Other senior care options in Massachusetts:

Page 22 of Best Independent Living in Massachusetts

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 232 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
Jul 2026
We analyzed
232 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.

The Commons in Lincoln
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Lincoln
32
Facility 32
MA AVG 94
Rank #268 / 276
Yes-
5
Facility 5
MA AVG 53
Rank #485 / 498
1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 22
Rank #27 / 181
C-No-
Hebrew SeniorLife
IL
AL
HC
HOS
MC
NH
PC
SNF
Boston (Roslindale)
50
Facility 50
MA AVG 94
Rank #232 / 276
Yes-
38
Facility 38
MA AVG 53
Rank #324 / 498
---No-
Carleton-Willard Village
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Bedford
179
Facility 179
MA AVG 94
Rank #12 / 276
No-
6
Facility 6
MA AVG 53
Rank #484 / 498
1 Bed / 2 Bed Apartments-A+No-
AVIVA Country Club Heights
IL
AL
MC
RC
Woburn (Rehabilitation Way)
107
Facility 107
MA AVG 94
Rank #86 / 276
Yes24
50
Facility 50
MA AVG 53
Rank #259 / 498
Traditional (83), Special Care (24)
30
Facility 30
MA AVG 22
Rank #15 / 181
ANoNo
Mason Wright
IL
AL
MC
Springfield (Six Corners)
90
Facility 90
MA AVG 94
Rank #125 / 276
No23
82
Facility 82
MA AVG 53
Rank #108 / 498
Traditional (67), Special Care (23)
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 22
Rank #27 / 181
-YesNo
Francis Cabot Lowell Mill
IL
Waltham (Bleachery)
258
Facility 258
MA AVG 94
Rank #3 / 276
No-
93
Facility 93
MA AVG 53
Rank #24 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed--No-
Harry S. Truman Apartments
IL
Cambridge (East Cambridge)
-No-
97
Facility 97
MA AVG 53
Rank #6 / 498
1 Bed--No-
Brown Family House
IL
Brookline (North Brookline)
-Yes-
97
Facility 97
MA AVG 53
Rank #6 / 498
1 Bed / 2 Bed--No-
Millers River Apartments
IL
Cambridge (East Cambridge)
-No-
97
Facility 97
MA AVG 53
Rank #6 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed--No-
The Current Beverly
IL
AL
MC
RC
Beverly (Beverly Center Business District)
98
Facility 98
MA AVG 94
Rank #103 / 276
Yes15
93
Facility 93
MA AVG 53
Rank #24 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed--NoNo
Cadbury Commons
IL
AL
MC
Cambridge (Neighborhood Nine)
74
Facility 74
MA AVG 94
Rank #176 / 276
Yes24
86
Facility 86
MA AVG 53
Rank #81 / 498
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 22
Rank #27 / 181
-NoNo
The Residence at Boylston Place
IL
AL
MC
RC
Chestnut Hill
99
Facility 99
MA AVG 94
Rank #101 / 276
No18
78
Facility 78
MA AVG 53
Rank #133 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
26
Facility 26
MA AVG 22
Rank #78 / 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 #395 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
26
Facility 26
MA AVG 22
Rank #78 / 181
A+NoNo
Atria Merrimack Place
IL
AL
MC
RC
Newburyport (Storey Avenue)
129
Facility 129
MA AVG 94
Rank #48 / 276
Yes23
56
Facility 56
MA AVG 53
Rank #228 / 498
Studio / Suite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
26
Facility 26
MA AVG 22
Rank #78 / 181
-NoYes
The Heritage Apartments
IL
Malden (Malden Gaming District)
-Yes-
98
Facility 98
MA AVG 53
Rank #2 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed--No-
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Overview of Kennedy Meadows

Situated in North Billerica, MA, Kennedy Meadows is an inviting senior living community in North Billerica, MA, offering independent living. Experience the warmth and comfort of meticulously designed studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with 24/7 24-hour emergency pull cords, keyless entry to apartment, and fire protection systems & sprinklers for residents’ safety. Various services, such as housekeeping & services, maintenance, and transportation services help residents enjoy an independent yet well-supported lifestyle.

Residents stay active, engaged, and connected with an array of social and recreational activities and programs inspired by their individual needs and interests. An excellent culinary team prepares healthy and delicious meals from scratch and based on seniors’ unique tastes and dietary needs. Amenities include a fitness center, salon, a theater, an activity room, business center, TV room, and inviting common areas for bonding with families, friends, and fellow residents.

