Page 4 of Best Independent Living in Massachusetts

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 233 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
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Massachusetts our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Massachusetts.
233 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.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. CCRC( (Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)):
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Licensed beds designated for special-care services (e.g. memory or other specialized units), as reported in state licensing data.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
Yes/No from payment or funding tags indicating low-income accessibility options in state disclosures—not a determination of personal eligibility.
Whether the community is disclosed as co-located or on the same campus as a nursing home in state records.
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 #409 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 22
Rank #27 / 181
-NoNo
Laurentide at Mashpee Commons
IL
AL
MC
Mashpee (Great Neck Road South)
70
Facility 70
MA AVG 94
Rank #184 / 276
Yes18
45
Facility 45
MA AVG 53
Rank #288 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
MA AVG 22
Rank #166 / 181
-YesNo
Atria Draper Place
IL
AL
MC
Hopedale
68
Facility 68
MA AVG 94
Rank #193 / 276
Yes18
47
Facility 47
MA AVG 53
Rank #275 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
27
Facility 27
MA AVG 22
Rank #62 / 181
-NoNo
Brightview Wakefield
IL
AL
MC
Wakefield
70
Facility 70
MA AVG 94
Rank #184 / 276
Yes28
89
Facility 89
MA AVG 53
Rank #53 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
9
Facility 9
MA AVG 22
Rank #156 / 181
-NoNo
Stone Hill at Andover
IL
AL
MC
Andover
96
Facility 96
MA AVG 94
Rank #108 / 276
Yes24
69
Facility 69
MA AVG 53
Rank #176 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
7
Facility 7
MA AVG 22
Rank #171 / 181
-NoNo
Stafford Hill Assisted Living
IL
AL
MC
Plymouth
86
Facility 86
MA AVG 94
Rank #142 / 276
Yes25
48
Facility 48
MA AVG 53
Rank #268 / 490
Private / Companion Suites
19
Facility 19
MA AVG 22
Rank #112 / 181
-NoNo
Maplewood at Weston
IL
AL
MC
Weston
93
Facility 93
MA AVG 94
Rank #117 / 276
Yes13
17
Facility 17
MA AVG 53
Rank #431 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
12
Facility 12
MA AVG 22
Rank #131 / 181
A+NoNo
New Pond Village
IL
AL
CCRC(
MC
Walpole (Plimptonville)
64
Facility 64
MA AVG 94
Rank #198 / 276
Yes15
25
Facility 25
MA AVG 53
Rank #376 / 490
1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
9
Facility 9
MA AVG 22
Rank #156 / 181
C-NoNo
The Residence at Valley Farm
IL
AL
MC
RC
Ashland
80
Facility 80
MA AVG 94
Rank #156 / 276
No20
58
Facility 58
MA AVG 53
Rank #221 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
11
Facility 11
MA AVG 22
Rank #140 / 181
-NoNo
Waterstone at Wellesley
IL
AL
Wellesley (Wellesley Lower Falls)
52
Facility 52
MA AVG 94
Rank #229 / 276
Yes-
71
Facility 71
MA AVG 53
Rank #164 / 490
1 Bed / 2 Bed
14
Facility 14
MA AVG 22
Rank #123 / 181
ANoNo

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every MA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 233 on this page.

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Overview of Autumn Glen at Dartmouth

Nestled in 16 acres of scenic grounds in Cross Road, Dartmouth, MA, Autumn Glen at Dartmouth is an idyllic senior living community offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community strives to provide a safe place for seniors to live their golden years without worries with a wide array of intricately designed and sophisticated studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. Autumn Glen at Dartmouth promises to give seniors the utmost care and assistance they deserve with a competent and specially trained team.

The community orchestrates enjoyable activities and engaging programs for seniors to maintain a joyful and well-engaged lifestyle. Satisfy your cravings and feel great with delectable and well-balanced meals catering to nutritional needs and tastes. Autumn Glen at Dartmouth is great for seniors seeking meaningful experiences in their golden years.

Contact Autumn Glen at Dartmouth

Overview of Laurentide at Mashpee Commons

Located in the neighborhood of Plymouth, MA, Laurentide at Mashpee Commons is a respected senior living community designed to offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community welcomes residents into snug apartments with easy access to major services and amenities for a convenient living environment that allows them to enjoy restful days. With 24-hour care and supportive services, the community ensures residents are always well-cared for and provided with the assistance they need to enjoy their retirement years.

Fostering a vibrant and enriching community, Laurentide at Mashpee Commons encourages residents to participate in their dynamic activities, programs, and events. Meals are made fresh, delicious, and healthy to satisfy residents’ cravings and nutritional needs. Various amenities like a pub, cafe, salon services, and relaxing outdoor spaces are also offered to make residents’ stay within the community more pleasing.

Contact Laurentide at Mashpee Commons

Overview of Atria Draper Place

Indulge in the coziness of Atria Draper Place, a bright and welcoming senior living community located at Hopedale Street, Hopedale, MA, providing assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Focusing on the seniors’ wellness, the community features carefully designed floor plans including studio and one-bedroom apartments with individual thermostat controls, kitchenettes, walk-in closets, and housekeeping services. The community forges meaningful connections with trusted partners to ensure that seniors receive better care plans.

