Page 9 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. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. 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. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. PC (Palliative Care): Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
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.
Waterstone at the Circle
IL
HOS
PC
Boston (Commonwealth)
-Yes
87
Facility 87
MA AVG 53
Rank #72 / 490
1 Bed / 2 Bed
9
Facility 9
MA AVG 22
Rank #156 / 181
-No
Casselman House
IL
Newton Centre
43
Facility 43
MA AVG 94
Rank #250 / 276
No
82
Facility 82
MA AVG 53
Rank #107 / 490
1 Bed--No
Water Street Apartments
IL
Medford (Medford Square)
35
Facility 35
MA AVG 94
Rank #265 / 276
No
87
Facility 87
MA AVG 53
Rank #72 / 490
1 Bed--No
George D. Robinson Apartments
IL
Chicopee (Chicopee Housing Authority)
80
Facility 80
MA AVG 94
Rank #156 / 276
Yes
41
Facility 41
MA AVG 53
Rank #307 / 490
Studio--No
Sacred Heart Apartments
IL
Lawrence (Mount Vernon Park)
44
Facility 44
MA AVG 94
Rank #245 / 276
Yes
70
Facility 70
MA AVG 53
Rank #170 / 490
1 Bed / 2 Bed--No
Benchmark Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Shrewsbury
-Yes
11
Facility 11
MA AVG 53
Rank #463 / 490
Studio / 1 Bed
27
Facility 27
MA AVG 22
Rank #62 / 181
-No
EPOCH Senior Living – Waltham
IL
AL
MC
Waltham (Angleside)
-No
36
Facility 36
MA AVG 53
Rank #327 / 490
-
19
Facility 19
MA AVG 22
Rank #112 / 181
A+No
Fairing Way
IL
NH
SNF
South Weymouth (Southfield)
-Yes
9
Facility 9
MA AVG 53
Rank #473 / 490
1 Bed / 2 Bed
9
Facility 9
MA AVG 22
Rank #156 / 181
A+No
Southwick Block
IL
Lowell
28
Facility 28
MA AVG 94
Rank #270 / 276
No
98
Facility 98
MA AVG 53
Rank #2 / 490
1 Bed--No
Haywood House
IL
Newton (Nonantum)
55
Facility 55
MA AVG 94
Rank #224 / 276
No
87
Facility 87
MA AVG 53
Rank #72 / 490
1 Bed--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 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 Casselman House

Experience a worry-free retirement at Casselman House, an exceptional community located in the thriving neighborhood of Newton, MA, offering independent living. 43 affordable and specially designed accommodations are provided, ensuring residents can live comfortably. With income-based rents, the community strives to ease financial burdens.

Here, residents have a convenient lifestyle with round-the-clock emergency maintenance and compassionate management. Cozy communal spaces and wellness opportunities are also provided for residents’ leisure and well-being. The community is a great option for those looking to downsize in their golden years, especially with its warm and inviting environment.

Contact Casselman House

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 George D. Robinson Apartments

Enjoy your best years at George D. Robinson Apartments – II, a distinct community in Chicopee, MA, offering independent living. The community is dedicated to residents’ comfort, providing beautifully furnished and cozy accommodations. Laundry spaces and maintenance services are also available for residents’ convenience.

With thriving local shops and recreational spaces in the area, residents have easy access to their necessities and leisure opportunities. Efficient amenities are also available, allowing residents to prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those seeking independence in retirement, especially with its warm and inviting environment.

Contact George D. Robinson Apartments

Overview of Sacred Heart Apartments

Experience the best of your golden years at Sacred Heart Apartments, a distinguished retreat in Lawrence, MA, offering independent living. The community has 44 beautifully furnished and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to the comfort of those 55+. Residents also enjoy the utmost convenience, with maintenance services and laundry spaces.

