
Enjoying your golden years doesn’t mean having to give up independence and your way of life. At Fern Hill Apartments, independent senior living is made affordable and pleasurable, with your own private abode in a close knit community of fellow retirees. Offering one- to two-bedroom apartments, your sense of style carries on; while the units come equipped with a kitchen, stove, sink and refrigerator, furniture is at your own discretion.
Enjoy your freedom while also having access to a plethora of recreational activities organized by Fern Hill’s courteous staff, led by their Resident Services Coordinator. Mix and mingle at a weekend picnic, make merry during holiday festivities, attend classes and seminars, all while being able to monitor vital signs at clinics. Fancy a by-line or artistic spot in the community newsletter? Seize the opportunity and make the most of your independent living program at Fern Hill.
In downtown Burlington, McKenzie House Apartments is a housing complex for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Offering 36 federally assisted one-bedroom apartments, this assisted living community fosters independent living in a welcoming and tight-knit environment. Each one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit is thoughtfully designed, featuring spacious living areas, on-site laundry facilities, and a community room. The community room boasts a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable seating areas, and a screened-in porch—an ideal space for socializing.
Residents at McKenzie House Apartments benefit from easy access to the Greater Burlington Area through the nearby GMT transit station. Moreover, McKenzie House offers a calendar of seasonal activities organized by staff and residents throughout the year, ensuring an engaging and vibrant living experience for all. Just a block from the Church Street Marketplace and a short stroll from the picturesque Lake Champlain, McKenzie House provides residents with the perfect blend of urban convenience and natural beauty.
Located in downtown Burlington, Vermont, Vermont Center for Independent Living is an independent living and assisted living community about one-third of a mile from the city center. The community specializes in supporting people with disabilities by combining accessible housing with comprehensive services that promote independence, dignity, and community connection.
The community offers private and semi-private rooms in a single-story building, giving residents flexible housing options in an accessible setting. The downtown location has a Walk Score of 91. It’s a walker’s paradise. Residents and visitors can easily reach shops, services, and neighborhood amenities on foot without needing a car.
Core services include community access programs, peer advocacy counseling, and home access support. There are also deaf independence programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents. Transportation services, fitness and recreation programs, and on-site vaccination services support resident health and engagement.
Vermont Center for Independent Living believes that people with disabilities should live with dignity and as much independence as possible. The community listens to residents, respects their choices, and provides the care and support they need. Helping residents enjoy a good quality of life and make their own decisions is an important part of the community’s approach.
Operating since 1995, Pines Senior Living Community Vt is an independent living community on Aspen Drive in South Burlington, Vermont, serving adults aged 55 and older who want to maintain an independent lifestyle with optional support services. Designed to resemble a traditional New England inn, it focuses on maintenance-free living rather than personal or medical care.
One- and two-bedroom apartments feature open floor plans with a kitchen, combined living and dining area, and a private bathroom. Older adults manage their own daily routines while having access to optional dining services, daily activities, and monthly resident gatherings that encourage social engagement.
The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 58, making some errands accessible on foot, while other destinations are more conveniently reached by car.
Cathedral Square, established in 1977 and nestled in South Burlington, Vermont, offers a diverse range of senior living options. These encompass independent living apartments, assisted living homes, and dedicated memory care options. Committed to environmentally sustainable building practices and energy efficiency, Cathedral Square ensures that its facilities maintain high-quality standards while remaining affordable for seniors.
In a dedicated effort to create a healthy, smoke-free environment, Cathedral Square maintains well-maintained premises staffed by dedicated professionals. Residents can take advantage of various amenities, including free on-site parking, a vibrant calendar of social, cultural, and recreational activities, and dedicated garden spaces for their enjoyment. The community welcomes up to two pets and extends cost-effective perks such as discounted cable rates. Notably, utilities like telephone, internet, and cable TV are all included in the rent, enhancing the convenience of living at Cathedral Square. With an array of inviting community spaces, Cathedral Square prioritizes the well-being and comfort of its residents, creating an engaging and professionally managed living environment.
Ranking Methodology
How we rank these independent living communities
Every community above is evaluated across six weighted categories using public data including state inspection records, review platforms, BBB profiles, and operator-published materials.
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
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in South Burlington, VT
What is the average cost of independent living in South Burlington, VT?
The average monthly cost of independent living in South Burlington, VT is approximately $2,241. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.
What is the price range for independent living in South Burlington, VT?
Independent living in South Burlington, VT typically ranges from $891 - $3,561 per month, depending on the community, room type, and care needs.
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 5 independent living communities in South Burlington, VT. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right independent living community in South Burlington, VT?
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 South Burlington, VT, 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 South Burlington, VT?
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.








