10 Best Independent Living Communities in Madison, WI

Who are you searching for?

There aren’t many better places than the Badger State to spend your golden years — and its capital city of Madison, Wisconsin, might be a particularly great option when it comes to settling down later in life. With gorgeous lakefront views, a bright and social atmosphere, and no shortage of engaging cultural activities, this midsize city is an undoubtedly attractive option for seniors of all stripes.

Madison is the 22nd-best major city to retire in and the fifth-best city for seniors’ quality of life. Independent living in Madison is for lively seniors who are usually healthy and active but seek convenience and opportunities to socialize. In contrast with assisted living, independent living residents don’t receive help with activities of daily living. The style of residents’ living quarters will depend on the facilities and floor plans they choose, and they may have access to amenities and services on-site such as salons, physicians, and community lounges.

A Place for Mom partners with eight independent living communities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Madison. In this guide, we’ll cover information on independent living facilities, financing options, residential laws and regulations, care types, and more to help simplify your housing search.

How do we rank Madison’s independent living communities?

Our goal is to help you find high-quality independent living facilities that fit your needs. Using our 20+ years of experience in senior living, we developed a proprietary rating system based on the following:

Recent, high-quality reviews. We take into account reviews from the past two years. Then, we look for independent living options that people prefer. Communities that have mostly positive ratings in the past two years are prioritized over facilities that have low or no reviews in the past two years. Reviews also help us understand what matters most to families like yours and how you rate communities based on subcategories like meals and dining, staff, and cleanliness.
Facility transparency. Communities that have robust information are prioritized over facilities that don’t offer the same level of transparency.
Location. Independent living options vary based on proximity to your desired location.

Madison Independent Living Facilities | 2252 Reviews

Our methodology

How we rank order the Madison community options above

We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Madison community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:

Proximity to your search location
Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
The amount of detailed community information available

Where we source our information

14,000+ communities

We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information

350,000+ reviews

We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities

Read our full methodology

Table of contents

Costs of independent living in the Madison area
What families are saying about independent living in Madison
How people pay for independent living in Madison
Understand Madison laws and regulations for independent living communities
What to expect from independent living in Madison
Madison independent living services and amenities
Explore senior care with confidence
Unfamiliar with Madison? Highlights for seniors

Costs of independent living in the Madison area

According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, Madison independent living options cost an average of $3,725 a month in 2022, which includes rent, relevant service fee add-ons, and associated expenses.^[02] However, these monthly costs can vary given the unit size a resident lives in as well as the extra amenities and services they choose.

Breaking down Madison’s independent living costs

In general, monthly independent living costs in Madison include a base monthly fee as well as additional fees that help seniors live by themselves without worrying about typical homeowner responsibilities. These might include gardening and lawn care services, appliance repairs, or regular home maintenance.

Additionally, independent living communities in Madison often offer residents the following amenities in their facilities as part of their monthly costs:

Arts and crafts center
Fireplaces
Fitness center
Game room
Movie or theater room
Private patio, deck, or balcony
Raised garden beds
Swimming pool
Bar or pub
Billiards lounge
Café or bistro
Complimentary transportation
Computer or media center
Indoor and outdoor common areas
Library
Meeting room
TV lounge
Wheelchair-accessible showers

Likewise, independent living communities in Madison might offer residents the choice to use additional services, such as beauty salons or covered parking, which may increase their monthly payments.

The following chart shows baseline costs for independent living in Madison, but it doesn’t include any additional fees.

Independent living costs in Madison, WI, vs. state and national averages

Madison, WI

$3,605/mo

Wisconsin state

$3,028/mo

U.S. national average

$3,520/mo

Independent living costs in Madison, WI, vs. other senior living options

Assisted Living

$6,353/mo

Memory Care

$6,926/mo

Independent Living

$3,605/mo

Independent living costs in Madison, WI, by floor plan type

Studio

$3,138/mo

1 Bedroom

$3,397/mo

2 Bedroom

$3,608/mo

Senior living costs in Madison 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: Madison, WI

Column state: Wisconsin

Column national: U.S.

Community type	Madison, WI	Wisconsin	U.S.
Independent Living	$3,605/mo	$3,028/mo	$3,520/mo
Assisted Living	$6,353/mo	$5,889/mo	$5,830/mo
Memory Care	$6,926/mo	$7,352/mo	$6,999/mo

Independent Living

Madison, WI:$3,605/mo

Wisconsin:$3,028/mo

U.S.:$3,520/mo

Assisted Living

Madison, WI:$6,353/mo

Wisconsin:$5,889/mo

U.S.:$5,830/mo

Memory Care

Madison, WI:$6,926/mo

Wisconsin:$7,352/mo

U.S.:$6,999/mo

Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Independent living costs in Madison, WI, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly independent living costs have shifted over the past five years in Madison 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.

