Other senior care options in Massachusetts:

Page 4 of Best Independent Living in Massachusetts

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 231 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
Jul 2026
We analyzed
231 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 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 24
Rank #37 / 180
C-No-
Hebrew SeniorLife
IL
AL
HC
HOS
MC
NH
PC
SNF
Boston (Roslindale)
50
Facility 50
MA AVG 94
Rank #232 / 276
No-
38
Facility 38
MA AVG 53
Rank #324 / 498
---No-
River Falls Senior Living
IL
NH
AL
Fall River
90
Facility 90
MA AVG 94
Rank #125 / 276
No-
93
Facility 93
MA AVG 53
Rank #24 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
11
Facility 11
MA AVG 24
Rank #153 / 180
-YesNo
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
48
Facility 48
MA AVG 24
Rank #1 / 180
A+NoNo
The Village at Willow Crossings
IL
AL
MC
RC
Mansfield (Mansfield Center)
104
Facility 104
MA AVG 94
Rank #89 / 276
Yes18
21
Facility 21
MA AVG 53
Rank #412 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 24
Rank #37 / 180
C-NoNo
The Gables at Winchester
IL
AL
RC
Winchester (Cambridge Street)
123
Facility 123
MA AVG 94
Rank #55 / 276
Yes-
52
Facility 52
MA AVG 53
Rank #250 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
35
Facility 35
MA AVG 24
Rank #20 / 180
-NoNo
AVIVA Country Club Heights
IL
AL
MC
RC
Woburn (Rehabilitation Way)
107
Facility 107
MA AVG 94
Rank #86 / 276
No24
50
Facility 50
MA AVG 53
Rank #259 / 498
Traditional (83), Special Care (24)
30
Facility 30
MA AVG 24
Rank #27 / 180
ANoNo
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 #233 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
30
Facility 30
MA AVG 24
Rank #27 / 180
-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 24
Rank #37 / 180
A+NoNo
Keystone Commons
IL
AL
MC
Ludlow (Scott Corners)
66
Facility 66
MA AVG 94
Rank #195 / 276
Yes25
8
Facility 8
MA AVG 53
Rank #480 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
30
Facility 30
MA AVG 24
Rank #27 / 180
-YesNo
Carleton-Willard Village
IL
NH
CH
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-
Thirwood Place
IL
AL
South Yarmouth
69
Facility 69
MA AVG 94
Rank #190 / 276
Yes-
12
Facility 12
MA AVG 53
Rank #455 / 498
1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 24
Rank #37 / 180
-NoNo
Autumn Glen at Dartmouth
IL
AL
MC
Dartmouth (Smith Mills)
85
Facility 85
MA AVG 94
Rank #145 / 276
Yes37
21
Facility 21
MA AVG 53
Rank #412 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 24
Rank #37 / 180
-NoNo
Cabot Park Village
IL
Newtonville
-Yes-
71
Facility 71
MA AVG 53
Rank #165 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 24
Rank #37 / 180
C-No-
Grove Manor Estates
IL
AL
MC
Braintree (Grove Street)
70
Facility 70
MA AVG 94
Rank #184 / 276
No15
54
Facility 54
MA AVG 53
Rank #238 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 24
Rank #37 / 180
-NoNo
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Overview of The Residence at Boylston Place

The Residence at Boylston Place has been open at 615 Heath Street in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts since 2000. Twenty-six years in the same building, offering assisted living, independent living, and respite care across 99 beds. The building is mid-rise, with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts.

Walkability stands out at The Residence at Boylston Place and its surrounding neighborhood. The Walk Score hits 78, very walkable, so a lot of daily errands don’t need a car at all. That’s not typical for a community this size, and its a gret boon for more mobility challenged seniors, as well as any visiting family.

There’s also a nursing home co-located on the same campus, which matters more than it might sound. It means a resident who eventually needs a higher level of care doesn’t have to leave the area they already know to get it.

Between assisted living and independent living, residents have room to shift support levels without relocating, and respite care covers families who need a short-term stay rather than a permanent one.

What this adds up to is a well-established, walkable Chestnut Hill community built for flexibility, offering more than one level of senior living in the same place, with a nursing home nearby for whatever comes next.

Contact The Residence at Boylston Place

Overview of Atria Merrimack Place

Nestled within the scenic neighborhood of Newburyport, MA, Atria Merrimack Place is a trusted senior living community that offers excellent assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. Residents are free to idle around with the convenience of having housekeeping and maintenance services, allowing them to focus on more meaningful activities. The community’s care team are trained to be reliable during emergencies and offer an array of supportive and care services, including assistance with daily living activities.

An array of educational, social, cultural, and fitness programs are also offered to keep residents entertained and active. Delicious and nutritious meals with accommodations for special diets and nutritional needs are available to help residents maintain their health. Amenities such as a pub, a library, a fitness center, a salon and spa, a movie theater and a courtyard are also provided to make residents’ living experience more fun and exciting.

Contact Atria Merrimack Place

Overview of Bayberry at Emerald Court

Bayberry at Emerald Court aims to transform lives and make them better. Management and staff strive to create a sense of community and belonging where everyone is welcome and included, and the facility maintains top-notch quality. When setting the standard for quality care and going above and beyond to meet the needs of seniors, the retirement home is the place perfect for independent living, assisted living, and memory care. 

