Page 3 of Best Independent Living in Minnesota

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 217 independent living communities in MN using MN Dept. of Health data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in MN
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Minnesota our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Minnesota.
217 homes
Other senior care options in Minnesota:

Compare Independent Living around Minnesota

Info below is compiled from the MN Dept. of Health, 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. 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. 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.
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.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
Minnesota interviews residents directly — covering food, activities, staff, privacy, and sense of choice — including those with memory loss. The facility's score is compared to similarly sized facilities statewide and converted to a 1–5 star rating. <em>Source: MN DHS Assisted Living Report Card</em>
Minnesota surveys the primary family contact for each resident, asking about meals, staff responsiveness, safety, and likelihood to recommend. Scores are compared to peer facilities and converted to a 1–5 star rating. "–" = too few responses to score; "X" = facility refused to participate. <em>Source: MN DHS Assisted Living Report Card</em>
The percentage of residents who reported satisfaction with food variety and mealtimes in Minnesota's statewide quality-of-life survey. Food tends to score lower than other domains statewide, so scores above 85% reflect strong performance relative to peers. <em>Source: MN DHS Assisted Living Report Card</em>
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Total count of deficiencies (cited regulatory issues) recorded in the selected reporting period. Read alongside inspection counts for context.
The average number of deficiencies this facility receives each time it's inspected, calculated as total deficiencies ÷ total inspections. A lower number suggests more consistent compliance with safety and care standards.
New Perspective Faribault
IL
AL
MC
Faribault
65
Facility 65
MN AVG 110
Rank #134 / 167
Yes
39
Facility 39
MN AVG 46
Rank #126 / 217
Studio / 1 Bed
19
Facility 19
MN AVG 21
Rank #20 / 50
76.9%
Facility 76.9%
MN AVG 76.7%
Rank #47 / 80
A+
89.1%
Facility 89.1%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #15 / 76
1
22
Facility 22
MN AVG 10
Rank #82 / 89
22.0
Facility 22.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #85 / 89
The Waters of Excelsior
IL
AL
Excelsior
145
Facility 145
MN AVG 110
Rank #31 / 167
Yes
64
Facility 64
MN AVG 46
Rank #57 / 217
Studio / 1 Bed-
89.7%
Facility 89.7%
MN AVG 76.7%
Rank #19 / 80
-
88.7%
Facility 88.7%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #18 / 76
1
9
Facility 9
MN AVG 10
Rank #37 / 89
9.0
Facility 9.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #46 / 89
Iris Park Commons
IL
AL
CCRC
HOS
MC
NH
SNF
St Paul (Hamline - Midway)
70
Facility 70
MN AVG 110
Rank #130 / 167
Yes
81
Facility 81
MN AVG 46
Rank #18 / 217
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-
85.7%
Facility 85.7%
MN AVG 76.7%
Rank #30 / 80
-
82.8%
Facility 82.8%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #36 / 76
1
5
Facility 5
MN AVG 10
Rank #20 / 89
5.0
Facility 5.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #27 / 89
Friendship Village of Bloomington
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Bloomington (West Bloomington)
85
Facility 85
MN AVG 110
Rank #109 / 167
Yes
16
Facility 16
MN AVG 46
Rank #191 / 217
1 Bed / 2 Bed
47
Facility 47
MN AVG 21
Rank #1 / 50
84.7%
Facility 84.7%
MN AVG 76.7%
Rank #34 / 80
-
78.9%
Facility 78.9%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #47 / 76
4
26
Facility 26
MN AVG 10
Rank #85 / 89
6.5
Facility 6.5
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #40 / 89
Lexington Landing
IL
AL
MC
St Paul (Highland Park)
64
Facility 64
MN AVG 110
Rank #137 / 167
No
58
Facility 58
MN AVG 46
Rank #76 / 217
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-
85.9%
Facility 85.9%
MN AVG 76.7%
Rank #28 / 80
-
88.8%
Facility 88.8%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #17 / 76
1
4
Facility 4
MN AVG 10
Rank #12 / 89
4.0
Facility 4.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #18 / 89
Brookdale Winona
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Winona
20
Facility 20
MN AVG 110
Rank #160 / 167
Yes
67
Facility 67
MN AVG 46
Rank #48 / 217
Suite
11
Facility 11
MN AVG 21
Rank #40 / 50
95.0%
Facility 95.0%
MN AVG 76.7%
Rank #10 / 80
-
90.1%
Facility 90.1%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #12 / 76
1
19
Facility 19
MN AVG 10
Rank #79 / 89
19.0
Facility 19.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #83 / 89
Heritage of Edina
IL
AL
MC
Edina (Southdale)
75
Facility 75
MN AVG 110
Rank #123 / 167
Yes
41
Facility 41
MN AVG 46
Rank #122 / 217
Studio / 1 Bed-
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
MN AVG 76.7%
Rank #1 / 80
A+
62.5%
Facility 62.5%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #72 / 76
1
8
Facility 8
MN AVG 10
Rank #34 / 89
8.0
Facility 8.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #43 / 89
Global Pointe Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
RC
Golden Valley
115
Facility 115
MN AVG 110
Rank #67 / 167
No
59
Facility 59
MN AVG 46
Rank #73 / 217
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-
87.8%
Facility 87.8%
MN AVG 76.7%
Rank #26 / 80
-
72.3%
Facility 72.3%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #61 / 76
1
5
Facility 5
MN AVG 10
Rank #20 / 89
5.0
Facility 5.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #27 / 89
Amira Choice Champlin
IL
AL
MC
Champlin
138
Facility 138
MN AVG 110
Rank #42 / 167
Yes
36
Facility 36
MN AVG 46
Rank #135 / 217
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-
58.0%
Facility 58.0%
MN AVG 76.7%
Rank #67 / 80
-
80.4%
Facility 80.4%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #41 / 76
1
3
Facility 3
MN AVG 10
Rank #5 / 89
3.0
Facility 3.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #9 / 89
Arbor Glen Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
Lake Elmo
94
Facility 94
MN AVG 110
Rank #99 / 167
Yes
34
Facility 34
MN AVG 46
Rank #138 / 217
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-
89.4%
Facility 89.4%
MN AVG 76.7%
Rank #21 / 80
-
91.1%
Facility 91.1%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #8 / 76
1
7
Facility 7
MN AVG 10
Rank #32 / 89
7.0
Facility 7.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #41 / 89