Contact Kennedy Meadows

Overview of Pleasant Hill Retirement Community

Pleasant Hill
Marlborough’s Independent Retirement Community

Welcome to Worry-Free Senior Living in Marlborough!
Surrounded by lush woodlands, reservoirs, and scenic trails, Pleasant Hill is a nature lover’s haven. Close to Fort
Meadow Lake and the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, it offers rural serenity with the conveniences of
nearby Hudson, home to one of the best Main Streets in America. Enjoy local dining, shopping, and entertainment,
or take a day trip to Boston or Worcester. At Pleasant Hill, luxurious retirement living meets a peaceful, home-like
setting.

Schedule a tour and enjoy lunch with us. You’ll see why Pleasant Hill truly stands out in Marlborough.

96 Crowley Dr.
Marlborough, MA 01752

Pleasant Hill Retirement Community

Discover the joy and ease of all-inclusive retirement living. Picture yourself in a luxurious, safe, and
vibrant community with a fantastic location for fun local outings. With three chef-prepared meals
offered daily, and weekly housekeeping and maintenance included, you’ll have more time for family,
friends, and the other important things in life. This vision comes to life at Pleasant Hill Retirement Community

Designed for comfort, our apartment homes come in a variety of floor plans. Each living space features
window coverings, a climate-controlled thermostat, and ample closet space. The apartment kitchens are
also equipped with full-sized appliances. You are free to decorate your unit around your unique tastes.
Pets are also warmly welcome for no additional fee.

Our Signature Freedom Dining program is the focal point of the resort lifestyle and often the most
praised feature of our community. Our executive chef prepares three quality meals daily with an
evolving menu, fresh ingredients, and diet-conscious recipes. Can’t make it to dinner? No worries. With
our meal delivery service, we’ll prepare you a plate and bring it to your door. You can also visit the
“chef’s pantry” for snacks any time – day or night.

The most important part of our community is the shared spaces that allow you to meet other residents,
celebrate fun and memorable moments, and relax. Our common areas include a 150-seat theater,
library, billiards room, arcade, conversation areas, a lounge with bar, superb fitness and exercise room,
spa area, and business center. Our Lifestyle Director plans monthly community events around these
spaces, allowing you to practice new skills, see new things, meet new people, and much more.

While our community focuses on making your retirement fun and fulfilling, our greatest priority is your
safety. Our managers are your neighbors and live on-site to ensure you are happily enjoying your best
retirement life. With our 24/7 Emergency Alert System, round-the clock concierge, and live-in managers
there’s never a moment when you are unable to reach somebody for help!

Our gorgeous community is full of amenities and services, allowing you to enjoy all the conveniences of
all-inclusive living without the hassle of upkeep. Our ample list of amenities and robust social calendar
offers you choice and flexibility in how you choose to spend your time.

Additionally, if you’re ever craving a change of scenery and don’t want to leave behind the comforts we
offer, no worries! With our travel program, you can explore the country while staying at any of our other
Resort Lifestyle Communities locations for no additional cost.

Relax in the theater while watching a movie or get active in a group fitness class; spend teatime with the
gals or watch a game with the guys; cuddle up with a good book or go join a happy hour for fun times
with the neighbors! However you wish to spend your time, we are here to support the retirement of
your dreams.

Retire well. Retire here. Call today to schedule a private tour!

Contact Pleasant Hill Retirement Community

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

Artisan at Hudson

253 Washington Street, Hudson, Ma 01749, Hudson, MA 01749
Overview of Artisan at Hudson

Artisan at Hudson is an 88-bed senior living community located at 253 Washington Street in Hudson, Massachusetts. Serving older adults in Middlesex County, the facility is operated by SageLife Senior Living and provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Accommodations consist of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units ranging from 334 to 904 square feet.

Monthly pricing begins at $5,250 for independent living, $6,875 for assisted living, and $9,375 for memory care. The community is staffed by licensed nurses and CNAs. Services include 24/7 concierge, security, maintenance, housekeeping, linen services, and personal transportation. Meals are included in the monthly cost.

The facility offers a Parkinson’s Care program in addition to rehabilitation, short-term rehab, and respite services. Specific staffing ratios and current occupancy levels are not reported in the available source data, so families should request these details during a tour.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Department of Public Health oversee the regulation of this facility. No specific inspection history is reported in the current source records. The community maintains a citations-per-inspection rate of zero, and no civil money penalties or payment denials have been imposed by CMS within the past three years.

Families seeking multiple levels of care in a single residential setting, particularly those requiring specialized support for Parkinson’s disease, may find this setting suitable. Families evaluating Artisan at Hudson should confirm Medicaid acceptance, current occupancy, and the full regulatory history directly with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs before making a placement decision.

