Page 7 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. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. 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.
Sunrise of Minnetonka
IL
AL
MC
Minnetonka
74
Facility 74
MN AVG 61
Rank #187 / 517
Yes
31
Facility 31
MN AVG 45
Rank #401 / 602
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
50.0%
Facility 50.0%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #223 / 259
88.4%
Facility 88.4%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #34 / 149
1
16
Facility 16
MN AVG 10
Rank #218 / 274
16.0
Facility 16.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #228 / 274
The Pillars of Mankato
IL
AL
MC
Mankato
140
Facility 140
MN AVG 61
Rank #44 / 517
Yes
9
Facility 9
MN AVG 45
Rank #558 / 602
--
84.4%
Facility 84.4%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #53 / 149
1
3
Facility 3
MN AVG 10
Rank #14 / 274
3.0
Facility 3.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #19 / 274
Brookdale Mankato
IL
AL
CCRC(
MC
NH
SNF
Mankato
20
Facility 20
MN AVG 61
Rank #344 / 517
Yes
49
Facility 49
MN AVG 45
Rank #255 / 602
Suite
85.0%
Facility 85.0%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #86 / 259
59.6%
Facility 59.6%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #147 / 149
1
14
Facility 14
MN AVG 10
Rank #203 / 274
14.0
Facility 14.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #215 / 274
Sunrise of Golden Valley
IL
AL
MC
Golden Valley
92
Facility 92
MN AVG 61
Rank #135 / 517
Yes
21
Facility 21
MN AVG 45
Rank #484 / 602
Studio / 1 Bed
54.3%
Facility 54.3%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #216 / 259
85.3%
Facility 85.3%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #49 / 149
1
18
Facility 18
MN AVG 10
Rank #233 / 274
18.0
Facility 18.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #242 / 274
Runnstone Senior Living
IL
AL
CCRC(
Minneapolis (Central Minneapolis)
350
Facility 350
MN AVG 61
Rank #2 / 517
No
81
Facility 81
MN AVG 45
Rank #36 / 602
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-
57.5%
Facility 57.5%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #148 / 149
1
9
Facility 9
MN AVG 10
Rank #123 / 274
9.0
Facility 9.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #137 / 274
Havenwood of Maple Grove
IL
AL
CCRC(
MC
Maple Grove
185
Facility 185
MN AVG 61
Rank #13 / 517
No
18
Facility 18
MN AVG 45
Rank #508 / 602
-
76.8%
Facility 76.8%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #141 / 259
82.2%
Facility 82.2%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #67 / 149
1
11
Facility 11
MN AVG 10
Rank #159 / 274
11.0
Facility 11.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #171 / 274
Mankato Lodge Senior Living
IL
AL
RC
Mankato
70
Facility 70
MN AVG 61
Rank #191 / 517
No
56
Facility 56
MN AVG 45
Rank #210 / 602
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-
80.6%
Facility 80.6%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #77 / 149
1
10
Facility 10
MN AVG 10
Rank #140 / 274
10.0
Facility 10.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #152 / 274
Charter House
IL
HOS
NH
SNF
Nw Rochester (Lincolnshire - Arbor Glen)
330
Facility 330
MN AVG 61
Rank #3 / 517
No
59
Facility 59
MN AVG 45
Rank #183 / 602
-----5
9
Facility 9
MN AVG 10
Rank #123 / 274
1.8
Facility 1.8
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #13 / 274
Brookdale Edina
IL
AL
CCRC(
MC
NH
SNF
Minneapolis
377
Facility 377
MN AVG 61
Rank #1 / 517
Yes
61
Facility 61
MN AVG 45
Rank #157 / 602
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
35.0%
Facility 35.0%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #254 / 259
-1
10
Facility 10
MN AVG 10
Rank #140 / 274
10.0
Facility 10.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #152 / 274
Prairie View
IL
AL
MC
Hector
40
Facility 40
MN AVG 61
Rank #284 / 517
No
7
Facility 7
MN AVG 45
Rank #573 / 602
-
77.5%
Facility 77.5%
MN AVG 75.5%
Rank #137 / 259
71.8%
Facility 71.8%
MN AVG 80.3
Rank #123 / 149
1
6
Facility 6
MN AVG 10
Rank #60 / 274
6.0
Facility 6.0
MN AVG 10.0
Rank #72 / 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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Sunrise of Minnetonka

18605 Old Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Overview of Sunrise of Minnetonka

Sunrise of Minnetonka is an senior living community located in Minnetonka, Minnesota, providing residents with every opportunity to focus on their wellness and well-being as they enjoy life alongside good friends. The community offers room rates starting at $2,645 per month and provides life-enriching care in a beautiful setting, with scenic grounds featuring flower and vegetable gardens, light-filled interiors, and a centralized location near Minneapolis and other exciting locales. Sunrise of Minnetonka’s outstanding team delivers loving, compassionate care, fostering a strong sense of community and helping residents experience joy through individualized care plans tailored to their unique needs.

The community offers a variety of amenities and services, including a nostalgic jukebox in the bistro, a living room fireplace, an on-site salon/barber shop, and a culinary team that creates mouth-watering dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Sunrise of Minnetonka welcomes pets with loving cuddles and comfy laps, ensuring a warm and welcoming environment for all. Conveniently located near the intersection of Highways 101 and 7, the community is close to various shopping centers, parks, restaurants, and coffee shops, as well as the famous General Store. Residents have access to medical support from nearby hospitals and care facilities, ensuring comprehensive care and support throughout their stay at Sunrise of Minnetonka.