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other MN independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 217 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of New Perspective Faribault

Breathe in the fresh air of Faribault, MN, with the extraordinary senior living community of New Perspective Faribault offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Featuring beautifully crafted and elegant residences in various studio and one-bedroom floor plans, seniors optimize comfort and convenience. With round-the-clock care and assistance from a team of competent and highly trained professionals, the community ensures seniors thrive and lead a fulfilled life.

The community fosters a vibrant and inviting environment, ensuring seniors remain happy. Engage in fun activities and gain new experiences through fun programs. Indulge in healthy and tasty meals catering to dietary needs and preferences. New Perspective Faribault is great for seniors to experience a maintenance-free retirement with its incredible amenities and intimate spaces.

Contact New Perspective Faribault

Overview of The Waters of Excelsior

The Waters of Excelsior offers assisted living and independent living in Excelsior, MN. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care.

Both care levels are available here. The community may be a good fit for someone who wants independent living now and may later need help with daily tasks without leaving the community. It has 145 beds, giving the setting a larger community scale. A Walk Score of 64 places the area in the somewhat walkable band, so some errands can be done on foot and selected errands may be possible without a car for a resident who no longer drives. Pets are allowed, allowing a resident to live with a pet.

Contact The Waters of Excelsior

Overview of Iris Park Commons

Iris Park Commons is located in a peaceful residential neighborhood that is also near to dining, shopping, and other amenities. Residents may find it convenient to acquire the resources they need and to stay connected to the larger community. Apartments for independent living, assisted living, and memory care are all available at Iris Park Commons.

The community provides a variety of programs and activities meant to encourage interaction among their residents, intellectual stimulation, and active living. Exercise classes, social gatherings, and learning opportunities are a few examples of these activities. Residents are able to select the amount of care that best meets their requirements and preferences. A variety of features and services are available in the community, including a fitness facility, restaurant-style dining, housekeeping and laundry services, as well as transportation.

Contact Iris Park Commons

Overview of Friendship Village of Bloomington

Friendship Village of Bloomington offers nursing home, assisted living, continuing care retirement community, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing in Bloomington, Minnesota. The range of care is broad. Independent living provides a private residence with community services and no daily care, while assisted living adds help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and taking medication. Memory care is secured and supervised, and nursing home and skilled nursing care provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Because the community offers several care levels, it may be a good fit for a resident whose needs may grow over time without leaving the community. Respite care provides a short stay when a usual caregiver needs time to travel or recover. Short term rehabilitation supports a temporary recovery stay.

Friendship Village of Bloomington has 85 beds and offers one bedroom and two bedroom housing options. A two bedroom residence may suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 27 minutes per resident each day, representing the daily hands on nursing time allocated to each resident.

Medicare and private pay are accepted. Rehabilitation services are available on site, so a resident can receive rehab without arranging transportation elsewhere. The community also has a pool for swimming or water based activity. Pets are allowed, and clubs and social groups give residents organized ways to take part in shared activities.

Contact Friendship Village of Bloomington

Overview of Lexington Landing

Set in the beautiful Old Lexington Avenue S, St. Paul, MN is the distinguished senior living community of Lexington Landing providing assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community features cozy and sophisticated studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences, carefully designed to foster comfort and familiarity. A compassionate and highly qualified team handles the housekeeping and maintenance to ensure seniors live a worry-free retirement.