Madison, WIWI stateNational

Independent living cost trends in Madison, WI

The table below shows how monthly independent living costs in Madison 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 average 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

Location	2024 average cost	2023 average cost	Percent change
Madison, WI	$3,312/mo	$3,398/mo	-2.5%
Wisconsin	$2,867/mo	$2,990/mo	-4.1%
National	$3,416/mo	$3,319/mo	+2.9%

Madison, WI

2024 average cost:$3,312/mo

2023 average cost:$3,398/mo

Percent change:-2.5%

Wisconsin

2024 average cost:$2,867/mo

2023 average cost:$2,990/mo

Percent change:-4.1%

National

2024 average cost:$3,416/mo

2023 average cost:$3,319/mo

Percent change:+2.9%

Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

What families are saying about independent living in Madison

Recent reviews for independent living in Madison

Hallowstone at Middleton

5.0

Thrilled with the care and attention my Mother received while at this Brookdale. It felt like I was pet of a family! The food is wonderful and I enjoyed that when visiting. They also have fun activities for residents and their family members. Thanks for all you did and I would highly suggest ...

Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge in Madison, WI

4.0

The week day staff is compassionate and well trained and employed by Oakwood. The weekend staff is hired from an agency and the care and compassion is lacking. They are working on fixing this but claim there are not enough people interested in this type of work.

Our House Senior Living Senior Apartments - Portage

4.8

Our mom has dementia and has been there a few years now. The office staff and most of the employees are very good with her. She loves the feeling of living on her own and being able to have her dear cat with her and Our House gives her that. She would like more in house friends, but seems to ...

How people pay for independent living in Madison

Residents looking for a Madison-based independent living experience have a variety of options to help finance their stay. Tenants can pay using private options, Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, or public resources.

In this section, we’ll cover different private and public payment options and will detail the types of in-home care that could be covered for independent living residents under Medicaid and Medicare.

Private pay methods in Madison

Potential independent living residents are welcome to pay their fees using private funding.

Long-term care insurance will not pay residents’ independent living costs given that they’re not senior care facilities and don’t include care fees within their monthly costs. Instead, tenants can tap into their personal savings, leverage Social Security benefits, cash out their pensions, or use investment returns to secure their spot in an independent living community.

Besides this, the following options are also available for residents trying to finance their own independent living stays in Madison:

Senior Living

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Caregiver Resources

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Using Life Insurance to Pay for Long-Term Care: 5 OptionsBy Nicole Gregory

VA benefits for independent living in Madison

9686

Approximately 9,689 veterans live in Madison as of 2021.

Roughly 50% of Madison veterans are 65 or older as of 2021.

If you’re a veteran seeking independent living options in Madison, there are a variety of specialized financial options to consider that could help you fund independent living.

Aid and Attendance benefit

First, any veteran applying for placement in an independent living community partnered with A Place for Mom should look into the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit is especially generous, and it can increase funds to a veteran’s Pension that could help pay for in-home health care services that improve their quality of life.^[04]

Resources for veterans in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers the following state-specific benefits and resources veterans can take advantage of:

The Military Retirement Benefits Exemption keeps Wisconsin veterans’ benefits free from state taxes, meaning the savings can be applied to care costs for independent living residents.
The Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program can connect veterans with claims and benefits assistance surrounding housing and utility bills.

Assistance from local experts

Given their complexity, these benefits can sometimes be difficult to navigate. The following resources in Madison can be helpful:

Veterans services offices can provide a helpful hand for veterans looking into both VA and local resources to fund their independent living stays. Appointments at the Dane County Veterans Service Office are recommended. Wednesdays are held for walk-in appointments.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars office offers claims and assistance programs and opportunities to apply for unmet needs.
The Severson-Cairns American Legion Post in Madison can provide direction and additional assistance depending on their programs and offerings.

No matter whether you think you’ll qualify for benefits, be sure to contact vetted and VA-recognized VSOs before applying for independent living in Madison.