Contact Sunrise of Minnetonka

Overview of The Pillars of Mankato

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Mankato, MN, The Pillars of Mankato is a reliable senior living community purposely built to offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, and stay by the day options. The community provides residents with reliable care to depend on for their care and assistance needs, making sure they live comfortably and conveniently. Overlooking vast green spaces, the community offers residents a refreshing living environment with cozy and stunning accommodations designed to accommodate their unique needs.

Dedicated to helping residents live fulfilling retirement lives, the community offers a wide array of amenities, such as a rooftop patio, a library, and inviting community room for gatherings. Residents also enjoy various activities and wellness programs designed to enrich their overall living experience. Here, residents enjoy a blissful living experience surrounded by relaxing views and compassionate support.

Contact The Pillars of Mankato

Overview of Brookdale Mankato

Located in Mankato, Minnesota, Brookdale Mankato offers a dynamic assisted living community nestled in a serene residential area adjacent to Lake Dorothy. Residents enjoy a bustling social calendar filled with card games, fitness sessions, creative arts, and regular outings. The community provides personalized care assessments and 24/7 emergency assistance, ensuring peace of mind for residents and their families. Dining at Brookdale Mankato is a delightful experience with restaurant-style meals tailored to individual dietary needs.

At Brookdale Mankato, assisted living means more than just support—it’s about enabling residents to maintain their independence while receiving personalized care as needed. Caregivers assist with daily activities such as grooming and medication management, allowing residents to focus on enjoying life in a supportive and enriching environment.

Contact Brookdale Mankato

Sunrise of Golden Valley

4950 Olson Memorial Hwy Frontage Rd, Golden Valley, MN 55422
Overview of Sunrise of Golden Valley

Sunrise of Golden Valley is a senior living community located at 4550 Olson Memorial Highway in Golden Valley, Minnesota. The three-story property provides assisted living, independent living, and memory care services, holding a designated state approval for specialized dementia care.

The 92-bed residence currently operates at approximately 54 percent occupancy, offering studio and one-bedroom apartment configurations equipped with kitchenettes. Daily life at the community incorporates book clubs, religious services, arts and crafts, and lecture discussions.

Additional provisions include complimentary local transportation, pet-friendly accommodations, and hospice care options. Sited roughly two miles from North Memorial Health Hospital, the facility carries a walk score of 21, indicating a car-dependent neighborhood where daily errands require a vehicle.

Prospective residents can contact the Olson Memorial Highway administrative office directly to confirm current apartment availability, request floor plans, or coordinate an in-person tour.

Contact Sunrise of Golden Valley

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

Havenwood of Maple Grove

18695 73Rd Ave N, Maple Grove, MN 55311
Overview of Havenwood of Maple Grove

Indulge in a low-stress and maintenance-free lifestyle at Havenwood of Maple Grove, a thriving senior living community in Hennepin County, Maple Grove, MN, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Spend your retirement days in beautifully designed and well-maintained accommodations while being supported by a dedicated team, available to provide round-the-clock assistance and supervision. Memory care residents are provided with personalized routines and activities that mirror their former lifestyles and interests through the Village Program.

At Havenwood of Maple Grove, residents are surrounded with plenty of opportunities for engagement and wellness, as well as a community of like-minded individuals who share the same enthusiasm for a vibrant living experience. There’s never a dull moment with their wide array of activities, including regular socials, live entertainment, lifelong learning, and fitness and wellness programs. The community handles maintenance, housekeeping and cooking, sor residents have more time to explore the convenient amenities that foster learning, staying fit, and spending more time with the people they love the most.

Contact Havenwood of Maple Grove

Overview of Mankato Lodge Senior Living

Located in Mankato, MN, Mankato Lodge Senior Living is a reliable senior living community that offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Respite Care. The community provides a serene retreat for seniors who wish to spend their golden years actively and independently. With an array of floor plans to choose from, including spacious studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, residents are sure to find the one that matches their needs. A dedicated and compassionate care team is available to provide various services designed to make residents’ lives easier.

Understanding the challenges of aging, the community provides their Aging Experience program which stimulates what aging may feel like for seniors and educates families and their team more about it. An array of interesting social and leisure activities are available to provide residents opportunities for fun, relaxation, and building connections. The community’s culinary team works with a registered dietitian in creating menus and meals that cater to residents’ unique dietary and nutritional needs. Here, everyday living is made easier, so residents have plenty of time to enjoy a life full of leisure and fun.

Contact Mankato Lodge Senior Living

Overview of Charter House
Charter House is a senior living community in Rochester, MN, owned by Mayo Clinic. It offers independent living with a focus on wellness and access to top-tier healthcare. Residents enjoy a variety of amenities, including gourmet dining, fitness programs, and over 300 activities each month.

Contact Charter House

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

Overview of Prairie View

Ideally set in the lively neighborhood of Hector, MN, Prairie View is an idyllic haven that offers assisted living. Residents can ease their worries with top-tier services for daily living activities around the clock. With accessible accommodations, residents are guaranteed the utmost comfort and safety during their stay.

Cozy communal spaces and engaging activities allow residents to interact with their surroundings and explore new interests. Delicious and well-balanced meals are also served to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. With medication management, residents do not have to worry about their prescriptions. The community is a good option for those needing assistance to live a blissful retirement, especially with its beautifully maintained amenities.

Contact Prairie View

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.