10 Best Independent Living Communities in Madison, WI
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 | 1212 Reviews
The Arbors was a wonderful community. It was a very nice place. The staff here were very caring. I would highly recommend them. They have assisted living and memory care in the building next door too, so...
My mother lived at Greentree and loved it. She unfortunately passed away during her first year. Judi, the resident manager, was the BEST manager I have ever dealt with. She made my mother feel at home and...
Rosewood has a wonderful staff and many fun activities. Improvements? 1. Seniors are VERY sensitive to chemicals - please do not use on extensive lawns or garden areas...organic is better and safer. 2....
My mom really like it here, she had to leave when my father got sick and wanted to come right back. She had created friendships and she was comfortable there, it wasn't always perfect but she had developed...
Our free advisors can help
- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
I'm hoping to make more friends here at Cannery Row Senior Apartments. My children thought this was the best place for me when they decided where I should live. There are a lot of people are older in their...
I really like that the community is kept clean and organized. The manager and landlord are lovely people. My room is very spacious i love that. I really hope that the maintenance people can get stuff fixed...
My mother was there when she lived in Wisconsin it was good but it was like a 4 out of 5 compared to the place mother moved to in California. There were not nearly as many volunteers at Harbor House and the...
My mother in law was alright with it, but we never moved her stuff there because it didn't have a warm feeling and it was also harder for me to get to (I'm the primary care giver). I wasn't sold on it for...
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
- 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.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Madison, WI vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Madison, WI vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Madison vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Madison, WI by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Madison over time
What families are saying about independent living in Madison
Recent reviews for independent living in Madison
Brookdale Middleton Century Avenue
Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge Independent Living Apartments a CCRC in Madison, WI
Milestone Senior Living Stoughton
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.
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:
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Madison? Highlights for seniors
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Middleton Crossing, A Sky Active Living Community, Park Glen Apartments and The Waterford at Fitchburg 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 $4,286 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.
- Middleton, Wisconsin
- Fitchburg, Wisconsin
- Oregon, Wisconsin
- Waunakee, Wisconsin
- Verona, Wisconsin
- Windsor, Wisconsin
- New Glarus, Wisconsin
- Mount Horeb, Wisconsin
- Cottage Grove, Wisconsin
- Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
- Sauk City, Wisconsin
- McFarland, Wisconsin
- Evansville, Wisconsin
- Cambridge, Wisconsin
- Black Earth, Wisconsin
- Edgerton, Wisconsin
- Deerfield, Wisconsin
- Stoughton, Wisconsin
- Lodi, Wisconsin
- Cross Plains, Wisconsin