Page 5 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. 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.
The Waters of Highland Park
IL
AL
MC
St Paul (Highland Park)
87
Facility 87
MN AVG 61
Rank #150 / 517
Yes
73
Facility 73
MN AVG 45
Rank #89 / 602
-
90.8%
Facility 90.8%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #61 / 259
86.4%
Facility 86.4%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #45 / 149
1
10
Facility 10
MN AVG 10
Rank #140 / 274
10.0
Facility 10.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #152 / 274
Highland Path
IL
AL
MC
St Paul (Highland Park)
84
Facility 84
MN AVG 61
Rank #162 / 517
No
43
Facility 43
MN AVG 45
Rank #308 / 602
-
92.9%
Facility 92.9%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #52 / 259
84.9%
Facility 84.9%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #51 / 149
1
10
Facility 10
MN AVG 10
Rank #140 / 274
10.0
Facility 10.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #152 / 274
Talamore Senior Living Woodbury
IL
AL
MC
Woodbury
275
Facility 275
MN AVG 61
Rank #5 / 517
No
19
Facility 19
MN AVG 45
Rank #498 / 602
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
25.8%
Facility 25.8%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #258 / 259
68.3%
Facility 68.3%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #134 / 149
1
4
Facility 4
MN AVG 10
Rank #27 / 274
4.0
Facility 4.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #34 / 274
Keystone Place at LaValle Fields
IL
AL
MC
Hugo
117
Facility 117
MN AVG 61
Rank #80 / 517
Yes
31
Facility 31
MN AVG 45
Rank #401 / 602
1 Bed / 2 Bed
84.6%
Facility 84.6%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #93 / 259
83.9%
Facility 83.9%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #59 / 149
1
12
Facility 12
MN AVG 10
Rank #177 / 274
12.0
Facility 12.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #189 / 274
Majestic Pines Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
Grand Rapids (North Star Moblie Home Park)
101
Facility 101
MN AVG 61
Rank #113 / 517
No
15
Facility 15
MN AVG 45
Rank #527 / 602
1 Bed / 2 Bed
93.1%
Facility 93.1%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #50 / 259
91.3%
Facility 91.3%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #14 / 149
1
15
Facility 15
MN AVG 10
Rank #213 / 274
15.0
Facility 15.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #224 / 274
Cardigan Ridge Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
Shoreview (Lake Owasso)
135
Facility 135
MN AVG 61
Rank #56 / 517
Yes
38
Facility 38
MN AVG 45
Rank #350 / 602
--
63.2%
Facility 63.2%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #143 / 149
1
6
Facility 6
MN AVG 10
Rank #60 / 274
6.0
Facility 6.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #72 / 274
The Waters on Mayowood
IL
AL
MC
Rochester
232
Facility 232
MN AVG 61
Rank #7 / 517
Yes
32
Facility 32
MN AVG 45
Rank #393 / 602
1 Bed / 2 Bed-
86.4%
Facility 86.4%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #45 / 149
1
6
Facility 6
MN AVG 10
Rank #60 / 274
6.0
Facility 6.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #72 / 274
Duluth Heights Lodge Senior Living
IL
AL
Duluth (Duluth Heights)
90
Facility 90
MN AVG 61
Rank #139 / 517
Yes
23
Facility 23
MN AVG 45
Rank #454 / 602
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
88.9%
Facility 88.9%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #72 / 259
78.4%
Facility 78.4%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #96 / 149
1
12
Facility 12
MN AVG 10
Rank #177 / 274
12.0
Facility 12.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #189 / 274
Oak Terrace Assisted Living of North Mankato
IL
AL
CCRC(
MC
North Mankato
90
Facility 90
MN AVG 61
Rank #139 / 517
No
31
Facility 31
MN AVG 45
Rank #401 / 602
-
96.7%
Facility 96.7%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #32 / 259
83.7%
Facility 83.7%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #60 / 149
1
10
Facility 10
MN AVG 10
Rank #140 / 274
10.0
Facility 10.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #152 / 274
AVIVA River Bend
IL
AL
MC
RC
Rochester (Riverside Center)
90
Facility 90
MN AVG 61
Rank #139 / 517
Yes
78
Facility 78
MN AVG 45
Rank #55 / 602
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
73.3%
Facility 73.3%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #167 / 259
92%
Facility 92%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #11 / 149
1
24
Facility 24
MN AVG 10
Rank #257 / 274
24.0
Facility 24.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #264 / 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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Overview of The Waters of Highland Park

The Waters of Highland Park is an assisted living community located at 678 Snelling Avenue South in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota. The modern facility holds state approval for specialized dementia care and features an architectural layout focused on natural light, high ceilings, wide hallways, and large window profiles.

