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.
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10 Best Independent Living Communities in Essex County, MA
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The cost of independent living in Essex County is about $6,740 per month. To find the best independent living for your preferences and budget, browse these 23 options. Read 420 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 Cambridge, Lexington and Exeter.
Essex County Independent Living Facilities | 420 Reviews
Showing 20 communities
Last Updated: 4/12/25
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Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
1010 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
9.6
Review score
37 reviews
I toured many places last year and Benchmark was by far my favorite. It is the perfect size. The staff seems to know everyone’s name. There are lots of activities both on and off the property. My mother...
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.
Ashland Farm is the premier assisted living community in the Merrimack Valley offering traditional assisted living as well as the Harbor Program for the memory impaired. Ashland Farm provides residents with personalized service plans tailored to meet their unique needs. If you need help with......Read more
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
1717 Photos available
1919 Floor plans available
Pricing promotions expiring soon
9.5
Review score
96 reviews
Great activities director, the general staff are a mix of just polite enough and very polite. Receptionist have all been great. The nursing staff is good, but they seem a little overworked.
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.
For more than 18 years, Atria Marland Place has been the senior living provider of choice for Andover's wisest older adults. Building on this foundation of trust, they've recently completed a thoughtful, thorough renovation to expand and enhance their community — including the addition of Atria......Read more
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
1818 Photos available
9.3
Review score
59 reviews
Everyone is very accommodating. They all seem to take an interest in their guests. Facility is clean and has a nice feel to it, not stuffy. Overall a nice place for your loved ones.
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.
The Charter at Danvers is a highly regarded senior care community in Danvers, Massachusetts providing assisted living and memory care services. Our stunning and inviting home-like community enjoys a prime location next to the world famous Cherry Hill Creamery and is just minutes from grocery......Read more
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
88 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
Pricing promotion
9.0
Review score
39 reviews
Sunrise at Garden Park is a good place to live, Most of the staff is very personable and caring. Great friendly feel as you walk in the door. All in all a good safe home for memory care and assisted living.
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.
Sunrise at Gardner Park, which provides both Assisted Living as well as Reminiscence (memory) Care, has been serving the needs of seniors and their families since 1994. Famous for it's 'Bed and Breakfast' ambiance, Gardner Park is housed within a gracious Victorian Mansion. Besides the 55 private......Read more
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
1212 Photos available
Pricing promotion
8.9
Review score
33 reviews
What I saw of the meals and dining - seemed ok. Gramps did not participate in any of the activities. It is expensive with rental furniture. We felt [fee removed] for 30 days was rather high. However, I...
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.
Designed to capture the residential flavor of the neighborhood, Benchmark Senior Living at Putnam Farm boasts features that create the air of a country manor, including a spacious porch with wonderful hilltop views. The community offers residents and families close proximity to the Geriatric Care......Read more
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
1414 Photos available
8.6
Review score
65 reviews
I LOVE Colonial Gardens. I moved in [date removed] so I've been here a little over a year. It is close to my daughter and grandchildren, I like the food, have friends, joined the book club and science club....
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.
We believe that Colonial Gardens Gracious Retirement Living is so much more than walls and windows - it's a place to enjoy home-cooked meals, game night, or a quiet evening with family and friends. It's where you always feel comfortable, safe, and secure. At Colonial Gardens Gracious Retirement......Read more
44 Photos available
8.5
Review score
11 reviews
I think the nurses are fantastic and go out of their way to notify family if anything of concern with your loved one. Highly recommend!
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 Residence at Riverbend is a rental community that has already established an outstanding reputation on the North Shore and beyond! Our dedication to an impeccable standard of quality in every aspect of the Riverbend lifestyle is evident in all we do; for instance our restaurant serves 3 meals......Read more
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
1212 Photos available
8.0
Review score
1 review
Had a great tour at The Current Beverly. The building has a lot of character and some amazing views from the units which make you feel part of Beverly and the beautiful downtown. On the rooftop deck is the...
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.
1414 Photos available
5 star
57%
4 star
36%
3 star
0%
2 star
7%
1 star
0%
The staff members are always checking on my dad and encouraging him to get up and go to participate in activities. They have a ton of activities provided and they do things like happy hour, they have a pub,...
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.
Most people know Brightview North Andover because we are located at the former Boston Ski Hill. But what they might not know is that in the summer there’s a meadow that’s home to an endangered butterfly preserve, and you have access to many trails in the nearby state park. This is life at......Read more
2020 Photos available
5 star
46%
4 star
26%
3 star
10%
2 star
0%
1 star
18%
My mom was in Brightview for 8 years before she recently passed away. She was lucky to be able to be there till the end. I live on the West coast and visited mom every 5-6 weeks so I consider Brightview my...
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.
