About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2025 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2025 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2025 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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10 Best Independent Living Communities in Durham, ME

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The cost of independent living in Durham is about $5,985 per month. To find the best independent living for your preferences and budget, browse these 23 options. Read 122 reviews, see photos, and learn about amenities that make independent living the ideal next step for adults 55+ who wish to enjoy friendships and hobbies without the hassle of cooking and home maintenance.

As you explore independent living near you, you may also want to consider options in areas like You may also consider nearby communities such as Portland, Falmouth and Brunswick.

Durham Independent Living Facilities | 122 Reviews

Showing 21 communities
Last Updated: 12/5/25
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Photo of Schooner Estates Senior Living
88 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
9.4
Review score
40 reviews
9.4
Review score
40 reviews
5 star
82%
4 star
13%
3 star
5%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
What we like the most about the community is that the staff was caring and good activities. Yes, we would recommend Schooner Estates Senior Living community to other families based on the experience so far.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
At Schooner Estates Senior Living Community, we’ve created a home with you in mind. Our spacious, well-appointed apartments and studios, customized services, delicious meals, and wide array of activities make life enjoyable and worry free. We offer Independent living, Assisted Living and...
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Photo of The Highlands
2020 Photos available
8.6
Review score
27 reviews
8.6
Review score
27 reviews
5 star
51%
4 star
30%
3 star
4%
2 star
11%
1 star
4%
See all reviews
The Highlands: place, staff and residents have been excellent! I would definitely recommend if: you enjoy art, music, gardening and the company of residents who are retired teachers and professors.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
The Highlands is located in the historic district of Topsham, next door to Brunswick and Bowdoin College, and 25 miles from Portland, Maine's largest city. The Highlands offers a continuum of care in magnificent natural setting, covering 75 acres complete with meandering walking trails....
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Photo of Bay Square at Yarmouth
1515 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
8.2
Review score
34 reviews
8.2
Review score
34 reviews
5 star
53%
4 star
29%
3 star
18%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I would give them a 4. The staff is very caring, the facility is clean - like many places they were struggling with enough staff. Overall this is a place I would recommend.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Like a grand seaside inn, Bay Square at Yarmouth extends a warm and majestic invitation to all who come its way. Inside, the atmosphere is filled with joy of family, fond memories and proud traditions. Welcome to Senior living 'the way it was meant to be!' Splendidly located just beyond the...
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Photo of Sunnybrook
55 Photos available
5 star
60%
4 star
30%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
10%
See all reviews
My brother and I toured 3 different facilities. We chose Sunnybrook because we got a great vibe and it was the only one that we could really see her being happy here. The size, the staff, the tour,...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Sunnybrook, in Brunswick, ME is conveniently located just off Route 24 and proudly offers independent living and assisted living. This charming community boasts a home-like environment and beautifully appointed apartments, many with picturesque Moose Pond views. Sunnybrook is now proud to be...
8.0
Review score
2 reviews
8.0
Review score
2 reviews
5 star
50%
4 star
50%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
We liked that she could have her own room even though she shares an area outside of her room with one other person. Staff have not been extremely accountable. They have had a lot of turn over. Once my mom...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Montello Heights
8.0
Review score
1 review
8.0
Review score
1 review
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I continue to be impressed, almost on a daily basis. The staff, individually and collectively are thoughtful, caring, and enjoy supporting the residents in whatever way they can. A small example, my rolling...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Lamp Alzheimer's Residential
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Photo of Freeport Place
11 Photo available
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Freeport Place offers personalized assisted living services to 30 residents in a warm, home-like setting. It is located in a beautiful country setting on Old County Road in Freeport, right next to the Freeport Country Club Golf Course. Located close to Ll.Bean and downtown Freeport, just minutes...
Photo of Nightingale of Brunswick
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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Photo of Dionne Commons
Provides: Assisted Living, Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Photo of Elm Street Assisted Living
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Elm Street Assisted Living is a private facility for women only in Topsham, Maine, next to Brunswick and about 25 miles from Portland. We are very small - 6 private rooms - and give completely personal care. Our home-cooked meals, our activities, the library books we bring home are all geared to...
Photo of Brunswick Retirement Village
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Pejepscot Terrace
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of D'Youville Pavilion
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Excellent care at D'youville. We had visited a number of care facilities in the area. Because of hospitalization, a quick move took us to a facility that was not prepared for the level of care my wife...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Photo of Auburn Home For Aged Women
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Gray Manor
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Pinecrest Apartments
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
1.0
Review score
5 reviews
1.0
Review score
5 reviews
5 star
0%
4 star
20%
3 star
20%
2 star
0%
1 star
60%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Hillhouse Assisted Living
5 star
0%
4 star
50%
3 star
0%
2 star
50%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Friendly, caring staff. Well run. Compassionate. Considerate. Spiritual depth needed (Services, hymn singing, Bible reading and preaching.)
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Hillhouse Assisted Living provides a calm, relaxing, country-like setting thanks to its nestled location within Bath, ME. The property is surrounded by surrounding greenery and majestic trees. Pathways encourage walking and daily breaths of fresh air. Residents often enjoy the scenic location...