Resources for Madison Veterans

VSOs and veteran resources in Madison

Dane County Veterans Service Office

1709 Aberg Ave., Suite 2

Madison, WI 53704

Phone: 608-266-4158

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Wisconsin

4622 Dutch Mill Road

Madison, WI 53716

Phone: 608-221-2576

Veterans of Foreign Wars Day Post 7591

301 Cottage Grove Road

Madison, WI 53716

Phone: 608-221-9326

Severson-Cairns American Legion Post 501

105 Dempsey Road

Madison, WI 53614

Phone: 608-244-7716

Online guides

A Place for Mom Veterans Benefits Guide PDF

Service-related ailments PDF

Federal veterans benefits booklet

Madison Medicaid for independent living

Medicaid is a health insurance program for lower-income Americans. Although the program doesn’t cover living costs at an independent living facility, Wisconsin Medicaid will pay for medically necessary health services in recipients’ residences.^[05] This care is provided via waivers from Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).

For a closer look, you can view the highly comprehensive Wisconsin Medicaid eligibility handbook. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also offers a Job Center to assist residents trying to discern their Medicaid eligibility.

Additional Medicaid resources

Madison offers the following local resources:

Wisconsin’s SeniorCare program is helpful for residents 65 and older who are in need of prescription medication assistance. The cost is $30 annually, and assistance is based on income. Applicants can sign up for this program either the month of their 65th birthday or after they turn 65.
Wisconsin’s Board on Aging and Long-Term Care and corresponding Ombudsman Program — as well as the local Area Agency on Aging — are available for seniors and their loved ones who have aging-related inquiries or questions about elder rights.
Seniors can find help determining their eligibility for benefits at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ Job Center.

Madison resident Medicaid resources

Local Medicaid services

Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ Job Center

1819 Aberg Ave.

Madison, WI 53704

Phone: 888-794-5556

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Board on Aging and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

1402 Pankratz St., Suite 111

Madison, WI 53704

Phone: 800-815-0015

Dane County Area Agency on Aging

2865 N. Sherman Ave., Northside Town Center

Madison WI, 53704

Phone: 608-261-9930

Email: AAA@countyofdane.com

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Medicare independent living coverage in Madison

Federal health insurance for people 65 and over is called Medicare. Seniors looking for ways to help cover the cost of Madison independent living communities need to know that Medicare doesn’t provide payment for custodial costs in these facilities, which includes room and board. However, the program does cover medical costs such as dental visits, medically necessary equipment, and hospital visits. Seniors can call or visit the Madison Social Security Administration Office to help determine their Medicare eligibility.

Wisconsin offers additional Medicare resources such as the following:

Wisconsin’s Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program is a Medicare Savings Program that helps qualified seniors cover their premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance.
My Choice Wisconsin offers five statewide programs available to seniors that focus on long-term care and health services. Seniors can apply over the phone, in person, or by mailing in an application.
Residents in need of extra assistance can reach out to Wisconsin’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors for individual advice related to Medicare payment, enrollment, and eligibility. SHIP counselors can be reached by phone via the Medigap Helpline or Medigap Part D and Prescription Drug Helpline.
To get in-person guidance in the Madison area, visit the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dane County.
Wisconsin’s Board on Aging and Long-Term Care has an Ombudsman Program that helps answer questions about aging and elder rights.

Resources for Madison Medicare recipients

Medicare-related assistance offices

Madison Social Security Administration Office

6011 Odana Road

Madison, WI 53719

Phone: 866-770-2262

Fax: 833-950-3737

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dane County

2865 N Sherman Ave.

Madison, WI 53704

Phone: 608-240-7400

Fax: 608-240-7401

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Board on Aging and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

1402 Pankratz St., Suite 111

Madison, WI 53704

Phone: 800-815-0015

Understand Madison laws and regulations for independent living communities

Independent living facilities in Wisconsin do not have licensing or inspection requirements. However, seniors with a disability are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This act also allows for the exception of a service animal in independent living apartments that don’t accept pets.

Additionally, independent living communities that also provide more dedicated in-house care are typically overseen by Wisconsin’s Division of Quality Assurance. To see surveys performed on senior care facilities by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, you can use this portal.

Within Madison, A Place for Mom partners with two combination assisted living and independent living facilities and four more facilities that provide assisted living, independent living and memory care. Because of these additional care components, these facilities do have licensing and inspection requirements that are overseen by the Bureau of Assisted Living within the Division of Quality Assurance.

