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 Norumbega Gardens

Enjoy a vibrant lifestyle at Norumbega Gardens, a blissful haven in Auburndale, MA, offering independent living. Dedicated to enhancing the living experiences of those 62+, the community provides income-based rents for its beautifully furnished one-bedroom accommodations. Residents enjoy the utmost convenience with top-notch apartment features and maintenance services.

Unique local shops and leisure spaces are easily accessible, providing unending recreational and wellness opportunities. A variety of dining options are also provided by restaurants in the area, 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 Norumbega Gardens

Overview of Bauer House

Make every moment of your golden years at Bauer House, an outstanding community in Quincy, MA, offering independent living. Affordable and specially designed one-bedroom floor plans are provided for older adults with low incomes. With income-based rents, including utilities, the community strives to ease financial burdens.

Cozy communal spaces and wellness opportunities in the community allow residents to interact with their surroundings and gain meaningful experiences. Pets are also welcome to accompany residents to ease their financial burdens. Here, residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience amidst a warm and welcoming environment.

Contact Bauer House

Overview of Union Towers

Have the finest retirement experience at Union Towers, an outstanding community in Weymouth, MA, offering independent living. Alongside beautifully furnished and cozy studio to two-bedroom floor plans, handicapped-accessible accommodations are also provided, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Maintenance is also taken care of, so residents have more time to do the things they love.

Fun recreational activities and wellness opportunities are provided, encouraging residents to live actively and make new friends. Residents also have easy access to a variety of restaurants that provide delightful dining options for their dietary needs and satisfaction. Promoting a bright and friendly environment, the community is a good option for those aiming to downsize in their golden years.

Contact Union Towers

Overview of Carriage House Apartments

Create unforgettable moments at Carriage House Apartments, a purposely built community in New Bedford, MA, offering independent living. The community has cozy and sophisticated studio and one-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to residents’ comfort and safety. Alongside convenient apartment features, utilities are also paid for, ensuring residents can keep their peace of mind.

Residents have convenient access to dining, shopping, and recreation sites, especially with major highways nearby, ensuring they will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. A fully-equipped kitchen is provided in each unit, allowing residents to prepare meals that best suit their tastes and dietary needs. The community’s top-notch amenities and friendly setting make it an enticing option for those aiming to downsize in retirement.

Contact Carriage House Apartments

Overview of Seniority House

Create unforgettable moments in your retirement at Seniority House, an outstanding community in Springfield, MA, offering independent living. Prioritizing those 62+, the community features 167 well-thought-out accommodations. Residents also keep their peace of mind with round-the-clock maintenance and a compassionate service coordinator.

Unique local amenities and recreational spaces are available nearby, ensuring residents can live actively and maintain social connections. Residents also enjoy a variety of dining options with delightful restaurants in the area. Pets are welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. The community strives to help residents live beyond their potential in their golden years.

Contact Seniority House

Overview of Laurelwood at the Pinehills

Spend your best years at Laurelwood at the Pinehills, an outstanding community in Plymouth, MA, offering independent living. The community features beautifully furnished and cozy studio to two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Here, residents can maintain their independence without hassles, as chores and maintenance are taken care of.

A jam-packed calendar of enriching activities and fun programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Three delicious and well-balanced meals are also served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. With top-tier amenities and exceptional services, residents are guaranteed to thrive in retirement.

Contact Laurelwood at The Pinehills

Overview of The Residence at Natick South

Live your golden years away from stress and worries in The Residence at Natick South, an excellent community in Natick, MA that provides various levels of care. The community ensures residents have everything they need to live comfortably by offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care on one campus. Residents here are provided with compassionate care and assistance with their daily living activities, personal care, and medication management for a comfortable and convenient living experience.

Those living with the challenges of memory loss are guaranteed to receive top-notch care from the community’s National Institute for Dementia Education (NIDE) certified caregivers. An enriching array of activities is also offered to give residents the opportunities they need to maintain their mental and physical well-being. Residents also enjoy the convenience of having chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, and laundry services for a maintenance-free lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking comfort or enriching experiences, you’ll find everything you need in The Residence at Natick South.

Contact The Residence at Natick South

Overview of Traditions of Dedham

Traditions of Dedham is an assisted living community in Dedham, MA, that offers independent living, personal care, memory care, and respite services. With a large-scale capacity, this 95-bed community has studio, alcove, one-, and two-bedroom accommodations in a three-story setting. Assistance with activities of daily living, laundry services, and meals are also provided to enrich residents’ daily living. The community also coordinates care with off-site healthcare providers to meet residents’ needs.

Social events and wellness programs help residents maintain their holistic well-being and encourage active living. Spacious common areas are also available to ensure residents can move around. Its surrounding area is also relatively walkable, with a Walk Score of 57, allowing residents to reach some errands on foot. Operating since 2002, Traditions of Dedham has been providing comprehensive services for 24 years.

Contact Traditions of Dedham

Overview of Atria Maplewood Place

Enjoy the best of your golden years at Atria Maplewood Place, a blissful retreat in Malden, MA, offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Featuring purposely built and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. A kind and highly trained team also provides exceptional care tailored to their unique needs around the clock.

Dedicated to enhancing residents’ cognition and living experiences, a jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted. Mealtimes foster comfort and satisfy dietary needs with delicious and healthy dining options. The community is a good option for those seeking a variety of care in retirement, especially with its comprehensive options and state-of-the-art amenities.

Contact Atria Maplewood Place

Overview of Brightview Canton

Have a magnificent retirement with Brightview Canton, located in the vibrant community of Canton, MA, offering a comprehensive range of services including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and enhanced care. The community features resort-style amenities and dining, ensuring an active and luxurious lifestyle. As an award-winning community, ranking 1st in FORTUNE Magazine for four consecutive years already, residents can receive the top-notch customized care and support they deserve.

Experience its above-and-beyond amenities and services including gourmet dining prepared by a talented culinary team, a full-service salon, and on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Engage in a diverse set of life enrichment programs focusing on engagement, recreation, and wellness. With Brightview Canton, seniors are assured of enjoyable, fulfilling, and worry-free senior living.

Contact Brightview Canton

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.