Best Independent Living in Massachusetts

Reviewed by

Last updated

May 2026

We analyzed

455 homes in Massachusetts

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Massachusetts Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

Other Senior care options in Massachusetts:

Assisted Living Memory Care Nursing Homes

Compare Independent Living around Massachusetts

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The Residence at Orchard Grove	MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Shrewsbury	80 Facility 80 MA AVG 93 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	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Dartmouth (Smith Mills)	85 Facility 85 MA AVG 93 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	MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Danvers (Danversport)	79 Facility 79 MA AVG 93 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 Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. RC Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.	Melrose (Essex Street)	90 Facility 90 MA AVG 93 Rank #125 / 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	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	North Andover (Turnpike Street)	76 Facility 76 MA AVG 93 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	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Buzzards Bay	75 Facility 75 MA AVG 93 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
Atria Woodbriar Park	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Falmouth (Teaticket)	95 Facility 95 MA AVG 93 Rank #110 / 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
Herrick House	NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. RC Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.	Beverly	86 Facility 86 MA AVG 93 Rank #142 / 280	No	16	25 Facility 25 MA AVG 53 Rank #379 / 499	Studio / 1 Bedroom / 2 Bedroom	30 Facility 30 MA AVG 24 Rank #27 / 180	-	No	Yes
The Arbors at Stoneham	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Stoneham (Franklin Street)	84 Facility 84 MA AVG 93 Rank #150 / 280	Yes	26	12 Facility 12 MA AVG 53 Rank #456 / 499	1 Bed / 2 Bed	12 Facility 12 MA AVG 24 Rank #143 / 180	-	Yes	No
Thirwood Place	SC Senior Communitie AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	South Yarmouth	69 Facility 69 MA AVG 93 Rank #190 / 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
The Enclave Of Franklin	MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Franklin (Franklin Industrial Park)	81 Facility 81 MA AVG 93 Rank #156 / 280	No	20	18 Facility 18 MA AVG 53 Rank #429 / 499	Studio / 1 Bed	12 Facility 12 MA AVG 24 Rank #143 / 180	-	No	No
Grove Manor Estates	LSL Luxury Senior Living AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Braintree (Grove Street)	70 Facility 70 MA AVG 93 Rank #184 / 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	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. RC Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.	Mansfield (Mansfield Center)	104 Facility 104 MA AVG 93 Rank #88 / 280	Yes	18	21 Facility 21 MA AVG 53 Rank #412 / 499	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	28 Facility 28 MA AVG 24 Rank #56 / 180	C	No	No
Brookdale Cushing Park	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Framingham (Emeritus At Farm Pond)	100 Facility 100 MA AVG 93 Rank #93 / 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
Concord Park Senior Living	SC Senior Communitie AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Concord (West Concord)	95 Facility 95 MA AVG 93 Rank #110 / 280	No	18	70 Facility 70 MA AVG 53 Rank #171 / 499	Studio / Suite / 1 Bed	25 Facility 25 MA AVG 24 Rank #100 / 180	-	Yes	No

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Ranking Methodology

How we rank these independent living communities

Every community above is evaluated across six weighted categories using public data including state inspection records, review platforms, BBB profiles, and operator-published materials.

Public data
6 weighted categories
Updated quarterly

Full methodology

Weighting overview

35%
Resident Experience
25%
Regulatory
15%
Visual Media
10%
Website
10%
Stability
5%
Environment

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

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

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

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

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

Includes
Occupancy Rate
Bed Options

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.

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 5 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.

Best Independent Living in Massachusetts

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Anthology of Millis

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