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
Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes
Overview of Canterbury Arms Apartments

Ideally situated in the harmonious neighborhood of Chicopee, MA, Canterbury Arms Apartments is a distinct community that offers independent living. Featuring affordable and purposely built one-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures that those 62+ and adults with disability can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences. For residents’ convenience, laundry spaces and maintenance services are available.

Fun recreational activities and enriching programs are conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Unique local shops and delightful restaurants are also available nearby, providing residents with easy access to their needs and leisure. With its income-based rents, the community strives to maintain affordability for those looking to downsize in their golden years.

Contact Canterbury Arms Apartments

Overview of Water Street Apartments

Surrounded by thriving local amenities in Medford, MA, Water Street Apartments is a purposely built community that offers independent living. Designed for low-income older adults, the community features a variety of cozy one-bedroom accommodations. Here, residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle, as maintenance is taken care of.

Entertainment sites and convenient local shops surround the area, providing endless leisure and wellness opportunities. Residents also enjoy various dining options with restaurants nearby. The community strives to maintain affordability, including utilities in the rent to ease financial burdens. With its warm and friendly environment, residents can keep their peace of mind and create unforgettable moments in retirement.

Contact Water Street 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 John Shea Court

Enjoy your best years at John Shea Court, a purposely built community in Taunton, MA, offering independent living. Beautifully furnished and cozy one-bedroom floor plans are provided in a bright and friendly environment, ensuring residents can keep their peace of mind. Laundry spaces and maintenance services are also provided for residents’ convenience.

Residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness with a fun clubhouse and various recreational opportunities. Delightful restaurants and shops surrounding the area provide residents with plenty of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community’s vibrant and inviting setting makes it an enticing option for those aiming to downsize in retirement, especially with income-based rents.

Contact John Shea Court

Overview of Southfield

Live the best of your golden years at Southfield, a distinct community in Plymouth, MA, offering independent living. The community has a variety of purposely built and spacious accommodations, dedicated to residents’ comfort and safety. Residents can keep their peace of mind and downsize according to their budgets with income-based rents.

Residents have convenient access to thriving local amenities and recreational spaces, providing unending leisure and wellness opportunities. With a variety of restaurants in the area, residents enjoy delightful dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community’s vibrant and welcoming environment creates the ideal setting for residents to flourish in retirement.

Contact Southfield

Overview of Tribune Apartments

Surrounded by delightful local amenities in Framingham, MA, Tribune Apartments is an idyllic community that offers independent living. Beautifully furnished and spacious studio and two-bedroom floor plans are provided in a warm and welcoming environment, ensuring residents can feel at ease during their stay. The community also strives to maintain affordability and ease the financial burdens with income qualifications and rent restrictions.

Here, residents enjoy a hassle-free living with on-site maintenance, management, and laundry spaces. A variety of local shops and recreational spaces are available, providing residents with endless recreation and wellness opportunities. Pets are also welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. With its extensive services and top-notch amenities, the community ensures residents can thrive in their golden years.

Contact Tribune Apartments

Overview of Mission Towers

Ideally situated near convenient local amenities in Haverhill, MA, Mission Towers is an idyllic haven that offers independent living. Those 62+ can rest assured of finding the accommodation that best matches their preferences, with thoughtfully furnished studio to two-bedroom floor plans. The community also provides utility allowance, alongside income-based rents, to ease financial burdens.

Here, residents can spend their days as they please, especially with convenient access to local shops and recreational spaces. With restaurants in the area and a furnished kitchen in each unit, residents enjoy mealtimes that best match their dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those seeking independence in retirement amidst its warm and inviting environment.

Contact Mission Towers

Overview of St. James Manor Apartments

Live the best of your golden years at St. James Manor Apartments, an exceptional community set in the quiet neighborhood of Springfield, MA, offering independent living. The community has beautifully furnished and cozy one-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to residents’ comfort and safety. Residents can also ease their worries with on-site maintenance, management, and laundry spaces.

With thriving local shops and recreation sites nearby, residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. A fully equipped kitchen is available, allowing residents to prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. Promoting a warm and inviting environment, the community ensures residents live a blissful retirement.

Contact St. James Manor Apartments

Overview of Webster Square Towers East & West Apartments

Surrounded by thriving local amenities in Worcester, MA, Webster Square Towers East & West Apartments is an exceptional community that offers independent living. Beautifully furnished and cozy studio to two-bedroom floor plans are provided, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents have more time to do the things they love with on-site maintenance, management, and laundry spaces.

Encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections, a thoughtfully curated calendar of enriching activities and exciting events is conducted. Grocery stores and restaurants are also available nearby, providing residents with 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, especially with its vibrant and friendly setting.

Contact Webster Square Towers East & West Apartments

Overview of Fairweather Apartments – Peabody

Live blissfully at Fairweather Apartments – Peabody, a blissful retreat in Peabody, MA, that offers independent living. With beautifully furnished and cozy studio and one-bedroom floor plans, residents are guaranteed the utmost comfort. 24-hour emergency maintenance and laundry spaces are also provided, so residents can have a hassle-free lifestyle.

A thoughtfully curated calendar of engaging activities and exciting events is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Delightful restaurants and shops are also available nearby, providing residents with plenty of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. Residents can bring their pets to accompany them and prevent loneliness. The community is a good option for those aiming to downsize in retirement, especially with its vibrant and inviting setting.

Contact Fairweather Apartments – Peabody

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
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today

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.