Other senior care options in Worcester:

Page 2 of Best Independent Living in Worcester, MA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 12 independent living communities in Worcester, MA using MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in MA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jul 2026
We analyzed
12 homes
Other senior care options in Worcester:
Avg Walk Score: 44/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Worcester, MA. 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: 68The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Worcester, MA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent Living around Worcester (Metro Area)

Info below is compiled from the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs, senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

Colony III
IL
Worcester (Forest Grove)
-Yes
75
Facility 75
MA AVG 53
Rank #149 / 498
1 Bed / 2 Bed
46
Facility 46
MA AVG 22
Rank #2 / 181
No
Webster Square Towers East & West Apartments
IL
Worcester (Main South)
-No
86
Facility 86
MA AVG 53
Rank #81 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-No
Atria Draper Place
IL
AL
MC
Hopedale
68
Facility 68
MA AVG 94
Rank #193 / 276
Yes
47
Facility 47
MA AVG 53
Rank #276 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
27
Facility 27
MA AVG 22
Rank #62 / 181
No
Homestead Hall
IL
AL
RC
Worcester (South Worcester)
-Yes
78
Facility 78
MA AVG 53
Rank #133 / 498
--No
Bet Shalom Senior Apartments
IL
Worcester (Newton Square)
-No
66
Facility 66
MA AVG 53
Rank #193 / 498
1 Bed-No
Benchmark Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Shrewsbury
-Yes
11
Facility 11
MA AVG 53
Rank #466 / 498
Studio / 1 Bed
27
Facility 27
MA AVG 22
Rank #62 / 181
No
Saint Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
IL
NH
PC
RC
SNF
Worcester
-Yes
83
Facility 83
MA AVG 53
Rank #102 / 498
--No
Coes Pond Village
IL
Worcester (Webster Square)
-No
15
Facility 15
MA AVG 53
Rank #443 / 498
1 Bed / 2 Bed-No
The Arbella at Bramble Hill
IL
Worcester (West Tatnuck)
-Yes
1
Facility 1
MA AVG 53
Rank #494 / 498
1 Bed / 2 Bed-No
Manor on the Hill
IL
ADC
AL
MC
Worcester
-No
45
Facility 45
MA AVG 53
Rank #289 / 498
--No
The Briarwood Community
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Worcester (Briarwood Retirement Community)
-Yes
9
Facility 9
MA AVG 53
Rank #476 / 498
--No
The Health Center at The Willows
IL
AL
HC
HOS
MC
NH
SNF
Worcester (Forest Grove)
-No
11
Facility 11
MA AVG 53
Rank #466 / 498
--No
Overview of The Briarwood Community

The Briarwood Community is a multi-level senior living community at 65 Briarwood Circle in the peaceful woods area of Worcester, Massachusetts. It offers an array of living options to suit different needs and preferences: independent cottages, independent apartments, and assisted apartments across its independent living, assisted living, and memory care programs.

The home highlights fostering close-knit, supportive connections among occupants. A standout feature is the cutting-edge wellness center, which has an updated pool, sauna, and various fitness classes tailored to keep residents active and engaged. The dining program offers quality meals served in a comfortable setting that promotes social interaction. The Briarwood Community offers activities tailored to different lifestyles, ensuring there’s always something for occupants to enjoy, whether they prefer socializing, staying active, or pursuing hobbies and personal interests. The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 9, indicating it’s car-dependent. Most errands and outings then require a vehicle.

Residents and families can contact the community directly for more information or to arrange a tour.

Contact The Briarwood Community

Overview of The Health Center at the Willows

The Health Center at the Willows, located on Barry Road in Worcester, is a place that offers spacious individual rooms and various amenities for its residents. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere here makes it feel like home. The residents can enjoy interactive programs and exciting excursions tailored to their preferences, while living in a neighborhood-like setting. The dining experience is simply amazing. The talented chefs and dietitians ensure the meals are delicious, healthy, and elevate the dining experience. 

They also have a library, a salon, and a barber shop, where residents can relax and take care of their grooming needs. In addition to these amenities, the home offers various services, including housekeeping and linen, pharmacy and physician orders, emergency call lights, and local or long-distance telephone service within the United States. The outdoor space is landscaped beautifully, providing a perfect spot for residents to relax and enjoy the fresh air. 

Contact The Health Center at The Willows

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
Submit a correction
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today

Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in Worcester, MA

What is the average cost of independent living in Worcester, MA?

The average monthly cost of independent living in Worcester, MA is approximately $2,890. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

What is the price range for independent living in Worcester, MA?

Independent living in Worcester, MA typically ranges from $694 - $4,187 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 12 independent living communities in Worcester, MA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in Worcester, MA?

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 Worcester, MA, 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 Worcester, MA?

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.