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 Waterstone of Lexington

Embrace a vibrant senior living experience at Waterstone of Lexington, a charming senior living community in Middlesex County, Lexington, MA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Enjoy a relaxing personal time or invite family and friends into comfortable and delicately designed accommodations. The community’s ideal location provides easy access to major roadways, retailers and restaurants, making vibrant living within easy reach. With access to a variety of supportive services, residents are guaranteed to live a well-supported life.

An experienced team trained to navigate residents’ healthcare needs is available to ensure residents receive personalized care services that perfectly aligns with their needs. A variety of cultural, social and recreational programs are offered daily to ensure residents stay active, engaged, and connected. Their gourmet dining provides residents the daily nourishment they need through delicious and health-conscious meals. At Waterstone of Lexington, residents are encouraged to live the life they love while receiving the best in care.

Contact Waterstone of Lexington

Overview of Sugar Hill Assisted Living

Combining the elegance of past architecture and modernity of the present, Sugar Hill sitting on 19 acres of land in Main Street, Dalton, MA, is a paradisal senior living community providing assisted living, retirement living, and memory care. With Georgian Revival-themed accommodations, seniors live gracefully and safely. Committed to delivering the highest standard of care and assistance, residents enjoy their golden years free of worry and household duties.

The community’s ethereal architecture was preserved for seniors’ amusement. Aside from the scenic architecture, seniors are encouraged to participate in fun activities for their enjoyment and wellness. Healthy and tasty meals are served to satisfy resident’s nutritional requirements and cravings. Sugar Hill promises a comfortable and safe community and empowers seniors to live confidently and maximize their full potential.

Contact Sugar Hill Assisted Living

Overview of The Residence at Watertown Square

Step into the inviting embrace of The Residence at Watertown Square, where classic home-inspired living meets the convenience of residential assisted living. Tucked in the heart of Cambridge, this home offers a spectrum of options, from independent living to memory care facilities, all designed to create a sense of comfort and belonging for seniors. Elevating senior living to an art form, it welcomes temporary stays or respite care needs with open arms. With three chef-prepared meals daily, transportation services, and 24-hour staffing, peace of mind is a constant companion.

The community extends its care by offering memory care qualifications that adhere to the highest standards, with associates certified by the National Institute for Dementia Education. From housekeeping and maintenance to enriching exercises and personalized laundry services, the home makes sure that every aspect of life is tended to. It also features a library, parking garage, patio entertainment space, and a salon. The Residence at Watertown Square ensures every day is an opportunity for comfort and connection.

Contact The Residence at Watertown Square

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 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 New Horizons at Choate

Set in the inviting town of Woburn, MA, the New Horizons at Choate is a promising senior living community that provides independent and assisted living services. Here, residents can choose from convenient and spacious accommodations ranging from studio to one-bedroom and two-bedroom. This community offers a 24/7 care and support catering to the immediate needs of its residents.

Explore its above-and-beyond amenities and services wherein residents can enjoy 3 delectable and nutritious home-cooked meals every day, weekly housekeeping and building maintenance, and weekly shopping trips and outings on the New Horizon Bus. Meet new friends by visiting its beautifully appointed common spaces. Engage in a full calendar of social activities and other life enrichment programs coordinated by a professional team. With New Horizons at Choate, seniors can enjoy a wondrous living experience.

Contact New Horizons At Choate

Overview of Giving Tree Senior Living

The sister community of Stone Hill at Andover, Giving Tree, also aims to transform seniors’ lives and enhance the senior living lifestyle. 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, Giving Tree 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 Giving Tree Senior Living

Overview of Springhouse Senior Living

Lodged within the vibrant Boston, Massachusetts, Springhouse Senior Living unfolds as a cherished home blending independent living floor plans with assisted living facilities and memory care therapy. Beyond its remarkable amenities, this residence envelops residents in a genuine and friendly atmosphere, all while providing seamless access to educational and cultural gems as well as medical centers.

Amidst 13 acres of pristine conservation land, it captures the essence of tranquility and urban convenience. Lush gardens and inviting walking trails frame the surroundings. The comfort of home is also punctuated by 24-hour security, designated parking, and a range of offerings including a gallery, café, library, and a fitness and exercise room. The home’s commitment to holistic care echoes through on-site physician practices, therapeutic sessions, and specialized memory care living. Springhouse Senior Living is absolutely a community that defines the essence of a vibrant senior lifestyle.

Contact Springhouse Senior Living

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

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

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.