Located in the North Shore/Cape Ann area of Massachusetts, Brightview Danvers brings the best in senior living options all together in one vibrant community. The only rental retirement community in the area, our campus features Independent Living and Assisted Living residences as well as the......Read more
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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.
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.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
This place is like a 5 star resort, it's prestine, it's brighter, cleaner. It's an upscale place with people at a higher income level. It's a lot more expesnive and doesn't have the PACE program.
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 Herrick House has been enriching the lives of seniors on the North Shore since 1994. Located on the upper campus of Beverly Hospital, The Herrick House features traditional assisted living and Spectrum, a dementia care neighborhood. Services include 24-hour on site licensed nursing staff,......Read more
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent 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.
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.
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.
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent 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.
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.
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.
5 star
0%
4 star
50%
3 star
25%
2 star
0%
1 star
25%
Things have worked out well so far for my Mom here. It is a clean, nice looking facility, and they've provided everything she has needed carewise thus far. The staff I've interacted with have been fine, and...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent 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.
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.
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.
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.
1.0
Review score
1 review
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
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.
Viewing 1-20 out of 20 communities
Cost of independent living in Essex County, MA
The average cost of senior living in Essex County is $6,740 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Amesbury, MA with an average of $6,389 per month.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Essex County, MA vs. nearby counties
Essex County, MA
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Essex County, MA vs. the state and national average
Essex County, MA
U.S. national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Essex County vs. other types of senior living
Independent Living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Essex County, MA by room type
Semi-Private
Studio
1 Bedroom
2 Bedroom
Detached Cottage/Bungalow
Average cost of Independent Living in Essex County over time
Essex County, MAMA stateNational
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.
Your Guide to Paying for Care
Plan for and know your options for how to cover long-term care expenses.
Your Guide to VA Benefits
The VA provides two veterans benefits that can be used to offset the costs of long-term care.
Medicare and Medicaid
Understand the difference between these two public pay options, and what they cover.
What families are saying about independent living in Essex County
Recent reviews for independent living in Essex County
Brigham House in Watertown, MA
5.0
Watertown is our home town, [name removed] is able to go shopping and take a walk in familiar surroundings.
Biggest plus is when her money runs out, they will keep her and she gets a small amount of her social security.
Cadbury Commons in Cambridge, MA
3.8
Our experience with this community was good, overall it is kept pretty clean. The care services are pretty reliable, the activities were however a little bit weaker. The food at this community was very good, and we really liked the responsiveness of the staff and the availability the memory care ...
Read more
Partridge House in Hampton, NH
5.0
The staff loves what they do and it shows!!!! The facility is very homey and sets a relaxed atmosphere. I highly recommend. My siblings were all very impressed with the facility and mom's care as well.
My Mom passed in July and I was so happy she spent her last months here.
Essex County independent living services and amenities
These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Essex County independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Essex County, 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 Essex County 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 Essex County partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Essex County, MANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
30%
20.6%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
35%
34.3%
No sugar
No sugar
30%
30.9%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
25%
33.5%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
10%
9.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
Availability of select dining options in Essex County 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 Essex County communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Essex County, MANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
40%
36.5%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
45%
43.5%
Room service
Room service
45%
37%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
25%
17.3%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
Availability of select programs and activities in Essex County 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 Essex County offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Essex County, MANational
Activity director
Activity director
45%
44.9%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
30%
28.2%
Community service programs
Community service programs
35%
32.7%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
45%
47.9%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
45%
48.9%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
60%
54.1%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
45%
42.9%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
30%
38%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
45%
41.5%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
35%
47.2%
Live performances
Live performances
45%
46.8%
Dances
Dances
25%
32.6%
Fitness center
Fitness center
35%
39.6%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
45%
46.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Place, Atria Longmeadow Place and The Gables at Winchester are the top-rated independent living facilities near Essex County, Massachusetts. See full list of communities.
There are 23 independent living facilities near Essex County, Massachusetts. See the full list.
The best independent living facilities near you in Essex County, Massachusetts are Atria Longmeadow Place, The Gables at Winchester and Atria Marland Place. These independent living communities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews.
More questions?
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
Independent Living in Cities Near Essex County
- Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Lexington, Massachusetts
- Exeter, New Hampshire
- Waltham, Massachusetts
- Peabody, Massachusetts
- Arlington, Massachusetts
- Salem, Massachusetts
- Andover, Massachusetts
- Gloucester, Massachusetts
- Newburyport, Massachusetts
- Danvers, Massachusetts
- Lincoln, Massachusetts
- Salem, New Hampshire
- Chelmsford, Massachusetts
- Wakefield, Massachusetts
- Belmont, Massachusetts
- Reading, Massachusetts
- Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts
- Billerica, Massachusetts
- Haverhill, Massachusetts
More options near Essex County, Massachusetts
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