Cost of independent living in Durham, ME

The average cost of senior living in Durham is $5,985 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Waterville, ME with an average of $3,390 per month.

Independent living costs in Durham, ME, vs. nearby cities

Durham, ME
$5,985/mo
$5,847/mo
$6,839/mo

Independent living costs in Durham, ME, vs. state and national averages

Durham, ME
$5,985/mo
$5,724/mo
U.S. national average
$4,153/mo

Independent living costs in Durham, ME, vs. other senior living options

$6,724/mo
Independent Living
$5,985/mo

Independent living costs in Durham, ME, by floor plan type

Studio
$8,835/mo
1 Bedroom
$7,342/mo
2 Bedroom
$8,323/mo

Senior living costs in Durham vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column communityType: Community type
Column destination: Durham, ME
Column state: Maine
Column national: U.S.
Community typeDurham, MEMaineU.S.
Independent Living$5,985/mo$5,724/mo$4,153/mo
Assisted Living$6,697/mo$6,744/mo$4,698/mo
Memory Care$6,724/mo$6,758/mo$4,946/mo
Independent Living
Durham, ME:$5,985/mo
Maine:$5,724/mo
U.S.:$4,153/mo
Assisted Living
Durham, ME:$6,697/mo
Maine:$6,744/mo
U.S.:$4,698/mo
Memory Care
Durham, ME:$6,724/mo
Maine:$6,758/mo
U.S.:$4,946/mo
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Independent living costs in Durham, ME, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly independent living costs have shifted over the past five years in Durham and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent quarterly averages of what seniors actually paid after moving into A Place for Mom partner communities.

Durham, MEME stateNational

Independent living cost trends in Durham, ME

The table below shows how monthly independent living costs in Durham have changed in the last two years and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent averages of actual costs paid by seniors who moved into A Place for Mom partner communities in 2023 and 2024.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column location: Location
Column cost2024: 2024 average cost
Column cost2023: 2023 average cost
Column percentChange: Percent change
Location2024 average cost2023 average costPercent change
Durham, ME$5,470/mo$5,812/mo-5.9%
Maine$3,081/mo$3,160/mo-2.5%
National$2,927/mo$2,846/mo+2.8%
Durham, ME
2024 average cost:$5,470/mo
2023 average cost:$5,812/mo
Percent change:-5.9%
Maine
2024 average cost:$3,081/mo
2023 average cost:$3,160/mo
Percent change:-2.5%
National
2024 average cost:$2,927/mo
2023 average cost:$2,846/mo
Percent change:+2.8%
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Discover the many ways to pay for senior living

Planning ahead can better position you to make good choices for your loved one’s care in the future. But if your aging family member needs care now, there are ways to finance the cost of long-term care through a combination of approaches.

What families are saying about independent living in Durham

Recent reviews for independent living in Durham

Stroudwater Lodge in Westbrook, ME

4.0
So far it has been a great fit for my mom at the Stroudwater Lodge. It is a new and beautiful community. It is the first one we toured and it had everything we needed. It is very convenient for my mom to get to her nearby Dr. appointments. Most of the time the communication is pretty good with ...
Read more

The Highlands in Topsham, ME

4.0
The Highlands is not a brand new facility, they could use some updated in a few spots which they are working on. Currently they have started updating the fitness area and pool area. The facilities are very nice and as to be expected. It seems like they are doing everything and have the tools to ...
Read more

Casco Inn Residential Care

4.3
The physical plant is inviting. No two rooms are alike and they are well kept and up to date. All of the workers (aides, nurses and other staff) are very professional and seem to care deeply for the residents. They are ready to handle any situation as it arises. The whole place is "home-y", ...
Read more

Durham independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Durham independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Durham, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Durham independent living

Independent living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Durham partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Durham, MENational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
19%
20.5%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
14.3%
34.4%
No sugar
No sugar
14.3%
30.9%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
14.3%
33.6%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Durham independent living

Our independent living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Durham communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Durham, MENational
Professional chef
Professional chef
14.3%
36.5%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
14.3%
43.5%
Room service
Room service
14.3%
37%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
4.8%
17.2%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Durham independent living

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered independent living communities in Durham offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Durham, MENational
Activity director
Activity director
23.8%
45.1%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
4.8%
28.3%
Community service programs
Community service programs
9.5%
33%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
9.5%
47.5%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
14.3%
48.9%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
19%
54%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
14.3%
42.9%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
4.8%
38.1%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
14.3%
41.8%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
14.3%
47.1%
Live performances
Live performances
14.3%
46.8%
Dances
Dances
4.8%
33%
Fitness center
Fitness center
9.5%
39.5%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
14.3%
46.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Schooner Estates Senior Living, The Highlands and Bay Square at Yarmouth are the top-rated independent living facilities near Durham, Maine. See full list of communities.
There are 23 independent living facilities near Durham, Maine. See the full list.
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