Atria Draper Place fosters a vibrant environment, conducting fun activities and enrichment programs. The community ensures a maintenance-free lifestyle, providing care and assistance around the clock. Catering to its residents’ dietary needs and preferences, the community serves three chef-prepared healthy meals daily alongside different meal options including vegetarian meals. The pet-friendly community includes a library, a wellness center, a salon, an outdoor dining space and grill, and an onsite physician office space for the seniors’ convenience and leisure.

Contact Atria Draper Place

Overview of Brightview Wakefield

Set amidst the beautiful town of Wakefield, MA, Brightview Wakefield is a prominent senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community features 131 deluxe studios, one and two bedroom apartments to choose from, with quick access to the community’s plethora of interesting amenities and convenient services. A team of experienced and well-trained care associates are always available to provide various assistance, including help with tiring chores, mobility or managing medications.

Residents always wake up to a lively everyday life with the help of a Vibrant Living Director that carefully curates a brimming calendar of engaging activities that promote enjoyment, learning, and connections. The community ensures residents are always getting their daily nutrients intake with chef-prepared gourmet food that caters to various tastes and dietary needs. From convenient services and compassionate care to a host of interesting amenities, residents can comfortably enjoy a meaningful retirement life.

Contact Brightview Wakefield

Overview of Stone Hill at Andover

Stone Hill at Andover 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, Stone Hill at Andover offers luxury and comfortability in a resort-like setting. Exquisite residential experience is found in the beautiful amenities and services found in the community– maintained spacious apartments, healthy dining experience, and social activities.

Contact Stone Hill at Andover

Overview of Stafford Hill Assisted Living

Elegantly established in the charming neighborhood of Plymouth, MA, Stafford Hill Assisted Living is a warm and welcoming senior living community that specializes in independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents enjoy cozy and inviting residences that are carefully designed with their unique lifestyle and safety needs in mind. With a team of care experts available any time of the day to offer compassionate care and support, residents enjoy their peace of mind.

Residents are motivated to engage in a vibrant living experience with various activities and programs conducted by the community. A delectable dining experience is made available with the help of a talented culinary team that carefully prepares nutritious and appetizing meals. At Stafford Hill Assisted Living, residents are bound to live their golden years without worries and hassles.

Contact Stafford Hill Assisted Living

Overview of Maplewood at Weston

Maplewood at Weston has been part of its Weston, Massachusetts neighborhood for 12 years, sitting at 99 Norumbega Rd in a two-story building with 93 beds. It’s not built around a single kind of care. Independent living, personal care, and memory care all coexist here, spread across studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments.

Getting around does mean getting in a car. The Walk Score is 17, solidly car-dependent, so most errands and outings involve driving rather than walking. Pets are welcome, small animal companions specifically, so residents don’t have to leave a cat or a small dog behind to make the move.

Staffing runs around the clock here, with licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants on hand at all hours. Respite care, transportation, and housekeeping round out the practical side of things, the kind of support that takes real weight off a family’s shoulders. Beyond the basics, there’s a real push toward engagement: educational programs, cultural events, and wellness programming show up regularly, backed by a library, landscaped grounds, and a 24-hour emergency call system that residents can rely on if something goes wrong.

Twelve years in, spanning three levels of care, with staffing that doesn’t clock out: what Maplewood at Weston adds up to is a community built for residents whose needs might shift over time, without forcing a move somewhere new when they do.

Contact Maplewood at Weston

New Pond Village

180 Main St, Walpole, MA 02081
Overview of New Pond Village

Situated in the beautiful neighborhood of Walpole, MA, the New Pond Village is a trusted senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. This community provides a relaxed and maintenance free living for all its residents. Spacious and cozy accommodations tailored to the needs of its residents are available. With a dedicated and trained team, residents can avail varying levels of care and support through its Lifecare contract. In terms of memory care, those with cognitive conditions are supported by certified dementia practitioners.

Experience its top-notch amenities and services including housekeeping and laundry services and on-site salon and barbershop. Indulge in gourmet dining experience prepared a talented culinary team. Participate in a full calendar of activities to further enhance wellness and social engagements. With the New Pond Village, seniors are assured of a wonderful retirement experience.

Contact New Pond Village

Overview of The Residence at Valley Farm

Settled in the vibrant community of Ashland, MA, The Residence at Valley Farm is a dedicated senior living community providing independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care services. Here, residents can select from well-appointed and spacious accommodations ranging from studio to one-bedroom and two-bedroom. As for memory care, those with cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia are served through its Reflections Memory Care Program which is based on a philosophy of empathy, expression, and mindfulness.

Offering top-of-the-line amenities and services, the community offers a 24/7 care and assistance, along with delightful and nutritious gourmet meals every day and concierge services like complimentary transportation. Explore its beautifully made shared spaces and get to know new friends. Participate in diverse life enrichment programs and community events to boost social engagement. Equipped with the right tools and people, seniors can never go wrong with The Residence at Valley Farm.

Contact The Residence at Valley Farm

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

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.
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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 233 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.