Page 6 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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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.
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.
Amira Choice Bloomington
IL
AL
MC
Bloomington (West Bloomington)
145
Facility 145
MN AVG 110
Rank #31 / 167
Yes
37
Facility 37
MN AVG 46
Rank #131 / 217
--
92.5%
Facility 92.5%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #3 / 76
1
3
Facility 3
MN AVG 10
Rank #5 / 89
3.0
Facility 3.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #9 / 89
Brookdale Willmar
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
West Willmar
20
Facility 20
MN AVG 110
Rank #160 / 167
Yes
57
Facility 57
MN AVG 46
Rank #79 / 217
Suite
85.0%
Facility 85.0%
MN AVG 76.7%
Rank #31 / 80
48.2%
Facility 48.2%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #76 / 76
1
10
Facility 10
MN AVG 10
Rank #44 / 89
10.0
Facility 10.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #51 / 89
AVIVA River Bend
IL
AL
MC
RC
Rochester (Riverside Center)
90
Facility 90
MN AVG 110
Rank #101 / 167
Yes
78
Facility 78
MN AVG 46
Rank #22 / 217
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
73.3%
Facility 73.3%
MN AVG 76.7%
Rank #55 / 80
92%
Facility 92%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #4 / 76
1
24
Facility 24
MN AVG 10
Rank #84 / 89
24.0
Facility 24.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #87 / 89
Duluth Heights Lodge Senior Living
IL
AL
Duluth (Duluth Heights)
90
Facility 90
MN AVG 110
Rank #101 / 167
Yes
23
Facility 23
MN AVG 46
Rank #164 / 217
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
88.9%
Facility 88.9%
MN AVG 76.7%
Rank #23 / 80
78.4%
Facility 78.4%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #50 / 76
1
12
Facility 12
MN AVG 10
Rank #59 / 89
12.0
Facility 12.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #66 / 89
Oak Terrace Assisted Living of North Mankato
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
North Mankato
90
Facility 90
MN AVG 110
Rank #101 / 167
No
31
Facility 31
MN AVG 46
Rank #148 / 217
-
96.7%
Facility 96.7%
MN AVG 76.7%
Rank #7 / 80
83.7%
Facility 83.7%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #33 / 76
1
10
Facility 10
MN AVG 10
Rank #44 / 89
10.0
Facility 10.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #51 / 89
Open Arms Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
Duluth (East Duluth)
30
Facility 30
MN AVG 110
Rank #157 / 167
No
7
Facility 7
MN AVG 46
Rank #206 / 217
Private Rooms
76.7%
Facility 76.7%
MN AVG 76.7%
Rank #49 / 80
91%
Facility 91%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #9 / 76
1
11
Facility 11
MN AVG 10
Rank #55 / 89
11.0
Facility 11.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #62 / 89
Runnstone Senior Living
IL
AL
CCRC
Minneapolis (Central Minneapolis)
350
Facility 350
MN AVG 110
Rank #2 / 167
No
81
Facility 81
MN AVG 46
Rank #18 / 217
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-
57.5%
Facility 57.5%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #75 / 76
1
9
Facility 9
MN AVG 10
Rank #37 / 89
9.0
Facility 9.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #46 / 89
Charter House
IL
HOS
NH
SNF
Nw Rochester (Lincolnshire - Arbor Glen)
330
Facility 330
MN AVG 110
Rank #3 / 167
No
59
Facility 59
MN AVG 46
Rank #73 / 217
-----5
9
Facility 9
MN AVG 10
Rank #37 / 89
1.8
Facility 1.8
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #7 / 89
Brookdale Eden Prairie
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Eden Prairie
52
Facility 52
MN AVG 110
Rank #146 / 167
Yes
42
Facility 42
MN AVG 46
Rank #119 / 217
Suite
59.6%
Facility 59.6%
MN AVG 76.7%
Rank #66 / 80
77.8%
Facility 77.8%
MN AVG 80.1
Rank #52 / 76
1
10
Facility 10
MN AVG 10
Rank #44 / 89
10.0
Facility 10.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #51 / 89
Brookdale Edina
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Minneapolis
377
Facility 377
MN AVG 110
Rank #1 / 167
Yes
61
Facility 61
MN AVG 46
Rank #64 / 217
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
35.0%
Facility 35.0%
MN AVG 76.7%
Rank #77 / 80
-1
10
Facility 10
MN AVG 10
Rank #44 / 89
10.0
Facility 10.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #51 / 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 Amira Choice Bloomington

Amira Choice Bloomington promises a beautiful experience with its exquisite services and elegant interior, it ensures a trusted choice with the service they provide for independent living, assisted living, and memory care residents. Through their upscale senior living, they ensure that residents are celebrated for their individuality and independence. As its name suggests, choosing Amira Choice means choosing your health and wellness.

Comfort, flexibility, and luxury are the pillars of the upscale retirement home. Expect five-star, hotel-like services from a team of dedicated and professional staff to attend to your needs. Its elegant lifestyle extends to beautiful gardens, an in-house movie theater, restaurant-style dining, scheduled transportation, housekeeping services, and engaging activities planned.

