Page 4 of Best Independent Living in Minnesota

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 216 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.
216 homes
Other senior care options in Minnesota:
Avg Walk Score: 45/ 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: 61The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Minnesota. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

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. 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.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
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.
Beacon Hill
IL
AL
Minnetonka (Glen Lake)
50
Facility 50
MN AVG 61
Rank #251 / 517
No
49
Facility 49
MN AVG 45
Rank #255 / 602
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
82.0%
Facility 82.0%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #103 / 259
89.4%
Facility 89.4%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #27 / 149
1
7
Facility 7
MN AVG 10
Rank #84 / 274
7.0
Facility 7.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #97 / 274
Walker Methodist – Westwood Ridge
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
West St Paul (West Saint Paul)
140
Facility 140
MN AVG 61
Rank #44 / 517
Yes
63
Facility 63
MN AVG 45
Rank #143 / 602
1 Bed / 2 Bed
82.9%
Facility 82.9%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #101 / 259
79.8%
Facility 79.8%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #81 / 149
7
35
Facility 35
MN AVG 10
Rank #267 / 274
5.0
Facility 5.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #49 / 274
Amira Choice Plymouth
IL
AL
MC
Plymouth
125
Facility 125
MN AVG 61
Rank #67 / 517
Yes
15
Facility 15
MN AVG 45
Rank #527 / 602
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
84.8%
Facility 84.8%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #90 / 259
91.2%
Facility 91.2%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #16 / 149
1
10
Facility 10
MN AVG 10
Rank #140 / 274
10.0
Facility 10.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #152 / 274
Harrison Bay Senior Living
IL
AL
CCRC(
MC
RC
Mound
85
Facility 85
MN AVG 61
Rank #155 / 517
Yes
45
Facility 45
MN AVG 45
Rank #295 / 602
-
83.5%
Facility 83.5%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #98 / 259
86.9%
Facility 86.9%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #42 / 149
1
5
Facility 5
MN AVG 10
Rank #39 / 274
5.0
Facility 5.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #49 / 274
Founders Ridge
IL
AL
MC
Bloomington (West Bloomington)
59
Facility 59
MN AVG 61
Rank #230 / 517
Yes
15
Facility 15
MN AVG 45
Rank #527 / 602
Private Rooms
78.0%
Facility 78.0%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #135 / 259
89.5%
Facility 89.5%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #25 / 149
1
6
Facility 6
MN AVG 10
Rank #60 / 274
6.0
Facility 6.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #72 / 274
Elk River Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
Elk River
115
Facility 115
MN AVG 61
Rank #85 / 517
Yes
51
Facility 51
MN AVG 45
Rank #241 / 602
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
81.7%
Facility 81.7%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #104 / 259
75.5%
Facility 75.5%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #108 / 149
1
9
Facility 9
MN AVG 10
Rank #123 / 274
9.0
Facility 9.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #137 / 274
The Pillars of Prospect Park
IL
AL
MC
RC
Minneapolis (Prospect Park)
283
Facility 283
MN AVG 61
Rank #4 / 517
Yes
77
Facility 77
MN AVG 45
Rank #62 / 602
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
72.8%
Facility 72.8%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #169 / 259
84.4%
Facility 84.4%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #53 / 149
1
16
Facility 16
MN AVG 10
Rank #218 / 274
16.0
Facility 16.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #228 / 274
Willows Landing
IL
AL
MC
RC
Monticello (Mill Run)
125
Facility 125
MN AVG 61
Rank #67 / 517
Yes
31
Facility 31
MN AVG 45
Rank #401 / 602
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
68.8%
Facility 68.8%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #181 / 259
92.6%
Facility 92.6%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #9 / 149
1
11
Facility 11
MN AVG 10
Rank #159 / 274
11.0
Facility 11.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #171 / 274
The Waters of Oakdale
IL
AL
MC
Oakdale
100
Facility 100
MN AVG 61
Rank #115 / 517
Yes
59
Facility 59
MN AVG 45
Rank #183 / 602
-
51.0%
Facility 51.0%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #220 / 259
89.1%
Facility 89.1%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #28 / 149
1
5
Facility 5
MN AVG 10
Rank #39 / 274
5.0
Facility 5.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #49 / 274
Brookdale Faribault
IL
AL
CCRC(
MC
NH
SNF
Faribault
20
Facility 20
MN AVG 61
Rank #344 / 517
Yes
19
Facility 19
MN AVG 45
Rank #498 / 602
Suite
55.0%
Facility 55.0%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #214 / 259
87.6%
Facility 87.6%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #35 / 149
1
1
Facility 1
MN AVG 10
Rank #5 / 274
1.0
Facility 1.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #5 / 274

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every MN community we track that reports that metric, not just the 216 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Beacon Hill

5300 Beacon Hill Rd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Overview of Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill offers assisted living and independent living in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Assisted living includes help with dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps a private living space; independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care.

