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
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Overview of Linden Towers

Make the most of your best years at Linden Towers, a blissful haven in Springfield, MA, offering independent living. Residents can ease their worries with spacious and sophisticated one- and two-bedroom floor plans, designed for their comfort and safety. The community also strives to provide a hassle-free living with round-the-clock maintenance and laundry spaces.

Residents have easy access to endless leisure and wellness opportunities with thriving local shops and recreation sites nearby. With a fully equipped kitchen, residents enjoy meals that suit their tastes and dietary needs. Promoting a warm and inviting environment, the community ensures residents have the finest retirement experience.

Contact Linden Towers

Overview of Raymond J. Lord Manor

Make the most of your golden years at Raymond J. Lord Manor, an idyllic retreat in Lowell, MA, offering independent living. Older adults can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences with sophisticated and thoughtfully designed one- and two-bedroom floor plans. A compassionate manager and laundry spaces are also provided, ensuring residents can ease their worries during their stay.

Residents gain easy access to endless leisure and wellness opportunities with recreational spaces and thriving local amenities in the area. A fully equipped kitchen is also available, allowing residents to prepare meals based on their dietary needs and preferences. Promoting a warm and friendly environment, the community ensures residents live beyond their potential.

Contact Raymond J. Lord Manor

Overview of The Residences at Highland Glen

Situated in the peaceful city of Westwood, MA, The Residences at Highland Glen blends vibrant living with exceptional care. Offering skilled nursing and assisted living options, the community focuses on enhancing residents’ quality of life through compassionate, personalized support. The dedicated team conducts comprehensive assessments to tailor care to each resident’s individual needs, creating a warm and welcoming environment. Residents can also select between comfortable one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, thoughtfully designed for both comfort and personal space.

With an array of amenities like a greenhouse and fitness center, The Residences at Highland Glen encourages an active and eco-friendly lifestyle. Inviting social areas and engaging activities make each day fulfilling and joyful. Every detail is carefully designed to uplift, inspire, and celebrate the enjoyment of daily life.

Contact The Residences at Highland Glen

Overview of Anthology of Millis

Tucked in a quiet and wooded setting in Norfolk County, Millis, MA, Anthology of Millis is an excellent senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Here, residents are guaranteed to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle with personalized care plans featuring day-to-day assistance, supported by a team of caring and hardworking caregivers. With care team members available on-site 24/7, residents enjoy their peace of mind knowing that their care needs will be met.

Gracious, well-appointed private suites with a variety of senior-friendly floor plans are offered to provide residents with a living space that suits their needs. Residents are provided with a purposeful daily social, cultural and recreational calendar of activities to encourage engagement, stimulation, and socialization. Menus are supervised by a registered dietitian and prepared by in-house professional chefs, making sure residents enjoy nutritious and delicious meals that cater to their needs.

Contact Anthology of Millis

Overview of Orchard Cove

Orchard Cove, conveniently situated in Canton, MA, is an award-winning senior living community that offers excellent independent living and assisted living services. The community features spacious and convenient accommodations, with thoughtfully designed floor plans, ensuring ease and peace of mind. The well-trained and dedicated team is committed to delivering round-the-clock care and support with compassion and respect.

The community offers a fulfilling lifestyle, where comfort and convenience blend seamlessly with its above-and-beyond amenities and services. Indulge in a variety of delectable and healthy meals prepared by a talented culinary team, catering to individual’s dietary needs. Here, residents can pursue their passions, forge relationships, and enjoy new adventures with a wide array of enriching activities and programs carefully crafted and coordinated by a professional team. At Orchard Cove, life is celebrated with joy, comfort, and excellence.

Contact Orchard Cove

Overview of Welch Senior Living

Welch Senior Living is a family-owned independent living and assisted living provider at 1050 Hingham Street, Rockland, Plymouth County, Massachusetts 02370. Operating since 1949, it has served the South Shore for over 75 years. Thomas Nolan, Executive Director with over 35 years of senior living management experience, manages operations. The company operates multiple communities.

Inspection history, deficiency records, citations, and regulatory compliance data are not disclosed in publicly available sources. Families should contact the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and Department of Public Health directly to request compliance records and inspection findings.

Welch Senior Living offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. Chef-prepared meals are served daily in a social setting. Life-enrichment activities, respite care, therapy and rehabilitation services, and 24-hour on-site staffing with licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants support residents. Personalized care reflects individual needs and goals. Dedicated staff, many with tenure exceeding 20 years, deliver support. Independent living residents enjoy cooperative ownership or monthly rental options. On-site fitness and recreation programming are available. Specific bed counts, occupancy rates, resident census, quality measures, and financial data are not disclosed. Welch Senior Living is not currently certified as a Medicare or Medicaid provider. Walk Score 39; facility is 3.1 miles from Rockland center, with most trips requiring transportation.

The 75-year family-owned operation reflects established roots on the South Shore. Multiple community locations indicate organizational experience managing senior living across the region.

Families evaluating Welch Senior Living should request current inspection and regulatory compliance records from Massachusetts health authorities and clarify Medicare and Medicaid participation or restrictions.

Contact Welch Senior Living

Overview of Brookdale Senior Living

Brookdale Senior Living is a home care agency at 99 Brackett Street, Quincy, Norfolk County, Massachusetts 02169. Operating for over 40 years, it is one of the largest senior living providers in the country with 200+ locations. The Quincy location provides home care services allowing seniors to receive support while remaining in their own homes.

Unlike residential facilities, home care agencies operate under a different regulatory framework. Brookdale Senior Living does not undergo state facility inspections, licensing, or the deficiency and citation structure that applies to assisted living or nursing homes. It is not currently listed as a CMS-certified Medicare or Medicaid provider. Family evaluation should center on caregiver credentials, training protocols, background screening, service agreements, and direct reference checks from other families served.

Brookdale offers home care services including rehabilitation services, continuing care retirement community support, and at-home care. Licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants provide personalized support. Services include assistance with activities of daily living, skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, and companionship. Flexibility is emphasized through hourly care and live-in care options. Aging in place is supported through in-home service delivery rather than facility-based care. Specific staffing composition by role, caregiver credentials, training protocols, and quality metrics are not publicly disclosed.

The national Brookdale network operates 200+ communities, reflecting organizational scale and experience managing home care across diverse markets. Walk Score 79 indicates high walkability; the facility is 0.6 miles from Quincy center, providing convenient access to city resources.

Families should ask about caregiver credentials, caregiver training in specific care areas needed, how emergencies and after-hours needs are handled, and verify insurance coverage.

Contact Brookdale Senior Living

Overview of Fox Hill Village

Fox Hill Village in Westwood, Massachusetts, is an independent senior living community that goes beyond mere residence. Its cooperative ownership model empowers residents, providing a voice in community operations and the potential for asset appreciation. Beyond this unique structure, Fox Hill Village is a welcoming, inclusive community where individuals live proactively, pursue goals, learn, and engage passionately.

Residents enjoy access to dining venues, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, a golf simulator, outdoor spaces, educational programs, art studio, a woodworking shop, and more. Health care at Fox Hill follows a unique approach, supporting independent living with a complete continuum of care, including on-site health services, outpatient therapy, and assisted living with continuing care and memory support. The community’s commitment to sustainability further enhances its appeal, making Fox Hill Village a comprehensive and enriching choice for seniors.

Contact Fox Hill Village

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
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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 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.