Page 8 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
Reviewed by
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.
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.
Tempone Apartments
IL
Medford (West Medford)
100
Facility 100
MA AVG 94
Rank #94 / 276
No
77
Facility 77
MA AVG 53
Rank #140 / 490
1 Bed--No
Gabriel House Assisted Living Residence
IL
AL
Fall River
-Yes
86
Facility 86
MA AVG 53
Rank #81 / 490
Studio
25
Facility 25
MA AVG 22
Rank #90 / 181
-No
The Newbury of Brookline
IL
AL
MC
Brookline (Fisher Hill)
40
Facility 40
MA AVG 94
Rank #255 / 276
Yes
43
Facility 43
MA AVG 53
Rank #299 / 490
1 Bed / 2 Bed--No
Weldon Gardens
IL
Medford (Medford Square)
75
Facility 75
MA AVG 94
Rank #173 / 276
No
93
Facility 93
MA AVG 53
Rank #24 / 490
1 Bed--No
The Arbors at Taunton Assisted Living and Memory Care
IL
AL
MC
RC
Taunton
-No
43
Facility 43
MA AVG 53
Rank #299 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
MA AVG 22
Rank #27 / 181
-No
Carmel Terrace
IL
AL
RC
Framingham
69
Facility 69
MA AVG 94
Rank #190 / 276
Yes
21
Facility 21
MA AVG 53
Rank #409 / 490
-
6
Facility 6
MA AVG 22
Rank #175 / 181
A+No
Salem Towers
IL
Malden (Faulkner)
80
Facility 80
MA AVG 94
Rank #156 / 276
No
84
Facility 84
MA AVG 53
Rank #98 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed--No
Bauer House
IL
Quincy (South Quincy)
75
Facility 75
MA AVG 94
Rank #173 / 276
Yes
84
Facility 84
MA AVG 53
Rank #98 / 490
1 Bed--No
YWCA Residences at Ingalls Court
IL
Methuen
48
Facility 48
MA AVG 94
Rank #236 / 276
No
76
Facility 76
MA AVG 53
Rank #145 / 490
1 Bed--No
The Village at Duxbury
IL
AL
CCRC(
MC
Duxbury (Tarkiln)
-No
12
Facility 12
MA AVG 53
Rank #452 / 490
-
37
Facility 37
MA AVG 22
Rank #7 / 181
A+No

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 Tempone Apartments

Make the most of your best years at Tempone Apartments, a welcoming community in Medford, MA, offering independent living. With beautifully furnished and cozy accommodations, residents are guaranteed the utmost comfort. Residents also enjoy a hassle-free living, as maintenance is taken care of.

With recreational spaces and convenient local amenities nearby, residents can spend their days as they please. Restaurants in the area also provide a variety of dining options that cater to residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Promoting a bright and friendly environment, the community is an enticing option for those looking to live independently in retirement.

Contact Tempone Apartments

Overview of Gabriel House Assisted Living Residence

Gabriel House Assisted Living Residence is an assisted living and independent living community located at 261 Oliver Street in Fall River, Massachusetts. Serving older adults in Bristol County, the facility is owned by Dennis Etzkorn and provides care plans for both independent and assisted living residents.

The community maintains a staff of 18 full-time employees, with 24-hour coverage provided by licensed nurses and CNAs. Situated near Saint Anne’s Hospital, the property holds a Walk Score of 86, indicating that most errands can be accomplished on foot. Pets are permitted on the premises.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Department of Public Health oversee the regulation of this facility. No specific inspection history or penalty data is reported in the current source records. The community maintains a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. Families should request the most recent survey results directly from the facility.

Confirmed amenities and services include private studio apartments, weekly housekeeping, and laundry services. Utilities such as heat, electricity, water, and basic cable are included. The dining program provides three daily meals. Residents have access to on-site activities, complimentary transportation, and hospice services if needed. A security monitoring system is in place for the property.

Families seeking residential care with proximity to medical services and urban walkability may find this community appropriate. Families evaluating Gabriel House Assisted Living Residence should confirm Medicaid acceptance, current bed count, and the full regulatory history directly with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs before making a placement decision.

Contact Gabriel House Assisted Living Residence

The Newbury of Brookline

123 Fisher Ave, Brookline, MA 02445
Overview of The Newbury of Brookline

Located in Brookline’s historic Fisher Hill district, Massachusetts, The Newbury of Brookline is a higher-end blend of comfort and luxury for seniors. The Kisco Signature community is located on almost four acres and consists of 159 residences, 81 independent living, 38 assisted living, and 40 memory care suites, all designed specifically to provide a seamless continuum of care. The community balances carefully the modern amenities with the restored 1895 Mitton House, keeping historic integrity intact along with offering modern living spaces.

Residents enjoy a plethora of luxurious amenities such as a indoor saltwater heated pool, state-of-the-art fully equipped fitness center, and the Skyline Lounge with views of Boston. The community is centered around personalized service with 24/7 concierge service, valet parking, and a Tech Concierge available to help residents with their technology. With its superior attention to detail and standards of hospitality, The Newbury of Brookline presents a community where seniors can live in luxury and comfort.

Contact The Newbury of Brookline

Overview of Weldon Gardens

Spend a blissful retirement at Weldon Gardens, a distinct community in Medford, MA, offering independent living. The community features thoughtfully furnished and spacious one-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Laundry spaces and maintenance services are also provided, so residents have a worry-free lifestyle.

