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 The Residences at Little River

Enjoy the retirement of your dreams at The Residences at Little River, an esteemed community in Haverhill, MA, offering independent living. Featuring specially designed and sophisticated one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. On-site management and round-the-clock emergency maintenance are also available for residents’ convenience.

With a 24-hour fitness center and a variety of recreational opportunities, residents are encouraged to live actively and make new friends. Residents can prepare meals based on their dietary needs and preferences with fully-equipped kitchens in each unit. Pets are also welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. The community is a good option for those looking to live independently in their golden years, especially with its warm and inviting setting.

Contact The Residences at Little River

Overview of Framingham Green

Conveniently located in the thriving neighborhood of Framingham, MA, Framingham Green is an exceptional community that offers independent living. The community has cozy and specially designed studio and one-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to residents’ comfort and safety. 24-hour emergency maintenance and laundry spaces, alongside convenient apartment features, are provided, so residents have a hassle-free lifestyle.

Unique local amenities and recreational spaces surround the area, providing residents with unending leisure and wellness opportunities. Pets are also welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. With a well-equipped kitchen, residents can prepare meals based on their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those looking to live independently in retirement, especially with its friendly setting and state-of-the-art amenities.

Contact Framingham Green

Overview of Salem Towers

Spend a blissful retirement at Salem Towers, a welcoming 62+ community in Malden, MA, offering independent living. The community features 80 beautifully designed and cozy studio to two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. With income-based rents, residents can ease their worries and financial burdens.

Fun gathering spaces and wellness opportunities are available, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Residents can also prepare meals that best suit their tastes and nutritional needs with a fully equipped kitchen in each unit. The community’s extensive amenities and friendly setting ensure residents can thrive in their golden years.

Contact Salem Towers

Overview of Rolling Mill

Peacefully set in the quiet neighborhood of Plymouth, MA, Rolling Mill is an esteemed 55+ community that offers independent living. Featuring luxurious and purposely built accommodations, the community strives to keep residents comfortable and safe. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with plenty of convenient amenities.

Residents can easily access their necessities and leisure opportunities with a variety of local amenities and recreational spaces nearby. With a fully equipped kitchen, residents can prepare meals based on their dietary needs and tastes. The community also boasts plenty of cozy communal spaces with an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, and a clubhouse, creating the ideal setting for residents to make the most of their best years.

Contact Rolling Mill

Overview of Lawrence Housing Authority

Find the right place to spend retirement in the harmonious neighborhood of Lawrence, MA, with Lawrence Housing Authority, an idyllic community that offers independent living. With affordable and specially designed one- to four-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures those with lower incomes can downsize without hassles. Income restrictions are also utilized to ease financial burdens.

Thriving local amenities and recreational spaces surround the area, providing residents with unending leisure and wellness opportunities. Residents also enjoy mealtimes on their terms, whether preparing delightful meals or having a nice meal in nearby restaurants. The community is an enticing option for those seeking a blissful retirement, especially with its bright and friendly setting.

Contact Lawrence Housing Authority

Overview of Diamond Spring Gardens

Experience a worry-free retirement at Diamond Spring Gardens, a blissful retreat situated in the quiet setting of Lawrence, MA, offering independent living. The community has beautifully designed and spacious studio and one-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to those 62+ or adults with disability. With income restrictions, those with lower incomes can downsize without hassles.

Thriving local amenities and leisure sites are available in proximity, providing residents with easy access to recreation and wellness. Residents can also enjoy mealtimes based on their preferences and dietary needs with restaurants and shops in the area. The community is ideal for those looking to live independently in retirement, especially with its vibrant and welcoming setting.

Contact Diamond Spring Gardens

Overview of Coleman House

Surrounded by lush trees and serene green spaces in Newton, MA, Coleman House is an idyllic retreat that offers independent living. The community provides thoughtfully designed accommodations for those 62+ or with mobility impairments, ensuring their comfort and safety. A friendly team also helps with maintenance and management, so residents can live conveniently.

Promoting an active and vibrant lifestyle, fitness programs and recreational opportunities are conducted for residents’ leisure and wellness. Delightful meals are available at the Grand Cafe and a variety of restaurants nearby, ensuring residents enjoy dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. Small pets are also welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. With extensive amenities and a friendly setting, residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience.

Contact Coleman House

Overview of Knitting Mill Apartments

Beautifully situated near the Quequechan River Rail Trail in Fall River, MA, Knitting Mill Apartments is an idyllic retreat that offers independent living. The community has beautifully furnished and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to older adults with low incomes. Here, residents have a hassle-free lifestyle with on-site management and plenty of convenient apartment features.

Wellness opportunities and cozy gathering spaces are provided, ensuring residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. Residents also have easy access to a variety of restaurants and shops nearby, providing delightful dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. Accompanied by the community’s bright and friendly environment, residents can thrive in their golden years.

Contact Knitting Mill Apartments

Overview of Ships’ Cove

Make every moment of your golden years count at Ships’ Cove, a blissful community in Fall River, MA, offering independent living. Thoughtfully designed and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans are provided in a warm and welcoming environment, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. With round-the-clock maintenance and convenient apartment features, residents have a hassle-free lifestyle.

Residents can interact with their surroundings and live actively, accompanied by a jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching events. Thriving restaurants and shops are available nearby, providing residents with a variety of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those seeking independence in retirement, especially with its top-notch amenities and exceptional services.

Contact Ships’ Cove

Overview of Grinnell Mansion

Have the finest retirement experience at Grinnell Mansion, an esteemed 62+ community surrounded by museums and local amenities in New Bedford, MA, offering independent living. The community features purposely built one-bedroom floor plans, ensuring those with low incomes can downsize without hassles. Here, residents enjoy a worry-free lifestyle with round-the-clock emergency maintenance and management.

Thoughtfully curated activities and enriching programs are conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and make new friends. Residents also enjoy mealtimes on their terms with a fully equipped kitchen in each unit. Major highways and public transportation allow residents to travel conveniently. The community is a good option for those seeking independence in their golden years, especially with its warm and inviting environment.

Contact Grinnell Mansion

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.