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
Yes20
24
Facility 24
MA AVG 53
Rank #386 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
27
Facility 27
MA AVG 24
Rank #82 / 180
-NoNo
Autumn Glen at Dartmouth
IL
AL
MC
Dartmouth (Smith Mills)
85
Facility 85
MA AVG 94
Rank #146 / 280
No37
21
Facility 21
MA AVG 53
Rank #412 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 24
Rank #37 / 180
-NoNo
Brightview Danvers
IL
AL
MC
Danvers (Danversport)
79
Facility 79
MA AVG 94
Rank #167 / 280
Yes24
48
Facility 48
MA AVG 53
Rank #269 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
18
Facility 18
MA AVG 24
Rank #130 / 180
ANoNo
The Residence at Melrose Station
IL
AL
MC
RC
Melrose (Essex Street)
90
Facility 90
MA AVG 94
Rank #126 / 280
Yes25
93
Facility 93
MA AVG 53
Rank #24 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
27
Facility 27
MA AVG 24
Rank #82 / 180
-NoNo
Brightview North Andover
IL
AL
MC
North Andover (Turnpike Street)
76
Facility 76
MA AVG 94
Rank #173 / 280
No27
4
Facility 4
MA AVG 53
Rank #489 / 499
1 Bed / 2 Bed
13
Facility 13
MA AVG 24
Rank #140 / 180
-NoNo
Keystone Place at Buzzards Bay
IL
AL
MC
Buzzards Bay
75
Facility 75
MA AVG 94
Rank #174 / 280
Yes20
60
Facility 60
MA AVG 53
Rank #215 / 499
1 Bed / 2 Bed
11
Facility 11
MA AVG 24
Rank #153 / 180
-NoNo
Stone Hill at Andover
IL
AL
MC
Andover
96
Facility 96
MA AVG 94
Rank #109 / 280
Yes24
69
Facility 69
MA AVG 53
Rank #177 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
7
Facility 7
MA AVG 24
Rank #175 / 180
-NoNo
Atria Woodbriar Park
IL
AL
MC
RC
Falmouth (Teaticket)
95
Facility 95
MA AVG 94
Rank #111 / 280
Yes50
55
Facility 55
MA AVG 53
Rank #233 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
30
Facility 30
MA AVG 24
Rank #27 / 180
-NoNo
Maplewood at Weston
IL
AL
MC
Weston
93
Facility 93
MA AVG 94
Rank #118 / 280
Yes13
17
Facility 17
MA AVG 53
Rank #435 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
12
Facility 12
MA AVG 24
Rank #143 / 180
A+NoNo
The Residence at Boylston Place
IL
AL
MC
RC
Chestnut Hill
99
Facility 99
MA AVG 94
Rank #101 / 280
No18
78
Facility 78
MA AVG 53
Rank #133 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
26
Facility 26
MA AVG 24
Rank #93 / 180
-NoYes
NewBridge on the Charles
IL
NH
AL
MC
Dedham (Hebrew Rehabilitation Center At Newbridge)
87
Facility 87
MA AVG 94
Rank #139 / 280
No36
8
Facility 8
MA AVG 53
Rank #481 / 499
1 Bed / 2 Bed
17
Facility 17
MA AVG 24
Rank #132 / 180
-NoNo
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
-NoNo
Grove Manor Estates
IL
AL
MC
Braintree (Grove Street)
70
Facility 70
MA AVG 94
Rank #185 / 280
No15
54
Facility 54
MA AVG 53
Rank #238 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 24
Rank #37 / 180
-NoNo
The Village at Willow Crossings
IL
AL
MC
RC
Mansfield (Mansfield Center)
104
Facility 104
MA AVG 94
Rank #89 / 280
Yes18
21
Facility 21
MA AVG 53
Rank #412 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 24
Rank #56 / 180
CNoNo
Brookdale Cushing Park
IL
AL
MC
Framingham (Emeritus At Farm Pond)
100
Facility 100
MA AVG 94
Rank #94 / 280
Yes22
23
Facility 23
MA AVG 53
Rank #395 / 499
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
48
Facility 48
MA AVG 24
Rank #1 / 180
A+NoNo
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Overview of Silsbee Tower

Surrounded by delightful local amenities in Lynn, MA, Silsbee Tower is a purposely built 62+ community that offers independent living. With a variety of specially designed and spacious accommodations, the community strives to keep residents comfortable and safe. 24-hour maintenance and laundry spaces, alongside convenient apartment features, are available for residents’ convenience.