Having both care levels in one community may suit a resident who wants independent living now but may need assisted living later without moving to a different community. Beacon Hill is in the Glen Lake neighborhood and has 50 beds.

Housing options include studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom layouts. A studio is a single private space, while a two bedroom layout can suit a couple moving together; with a Walk Score of 49, the area is car dependent, so most errands require a car or a ride, and a resident who no longer drives would generally need transportation for routine errands.

Contact Beacon Hill

Overview of Walker Methodist – Westwood Ridge

Residents enjoy an ultimately relaxing stay at Walker Methodist – Westwood Ridge, nestled in the serene neighborhood of West St. Paul, MN, where independent living, assisted living, and memory care come together in harmony. Here, seniors can select from a variety of accommodations, including cozy studios and spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments, all within a community known for its exceptional care services and consistently high ratings.

This community offers a fulfilling lifestyle, where comfort and convenience blend seamlessly with a wealth of amenities. The friendly, well-trained team ensures each resident enjoys a healthy, active life, with a vibrant schedule of social, educational, and entertaining activities. Here, seniors thrive in an enriching community that fosters connections and enhances quality of life. Choose Walker Methodist – Westwood Ridge for an active and rewarding lifestyle today.

Contact Walker Methodist – Westwood Ridge

Overview of Amira Choice Plymouth

Situated in the heart of Plymouth, MN, the Amira Choice Plymouth is an award-winning senior living community that provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Here, residents can choose from a wide array of accommodations including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom. Having a trained and dedicated team, residents can received round-the-clock personalized care and services.

With its above-and-beyond amenities and services, residents can enjoy the following: dining room with chef-prepared meals and table-side service, housekeeping and laundry services, on-site salon and spa, fitness and wellness programs, community rooms for parties, and schedule transportation. Participate in a full packed calendar of social activities and life enrichment programs to boost engagement and growth. Equipped with the right tools and people, seniors can never go wrong with Amir Choice Plymouth.

Contact Amira Choice Plymouth

Overview of Harrison Bay Senior Living

Located in beautiful neighborhood of Mound, MN, the Harrison Bay Senior Living is an esteemed community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Well-appointed and cozy accommodations tailored to the levels of care are available for its residents. With a competent and empathetic team, residents can receive the highest quality of care and support that they need. In terms of memory care, those with cognitive conditions are served with specialized care and support along with a thoughtfully designed compassionate community.

Experience its top-notch amenities and services including delectable and nutritious meals, housekeeping and laundry services, comprehensive health and wellness programs, social and recreational opportunities, and educational and spiritual opportunities. Meet new friends from different walks of life through the aforementioned. With Harrison Bay Senior Living, seniors are assured of an empowering retirement.

Contact Harrison Bay Senior Living

Overview of Founders Ridge

Founders Ridge in Bloomington, Minnesota is a distinguished assisted living community under the banner of Presbyterian Homes & Services. This inviting haven offers a spectrum of living options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care apartment homes. The community is committed to fostering not just today’s independence but also ensuring a thriving sense of autonomy for the tomorrows ahead.

Within Founders Ridge, a tapestry of enriching experiences unfolds, providing abundant opportunities for residents to embrace life’s finest offerings. Positioned within the heart of the town center, Founders Ridge ensures accessibility to a plethora of conveniences, enabling residents to savor the richness of each day. Residents get access to thoughtfully designed and spacious apartment homes that form the canvas for a vibrant lifestyle.

Contact Founders Ridge

Overview of Elk River Senior Living

Settled in the vibrant neighborhood of Elk River, MN, Elk River Senior Living welcomes residents to a beautiful community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care options tailored to meet each individual’s needs. This community features vibrant shops and restaurants nearby that combine convenience with tranquility. Each residence, available in various thoughtfully designed floor plans, includes features like in-unit kitchens and radiant heating, making it a comfortable home for years to come.

