Page 2 of Best Independent Living in Massachusetts

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 233 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
Reviewed by
Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Massachusetts our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Massachusetts.
233 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

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 to lowest based on our ranking 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. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. 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 Communities (CCRC)):
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.
Atria Maplewood Place
IL
AL
MC
RC
Malden
108
Facility 108
MA AVG 94
Rank #85 / 276
Yes19
81
Facility 81
MA AVG 53
Rank #114 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Shared Suite
27
Facility 27
MA AVG 22
Rank #62 / 181
-NoNo
Atria Marina Place
IL
AL
MC
North Quincy (Marina Bay)
110
Facility 110
MA AVG 94
Rank #80 / 276
Yes21
12
Facility 12
MA AVG 53
Rank #452 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
27
Facility 27
MA AVG 22
Rank #62 / 181
-NoYes
Brookdale Cushing Park
IL
AL
MC
Framingham (Emeritus At Farm Pond)
100
Facility 100
MA AVG 94
Rank #94 / 276
Yes22
23
Facility 23
MA AVG 53
Rank #392 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
26
Facility 26
MA AVG 22
Rank #78 / 181
A+NoNo
Atria Woodbriar Park
IL
AL
MC
RC
Falmouth (Teaticket)
95
Facility 95
MA AVG 94
Rank #110 / 276
Yes50
55
Facility 55
MA AVG 53
Rank #231 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
30
Facility 30
MA AVG 22
Rank #15 / 181
-NoNo
Brooksby Village
IL
AL
CCRC(
NH
Peabody
104
Facility 104
MA AVG 94
Rank #89 / 276
No-
43
Facility 43
MA AVG 53
Rank #299 / 490
1 Bed / 2 Bed
28
Facility 28
MA AVG 22
Rank #55 / 181
A-No-
Stonebridge at Burlington
IL
AL
MC
Burlington
110
Facility 110
MA AVG 94
Rank #80 / 276
Yes26
36
Facility 36
MA AVG 53
Rank #327 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Companion
13
Facility 13
MA AVG 22
Rank #125 / 181
A-NoNo
Whaler‘s Cove Assisted Living
IL
AL
RC
New Bedford
120
Facility 120
MA AVG 94
Rank #63 / 276
No-
81
Facility 81
MA AVG 53
Rank #114 / 490
Traditional (120)
24
Facility 24
MA AVG 22
Rank #96 / 181
-YesNo
Cadbury Commons
IL
AL
MC
Cambridge
74
Facility 74
MA AVG 94
Rank #176 / 276
Yes24
86
Facility 86
MA AVG 53
Rank #81 / 490
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 22
Rank #27 / 181
-NoNo
The Berkeley Retirement Home and Nursing Center
IL
NH
SNF
Lawrence
44
Facility 44
MA AVG 94
Rank #245 / 276
No-
77
Facility 77
MA AVG 53
Rank #140 / 490
Private Rooms
33
Facility 33
MA AVG 22
Rank #12 / 181
A+No-
Fenno House
IL
AL
Quincy (Wollaston)
39
Facility 39
MA AVG 94
Rank #262 / 276
No-
91
Facility 91
MA AVG 53
Rank #39 / 490
Traditional (39)
22
Facility 22
MA AVG 22
Rank #102 / 181
A+YesNo

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every MA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 233 on this page.

Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes
123...24
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 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 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 Atria Woodbriar Park

Situated in the peaceful area of Falmouth, MA, Atria Woodbriar Park is a remarkable senior living community that specializes in assisted living and memory care. Dedicated to helping residents enjoy a comfortable retirement, the community offers residents with a range of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments for resting or hosting family and friends. Residents’ safety and comfort is guaranteed with a reliable care team that provides round-the-clock care and assistance.

The community elevates residents’ living experience even further by equipping them with Alexa Smart Home devices. Promoting an active and healthy lifestyle, the community offers enriching activities and nourishing, chef-prepared meals. Residents also benefit from a wide array of amenities, such as a swimming pool, a salon and spa, an onsite physician office space, a movie theater, a fitness center, pub, and relaxing outdoor spaces for a more enjoyable and convenient living experience.

Contact Atria Woodbriar Park

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 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 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 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 The Berkeley Retirement Home and Nursing Center

Make your retirement dreams come alive at The Berkeley, a compassionate senior living community in Lawrence, MA, offering independent living and skilled nursing. Residents enjoy the privacy of their own studio apartment with a full private bathroom and access to personalized dining room meal service for three meals a day. Round-the-clock nursing care is provided by Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNAs), offering residents peace of mind.

The community provides a welcoming environment where residents can discover new hobbies, meet new friends and maintain their independence with the help of convenient services and plentiful amenities. Residents live a convenient lifestyle with light housekeeping, laundry services and full pharmacy services. The activities team provides residents with a wide range of things to do including daily exercise, crafts, parties, entertainment, and daily religious services in our onsite chapel. At The Berkeley, residents enjoy a community that provides them plenty of opportunities to live a fulfilling life.

Contact The Berkeley Retirement Home and Nursing Center

Overview of Fenno House

Situated in Quincy, Fenno House is a non-profit independent living and assisted living community. The senior living community is a comfortable and safe senior home where residents are guaranteed to feel welcomed in a friendly environment. You can trust that Fenno House is a deeply supportive and vibrant senior living community that has received the trust of many families.
Fenno House is a modest and tight-knit community with an array of amenities and services– daily meals, 24-hour care supervision, medication management, housekeeping, and short-term stays available; apartments equipped with kitchens, full baths, and balconies. Fenno House boasts comprehensive senior care in an affordable rate, ensuring that residents are really kept in mind, and, thereby, showing that they are putting their residents at the top of their priority list.

Contact Fenno House

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.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
Submit a correction
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 233 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.