The 87-bed community operates at approximately 91 percent occupancy, providing specialized memory care alongside standard assisted living services. Daily programming incorporates wellness initiatives, creative arts, music, and spiritual groups.

The property welcomes pets and features a neighborhood walk score of 73, indicating a highly walkable environment with pedestrian access to regional parks, retail outlets, and restaurants. For medical convenience, the building sits within short driving proximity of the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.

Interested families and prospective residents can contact the Snelling Avenue South administrative office directly to inquire about apartment floor plans, confirm current entry fees, or coordinate a property tour.

Contact The Waters of Highland Park

Overview of Highland Path

Set in Ramsey County, St Paul, MN, Highland Path is a dynamic senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living and memory care services. The community offers a maintenance-free living environment nearby shopping, groceries and dining options for meeting with friends and family. Featuring a wide array of flawlessly designed floor plans, the community warrants residents are able to find the ideal residence that matches their lifestyle needs and preferences. Residents needing extra care and support are provided with a 24 hour on-site resident assistant team and access to an array of rehabilitative services for all residents.

Most of the chores like housekeeping and meal preparation are handled by the team to provide residents with convenience and more time to spend on their well-being and enjoyment. Residents also enjoy access to a salon and fitness center, keeping them looking and feeling good. Here, residents’ lives are simplified while being provided with plenty of time and opportunities to live a fulfilling life.

Contact Highland Path

Overview of Talamore Senior Living Woodbury

Experience the carefree retirement you’ve always dreamed of at Talamore Woodbury, a breathtaking senior living community located in Woodbury, MN, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and enhanced care services. The community thoughtfully designed its variety of floor plans to be accessible, aesthetic, and full of features, such as large windows for natural light, new stainless steel appliances, and WiFi access. Residents and their families feel comfortable and supported with a 24-hour emergency response system, dedicated personal care team, and full-time RN.

Ensuring residents live an active and fulfilling lifestyle, the community provides a comprehensive Life Enrichment program featuring a diverse array of activities and classes. A fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment & regularly scheduled exercise programming, ensures residents maintain their strength and mobility. Residents stay nourished and healthy with healthy meals that cater to an array of dietary requests. Amenities include a library, bistro, fireside lounge, scheduled outings, and their Foresite technology for proactively managing and anticipating residents’ care needs.

Contact Talamore Senior Living Woodbury

Overview of Keystone Place at LaValle Fields

Discover a peculiar senior living community located in the welcoming neighborhood of Hugo, MN. This community provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Here, residents can choose from well-appointed and spacious accommodations including one-bedroom and two-bedroom. Having a trained and compassionate team, this community provides a cutting-edge memory program called Holistic Harbors, with a deeply inclusive and holistic approach, for those with cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Committed to providing an inspiring and enabling environment, residents can enjoy top-notch amenities and services, including weekly housekeeping and linen service, on-site wellness resources, and scheduled transportation. Meet new people and create meaningful memories with its diverse social activities and community events. At the Keystone Place at La Valle Fields, seniors can truly enjoy a classic living experience.

Contact Keystone Place at LaValle Fields

Overview of Majestic Pines Senior Living

Majestic Senior Living Pines specializes in exceptional assisted senior living, offering living spaces characterized by excellence in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Their memory care services also stand out due to their personalized approach, with dedicated and highly trained staff crafting individualized care plans. Recognizing that assisted living and memory care is unique to each individual, they collaborate closely with clients’ physicians and families, tailoring therapies accordingly.

The home boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center and aquatic-based fitness and therapy program, ensuring residents have access to top-notch amenities. Their living options are spacious, featuring one and two-bedroom apartments equipped with full kitchens, in-home washers and dryers, and accessible bathrooms. Moreover, the community fosters a close-knit environment with common living areas and 24-hour licensed staffing. Residents can also enjoy engaging activities such as warm water pool sessions and massages, creating a vibrant and enriching everyday experience.

