Other senior care options in Massachusetts:

Page 9 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
Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes
Overview of Waterstone at the Circle

At 385 Chestnut Hill Ave in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood, Waterstone at the Circle occupies one of the more genuinely walkable addresses in the Boston senior living market. A Walk Score of 87 means residents can handle most daily errands on foot, which in a city like Boston carries real weight for people who want to stay connected to an urban environment without relying on transportation logistics.

The building is a mid-rise, nine years into operation, with one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. The amenity list reads like someone actually thought about how people spend their time: an indoor heated pool, fitness center, library, card room, and movie theater are all on-site. Dining uses an anytime model built around locally sourced ingredients and seasonal offerings, which is a meaningfully different structure than set-schedule communal dining. Programming is run by a life enrichment team, and the community offers two named specific programs, Financial Resources and the EPOCH Exchange.

The facility carries an independent living designation, and the full profile coheres around that: no staffing hours, no clinical services listed, just a well-appointed building in a walkable Boston neighborhood designed for people who are managing their own lives and want a good physical environment to do it in. For that population in this market, the combination of location, amenities, and flexible dining is a substantive offer.

Contact Waterstone at the Circle

Overview of Campello High Rise

Make every moment of your best years at Campello High Rise, a blissful retreat in Brockton, MA, offering independent living. Featuring purposely designed and spacious one-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with maintenance services and plenty of convenient apartment features.

Exercise classes and cozy gathering spaces are provided, encouraging residents to live actively and make new friends. Delicious lunch is also available five days a week, so residents have the finest dining experience that caters to their dietary needs and preferences. A variety of unique shops and local amenities are easily accessible for residents’ needs and leisure. The community is a great option for those aiming to downsize in retirement, especially with its vibrant and welcoming setting.

Contact Campello High Rise

Overview of Southwick Block

Conveniently located in the harmonious setting of Lowell, MA, Southwick Block is a distinct community that offers independent living. 28 thoughtfully designed and sophisticated one-bedroom floor plans are provided for residents’ comfort and safety. 24-hour emergency maintenance and laundry are also available, so residents have more time to do the things they love.

Recreational spaces and distinct local shops surround the area, providing residents with unending leisure and wellness opportunities. A variety of dining options are easily accessible, especially with restaurants nearby. The community is ideal for those aiming to downsize in their golden years, especially with its vibrant and welcoming environment.

Contact Southwick Block

Overview of Highland Hills

Make the most of your best years at Highland Hills, a blissful haven in Taunton, MA, offering independent living. The community features cozy and specially designed two- and three-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents can keep their peace of mind during their stay. On-site maintenance, management, and laundry spaces are also available, so residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle.

With fun gathering spaces and wellness opportunities, residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. With a fully furnished kitchen, residents can prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. The community’s vibrant and welcoming environment creates the ideal setting for residents to thrive in retirement.

Contact Highland Hills

Overview of Water Street Apartments

Surrounded by thriving local amenities in Medford, MA, Water Street Apartments is a purposely built community that offers independent living. Designed for low-income older adults, the community features a variety of cozy one-bedroom accommodations. Here, residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle, as maintenance is taken care of.

Entertainment sites and convenient local shops surround the area, providing endless leisure and wellness opportunities. Residents also enjoy various dining options with restaurants nearby. The community strives to maintain affordability, including utilities in the rent to ease financial burdens. With its warm and friendly environment, residents can keep their peace of mind and create unforgettable moments in retirement.

Contact Water Street Apartments

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 The Delaney at the Vale

The Delaney at the Vale is an exciting new senior living community in Woburn, Massachusetts, offering high-end amenities, upscale concierge services, and a sophisticated contemporary style for a signature retirement experience. As part of a new development just west of I-93 at Montvale Avenue, the community allows residents to stay connected to their family, friends, and the community they know while enjoying carefree living and sophisticated style.

The Delaney at the Vale is managed by Life Care Services, a nationwide leader in senior living with more than 50 years of proven experience. In 2021, Life Care Services earned the J.D. Power award for Customer Satisfaction in Senior Living among independent living residents for the third consecutive year, with 95% of all residents recommending a Life Care Services managed community to a friend. The community offers a variety of living options, including maintenance-free independent living, premier assisted living, and memory care. Residents can enjoy experiences such as visiting nearby parks, the Tri-Community Greenway, upscale shopping and dining in neighboring communities, and the allure of Boston’s entertainment, cultural, dining, and sports attractions. The Delaney at the Vale features multiple thoughtfully designed floor plans to fit residents’ personal lifestyles.

Contact The Delaney at The Vale

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

Overview of Summer Place – a Provincial Senior Living Community

Tucked away in the historic town of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Summer Place is an idyllic senior living community that offers independent living. The community provides an ideal environment for residents who wish to live an active and maintenance-free lifestyle with regular housekeeping, light linen service, and maintenance services. A dedicated team is available to support residents in any way possible, providing residents peace of mind knowing that someone is available to attend to their concerns.

Residents enjoy a comfortable living space in an array of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with convenient access to a wide array of convenient amenities. The community provides plenty of spaces for entertainment, relaxation, and leisure, including an activity room, fitness gym, game room, library, salon, and refreshing outdoor areas. With an array of exciting activities, and programs, residents are sure to enjoy a vibrant and enriching senior living experience.

Contact Summer Place – A Provincial Senior Living Community

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
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
Submit a correction
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 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.