Do the things you love through engaging activities and enjoyable programs conducted to keep seniors happy and active. Residents may also opt to enjoy diverse dining options that satisfy their cravings and dietary needs for a hassle-free dining experience. Lexington Landing strives to create a safe place for seniors to thrive and live to their potential.

Contact Lexington Landing

Brookdale Winona

835 East Belleview Street, Winona, MN 55987
Overview of Brookdale Winona

Situated in the picturesque city of Winona, MN, Brookdale Winona offers a vibrant assisted living community designed for seniors seeking a fulfilling and carefree lifestyle. With a focus on personal freedom and well-being, Brookdale Winona provides various care services, ensuring residents receive the support they need while enjoying a dynamic social environment. Residents can choose from private apartments and engage in numerous social activities in cozy common areas. Assistance with daily tasks like dressing and medication management is available, ensuring comfort and peace of mind with a 24/7 on-site team ready to respond to emergencies.

Brookdale Winona emphasizes holistic wellness through a diverse range of activities tailored to residents’ interests. From fitness programs like B-Fit and Flex Your Brain classes to enjoyable social events like coffee hour and The Price Is Right viewings, every activity is designed to enhance both physical and mental well-being. The community’s commitment to fostering growth and engagement is reflected in its evidence-based programs, such as Resident Technology and My Life Story. Recognized by U.S. News and World Report as Best in Assisted Living, Brookdale Winona is dedicated to helping residents live their best lives.

Starting Price $5,770/Month

Contact Brookdale Winona

Heritage of Edina

3434 Heritage Dr, Edina, MN 55435
Overview of Heritage of Edina

Heritage of Edina is a premier choice for senior living, assisted living, and memory care services in Edina, MN. A community that seamlessly blends elegance and historical significance of Edina’s rich culture, management ensures that residential living is elevated in a sophisticated and graceful way.  The home strives to balance professionalism and high-quality service with personalized care, leading to an enhanced and enriched lifestyle for its seniors.

Heritage of Edina residents can continue to live independently and purposefully while receiving full support. The retirement home boasts its professional care staff available 24/7 to offer support with daily recreational activities, medication management, and specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Contact Heritage of Edina

Overview of Global Pointe Senior Living

Ideally located in Hennepin County, Golden Valley, MN, Global Pointe Senior Living is a leading senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Enjoy the comfort and privacy offered by thoughtfully designed apartments in variations of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. An expert care team is available to provide excellent care, complemented with an emergency call system that provides access to the Global Pointe care team 24-hours a day.

Fostering connections, well-being, and fulfillment, the community offers a wide array of amenities, interesting programs, and activities. Residents are guaranteed to stay on top of their health and fitness with a fully-staffed, state-of-the-art wellness center. Enjoy chef-prepared meals made from fresh ingredients in the fine dining restaurant or at the cozy Café Bistro. Providing vibrant spaces, exceptional, round-the-clock care, and compassionate teams, Global Pointe Senior Living warrants a welcoming environment that allows residents to flourish and thrive.

Contact Global Pointe Senior Living

Overview of Amira Choice Champlin

Set in Anoka County, Champlin, MN, Amira Choice Champlin is an excellent senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Discover a warm and inviting living space with an array of thoughtfully designed studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with open design, and plenty of personal storage. Residents benefit from the compassionate care and support provided by a team of dedicated caregivers who help residents with activities like dressing, bathing and medication management.

In addition to comprehensive support and assistance, residents are also provided with plenty of opportunities to stay active, engaged, and entertained with a full calendar of activity programs. From social events, fitness classes, and scheduled group outings, to guest entertainment, and various clubs, there are plenty of interesting activities to choose from. The community serves up a delicious and varied menu of three chef-prepared meals daily, with extended hours to fit residents’ schedule. An array of spiritual programs are also provided to ensure residents’ overall needs, including the spiritual ones are met. Housekeeping, laundry, and personal maintenance are also handled to ensure residents have plenty of time to explore the finest things the community has to offer.

Contact Amira Choice Champlin

Arbor Glen Senior Living

11020 39Th St N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Overview of Arbor Glen Senior Living

Experience warmth and a deep sense of community at Arbor Glen Senior Living, a blissful senior living community in Lake Elmo, MN, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents experience the peace of their own private space with a variety of floor plans to choose from, including a studio, one, and two bedroom apartments. A dedicated care team provides individualized care that helps residents greet the day with greater energy and gusto.

Committed to helping residents live a maintenance-free lifestyle, the community offers a variety of convenient services, such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and maintenance services. Meaningful programming featuring a vibrant calendar of activities, exercise classes, restaurant outings, and bible study, helps residents live an active and productive life. Residents delight in delicious meals that are made with freshest available ingredients, cooked to perfection, creating an enjoyable dining experience.

Contact Arbor Glen Senior Living

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 Minnesota

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 217 independent living communities in Minnesota. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in Minnesota?

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 Minnesota, 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 Minnesota?

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 Minnesota at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 46/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Minnesota. 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: 110The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Minnesota. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90