrewsbury
80
Facility 80
MA AVG 94
Rank #157 / 280
Yes 20
24
Facility 24
MA AVG 53
Rank #386 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
27
Facility 27
MA AVG 24
Rank #82 / 180
- No No
Autumn Glen at Dartmouth
IL
AL
MC
Dartmouth (Smith Mills)
85
Facility 85
MA AVG 94
Rank #146 / 280
No 37
21
Facility 21
MA AVG 53
Rank #412 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 24
Rank #37 / 180
- No No
Brightview Danvers
IL
AL
MC
Danvers (Danversport)
79
Facility 79
MA AVG 94
Rank #167 / 280
Yes 24
48
Facility 48
MA AVG 53
Rank #269 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
18
Facility 18
MA AVG 24
Rank #130 / 180
A No No
The Residence at Melrose Station
IL
AL
MC
RC
Melrose (Essex Street)
90
Facility 90
MA AVG 94
Rank #126 / 280
Yes 25
93
Facility 93
MA AVG 53
Rank #24 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
27
Facility 27
MA AVG 24
Rank #82 / 180
- No No
Brightview North Andover
IL
AL
MC
North Andover (Turnpike Street)
76
Facility 76
MA AVG 94
Rank #173 / 280
No 27
4
Facility 4
MA AVG 53
Rank #489 / 499
1 Bed / 2 Bed
13
Facility 13
MA AVG 24
Rank #140 / 180
- No No
Keystone Place at Buzzards Bay
IL
AL
MC
Buzzards Bay
75
Facility 75
MA AVG 94
Rank #174 / 280
Yes 20
60
Facility 60
MA AVG 53
Rank #215 / 499
1 Bed / 2 Bed
11
Facility 11
MA AVG 24
Rank #153 / 180
- No No
Stone Hill at Andover
IL
AL
MC
Andover
96
Facility 96
MA AVG 94
Rank #109 / 280
Yes 24
69
Facility 69
MA AVG 53
Rank #177 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
7
Facility 7
MA AVG 24
Rank #175 / 180
- No No
Atria Woodbriar Park
IL
AL
MC
RC
Falmouth (Teaticket)
95
Facility 95
MA AVG 94
Rank #111 / 280
Yes 50
55
Facility 55
MA AVG 53
Rank #233 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
30
Facility 30
MA AVG 24
Rank #27 / 180
- No No
Maplewood at Weston
IL
AL
MC
Weston
93
Facility 93
MA AVG 94
Rank #118 / 280
Yes 13
17
Facility 17
MA AVG 53
Rank #435 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
12
Facility 12
MA AVG 24
Rank #143 / 180
A+ No No
The Residence at Boylston Place
IL
AL
MC
RC
Chestnut Hill
99
Facility 99
MA AVG 94
Rank #101 / 280
No 18
78
Facility 78
MA AVG 53
Rank #133 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
26
Facility 26
MA AVG 24
Rank #93 / 180
- No Yes
NewBridge on the Charles
IL
NH
AL
MC
Dedham (Hebrew Rehabilitation Center At Newbridge)
87
Facility 87
MA AVG 94
Rank #139 / 280
No 36
8
Facility 8
MA AVG 53
Rank #481 / 499
1 Bed / 2 Bed
17
Facility 17
MA AVG 24
Rank #132 / 180
- No No
Thirwood Place
IL
AL
South Yarmouth
69
Facility 69
MA AVG 94
Rank #191 / 280
Yes -
12
Facility 12
MA AVG 53
Rank #456 / 499
1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 24
Rank #37 / 180
- No No
Grove Manor Estates
IL
AL
MC
Braintree (Grove Street)
70
Facility 70
MA AVG 94
Rank #185 / 280
No 15
54
Facility 54
MA AVG 53
Rank #238 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 24
Rank #37 / 180
- No No
The Village at Willow Crossings
IL
AL
MC
RC
Mansfield (Mansfield Center)
104
Facility 104
MA AVG 94
Rank #89 / 280
Yes 18
21
Facility 21
MA AVG 53
Rank #412 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 24
Rank #56 / 180
C No No
Brookdale Cushing Park
IL
AL
MC
Framingham (Emeritus At Farm Pond)
100
Facility 100
MA AVG 94
Rank #94 / 280
Yes 22
23
Facility 23
MA AVG 53
Rank #395 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
48
Facility 48
MA AVG 24
Rank #1 / 180
A+ No No
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Overview of Walker School Apartments