Here, residents are encouraged to live actively and maintain social connections in its cozy gathering spaces. With a fully equipped kitchen, residents can prepare meals based on their dietary needs and preferences. The community’s scenic views and state-of-the-art amenities create the perfect setting for residents to relax and gain meaningful moments in retirement.

Contact Silsbee Tower

Overview of Bet Shalom Senior Apartments

Cherish every moment of your best years at Bet Shalom Senior Apartments, an idyllic haven in Worcester, MA, offering independent living. The community has affordable and purposely built one-bedroom floor plans, ensuring those 62+ can find the accommodations that best matches their preferences. With income-based rents, residents can keep their peace of mind and ease financial burdens.

A well-thought-out calendar of engaging activities and stimulating programs is conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Shopping centers and restaurants are also easily accessible, providing residents with various leisure opportunities and dining options. The community strives to promote a vibrant and welcoming environment, ensuring residents have the finest retirement experience.

Contact Bet Shalom Senior Apartments

Overview of Hebrew Seniorlife

Hebrew Seniorlife is a skilled nursing facility at 1200 Centre Street, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts 02131, in the Roslindale neighborhood. Nonprofit, Medicare and Medicaid certified (CMS #225759). Founded in 1903, it is New England’s largest nonprofit senior care provider, operating seven locations and affiliated with Harvard Medical School. The facility offers skilled nursing alongside post-acute rehabilitation, memory care (Wolk Center for Memory Health), long-term chronic care, outpatient services, in-home care, hospice, and specialized programming including intergenerational activities, expressive art therapies, Russian bilingual services, spiritual care, palliative care, and elder abuse shelter services.

The facility maintains strong regulatory performance with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and Department of Public Health. Three inspections between 2021 and July 2025 identified 11 citations, averaging 3.67 per inspection; significantly below the Massachusetts average of 7.24. Hebrew Seniorlife ranks #9 of 57 state facilities. Citation severity: zero critical violations (100% better than state average of 0.3), zero serious violations (100% better than state average of 1.5), eight moderate violations, and three minor violations. Recent moderate citations involved administration, nutrition, and pharmacy management (July 2024-July 2025), all corrected. Care planning minor citation (July 2025) also corrected. No civil money penalties or payment denials in three years. Overall CMS rating 5 stars (72.4% above state average), with health inspection performance 40.5% above state average and quality measures 57.3% above state average, though staffing rated at state average.

Nursing care totals 4 hours 39 minutes per resident per day (18% above state average of 3 hours 56 minutes), ranking #11 of 58 Massachusetts homes. Weekend nursing 4 hours 27 minutes per day. Staffing: 15 registered nurses (9 employees, 6 contractors), 7 licensed practical nurses (4 employees, 3 contractors), 22 certified nursing assistants (all employees), 7 physical therapy assistants, 6 respiratory technicians, 2 physicians, 1 nurse practitioner, 1 social worker, and administrative/feeding support. Total staff 65 (56 employees, 9 contractors). Walk Score 38 (somewhat walkable); 7.5 miles from Boston city center.

Short-stay resident quality measures show mixed outcomes. Pneumococcal vaccination 50.4% (34% worse than state average 76.7%), influenza vaccination 53.7% (31% worse than state average 77.7%), and antipsychotic medication initiation 1.8% (35% worse than state average 1.3%), indicating below-average preventive care vaccination coverage and antipsychotic medication practices in short-stay admissions.

Families should request documentation of the July 2024 and July 2025 corrective action plans and clarify pharmacy oversight procedures following the July 2024 pharmacy citations.

Contact Hebrew SeniorLife

Overview of Homestead Hall

Homestead Hall in Worcester is a one-level facility that offers independent and assisted living, as well as nursing care. As a non-profit organization, it prioritizes creating a cozy ambiance for its residents. The team at Homestead Hall provides round-the-clock care, daily living assistance, and a carefully crafted seasonal menu.