Thriving local shops and recreational spaces are also available nearby, providing endless leisure and wellness opportunities. Restaurants in the area also allows residents to enjoy a variety of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community’s warm and inviting environment creates the ideal setting for residents to make the most of their best years.

Contact Weldon Gardens

Overview of The Arbors at Taunton Assisted Living and Memory Care

Live the lifestyle of your dreams with the distinguished senior living community of The Arbors at Taunton set in the serene residential area of County Street, Taunton, MA, provides assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite. With its commitment to delivering top-notch care and assistance, residents enjoy their best years without worries. The Arbors at Taunton helps seniors around the clock to ensure their needs and aspirations are well-cared for.

Fostering a lively and friendly environment, the community provides avenues for residents to immerse in their surroundings and stay engaged. Delectable and healthy meals are served to meet dietary needs and preferences. With its incredible amenities and lovely community, The Arbors at Taunton is a good place for seniors to start their healing journey with ease.

Contact The Arbors at Taunton Assisted Living and Memory Care

Carmel Terrace

933 Central St, Framingham, Ma 01701, Framingham, MA 01701
Overview of Carmel Terrace

Carmel Terrace is a 69-bed assisted living and independent living community located at 933 Central Street in Framingham, Massachusetts. Serving older adults in Middlesex County, the facility provides independent living, assisted living, and short-term respite care.

The community maintains a staff of licensed nurses and CNAs, with rehabilitation and short-term rehab services available on-site. Resident programming includes a daily activities calendar and a faith-centered approach featuring daily Mass and spiritual enrichment. Pets are not permitted on the premises.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Department of Public Health oversee the regulation of this facility. No specific inspection history is reported in the current source records, and the community maintains a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. Records indicate that no civil money penalties or payment denials have been imposed by CMS within the past three years.

The community provides daily meals in a restaurant-style dining setting. Specific details regarding staffing ratios, a full list of on-site amenities, and monthly pricing are not reported in the available source data, so families should request these details during a tour. Information regarding occupancy levels and payment options is also not publicly listed in current records.

Families seeking assisted living or independent living with integrated religious services may find this setting suitable. Families evaluating Carmel Terrace should confirm Medicaid acceptance, current occupancy, pricing, and the full regulatory history directly with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs before making a placement decision.

Contact Carmel Terrace

Overview of Salem Towers

Spend a blissful retirement at Salem Towers, a welcoming 62+ community in Malden, MA, offering independent living. The community features 80 beautifully designed and cozy studio to two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. With income-based rents, residents can ease their worries and financial burdens.

Fun gathering spaces and wellness opportunities are available, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Residents can also prepare meals that best suit their tastes and nutritional needs with a fully equipped kitchen in each unit. The community’s extensive amenities and friendly setting ensure residents can thrive in their golden years.

Contact Salem Towers

Overview of Bauer House

Make every moment of your golden years at Bauer House, an outstanding community in Quincy, MA, offering independent living. Affordable and specially designed one-bedroom floor plans are provided for older adults with low incomes. With income-based rents, including utilities, the community strives to ease financial burdens.

Cozy communal spaces and wellness opportunities in the community allow residents to interact with their surroundings and gain meaningful experiences. Pets are also welcome to accompany residents to ease their financial burdens. Here, residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience amidst a warm and welcoming environment.

Contact Bauer House

Overview of Ywca Residences at Ingalls Court

Ywca Residences at Ingalls Court operates an affordable independent senior living community on Ingalls Court in Methuen, Massachusetts. Developed by the YWCA Greater Newburyport as an income-restricted mid-rise property, this building provides 48 low-income one-bedroom apartments tailored specifically for self-sufficient adults age 62 and older.

The surrounding neighborhood carries a walkability score of 76 out of 100, indicating a pedestrian-friendly layout where residents can independently complete daily errands on foot. Individual floor plans feature dedicated fully equipped kitchens, allowing residents to manage their own meals without a mandatory community dining package.

The property integrates rolling architectural features such as roll-in showers and features an on-site medical day program managed by Element Care’s PACE initiative, alongside adjacent clinical rehabilitation options at the neighboring Nevins facility.

Interested individuals can get in touch with the Methuen leasing office to request a housing application and verify waitlist processing times.

Contact YWCA Residences at Ingalls Court

Overview of The Village at Duxbury

Situated on a picturesque 38-acre campus in Duxbury, Massachusetts, The Village at Duxbury stands as a vibrant 62+ cooperative community, offering seniors a distinctive blend of independence, luxury, and community living. This unique community provides various housing options and amenities designed for those who value an active lifestyle, ensuring residents have convenient access to healthcare services. Moreover, The Village at Duxbury provides a continuum of care, including assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care services if ever needed.

At The Village at Duxbury, residents have the opportunity to own their homes, experiencing the advantages of equity appreciation, tax deductions, and thoughtful estate planning. With 144 apartment-style and 30 garden homes, each featuring spacious floor plans, modern appliances, and elegant finishes, residents enjoy a comfortable and stylish living environment. Residents of The Village at Duxbury can enjoy many amenities and foster a sense of connection through various activities, clubs, and events, allowing residents to engage in a vibrant social life.

Contact The Village at Duxbury

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.