Live a blissful retirement at Walker School Apartments, a distinguished 62+ community in Taunton, MA, offering independent living. The community has 40 beautifully furnished and cozy one-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. 24-hour emergency maintenance, management, and laundry spaces are also available, so residents have a hassle-free lifestyle.

A thoughtfully planned slate of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. With a fully-equipped kitchen in each unit, residents can prepare meals that best suit their tastes and dietary needs. Pets are also welcome, as long as they follow community guidelines, to ease residents’ loneliness. The community is a good option for those aiming to downsize in retirement, especially with its bright and friendly environment.

Contact Walker School Apartments

Overview of The Charlestown

Ideally situated in the thriving neighborhood of Charlestown, MA, The Charlestown is a purposely built 62+ community that offers independent living. Featuring cozy and sophisticated studio to two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. 24-hour emergency maintenance, on-site management, and laundry spaces are available, so residents have more time to do the things they love.

A thoughtfully planned calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted for residents’ recreation and wellness. Residents also gain easy access to their needs and preferences, especially with major highways and public transportation nearby. Pets are also welcome, as long as they follow community guidelines, to ease residents’ loneliness. The community’s warm and welcoming environment creates the ideal setting, so residents can live beyond their potential.

Contact The Charlestown

Overview of Fuller Village

Embrace a fun-filled retirement life at Fuller Village, a blissful senior living community in Suffolk County, Milton, MA, offering a spirited independent living experience. Aspiring residents are free to choose among the beautiful villas, cozy single-level apartment-style homes, and spacious apartments, for a residence that matches their lifestyle and needs. Here, everyone is provided a chance to do the things they’ve always wanted with ease and convenience of a maintenance-free lifestyle and plethora of on-site services and amenities.

The community makes sure residents are provided plenty of opportunities and spaces for a vibrant living experience with a wide array of inviting and convenient amenities. Residents of Fuller Village can take advantage of the wellness clinic, spacious activity room, a refreshing indoor heated pool, fully-equipped fitness center, and vibrant outdoor areas. The community also offers the convenience of complimentary transportation to local shopping centers, the Town library and Beth Israel Deaconess/Milton Hospital, to make sure residents are able to enjoy the finest things that the community and its surroundings has to offer.

Contact Fuller Village

Overview of Glenmeadow

Serving the community since 1884, Glenmeadow stands as a venerable not-for-profit Life Plan Community nestled in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. The community extends independent living, assisted living, and at-home care services, tailored to the unique needs of seniors. They’re committed to fostering a secure and comfortable environment. With personalized care, Glenmeadow provides families, whether near or far, with reassurance and peace of mind, diligently meeting residents’ needs every day.
At Glenmeadow, a celebration of older adults takes center stage through engaging initiatives, including community outreach, social gatherings, active involvement in local charities, and more. The management team’s unwavering dedication drives the creation of a lively community that prioritizes the well-being and joy of older adults. Dedicated to providing an enriching retirement lifestyle, Glenmeadow offers an array of living options infused with vibrant social engagements, ensuring residents experience life to the fullest.

Contact Glenmeadow

Overview of D‘youville Life and Wellness Community

D’Youville Life and Wellness Community proudly approaches nursing care as a person-centered service. It provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for its residents to maintain comfort in a homey setting. With an emphasis on independent living, memory care, and long-term and short-term care, the home offers an environment where residents continuously grow as individuals in a nurturing environment that maximizes everyone’s quality of life.