Residents can enjoy a wide range of amenities, such as a fitness center with regular exercise classes and a cozy bistro lounge. The dedicated team prioritizes residents’ well-being with enriching activities, live performances, and happy hours, creating a supportive, engaging environment. Elk River Senior Living is where residents find community, comfort, and a sense of belonging.

Contact Elk River Senior Living

Overview of The Pillars of Prospect Park

With easy access to the surrounding neighborhood, The Pillars of Prospect Park is a 283-bed mid-rise community on Malcolm Avenue in Minneapolis. It sits in a highly walkable area where most errands can be done on foot, plus it welcomes pets. The home then suits occupants wanting to maintain their outdoor routines and furry companions.

The community offers flexibility in housing through studio, one-, and two-bedroom floor plans, which can fit different care needs and family support arrangements. Currently operating at 73 percent occupancy, the home has available space for new residents.

Minnesota Department of Health inspections have noted themes in medication management, care documentation, and resident assessment processes that potential residents and their families may want to understand in detail when evaluating the facility.

What will provide a full picture of daily operations and help families assess if this setting is a good match for their loved one is an on-site tour.

Contact The Pillars of Prospect Park

Overview of Willows Landing

Set in Monticello, MN, Willows Landing is a luxury senior living community, offering three different care levels, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community boasts elegant accommodations with convenient access to excellent services, amenities, and conveniences. With the help of a dependable care team, the community reassures residents that they’ll be provided with the care they deserve and need to enjoy a vacation-style retirement.

Offering convenient access to local amenities, such as restaurants, banks, grocery stores, and more, the community provides an ideal place for those seeking a vibrant and comfortable environment with plenty of opportunities for recreation. Residents here also enjoy an array of vibrant activities, delightful meals, and thoughtful amenities, all designed to give residents the comfort and convenience they need to live a relaxing retirement experience.

Contact Willows Landing

Overview of The Waters of Oakdale

The Waters of Oakdale sits just a short walk from Oakdale’s city center in Washington County, Minnesota. It’s a 100‑bed community that brings together three levels of care under one roof: independent living, assisted living, and memory care, with a state dementia‑care designation from the Minnesota Department of Health. Apartments come in studio, one‑bedroom, and two‑bedroom layouts, each equipped with its own washer and dryer.

The starting rate is $3,250 per month, and current occupancy hovers around 51%, meaning roughly half the building is open; good news for families looking for immediate placement. The neighborhood earns a Walk Score of 59, so some errands are doable on foot, while others call for a quick drive.

Care here is comprehensive without feeling clinical. Nursing services and 24‑hour staffing are standard, and residents can schedule occupational or physical therapy right on site; no need to leave the building for rehab appointments. There’s also respite care for short‑term stays and organized transportation for community outings.

Shared spaces include a therapy gym, art studio, library, chapel, pub, café, garden patio, and a large activity room that keeps the atmosphere lively. Daily programs range from gardening and games to happy hour. Religious services are available, and pets are welcome. Meals are cooked from scratch each day by an on‑site chef and served in the community’s dining room on a set schedule; three sittings daily: breakfast, midday, and evening.

State inspections have focused mainly on medication management, fire safety, emergency preparedness, and staff qualifications, rather than direct care concerns.

At $3,250 per month, The Waters of Oakdale offers a strong mix of services for a state‑approved dementia‑care community: on‑site therapy, chef‑prepared meals, and in‑unit laundry, all within walking distance of Oakdale’s city center. For families weighing assisted‑living options in the eastern Twin Cities suburbs, it’s a well‑rounded choice that balances practicality with comfort.

Contact The Waters of Oakdale

Overview of Brookdale Faribault

Located in Faribault, Minnesota, Brookdale Faribault is a relaxing senior living community offering assisted living services in an environment that embraces the charm of small-town living. The community features spacious private apartments and inviting common areas designed for socializing and relaxation. Residents enjoy a calendar filled with engaging activities tailored to their interests, fostering a vibrant community spirit. Brookdale Faribault’s personalized care plans ensure that each individual receives the support they need while maintaining their independence and dignity.

With trained staff available around the clock, including assistance with daily tasks and medication management, residents and their families can have peace of mind knowing that compassionate care is always at hand. At Brookdale Faribault, they prioritize creating a supportive environment where residents can thrive. Whether it’s assistance with personal care or coordination with healthcare professionals, their dedicated team is committed to meeting the unique needs of each resident, fostering a fulfilling lifestyle where every day is enriching and enjoyable.

Contact Brookdale Faribault

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 216 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.