Page 2 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
Other senior care options in Massachusetts:

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Info below is compiled from the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs, senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Licensed beds designated for special-care services (e.g. memory or other specialized units), as reported in state licensing data.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
Yes/No from payment or funding tags indicating low-income accessibility options in state disclosures—not a determination of personal eligibility.
Whether the community is disclosed as co-located or on the same campus as a nursing home in state records.
Brooksby Village
IL
AL
CCRC
NH
Peabody
104
Facility 104
MA AVG 91
Rank #22 / 92
No-
43
Facility 43
MA AVG 57
Rank #153 / 238
1 Bed / 2 Bed
28
Facility 28
MA AVG 22
Rank #21 / 67
A-No-
Brightview Danvers
IL
AL
MC
Danvers (Danversport)
79
Facility 79
MA AVG 91
Rank #51 / 92
Yes24
48
Facility 48
MA AVG 57
Rank #142 / 238
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
18
Facility 18
MA AVG 22
Rank #44 / 67
ANoNo
The Village at Willow Crossings
IL
AL
MC
RC
Mansfield (Mansfield Center)
104
Facility 104
MA AVG 91
Rank #22 / 92
Yes18
21
Facility 21
MA AVG 57
Rank #201 / 238
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
27
Facility 27
MA AVG 22
Rank #23 / 67
C-NoNo
Stonebridge at Burlington
IL
AL
MC
Burlington
110
Facility 110
MA AVG 91
Rank #17 / 92
Yes26
36
Facility 36
MA AVG 57
Rank #163 / 238
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Companion
13
Facility 13
MA AVG 22
Rank #47 / 67
A-NoNo
Brookdale Cushing Park
IL
AL
MC
Framingham (Emeritus At Farm Pond)
100
Facility 100
MA AVG 91
Rank #25 / 92
Yes22
23
Facility 23
MA AVG 57
Rank #193 / 238
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
26
Facility 26
MA AVG 22
Rank #29 / 67
A+NoNo
Bayberry at Emerald Court
IL
AL
MC
Tewksbury
94
Facility 94
MA AVG 91
Rank #34 / 92
Yes21
26
Facility 26
MA AVG 57
Rank #182 / 238
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
20
Facility 20
MA AVG 22
Rank #39 / 67
B-NoNo
Atria Marina Place
IL
AL
MC
North Quincy (Marina Bay)
110
Facility 110
MA AVG 91
Rank #17 / 92
Yes21
12
Facility 12
MA AVG 57
Rank #219 / 238
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
27
Facility 27
MA AVG 22
Rank #23 / 67
-NoYes
The Residence at Melrose Station
IL
AL
MC
RC
Melrose
90
Facility 90
MA AVG 91
Rank #39 / 92
Yes25
93
Facility 93
MA AVG 57
Rank #14 / 238
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
27
Facility 27
MA AVG 22
Rank #23 / 67
-NoNo
Whaler‘s Cove Assisted Living
IL
AL
RC
New Bedford
120
Facility 120
MA AVG 91
Rank #13 / 92
No-
81
Facility 81
MA AVG 57
Rank #72 / 238
Traditional (120)
24
Facility 24
MA AVG 22
Rank #34 / 67
-YesNo
Cadbury Commons
IL
AL
MC
Cambridge
74
Facility 74
MA AVG 91
Rank #57 / 92
Yes24
86
Facility 86
MA AVG 57
Rank #54 / 238
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 22
Rank #13 / 67
-NoNo

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other MA independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 239 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of The Village at Willow Crossings

Settled in the quiet community of Mansfield, MA, The Village at Willow Crossings is an enticing senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care services. Beautifully appointed and spacious accommodations including one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and memory care studio are available for its residents. In terms of memory care, this community provides specialized programs such as research-based therapy and activities to stimulate memory for those with cognitive conditions.

Explore its top-notch amenities and services wherein residents can enjoy inspired dining with chef-prepared meals based on dietary needs, weekly housekeeping, laundry, linen service, and transportation services. Join in diverse options for social activities based on your interests and create meaningful memories with new companions. Maximize comfort and relaxation by visiting its beautifully shared spaces. With The Village at Willow Crossings, seniors are assured of a secure living.

Contact The Village at Willow Crossings

Overview of The Residence at Melrose Station

The Residence at Melrose Station undoubtedly provides the highest quality of care for independent living, assisted living, and memory care residents. Management makes it a point that seniors are given the freedom and choice given to each resident, and ensures that they attend to the unique needs of each individual with kindness and compassion. The upscale senior living community prides itself on being a renowned home in Boston that is enriched by diversity, elevated by accommodations, and enhanced by lifestyle.

The lifestyle at The Residences is an easy and worry-free community; through the community’s extensive services, residents are able to live a fulfilling everyday life. Some of the all-inclusive features include ALDs, medication management, transfer assistance, housekeeping and laundry services– all of which are tailored to their unique needs.

Contact The Residence at Melrose Station

Brooksby Village

201 Brooksby Village Dr, Peabody, MA 01960
Overview of Brooksby Village

Create unforgettable moments in retirement at Brooksby Village, a blissful retreat in Peabody, MA, offering independent living. The community has a variety of thoughtfully designed one- and two-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to residents’ comfort and safety. A compassionate team also helps with chores and maintenance, striving to maintain residents’ independence without hassles.

A jam-packed calendar of enriching activities and engaging programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Delicious and healthy dining options are also served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. With transportation services, residents can easily access their needs and various recreational opportunities. Amenities include a swimming pool, a fitness center, a library, and well-maintained landscapes, creating the ideal setting for residents’ leisure and well-being.