Thriving local shops and recreational spaces are available nearby, providing residents with endless leisure and wellness opportunities. Pets are also allowed to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. The community is a great option for those seeking independence in retirement, especially with its vibrant and welcoming environment.

Contact Sacred Heart Apartments

Overview of Benchmark Senior Living

Benchmark Senior Living at Shrewsbury Crossings is a comprehensive senior living community in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, a brief drive from Worcester. It operates a full care continuum: nursing home services, assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care options under one roof. Operating for 27 years, the home brings experience in senior care to Worcester.

With modern aesthetics throughout, the campus features a visually striking open-concept design. Residents enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens and outdoor patios that provide peaceful, calming spaces for relaxation and reflection. The car-dependent setting has a Walk Score of 11, so most errands and outings require transportation, though the community supplies transportation services for residents’ convenience. Dining is a daily life highlight. The kitchen prepares seasonal menus from scratch, and the facility offers diverse dining options tailored to individual dietary needs, ensuring residents can eat meals according to their preferences and requirements. The pet-friendly community lets residents keep their companions close. Meanwhile, the roster of amenities and services is substantial. Residents can access a resident art gallery and an on-site hair salon. The facility handles housekeeping and laundry services, so occupants don’t need to manage such tasks. An active calendar of local events gives residents opportunities to engage with their community. Grounds keeping is maintained by the community, creating a well-kept, pleasant environment. Leadership here includes Sandy Leach. The community offers studio and one-bedroom floor plans to suit different needs and preferences.

For families exploring choices, touring the facility lets you see the open-concept spaces, tour a sample floor plan, learn about the full range of services, and discuss care options, pricing, and availability.

Contact Benchmark Senior Living

Overview of Epoch Senior Living – Waltham

Offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care, EPOCH Senior Living – Waltham is a senior living community in the Angleside neighborhood of Waltham, Massachusetts. The multiple levels of care in one community allow residents to transition between services as their needs change without moving to a different location. The community has been serving the Waltham area for 19 years. It is located on Sawyer Road, about 2 miles from the city center.

The area has a Walk Score of 36 out of 100. A handful of nearby destinations may be reached on foot, but most errands and outings require a car. This setting may be better suited to residents and families who are comfortable driving or arranging transportation instead of walking. Sidney Insoft serves as President. Families touring the community should ask about daily leadership and staffing before making a decision.

Residents have access to a family gathering room, several recreation rooms, a dining room, and a fitness center. These shared spaces provide opportunities to socialize, stay active, and participate in group activities without leaving the building. Families looking for a continuum of care may find EPOCH Senior Living – Waltham a practical option because it offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in one community.

Contact EPOCH Senior Living – Waltham

Fairing Way

25 Stonehaven Dr, South Weymouth, MA 02190
Overview of Fairing Way

Experience a vibrant lifestyle at Fairing Way, a blissful haven in Weymouth, MA, offering independent living. The community provides a variety of beautifully furnished one- and two-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to the comfort of those 55+. Maintenance and concierge services are also available, ensuring residents can maintain their independence without hassles.

Residents can spend their days as they please, accompanied by various recreational activities and stimulating programs. Multiple dining options are also provided, so residents enjoy delightful and well-balanced meals based on their dietary needs and preferences. Featuring vast open spaces and plenty of state-of-the-art amenities, the community strives to promote a vibrant and friendly environment for residents’ leisure and well-being.

Contact Fairing Way

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 Haywood House

Live blissfully at Haywood House, an astounding community in Newton, MA, offering independent living. Dedicated to improving the living experiences of those 62+, the community has 55 specially designed one-bedroom floor plans. Residents also experience a hassle-free lifestyle, accompanied by exceptional maintenance services and top-notch apartment features.

With cozy gathering spaces and wellness opportunities, residents can spend their days as they please. Dining, shopping, and distinct local amenities are also easily accessible, providing residents with their needs. The community strives to promote a bright and friendly environment for residents to flourish in their golden years.

Contact Haywood House

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.