Page 5 of Best Independent Living in Massachusetts

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 239 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.
239 homes
Other senior care options in Massachusetts:

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-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our 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 Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
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.
New Pond Village
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
Walpole (Plimptonville)
64
Facility 64
MA AVG 91
Rank #69 / 92
Yes15
25
Facility 25
MA AVG 57
Rank #186 / 238
1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
9
Facility 9
MA AVG 22
Rank #59 / 67
C-NoNo
Waterstone at Wellesley
IL
AL
Wellesley (Wellesley Lower Falls)
52
Facility 52
MA AVG 91
Rank #75 / 92
Yes-
71
Facility 71
MA AVG 57
Rank #105 / 238
1 Bed / 2 Bed
14
Facility 14
MA AVG 22
Rank #46 / 67
ANoNo
Sugar Hill Assisted Living
IL
AL
MC
Dalton
42
Facility 42
MA AVG 91
Rank #84 / 92
No13
13
Facility 13
MA AVG 57
Rank #217 / 238
Traditional (29), Special Care (13)
24
Facility 24
MA AVG 22
Rank #34 / 67
-YesNo
The Reserve at East Longmeadow
IL
AL
MC
RC
East Longmeadow
103
Facility 103
MA AVG 91
Rank #24 / 92
No32
14
Facility 14
MA AVG 57
Rank #216 / 238
Traditional (71), Special Care (32)
12
Facility 12
MA AVG 22
Rank #49 / 67
-NoNo
Laurelwood at The Pinehills
IL
AL
MC
Plymouth (The Pinehills)
80
Facility 80
MA AVG 91
Rank #47 / 92
Yes29
34
Facility 34
MA AVG 57
Rank #166 / 238
Studio / Companion Suite
11
Facility 11
MA AVG 22
Rank #53 / 67
-NoNo
The Residence at Valley Farm
IL
AL
MC
RC
Ashland
80
Facility 80
MA AVG 91
Rank #47 / 92
No20
58
Facility 58
MA AVG 57
Rank #124 / 238
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
11
Facility 11
MA AVG 22
Rank #53 / 67
-NoNo
Keystone Place at Buzzards Bay
IL
AL
MC
Buzzards Bay
75
Facility 75
MA AVG 91
Rank #54 / 92
Yes20
60
Facility 60
MA AVG 57
Rank #121 / 238
1 Bed / 2 Bed
11
Facility 11
MA AVG 22
Rank #53 / 67
-NoNo
The Residence at Great Woods
IL
AL
MC
RC
Norton
92
Facility 92
MA AVG 91
Rank #36 / 92
No28
36
Facility 36
MA AVG 57
Rank #163 / 238
Traditional (64), Special Care (28)--NoYes
The Current Beverly
IL
AL
MC
RC
Beverly (Beverly Center Business District)
98
Facility 98
MA AVG 91
Rank #29 / 92
Yes15
93
Facility 93
MA AVG 57
Rank #14 / 238
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed--NoNo
New Horizons At Choate
IL
AL
Woburn
40
Facility 40
MA AVG 91
Rank #85 / 92
No-
80
Facility 80
MA AVG 57
Rank #76 / 238
Traditional (40)
36
Facility 36
MA AVG 22
Rank #3 / 67
-NoNo

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other MA independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 239 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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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

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 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

Overview of Keystone Place at Buzzards Bay

Set in the quiet neighborhood of Buzzards Bay, MA, the Keystone Place at Buzzards Bay is a vibrant senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Here, residents can choose among beautifully appointed and spacious accommodations including one-bedroom and two-bedroom. With a highly equipped and dedicated team, this community also renders round-the-clock care and assistance for its residents. In terms of memory care, a cutting-edge program known as Holistic Harbors is a deeply inclusive and holistic approach catering to the needs of those with cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

With its above-and-beyond amenities and services, residents can enjoy weekly and bi-weekly housekeeping and linen services, on-site wellness resources, and scheduled transportation. Indulge in delectable and nutritious meals with elegant dining. Have fun with interactive social activities prepared by a professional team. With Keystone Place at Buzzards Bay, seniors can surely live life to the fullest.

Contact Keystone Place at Buzzards Bay

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 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 Reserve at East Longmeadow

Located in the beautiful community of East Longmeadow, MA, The Reserve at East Longmeadow is an esteemed senior living community that offers assisted living, memory care, and temporary stay. Here, residents can select from stunning and spacious fully furnished apartments based on their preferences. With a highly trained and compassionate team, residents can receive round-the-clock personalized care and services to ensure their comfort and security.

At The Reserve at East Longmeadow, residents enjoy a range of convenient and comfortable services, including complimentary transportation, access to healthcare professionals, and exercise spaces with classes. Daily needs are met with expert housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance services. The community offers enriching amenities such as a well-stocked library, inviting living rooms, entertainment spaces, a salon, and private dining areas. Gourmet meals are prepared by a talented culinary team with a focus on variety and wellness. Residents benefit from opportunities for continuing education, cultural enrichment, and physical wellness. The Reserve at East Longmeadow emphasizes exceptional service and hospitality, making life easy and enjoyable for its residents.

Contact The Reserve at East Longmeadow

Overview of The Current Beverly

Experience a relaxing coastal retirement lifestyle in The Current Beverly, a charming community in Beverly, MA that offers independent, assisted living, and memory care in one campus. Stay close to stunning beaches while receiving top-notch care and assistance with daily living activities amidst the community’s nurturing setting. Residents here can focus on living their best lives while enjoying the comfort of their well-designed accommodations with air conditioning, a central fireplace, and cable satellite TV for their enjoyment.

Residents here can live their retirement fully while engaging in fun and exciting activities tailored to maintain their overall well-being. The community ensures residents maintain proper nourishment by serving them nutritionally balanced meals. Amenities like a salon, complimentary transportation, and housekeeping services are also available to further improve residents’ comfort. Whether you’re seeking quality care or relaxation, The Current Beverly has it all for you.

Contact The Current Beverly

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 The Residence at Great Woods

Nestled in a quaint New England suburb full of character, The Residence at Great Woods offers seniors the perfect blend of independence and support. This welcoming community provides top-notch care for assisted living and memory care needs, ensuring each resident receives personalized attention and care. The location is strategically determined, placing residents near local shopping and a plethora of recreational and cultural activities that contribute to overall well-being.
Residents can take advantage of an array of amenities, from inviting common areas to a well-equipped gym and more. Cutting-edge technologies are implemented in every program, prioritizing safety and promoting the highest level of healthcare possible. The home’s hospitality services also go above and beyond, offering assistance with housekeeping and laundry, and complimentary transportation, all under the watchful eye of experienced healthcare professionals. When considering the best next step for their twilight years, seniors can trust that The Residence at Great Woods is the right choice.

Contact The Residence at Great Woods

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 239 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.

Independent Living in Massachusetts at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 57/ 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: 91The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Massachusetts. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90