Contact Brooksby Village

Overview of Brookdale Cushing Park

Nestled on over 100 acres in Framingham, Massachusetts, Brookdale Cushing Park offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services to seniors seeking a high-quality lifestyle. With three levels of care on a single campus, residents can easily transition as their needs change, paying only for the services they require. The community provides a customized service plan, with basic utilities and maintenance typically included in the monthly rate. Brookdale Cushing Park’s compassionate care team assists residents with daily activities, while independent living residents enjoy maintenance-free living with access to restaurant-style dining, social activities, and wellness amenities.

Assisted living offers personalized care in a warm, welcoming environment, with programs to keep residents engaged and connected. Memory care features specially designed spaces and trained associates to guide residents living with Alzheimer’s or dementia through a daily path of meaningful engagement. Whether tending to a garden, participating in fitness classes, or enjoying a decadent meal with friends, Brookdale Cushing Park empowers residents to live life to the fullest.

Contact Brookdale Cushing Park

Overview of Stonebridge at Burlington

Discover the Stonebridge Way of Life at Stonebridge at Burlington, an exceptional assisted living and memory care community located near Boston, Massachusetts. Residents of Stonebridge get access to a variety of amenities and services designed to enhance their daily lives and provide peace of mind. From chef-prepared dining to programs and social events, residents can savor an active lifestyle while enjoying a maintenance-free home.

At Stonebridge, a dedicated personal care team is available throughout the day to assist residents with their individual needs such as bathing, dressing, medication management and housekeeping. Their Wellness Team is always ready to lend a helping hand. Personal care plans are thoughtfully developed for each resident, ensuring that they receive the assistance they need when they need it the most. Residents can choose from a variety of apartment options, ranging from smart studios to spacious two-bedroom suites. The community boasts amenities, including the Good Dog Cafe, an art studio with courtyard views, the Journey salon and spa, and a calendar filled with cultural programs and events. Three delicious chef-prepared meals are served daily, providing residents with a delightful dining experience. 

Contact Stonebridge at Burlington

Overview of Atria Marina Place

Located nearby Boston, Atria Marina Place in Quincy is one of the premier senior living communities that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. They understand that an enriching senior living experience begins with the right lifestyle that suits your needs; independent living offers a lifestyle that allows retiring seniors to stay active and pursue their activities without having to worry about chores such as cooking, cleaning, and maintenance. Assisted living encourages, empowers, and enriches residents to still live freely on their own terms while receiving the necessary support. Atria Marina Place has been one of the trail blazers in reinventing the approach to senior living– modern and innovative care.

Atria Marina Place is a branch of the renowned Atria senior living group. Rest assured that residents of Atria Marina Place are able to experience their array of amenities such as garden, salon, and café bistro; along with services such as transportation, housekeeping and laundry– to name a few of the features that residents from both living options get unlimited access. As of today, there’s around a twenty-five percent vacancy rate, making it a testament to how many families trust in bringing their loved one into the hands of Atria Marina Place.

Contact Atria Marina Place

Overview of Whaler‘s Cove Assisted Living

At Whaler’s Cove Assisted Living, the goal is to help residents stay active and involved while supporting independence for as long as possible. Whether a senior is looking for a short-term stay or would like to settle down for good, this community offers a wide range of living options and services to manage the challenges and promote the joy of retired living.

The team at Whaler’s Cove listens closely to residents to understand their needs and limitations, then discusses and determines potential solutions. This community works with each individual to customize options that will make the life they want for themselves and their loved ones a reality.

Contact Whaler‘s Cove Assisted Living

Overview of Brightview Danvers

Brightview Danvers undoubtedly provides the highest care for independent living, assisted living, and memory care support in the city. Management makes it a point that seniors are given the freedom and choice given to each resident and ensures that they attend to the unique needs of each individual with kindness and compassion. The premier retirement community strives to satisfy the holistic wellness of its residents in a cozy, nurturing, and fun-filled environment.

Brightview Danvers’ residential lifestyle encourages its seniors to live a fulfilling everyday life through the community’s extensive services. Some all-inclusive features include ALDs, medication management, specialized memory care programs, housekeeping, and laundry services tailored to their unique needs. Other amenities include a library, full baths, a cafe, a fitness center, and a multi-purpose room– to name a few of what the home offers.

Contact Brightview Danvers

Overview of Cadbury Commons

Cadbury Commons has proudly remained a family-owned and operated haven for over 27 years in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Their commitment to fostering both assisted independence and senior living is unwavering, offering a comprehensive range of services that include memory care. With an environment tailored to the needs of seniors, this residence thrives on vibrant activity, offering a diverse array of avenues for engaging new experiences, whether in the realms of business, education, travel, or the arts.

From a well-stocked library to a rejuvenating fitness center and a dedicated computer area, the community provides spaces for both personal growth and social interaction. The serene atmosphere is complemented by the convenience of an on-site salon and spa, ready to pamper and rejuvenate. Embracing pets and offering access to private off-street parking, Cadbury Commons creates an environment that feels like home, complete with memory care support groups that provide invaluable connections. Additionally, a variety of independent living floor plans cater to individual preferences, while the assisted living facilities ensure a seamless transition to a supportive and enriching lifestyle

Contact Cadbury Commons

Overview of Bayberry at Emerald Court

Bayberry at Emerald Court aims to transform lives and make them better. Management and staff strive to create a sense of community and belonging where everyone is welcome and included, and the facility maintains top-notch quality. When setting the standard for quality care and going above and beyond to meet the needs of seniors, the retirement home is the place perfect for independent living, assisted living, and memory care. 

As a member of the Northbridge community, Bayberry offers luxury and comfortability in a resort-like setting. Exquisite residential experience is found in the beautiful amenities and services found in the community, such as spacious apartments, healthy dining experiences, and social activities.

Contact Bayberry at Emerald Court

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