Contact Majestic Pines Senior Living

Overview of Cardigan Ridge Senior Living

Redefining senior living, Cardigan Ridge Senior Living in Ramsey County, Canada, MN offers an idyllic senior living community with an array of living options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents can choose their preferred accommodation among excellently designed studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, walk-in showers, WiFi access, and individual heating and A/C. The community maintains residents’ dignity, independence, and well-being by providing them with compassionate care and supportive services.

At Cardigan Ridge, there’s always something fun to do with an array of social and recreational events on-site and off-site–from live musical performances and holiday parties to fitness and educational programs. The community also provides restaurant-style dining featuring nutritious and delicious chef-prepared meals. With caring associates, an engaging community, and comprehensive services that fit residents’ unique lifestyles, Cardigan Ridge Senior Living guarantees a nurturing environment that preserves independence and encourages fulfilling living.

Contact Cardigan Ridge Senior Living

Overview of The Waters on Mayowood

The Waters on Mayowood offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Rochester, MN. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for a resident who may be at risk of wandering, and the range of care levels can suit someone whose needs may grow over time without leaving the community.

The community has 232 beds and offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom housing options. A two-bedroom layout can suit a couple moving together, while a one-bedroom option provides a single living arrangement. The starting price is $3,395, although the available facts do not specify which care level that rate covers.

Pets are allowed, so residents may be able to bring a pet with them. A salon and spa provide on-site personal-care services, while chef-prepared cuisine is served in an inviting dining atmosphere. With a Walk Score of 32, the area is car-dependent, meaning most errands require a car or a ride for residents who no longer drive.

Contact The Waters on Mayowood

Overview of Duluth Heights Lodge Senior Living

Duluth Heights Lodge Senior Living offers an unmatched level of quality service that is all focused on promoting and improving individual wellness. The independent living and assisted senior living environment offers a stimulating atmosphere that helps residents maintain a level of independence while receiving additional support. Duluth Heights is where residents can be better versions of themselves– leading to a purposeful life experienced during their golden years.

There is a list of comprehensive amenities and services that help make the lives of its residents hassle-free such as including 24-hour licensed supervision, medication services, balanced meals provided, engaging activities scheduled, and a full-service salon available. Respite stays are allowed.

Contact Duluth Heights Lodge Senior Living

Overview of Oak Terrace Assisted Living of North Mankato

Live your retirement life in a bliss with Oak Terrace Assisted Living of North Mankato, a paradisal senior living community in North Mankato, MN. The community offers different lifestyle options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, making sure residents have access to the services they need for their continuously changing needs. Bright and cozy accommodations are offered to give residents a relaxing space for enjoying their precious personal time or inviting friends over.

A vibrant range of activities and fitness classes help residents stay active and inspired to live a dynamic and fulfilling life. Various amenities, such as a beauty salon, movie theater, library, fireplaces, and relaxing outdoor spaces are also offered to make residents’ living experience more enjoyable and convenient. Here, residents have access to the support, convenience, and programming they need to lead the lifestyle they want and deserve.

Contact Oak Terrace Assisted Living of North Mankato

Overview of Aviva River Bend

Resting amidst the tranquil surroundings of Silver Lake Place in Rochester, Minnesota, Aviva River Bend (Formerly River Bend Assisted Living & Memory Care) stands as an exceptional senior living community, offering an experience that transcends expectations. Beyond its captivating features, this riverfront community provides access to the scenic Zumba River, offering a tranquil retreat for leisurely walks and moments of reflection. Located near retail stores, pharmacies, and healthcare providers, Aviva River Bend ensures easy access to essential services, enhancing convenience and peace of mind for seniors. Transportation services are also available, facilitating seamless mobility for residents.

Residents can invigorate their bodies and minds at the state-of-the-art fitness center while indulging in pampering sessions at the on-site beauty and barber shop. Social spaces, thoughtfully designed to elevate everyday moments, provide an avenue for connection and enrichment. With a 24-hour emergency alert system in place, residents can also rest assured knowing they are well-protected. Engaging day trips and thoughtfully planned activities contribute to a vibrant community life, while services such as medication management and a concierge offering fax, copy, and notary services cater to the diverse needs of residents. The cozy library, equipped with computers and more, provides a quiet sanctuary for relaxation and intellectual pursuits.

Contact AVIVA River Bend

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.