Page 13 of Best Independent Living in Massachusetts

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 239 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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We analyzed These are the facilities in Massachusetts our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Massachusetts.
239 homes
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Overview of The Arbors at Westfield Assisted Living and Memory Care

Nestled in the tranquil community of Westfield, MA, The Arbors at Westfield Assisted Living and Memory Care is an inviting senior living community that provides independent living, assisted living, short-term stay, and memory care services. Well-appointed and spacious accommodations with varying floor plans are available for its residents based on individual tastes. In terms of memory care, they developed the Reflections Memory Care Program, designed with four specific resident-centered focus areas to specifically address the challenges of living with memory loss and cognitive challenges. This includes Life Enrichment, Personal Care, Serenity Enrichment, and Multisensory Dining.

Offering top-of-the-line amenities and services, residents can enjoy the following: restaurant-style dining, assistance with daily living, emergency call system with pendants, laundry services, 7 days a week nursing team, and more. Meet new friends by participating in diverse recreational programs and other social activities that focus on the mind, body, and soul. At The Arbors at Westfield Assisted Living and Memory Care, seniors are assured of a wondrous retirement.

Contact The Arbors at Westfield Assisted Living and Memory Care

Overview of Lawrence Housing Authority

Lawrence Housing Authority offers independent living housing in Lawrence, Massachusetts, for residents who can manage daily care without on-site help with personal tasks. Opened in 1937, the community has one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom units, so households can choose a layout that matches their space needs.

The housing is designed for low-income families through the Housing Choice Voucher Program and federal public housing, giving eligible households designated pathways to affordable housing. It may suit a low-income household seeking independent housing with several unit sizes. The area has a Walk Score of 89, making it very walkable, with most errands possible on foot; shops, a pharmacy, or cafes may be reachable without driving, which can help a resident who no longer drives get out independently. An on-site spa and religious services are available for residents who wish to use them.

Contact Lawrence Housing Authority

Overview of Leland House

Ideally situated in the idyllic neighborhood of Waltham, MA, Leland House is a blissful community that offers independent living. Those 62+ can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences with a variety of thoughtfully furnished floor plans. On-site management and round-the-clock maintenance are also provided, so residents have more time to do the things they love.

Residents gain meaningful experiences and enjoy new hobbies with plenty of life-learning programs and wellness opportunities. A variety of restaurants and shops surround the area, providing residents with delightful dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. With exceptional services and top-notch amenities, residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience.

Contact Leland House

Overview of Mt. Pleasant Apartments

Ideally set in the thriving neighborhood of Somerville, MA, Mt. Pleasant Apartments is an astounding 62+ community that offers independent living. 42 cozy one-bedrooms and 23 spacious two-bedrooms are provided, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Income qualifications and rent restrictions are utilized to ease financial burdens.

With fun gathering spaces and leisure opportunities, residents will not run out of things to do for socialization and recreation. A variety of delightful restaurants and shops are also available nearby, providing residents with delightful dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. Here, residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience, accompanied by the community’s warm and inviting environment.

Contact Mt. Pleasant Apartments

Overview of Diane and Mark Goldman Family Residences

Have the finest retirement experience at Diane and Mark Goldman Family Residences, an astounding community in Brookline, MA, offering independent living. With plenty of convenient apartment features in specially designed accommodations, residents enjoy a convenient lifestyle. Maintenance services and laundry spaces are also provided, so residents have more time to do the things they love.

Residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness, especially with plenty of local amenities and recreational spaces nearby. A fully furnished kitchen is also provided, allowing residents to prepare meals based on their dietary needs and preferences. The community strives to promote a warm and inviting environment, so residents can flourish in their golden years.

Contact Diane and Mark Goldman Family Residences

Overview of Winchester Crane Apartments

Ideally located in the harmonious neighborhood of Waltham, MA, Winchester Crane Apartments is a distinct community that offers independent living. The community provides beautifully designed one-bedroom floor plans for those 60+ and adults with disability. With income-based rents, the community strives to ease financial burdens.

Residents gain easy access to local shops and recreation sites, providing endless leisure and wellness opportunities. With plenty of restaurants in the area, residents enjoy a variety of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those seeking independence in retirement, accompanied by its top-notch amenities and welcoming environment.

Contact Winchester Crane Apartments

Overview of Everett Villa Co-Op

Everett Villa Co-Op is a one-of-a-kind community in Everett, MA, offering independent living. The community has beautifully furnished one-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to the comfort of those 62+. The community also utilizes income restrictions and income-based rents to ensure low-income older adults can downsize without hassles.

A jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and exciting events is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. With a fully equipped kitchen, residents can prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those looking to live independently in their golden years, especially with its top-notch amenities and friendly setting.

Contact Everett Villa Co-op

Overview of Riverside Towers

Spend your best years at Riverside Towers, a distinguished community set in the thriving neighborhood of Medford, MA, offering independent living. Thoughtfully designed and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans are provided in a warm and welcoming environment, so residents can feel at ease during their stay. On-site maintenance, management, and laundry spaces are also available, ensuring residents can maintain their independence without hassles.

Residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness with a well-planned calendar of engaging activities and stimulating programs. A variety of delightful restaurants are also available nearby, providing delicious and well-balanced meals based on their dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include a library, a fitness center, a recreation room, a business center, a media room, and a spacious courtyard, creating the ideal setting for residents to flourish in retirement.

Contact Riverside Towers

Overview of The Residence at Vinnin Square

Experience premium services and true hospitality with The Residence at Vinnin Square, a warm and inviting senior living community in Swampscott, MA, offering an array of care options. Residents here can choose from various lifestyle options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and short-term stays depending on their needs. The community empowers residents to enjoy the things that make them happy without worries by handling their daily chores and responsibilities.

Visiting healthcare professionals are available to deliver added care to accommodate other needs that residents may have. Vibrant activities and entertainment spaces are also available to give residents opportunities for leisure and recreation. Delicious meals and other amenities are also available to further enhance residents’ living experience.

Contact The Residence at Vinnin Square

Overview of Highland Hills

Make the most of your best years at Highland Hills, a blissful haven in Taunton, MA, offering independent living. The community features cozy and specially designed two- and three-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents can keep their peace of mind during their stay. On-site maintenance, management, and laundry spaces are also available, so residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle.

With fun gathering spaces and wellness opportunities, residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. With a fully furnished kitchen, residents can prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. The community’s vibrant and welcoming environment creates the ideal setting for residents to thrive in retirement.

Contact Highland Hills

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 239 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.

Independent Living in Massachusetts at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 57/ 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: 91The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Massachusetts. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90