As a member of the Northbridge community, Bayberry offers luxury and comfortability in a resort-like setting. Exquisite residential experience is found in the beautiful amenities and services found in the community, such as spacious apartments, healthy dining experiences, and social activities.

Contact Bayberry at Emerald Court

Overview of Benchmark Senior Living

Benchmark Senior Living at Shrewsbury Crossings is a comprehensive senior living community in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, a brief drive from Worcester. It operates a full care continuum: nursing home services, assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care options under one roof. Operating for 27 years, the home brings experience in senior care to Worcester.

With modern aesthetics throughout, the campus features a visually striking open-concept design. Residents enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens and outdoor patios that provide peaceful, calming spaces for relaxation and reflection. The car-dependent setting has a Walk Score of 11, so most errands and outings require transportation, though the community supplies transportation services for residents’ convenience. Dining is a daily life highlight. The kitchen prepares seasonal menus from scratch, and the facility offers diverse dining options tailored to individual dietary needs, ensuring residents can eat meals according to their preferences and requirements. The pet-friendly community lets residents keep their companions close. Meanwhile, the roster of amenities and services is substantial. Residents can access a resident art gallery and an on-site hair salon. The facility handles housekeeping and laundry services, so occupants don’t need to manage such tasks. An active calendar of local events gives residents opportunities to engage with their community. Grounds keeping is maintained by the community, creating a well-kept, pleasant environment. Leadership here includes Sandy Leach. The community offers studio and one-bedroom floor plans to suit different needs and preferences.

For families exploring choices, touring the facility lets you see the open-concept spaces, tour a sample floor plan, learn about the full range of services, and discuss care options, pricing, and availability.

Contact Benchmark Senior Living

Overview of Concord Park Senior Living

Concord Park Senior Living is a beacon of choice for local seniors, offering a secure, supportive, and independent lifestyle. The community, nestled in historic West Concord Village, provides independent and assisted living options alongside a state-of-the-art Compass Memory Support Neighborhood®. Notably accredited with the Purple Flag for Dementia Care™️ and Platinum accreditation from SAGECare, Concord Park prioritizes excellence in memory care and a commitment to LGBTQ older adults.

Residents enjoy personalized services, innovative programming, award-winning Brain Healthy Cooking, and upscale amenities in beautifully landscaped grounds. Concord Park excels in memory support, holding the prestigious Purple Flag for Dementia Care Accreditation™️.  Led by a dedicated Program Specialist, this program enhances residents’ self-esteem and independence through a daily calendar of immersive activities, fostering compassion and understanding among members.

Contact Concord Park 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

Overview of Holiday Devonshire Estates

Situated in the peaceful neighborhood of Lenox, MA, Holiday Devonshire Estates provides exceptional independent living services and first-rate amenities. Residents live a comfortable lifestyle with daily fresh meals, housekeeping, and scheduled transportation. Various floor plans are available in the community, including studio, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments, and cottage homes with contemporary features and roomy floor plans.

Holiday Devonshire Estates is dedicated to fostering a friendly and stimulating atmosphere. Therefore, it provides a full schedule of leisure and educational programs to keep residents’ brains and bodies engaged. Their goal is to create a friendly environment where people may flourish both intellectually and socially. For additional peace of mind, emergency response services are also offered around the clock. Holiday Devonshire Estates is a place to call home with its lovely surroundings and helpful personnel.

Contact Holiday Devonshire Estates

Overview of Brightview Danvers

Brightview Danvers undoubtedly provides the highest care for independent living, assisted living, and memory care support in the city. Management makes it a point that seniors are given the freedom and choice given to each resident and ensures that they attend to the unique needs of each individual with kindness and compassion. The premier retirement community strives to satisfy the holistic wellness of its residents in a cozy, nurturing, and fun-filled environment.

Brightview Danvers’ residential lifestyle encourages its seniors to live a fulfilling everyday life through the community’s extensive services. Some all-inclusive features include ALDs, medication management, specialized memory care programs, housekeeping, and laundry services tailored to their unique needs. Other amenities include a library, full baths, a cafe, a fitness center, and a multi-purpose room– to name a few of what the home offers.

Contact Brightview Danvers

Waterstone at Wellesley

27 Washington St, Wellesley, MA 02481
Overview of Waterstone at Wellesley

Experience the retirement of your dreams with the astounding senior living community of Waterstone at Wellesley in Washington Street, Wellesley, MA offering assisted living and independent living. The community features 52 cozy and elegant accommodations for seniors’ comfort and security. Receive top-tier care and assistance from a competent and highly qualified team for a worry-free lifestyle.

Get to know other residents and have fun in the vibrant and welcoming environment of the community. With exciting events and enjoyable programs, residents always have something to do. Delightful and healthy meals are also available to meet nutritional requirements and tastes. As proof of its exceptional service, Waterstone at Wellesley was awarded the Best Independent Living by US News and World Report.

Contact Waterstone at Wellesley

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
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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 231 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.