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Best Independent Living in Vermont

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 29 independent living communities in Vermont using Vermont Dept. of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in VT
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jul 2026
We analyzed
29 homes
Other senior care options in Vermont:
Avg Walk Score: 44/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Vermont. 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: 109The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Vermont. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90
Overview of Wake Robin – Linden Nursing Center

Located in Shelburne, Vermont, overlooking Lake Champlain, Wake Robin is a non-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including independent living, residential care, skilled nursing, and memory care. Wake Robin is committed to fostering a sustainable and dynamic community that promotes mutual support and independence while prioritizing the health and wellness of each resident. 
Embracing diversity and upholding the dignity of all, Wake Robin warmly welcomes individuals from various backgrounds. Whether residing in a cozy apartment, cottage, or receiving nursing support at the Linden Health Center, senior residents are encouraged to actively engage in the vibrant community life. 

Contact Wake Robin – Linden Nursing Center

Overview of Mc Kenzie House

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.

Contact Mc Kenzie House

Overview of Vermont Center for Independent Living

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.

Contact Vermont Center For Independent Living

Overview of Three Cathedral Square

Established in 1977, Three Cathedral Square is an assisted living and independent living community in Burlington’s Old North End. The community offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans, which range from 450 to 570 square feet. It provides independent living and assisted housing. There are also dedicated memory care services in a smoke-free and well-maintained setting.

The community emphasizes environmental responsibility through sustainable building practices and energy-efficient features. Residents have access to free on-site parking, dedicated garden spaces, and a full calendar of social, cultural, and recreational activities that encourage engagement. Pets are also welcome in the community. Two pets are allowed per home in recognition of the companionship they provide.

Telephone, internet, and cable television are included in the rental rate, so it’s easier for residents to manage their monthly expenses. The community has a Walk Score of 93. It’s a walker’s paradise where daily errands and many shops can be reached on foot. It is also just 0. 4 miles from Burlington’s city center, providing convenient access to downtown dining and cultural attractions.

Three Cathedral Square participates in Vermont’s state-supported care programs. These include the ACCS Program for personal care and homemaker services and the ERC Program, which provides nursing-level care as an alternative to traditional nursing home placement. The community also offers memory care for residents whose needs change over time. Its continued existence since 1977 and its dedication to sustainable practices are evidence of its long term, considered stewardship.

Contact Three Cathedral Square

Overview of Fern Hill Apartments

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.

Contact Fern Hill Apartments

Overview of Heineberg Senior Housing

Embrace a fulfilling lifestyle and a strong sense of community at Heineberg Senior Housing, where every day brings new opportunities for enjoyment and connection. Heineberg Senior Housing is a single-family neighborhood in the New North End of Burlington. Designed to be affordable for adults over the age of 55, Heineberg offers a comfortable and welcoming environment. Conveniently located just three miles from downtown Burlington, with easy access to North Avenue and the Ethan Allen Shopping Center, residents can enjoy the best of both worlds – a tranquil setting with proximity to city amenities.

Surrounded by natural beauty, Heineberg Senior Housing is in close proximity to the Burlington bike path, providing miles of paved trails with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Additionally, residents benefit from the Heineberg Community Senior Center located right next door, where numerous social and recreational activities await. 

Contact Heineberg Senior Housing

Overview of Maple Village

Maple Village is the ideal place for residents to experience an active lifestyle where they can fulfill independence and support throughout. The affordable 65+ (and 18+) community understands the importance of happiness and serenity, ensuring that each resident can receive only the best care in a cozy and home-like environment.

Services offered at Maple Village include an emergency response system, an elevator, mobility assistance services, ADLs, handicap-accessible transportation services, a game room, shared spaces, and an in-house nurse available.

Contact Maple Village

Overview of Taft Farms Senior Living Community

Taft Farms Senior Living Community is a 55+ independent living community in Williston, VT, offering one- and two-bedroom apartments. Promoting a lively and inviting environment, the community ensures older adults find their new home. Most apartments include heat, hot water, and electricity for residents’ convenience. The community also helps with maintenance requests to help residents maintain their independence with ease.

Here, residents have quick access to activities and leisure opportunities, as there are various recreation sites in the area. Communal spaces are also available, providing residents with more spaces for interaction. Located near the U.S. Highway 2, restaurants, and other local amenities in Williston, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. This independent living community is committed to helping older adults live independently in retirement, making it an ideal choice for senior living in Vermont.

Contact Taft Farms Senior Living Community

Overview of The Woodlands at Stowe

Located in the heart of Stowe, Vermont, The Woodlands at Stowe is an active 55+ independent living community that offers seniors a vibrant retirement environment bursting with community spirit. The community offers a maintenance-free apartment-style living designed with residents comfort and security in mind. With a professional on-site management team and resident services coordinator available, residents are guaranteed peace of mind knowing they have easy access to assistance and support should they need it.

At The Woodlands, residents enjoy a maintenance-free living with housekeeping, laundry, building maintenance and repairs, landscaping and snow removal handled by a hardworking support team. Fostering a full & active lifestyle, the community conducts regularly scheduled activities, such as exercise classes, live musical performances, and sightseeing excursions. Residents also enjoy chef-prepared meals daily and an array of amenities, such as a library, an exercise room, and beautiful outdoor common spaces for relaxation or socializing.

Contact The Woodlands at Stowe

Overview of Pines Senior Living Community Vt

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.

Contact Pines Senior Living Community VT

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.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in Vermont

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 29 independent living communities in Vermont. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in Vermont?

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 Vermont, 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 Vermont?

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.