Contact Artisan at Hudson

Overview of James Thomas Apartments

Spend your best years at James Thomas Apartments, an idyllic retreat in Taunton, MA, that offers independent living. Featuring 52 sophisticated and thoughtfully furnished one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community strives to keep older adults and those with disability comfortable and safe. Here, residents can keep their peace of mind with plenty of convenient apartment features and maintenance services.

Residents have easy access to recreational spaces and local shops, providing endless leisure and wellness opportunities. Delightful restaurants are also available in the area, ideal for residents who would like to enjoy a variety of dining options outside. Promoting a warm and inviting environment, the community ensures residents live a blissful retirement.

Contact James Thomas Apartments

Overview of Shillman House

Make the most of your golden years at Shillman House, an esteemed 62+ community in Framingham, MA, offering independent living. Alongside beautifully designed accommodations, maintenance services, and on-site management are provided, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. A 24-hour emergency response is also available for residents’ safety.

Residents can spend their days as they please, accompanied by carefully curated life-learning programs and wellness opportunities. Delectable and healthy dining options are also provided, ensuring residents have a hassle-free dining experience that caters to their dietary needs and preferences. Pets are also welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. The community’s extensive amenities and comprehensive services help residents live beyond their potential.

Contact Shillman House

Overview of The Arbella at Bramble Hill

Beautifully located near the lush Holbrook Forest in Worcester, MA, The Arbella at Bramble Hill is an esteemed 55+ community that offers independent living. The community has beautifully designed and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. With a full-time maintenance team, accompanied by plenty of convenient apartment features, residents can rest assured of having a worry-free lifestyle.

Residents will not run out of things to do with a jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs that highlight their interests and capabilities. A fully equipped kitchen is also provided, allowing residents to prepare meals that suit their tastes and dietary needs. Amenities include an indoor pool, a fitness center, a salon, a multimedia theater, a dog park, a wellness spa, a pickleball court, and a well-maintained garden.

Contact The Arbella at Bramble Hill

Overview of Fuller Village

Embrace a fun-filled retirement life at Fuller Village, a blissful senior living community in Suffolk County, Milton, MA, offering a spirited independent living experience. Aspiring residents are free to choose among the beautiful villas, cozy single-level apartment-style homes, and spacious apartments, for a residence that matches their lifestyle and needs. Here, everyone is provided a chance to do the things they’ve always wanted with ease and convenience of a maintenance-free lifestyle and plethora of on-site services and amenities.

The community makes sure residents are provided plenty of opportunities and spaces for a vibrant living experience with a wide array of inviting and convenient amenities. Residents of Fuller Village can take advantage of the wellness clinic, spacious activity room, a refreshing indoor heated pool, fully-equipped fitness center, and vibrant outdoor areas. The community also offers the convenience of complimentary transportation to local shopping centers, the Town library and Beth Israel Deaconess/Milton Hospital, to make sure residents are able to enjoy the finest things that the community and its surroundings has to offer.

Contact Fuller Village

Overview of Jack Satter House

Conveniently located in the harmonious neighborhood of Revere, MA, Jack Satter House is an exceptional community that offers independent living. The community strives to keep residents’ comfortable and safe, especially with beautifully designed and spacious studio to two-bedroom apartments. With round-the-clock emergency response, alongside maintenance services, residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle.

A thoughtfully curated calendar of enriching activities and engaging programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and make new friends. Delicious and healthy meals are also available, striving to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community is dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life, maintaining affordability to ensure they can downsize without hassles.

Contact Jack Satter House

Overview of Welch Senior Living

Welch Senior Living has been part of Rockland, Massachusetts since 1949. That’s more than 75 years, family-owned the whole time, offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care at 1050 Hingham Street. Housing comes in one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts.

The area is somewhat walkable; the walk Score sits at 39, so a few errands are doable on foot, but most trips still need a car. Care runs on a full daily rhythm: respite stays for short-term needs, therapy and rehabilitation, and 24-hour staffing from licensed nurses and CNAs. Meals are chef-prepared and served daily in a social setting, not just functional. Life-enrichment activities and on-site fitness and recreation fill out the rest of the schedule.

One detail stands out for independent living residents specifically: a choice between cooperative ownership and monthly rental. That’s not the norm everywhere, and it gives residents more control over how they structure their stay.

On the leadership side, Thomas Nolan handles HR policy and employee benefits for Welch Senior Living, though his main role is running a sister community, Allerton House at Central Park in Weymouth, backed by 35-plus years in senior living management.

Put together, this is a long-running, family-owned South Shore community built around flexible independent living options and a steady daily rhythm of care, dining, and activity, with more than seven decades behind how it runs.

Contact Welch Senior Living

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
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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 232 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.