Contact Amira Choice Bloomington

Brookdale Willmar

1501 19Th Avenue South West, Willmar, MN 56201
Overview of Brookdale Willmar

Burrowed in the picturesque town of Willmar, Minnesota, Brookdale Willmar offers a welcoming assisted living lifestyle for seniors seeking to redefine their independence. Nestled in a serene, secure setting, the community offers a carefree environment where residents can engage in their favorite activities, from leisurely walks to spirited card games, without the hassle of home maintenance, lawn care, or grocery shopping. The apartment-style community combines the comforts of home with the convenience of having everything taken care of, allowing residents to focus on enjoying life to the fullest.

Assisted living at Brookdale Willmar is designed to provide the perfect balance of support and independence for seniors. Residents receive personalized care tailored to their needs, whether it’s assistance with dressing, bathing, or daily tasks like housekeeping, laundry, and meals. With compassionate care available 24/7, residents and their families can have peace of mind knowing help is always at hand. The vibrant community features an exciting calendar of activities, restaurant-style dining, and excellent amenities, including an on-site beauty salon, piano, and beautiful courtyard gardens.

Starting Price $5,500/Month

Contact Brookdale Willmar

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.

$3,985/Month

Contact AVIVA River Bend

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.

Starting Price $2,500/Month

Contact Oak Terrace Assisted Living of North Mankato

Open Arms Senior Living

4414 Martin Rd, Duluth, MN 55803
Overview of Open Arms Senior Living

Tucked away in beautiful Duluth, MN, Open Arms Senior Living is a trusted senior living community offering trusted assisted living and memory care services. Live in comfort and style with the beautifully designed and accommodating residences of Open Arms Senior Living. The community boasts a team of dedicated and well-trained professionals providing top-tier care and support for seniors to thrive and live their lives to the fullest.

With its commitment to enhancing seniors’ quality of life, the community carefully crafts care plans tailored to seniors’ special needs and aspirations. Meet people from diverse backgrounds and learn new things through enjoyable activities and engaging programs. There is always something to look forward to with healthy and tasty meals catering to dietary needs and preferences. Open Arms Senior Living is a great place for seniors to enjoy their golden years wholly with its fabulous amenities and serene landscapes.

Contact Open Arms Senior Living

Overview of Runnstone Senior Living

Experience the best of your golden years at Runnstone Senior Living, a blissful retreat in Minneapolis, MN, offering independent living. The community features beautifully furnished and cozy one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents ease their worries with on-site maintenance, laundry services, and a state-of-the-art security system.

With a thoughtfully curated calendar of fun recreational activities and engaging programs, residents are encouraged to live actively and make new friends. Meal services are also provided to satisfy residents’ dietary needs. Amenities include a fitness center, a clubhouse, a multipurpose room, and a vast courtyard, creating the ideal setting for residents to thrive in retirement.

Contact Runnstone Senior Living

Overview of Charter House

In Rochester, MN, Charter House delivers independent living, nursing home care, hospice care, and skilled nursing care.

Under independent living, a resident gets the community’s services and no daily care. Skilled nursing is the level at which care becomes a nursing job. Hospice care is there for a resident whose treatment has given way to comfort at the end of life. The range holds for a resident whose needs change, because the next level is licensed here too.

Three hundred and thirty beds is high-capacity, and more residents means more programming on the calendar. Total nursing time comes out to 9 hours and 53 minutes per resident, each day, on average. Rehabilitation Services handle the recovery stay after an illness, an injury, or a hospital course, and Short-Term Rehab is named beside it.

A Fitness Center and a Wellness Center are named among the amenities, as are a Salon and a Spa. Garden and Gardening are on the same list, and so is Transportation. Dining and a Café mean a resident has the choice whether to eat in or take food away.

Two payment routes are named, Medicare and private pay. Medicare covers the short skilled stretch of care that follows a hospital stay, and not an open-ended residence; private pay is money out of a family’s own account.

Somewhat walkable is the classification of the area based on its Walk Score of 59; some errands are within walking distance.

Contact Charter House

Overview of Brookdale Eden Prairie

Brookdale Eden Prairie is a continuing care retirement community in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing. Independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with bathing, dressing, and medication management. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Having several care levels in one community may suit a resident whose needs grow over time and who may want to remain in the same community. Brookdale Eden Prairie has 52 beds, with housing available in suite layouts. Pets are allowed, so residents can bring a pet with them.

Residents can use the fitness center and therapy room, visit the café or bistro, and make appointments at the beauty or barber shop. The courtyard and garden offer places to spend time outdoors. Transportation and outings provide ways to leave the community for planned activities. A Walk Score of 42 places the area in a car dependent setting, so most errands require a car or a ride.

Contact Brookdale Eden Prairie

Brookdale Edina

3330 Edinborough Way, Minneapolis, MN 55435
Overview of Brookdale Edina

Nestled in the charming city of Edina, Minnesota, Brookdale Edina offers a range of senior living options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, all on one campus. This vibrant community, part of the expansive Edinborough Park, allows residents to enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens, walking paths, a swimming pool, and a performance theater. With personalized care tailored to individual needs, residents can live more adventurously and worry less about daily chores.

Brookdale Edina provides a dynamic lifestyle with various activities both on and off campus. Residents can explore local attractions like the Walker Art Center’s sculpture garden or catch a Twins game at Target Field. On-site, they can participate in tai chi classes, writing workshops, or the chess club. The dining experience is exceptional, with chef-prepared meals in an elegant setting and specialized options for memory care residents, ensuring everyone enjoys nutritious and delicious food.

Contact Brookdale Edina

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