Wisconsin Department of Health

1 W Wilson St.

Madison, WI 53703

Phone: 608-266-1865

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Madison independent living communities

Madison and Wisconsin don’t have strict COVID-19 guidelines, but the state adheres to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s overarching guidance. Here are some more specific guidelines:

Vaccinations. Madison doesn’t have strict regulations around COVID-19. However, vaccines and boosters are recommended. Madison does subscribe to the guidelines approved by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Be sure to check with the specific communities you’re considering for additional information.

Masking. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommends masking in specific situations, like in health care settings requiring masks and for 10 days following COVID-19 exposure or symptoms.

Quarantining. The state encourages residents to remain at home if they have COVID-19, are dealing with symptoms associated with the illness, or have been exposed.

What to expect from independent living in Madison

In Madison’s independent living facilities, residents can get the perks of home in a more convenient and social atmosphere. Things like maintenance and yard work are of no concern to residents. With age limits, usually at least 55+, you can expect a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of extras to enjoy.

A variety of options for Madison’s independent living residents

Madison’s independent living residents may find convenience in the form of these types of perks:^[02]

On-site barber shops and beauty salons
Complimentary transportation
Wi-Fi and high-speed internet
Private decks or patios
Swimming pools

Likewise, many independent living facilities in Madison equip residents with these great amenities:

Full kitchens
Bathtubs and wheelchair-accessible showers
Fitness centers
Movie rooms or theaters

There’s also no shortage of opportunities to connect with fellow seniors in bright and social facility common areas:

TV rooms
Garden beds
Dedicated meeting rooms
Game rooms
Billiards lounges
Libraries

Communities providing many types of senior care

Although two of the eight independent living facilities partnered with A Place for Mom in Madison offer this kind of living experience alone, there are also two combination assisted living and independent living facilities in Madison as well as four communities offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care.^[02] These combination facilities can ensure a continuity of care for residents. Essentially, this means that you can continue living in the community as your care needs change, which may help ease concerns if there’s uncertainty about future needs.

Madison independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Madison independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Madison, 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 Madison 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 Madison partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.

Madison, WINational

Nutritionist / dietician

7.4%

21.2%

Low / no sodium

22.6%

35.7%

No sugar

20.6%

32%

Vegetarian

22.6%

34.8%

Pureed meals

6.8%

11.7%

0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Madison 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 Madison communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.

Madison, WINational

Professional chef

13.5%

37.6%

Restaurant style dining

20.9%

44.8%

Room service

17.9%

38.2%

Anytime dining

6.8%

17.8%

0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Madison 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 Madison offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.

Madison, WINational

Activity director

23.3%

46.5%

Pet-focused programs

15.9%

29.3%

Community service programs

13.5%

34.2%

Devotional activities on-site

42.2%

48.3%

Parties / BBQs / happy hour

35.1%

50.1%

Outings / off-site activities

52.4%

54.9%

Piano or organ

22.3%

44.2%

Arts and crafts center

19.6%

39.7%

Educational speakers / life long learning

18.6%

43%

Clubs / games / karaoke

26.7%

48.3%

Live performances

28.7%

48.1%

Dances

13.5%

34.3%

Fitness center

13.9%

40.7%

Fitness classes

27%

47.6%

0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

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Unfamiliar with Madison? Highlights for seniors

36,271

Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Madison as of 2021

Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Madison population in 2021

$25,775

Median annual Social Security income for Madison seniors 65 and older in 2021

Health care for seniors in Madison

General and geriatric medicine in Madison is primarily done within two major medical centers, along with the VA hospital.

A graphic of a capital letter H in a circle

University Hospital in Madison

University Hospital in Madison is the No. 1 health care provider in the city. It’s also the 35th best hospital in the nation for geriatric care.

Find a doctor

Find a location

SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison

SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison is the second-best hospital in the Madison area and the sixth-best hospital in the state. It’s a high-performing provider of lung surgery, spinal fusions, stroke care, and more.

Find a doctor

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William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans’ Hospital

Madison’s VA hospital received the highest national award for patient experience in 2022. The hospital offers a wide variety of care, including cancer, cardiology, emergency, mental health, neurology, orthopedics, primary care, transplant surgery and social work.

Find a doctor

Find a location

Transportation for seniors in Madison

Got somewhere to go in Madison? If so, you have any number of ways to get there in Wisconsin’s capital city.

Do you like to get places by road? Admittedly, Madison is a city best traveled in a car — and 75% of independent living facilities partnered with A Place for Mom offer complimentary transportation to residents.^[02] This offers residents an easy way to go grocery shopping, run other errands, attend events, or go to the doctor.