The facility also features an on-site salon, van transportation, furnished grounds, and gardens with plenty of fresh air. Residents can take advantage of housekeeping and laundry services, on-site podiatrists, and medication management. Homestead Hall even offers a range of recreational programs, social gatherings, and trips  to help its residents stay engaged and active. Couples can opt for conjoining rooms, while on-site palliative and hospice care is also available for those who need it.

Contact Homestead Hall

Overview of The Health Center at the Willows

The Health Center at the Willows, located on Barry Road in Worcester, is a place that offers spacious individual rooms and various amenities for its residents. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere here makes it feel like home. The residents can enjoy interactive programs and exciting excursions tailored to their preferences, while living in a neighborhood-like setting. The dining experience is simply amazing. The talented chefs and dietitians ensure the meals are delicious, healthy, and elevate the dining experience. 

They also have a library, a salon, and a barber shop, where residents can relax and take care of their grooming needs. In addition to these amenities, the home offers various services, including housekeeping and linen, pharmacy and physician orders, emergency call lights, and local or long-distance telephone service within the United States. The outdoor space is landscaped beautifully, providing a perfect spot for residents to relax and enjoy the fresh air. 

Contact The Health Center at The Willows

Overview of Peabody House

Spend your golden years at Peabody House, an idyllic haven in Peabody, MA, offering independent living. The community is dedicated to those 62+ and adults with disabilities, featuring 140 affordable and specially designed accommodations. Management services and round-the-clock emergency response are also provided, so residents can feel at ease during their stay.

Thriving local shops and recreational spaces surround the area, providing residents with endless leisure and wellness opportunities. Restaurants nearby also provide residents with a variety of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those aiming to downsize in retirement, especially with its warm and inviting environment.

Contact Peabody House

Overview of Friendly Garden

Create unforgettable moments in your golden years at Friendly Garden, a distinct community in Revere, MA, offering independent living. Residents can ease their worries amidst the community’s beautifully designed and cozy studio and one-bedroom floor plans. With income-based rents, the community strives to maintain affordability and ease financial burdens.

There’s no dull moment with a variety of engaging activities and enriching programs that aim to keep residents active and socially connected. Residents also gain convenient access to delightful dining options with restaurants and shops nearby. The community’s vibrant and inviting environment creates the ideal setting for residents to make the most of their best years.

Contact Friendly Garden

Overview of Robinson Cuticura Mill Apartments

Cherish every moment of your best years at Robinson Cuticura Mill Apartments, a distinct 62+ community in Malden, MA, offering independent living. The community has sophisticated and specially designed one- to three-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can ease their worries with on-site management, maintenance, and laundry spaces.

With recreational spaces and wellness opportunities, residents are encouraged to live actively and maintain social connections. A variety of restaurants and shops surround the area, providing residents with delightful dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community has state-of-the-art amenities and a friendly setting, making it an enticing option for those seeking independence in their golden years.

Contact Robinson Cuticura Mill Apartments

Overview of Cherry Hill II

Surrounded by delightful local amenities in Plymouth, MA, Cherry Hill II is a distinguished 62+ community that offers independent living. With 35 purposely built and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents’ comfort and safety. On-site management, maintenance, and laundry spaces are also available, so residents have more time to do the things they love.

Fun recreational opportunities and engaging programs are conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Delightful restaurants, local shops, and leisure sites are easily accessible, providing residents with plenty of dining options and entertainment opportunities. Pets are also welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. With extensive amenities and exceptional services, residents make the most of their golden years without hassles.

Contact Cherry Hill II

Overview of Sacred Heart Apartments

Experience the best of your golden years at Sacred Heart Apartments, a distinguished retreat in Lawrence, MA, offering independent living. The community has 44 beautifully furnished and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to the comfort of those 55+. Residents also enjoy the utmost convenience, with maintenance services and laundry spaces.

Thriving local shops and recreational spaces are available nearby, providing residents with endless leisure and wellness opportunities. Pets are also allowed to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. The community is a great option for those seeking independence in retirement, especially with its vibrant and welcoming environment.

Contact Sacred Heart Apartments

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.