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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View all Nearby Homes
Overview of St. Mary Apartments

Experience the best of your retirement at St. Mary Apartments, an idyllic haven in Waltham, MA, offering independent living. Committed to the comfort of those 62+, the community features specially designed and sophisticated one-bedroom floor plans. Laundry spaces are available, alongside income-based rents, so residents can feel at ease during their stay.

Residents have easy access to their necessities and leisure opportunities, with plenty of local amenities and recreation sites nearby. Delightful restaurants in the area also provide residents with plenty of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. With its warm and welcoming environment, residents can ease their worries and make the most of their golden years.

Contact St. Mary Apartments

Overview of Mill Pond Apartments

Ideally situated near Morton Hospital in Taunton, MA, Mill Pond Apartments is an outstanding community that offers independent living. The community has specially designed and sophisticated one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Maintenance services and laundry spaces are also provided, so residents have a worry-free lifestyle.

Thriving local shops and recreational spaces are easily accessible, providing residents with endless leisure and wellness opportunities. A BBQ and picnic are also available, so residents can enjoy mealtimes with friends that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community strives to promote a vibrant and inviting environment, so residents have the finest retirement experience.

Contact Mill Pond Apartments

Overview of Orange Street

Create unforgettable moments in retirement at Orange Street, an inviting community in Waltham, MA, offering independent living. The community has beautifully furnished and spacious one-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to those 60+ and adults with disability. Rents are also income-based, striving to ease financial burdens.

With recreational spaces and unique local shops in the area, residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. A variety of dining options are also available through restaurants nearby, striving to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those seeking independence in retirement, especially with its warm and friendly environment.

Contact Orange Street

Overview of Castle Hill

Ideally situated in the thriving neighborhood of Plymouth, MA, Castle Hill is a distinct community that offers independent living. The community has specially designed and cozy one-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can also keep their peace of mind and downsize according to their budgets with income-based rents.

Recreational spaces and thriving local shops are available nearby, providing residents with endless leisure and wellness opportunities. Delightful restaurants also ensure residents have a hassle-free dining experience with a variety of dining options. The community’s vibrant and friendly environment makes it an enticing option for those seeking independence in retirement.

Contact Castle Hill

Rita Hall

490 Hampshire St # 1, Lawrence, MA 01841
Overview of Rita Hall

Conveniently located in the harmonious setting of Lawrence, MA, Rita Hall is an outstanding community that offers independent living. With naturally lit and cozy one- and two-bedroom floor plans, older adults can rest assured of finding the right accommodation based on their preferences. Residents also experience a worry-free lifestyle with friendly management and round-the-clock emergency maintenance.

A jam-packed calendar of enriching activities and engaging programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Healthcare providers, shopping, and restaurants are also easily accessible, alongside public transportation and major highways in the area, ensuring residents’ convenience. The community’s warm and inviting environment creates the ideal setting for residents to flourish in retirement.

Contact Rita Hall

Overview of Southwick Block

Conveniently located in the harmonious setting of Lowell, MA, Southwick Block is a distinct community that offers independent living. 28 thoughtfully designed and sophisticated one-bedroom floor plans are provided for residents’ comfort and safety. 24-hour emergency maintenance and laundry are also available, so residents have more time to do the things they love.

Recreational spaces and distinct local shops surround the area, providing residents with unending leisure and wellness opportunities. A variety of dining options are easily accessible, especially with restaurants nearby. The community is ideal for those aiming to downsize in their golden years, especially with its vibrant and welcoming environment.

Contact Southwick Block

Overview of Colony III

Make every moment of your retirement count at Colony III, a distinct community in Worcester, MA, offering independent living. 100 beautifully designed and spacious accommodations are provided, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can keep their peace of mind with plenty of convenient apartment features and maintenance services.

Delightful local shops and recreational spaces surround the area, providing residents with unending leisure and wellness opportunities. Delicious and well-balanced dining options are available, so residents enjoy mealtimes that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. With its vibrant and welcoming environment, residents are guaranteed to thrive in their golden years.

Contact Colony III

Overview of Golda Meir House

Enjoy the retirement life you deserve in Golda Meir House, a warm and welcoming community in Newton, MA that offers a safe independent living environment. The community is dedicated to offering residents an ideal retirement setting that fosters meaningful connections, vitality, and enriching experiences. It warmly welcomes residents from all backgrounds into their welcoming and cozy accommodations with easy access to an on-site maintenance team that offers 24-hour onsite emergency response services.

As a community dedicated to creating a vibrant retirement environment, Golda Meir House provides plenty of opportunities for celebrations, entertainment, and cultural activities. Residents also have access to extensive lifelong learning programs and wellness initiatives to keep their bodies and minds healthy. The community also provides care coordination services should residents require extra care and support. Here, everyone is encouraged to live their lives fully without stress and worries.

Contact Golda Meir House

Overview of Horn Home for the Aged

Located at Lowell, Massachusetts, Horn Home for the Aged offers a safe environment. Renowned for their exceptional nursing and rehabilitative care, they prioritize comfort, relaxation, and a personalized approach to well-being. Residents enjoy a variety of activities designed to stimulate the mind, body, and spirit. These include healthy and nutritious meals, social gatherings in spacious common areas, quiet relaxation in lounge areas, and specialized programs that promote resident independence and individuality. Located in a middle-income area with easy access to shopping, churches, medical facilities, and other amenities, Horn Home provides a convenient and comfortable setting.

Private rooms are fully furnished and cable TV provides entertainment options. Housekeeping services ensure a clean and comfortable environment. Small pets are even welcome, adding a touch of home. These include assisted living, nursing care, hospice care, and personal care assistance. A dedicated staff, including nurses and caregivers, is available 24/7 to provide medication support, laundry services, and other essential support. Family outreach programs keep loved ones connected and informed.

Contact Horn Home for the Aged

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
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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.