Additionally, there are plenty of public transportation options in Madison as well as ample biking infrastructure for more active residents.

Public transportation in Madison

On Madison’s Metro Transit, passengers can travel throughout the city on accessible low-floor buses. Passengers 65 and older or living with disabilities can ride for just $1 if they present an Americans with Disabilities Act-approved transit card or Metro senior/disability card.

With paratransit, patrons unable to take fixed-route buses on a regular basis can traverse the city, and Group Access Service provides regularly scheduled drop-offs to places of interest in the community.

Other transportation options

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program provides door-to-door pickups and drop-offs for seniors needing rides to health appointments, and Madison’s Older Adult Transportation Assistance program allows seniors to travel independently while making critical appointments and meetings.

Biking in Madison

For bikers, not too many cities in the nation can top Madison — it’s ranked the 11th-best biking town in the country.^[07] If you fancy a pedal, check out the Lake Monona Loop or a popular urban route.

The WalkScore metrics below are rated out of 100, with higher numbers meaning that a location is more walkable. It also gives additional insight into how well people can get around the city using different transportation methods:^[08]

Walk Score

Transit Score

Bike Score

Senior activities in Madison

Madison is a midsize city providing a balance of nature, history, arts, and culture — meaning there are a variety of things to do for seniors and their loved ones searching for engaging experiences.

Historical places of interest

Madison has a rich history and plenty of attractions that will appeal to wide range of interests:

The trademark golden dome at the Wisconsin state capitol is picturesque and will appeal to history lovers.
The stunning University of Wisconsin grounds are popular with residents and visitors.
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is also a popular spot for anyone interested in military history.

Art and architecture

Take in the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, whose architectural splendor can be seen at the Monona Terrace and Taliesin. For more traditional art experiences, look into the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.

Nature

For arboreal beauty, make a stop at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens’ 16 acres of greenery, check out one of the city’s many biking trails, or visit Henry Vilas Zoo, which is still free to the public.

Senior-focused activities

For more senior-specific things to do, the Madison Senior Center and Sharing Active Independent Lives each supply plenty of indoor and outdoor engagement for interested seniors. To learn more, check out their respective event calendars.

Seniors can also attend workshops at the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging or dance classes at Ballroom Basics for Balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quarry Ridge Retirement Community, The Waterford at Fitchburg and Ridge at Madison are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Madison, WI. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.

The average cost of Independent Living in Madison is $3,605 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.

References

WalletHub. (2022). Best & Worst Places to Retire.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population Estimates 2021: Madison, Wisconsin [Data set].
United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
Benefits.gov. (n.d.). Wisconsin Medicaid.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Madison, WI.
LawnStarter. (2022, May 25). 2022’s Best Biking Cities in the U.S.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Madison.

More questions?

Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.

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“Molly, our Senior Living Advisor, was there every step of the way, and we could not be more grateful. Molly’s insider knowledge helped us make the best decision we could...”

- Claudia Whitaker

insider knowledge best decision

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10 Best Independent Living Communities in Madison, WI

Madison Independent Living Facilities | 2252 Reviews

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Our methodology

How we rank order the Madison community options above

Where we source our information

14,000+ communities

350,000+ reviews

Costs of independent living in the Madison area

Breaking down Madison’s independent living costs

Independent living costs in Madison, WI, vs. state and national averages

Independent living costs in Madison, WI, vs. other senior living options

Independent living costs in Madison, WI, by floor plan type

Senior living costs in Madison vs. state and national costs

Independent living costs in Madison, WI, over time

Independent living cost trends in Madison, WI

What families are saying about independent living in Madison

Recent reviews for independent living in Madison

How people pay for independent living in Madison

Aid and Attendance benefit

Resources for veterans in Wisconsin

Assistance from local experts

Additional Medicaid resources

Understand Madison laws and regulations for independent living communities

COVID-19 regulations for Madison independent living communities

What to expect from independent living in Madison

A variety of options for Madison’s independent living residents

Communities providing many types of senior care

Madison independent living services and amenities

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Madison independent living

Availability of select dining options in Madison independent living

Availability of select programs and activities in Madison independent living

Explore senior care with confidence

Unfamiliar with Madison? Highlights for seniors

Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Madison as of 2021

Health care for seniors in Madison

Transportation for seniors in Madison

Walk Score

Transit Score

Bike Score

Senior activities in Madison

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Madison, Wisconsin?

How much does Independent Living cost in Madison, Wisconsin?

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