D’Youville Place specializes in surgical recovery, skilled nursing, and therapeutic rehabilitation. Other community features include housekeeping, transportation, social events, recreational activities, and specialized programs.

Contact D‘Youville Life and Wellness Community

Overview of Heatherwood Gracious Retirement Living

Tucked away in the scenic neighborhood of Tewksbury, MA, Heatherwood Gracious Retirement Living is a lively senior living community, offering independent living. A wide selection of apartments including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments is available for residents to choose the residence that caters to their needs and preferences. With 24-hour emergency pull cords in each room and a team of dedicated managers who stay within the community and are available 24/7, residents are sure to enjoy a safe and secure living environment.

Encouraging connections and an invigorating lifestyle, the community conducts an array of recreational and entertainment activities and offers their resident travel program for unforgettable adventures and traveling experiences. Amenities like a well-curated library, beauty salon, spacious community rooms, movie theater, and an inviting walking paths and gardens provide plenty of chances for relaxation and leisure. Residents are also guaranteed more free time to explore the community with housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance being handled by an attentive team.

Contact Heatherwood Gracious Retirement Living

Overview of Colonial Gardens

Kickstart your rewarding retirement experience with Colonial Gardens, a dynamic senior living community in Beverly, MA, offering a serene environment for independent living. Residents feel safe, secure and comfortable in their carefully built accommodations with 24-hour emergency pull cords and fire protection systems & sprinklers installed. The community liberates residents from their tedious chores and daily responsibilities like cleaning and maintenance to give them more time for living their best lives.

With its wide range of meaningful activities and events, the community helps residents maintain an active and vibrant lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for learning new things and making new friends. Three deliciously prepared meals are served daily with a coffee, fruit, and snack bar available anytime of the day to satisfy residents’ cravings and dietary needs. An array of amenities like a library, salon, fitness center, relaxing walking paths, and inviting common spaces are offered to make residents’ living experience more com and enjoyable.

Contact Colonial Gardens

Overview of Fulton School Residences

Create meaningful moments in your retirement at Fulton School Residences, an idyllic community in Weymouth, MA, offering independent living. The community has purposely built and spacious studio to two-bedroom floor plans, designed for the comfort of those 62+. Residents can ease their worries with round-the-clock emergency maintenance, compassionate management, and laundry spaces.

Promoting an active and vibrant lifestyle, a variety of engaging activities and enriching programs are conducted. Delightful restaurants and shops are also easily accessible, providing residents with plenty of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. Cats are also welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. The community’s vibrant and inviting environment creates the ideal setting for residents to flourish in their golden years.

Contact Fulton School Residences

Overview of The Moorings at Squantum Gardens

Enjoy the retirement of your dreams at The Moorings at Squantum Gardens, a dedicated 55+ community nestled in the idyllic neighborhood of Quincy, MA, offering independent living. With cozy and well-thought-out one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures that older adults have options to choose from. Residents also have a hassle-free lifestyle with laundry spaces and maintenance services.

With a jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs, residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. Shopping, dining, and healthcare providers are also easily accessible, especially with public transportation and major highways nearby. The community’s state-of-the-art amenities and friendly setting make it an enticing option for those seeking the finest retirement experience.

Contact The Moorings at Squantum Gardens

Overview of Melville Towers

Enjoy a vibrant lifestyle at Melville Towers, a distinct 62+ community in New Bedford, MA, offering independent living. Older adults can rest assured of finding the right accommodation based on their preferences with beautifully designed and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans. With emergency maintenance, management, and laundry spaces, residents are guaranteed a hassle-free living.

There’s no dull moment with plenty of engaging activities and enriching programs that highlight their interests and capabilities. Dining, shopping, and healthcare providers are easily accessible, providing unending recreation and wellness opportunities. Pets are also welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. The community is ideal for those looking to live independently in retirement, especially with its warm and welcoming environment.

Contact Melville Towers

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
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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 228 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.