Assisted Living
Memory Care
Independent Living
Home Care
Sign in

Best of 2026 Senior Living Award Winners: Independent Living

Top Independent Living Communities

These are the best independent living communities of 2026, representing the top 1-2% of senior living providers nationwide based on reviews. Families and residents celebrated the friendly staff, beautiful facilities, delicious food, and engaging activities.

Showing 588 communities
Sort by
Filters
Change location

Review Score
Providers
View all providers
Showing 588 communities
Sort by
Filters
Change location

Providers
View all providers

RidgePointe Senior Living

12600 & 12800 Marion Lane West, Minnetonka, MN 55305

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
Photo of RidgePointe Senior Living
2
2 Photos available
9.9
Review Score
65 reviews

The staff is amazing. They go out of their way to help with everything, and they are so friendly. They all knew my name by the second day I was here, and they would stop whatever they are doing to introduce...

Provides: Independent Living
See all Pointe Communities communities

RidgePointe is an active, independent, senior community for residents 62 or better, conveniently located in Minnetonka. Our inviting atmosphere and countless social opportunities allow you to enjoy as much activity as you wish. We are proud to offer a comprehensive amenities package, including...

... Read more

Morningside House of Friendship

7548 Old Telegraph Rd, Hanover, MD 21076

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
17
17 Photos available
4
4 Floor plans available
9.8
Review Score
143 reviews

Our experience has been very positive from the beginning. The team was welcoming, compassionate, and helpful throughout the entire transition. The move-in process was straightforward, communication was...

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all Morningside Elite Management communities

Morningside House of Friendship is located in beautiful Hanover, Maryland, and is considered the 'top-referred' assistant living facility in the area. We are known for our ability to provide effective and compassionate care for seniors of all care levels. Staff members possess unique skills and...

... Read more

Trustwell Living at Westwood Place

37950 Airport Road, Woodsfield, OH 43793

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
10
10 Photos available
9.8
Review Score
98 reviews

Faculty staff was very supportive, and nice. The food is good, just about like a restaurant atmosphere. They really do a great job. Very clean and small enough, they don’t have to walk as far as some places.

Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
See all Trustwell Living communities

Westwood Place is located in Woodsfield, Ohio, a small town surrounded by beautiful farm country. We provide assisted living for seniors looking for caring and fun retirement living. Our lively community offers many amenities to help you enjoy each day: Fitness room Whirlpool Private dining...

... Read more

The Waterford at Thousand Oaks

4243 Thousand Oaks, San Antonio, TX 78217

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
18
18 Photos available
5
5 Floor plans available
9.8
Review Score
183 reviews

I moved into this complex a year ago. I have been very pleased. The staff is great. They go out of their way to mae you feel at home. The housekeeping does an excellent job. I have been very happy with the...

Provides: Independent Living
See all Sonida Senior Living communities

Remember The Waterford at Thousand Oaks for Independent Living in San Antonio, Texas. Our blend of desired amenities and convenient services offers residents a vibrant lifestyle with the independence they expect and deserve. From thoughtfully designed studio, one- and two-bedroom floor plans to...

... Read more

Merrill Gardens at Wright Park

5 S G St, Tacoma, WA 98405

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
4
4 Photos available
9.9
Review Score
41 reviews

After being my husband's full-time caregiver for several years, I knew a change in lifestyle was imminent. I moved to Merrill Gardens at Wright Park to have the security and comfort of knowing others were...

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
See all Merrill Gardens communities

Atria West 86

333 West 86th Street, New York, NY 10024

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
14
14 Photos available
6
6 Floor plans available
9.8
Review Score
148 reviews

The facility is orderly, clean, and well maintained. The staff are attentive and very friendly. A lot of thought is devoted to safety for the residents

Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
See all Atria communities

Ideally situated and all-inclusive, this luxury residence is tailored exclusively to older New Yorkers – and makes it easier to live in the artistic and cultural heart of the City, just one block from scenic Riverside Park. Featuring handsome pre-war architecture, art deco-inspired finishes and...

... Read more

Pine Ridge Villas of Shelby

4200 W Utica Rd, Shelby Township, MI 48317

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
17
17 Photos available
9.8
Review Score
153 reviews

I came to see my Uncle for lunch and a music concert and had so much fun! The food was made to order and perfect! I have a few food allergies and this was not an issue here! The concert was so much fun to...

Best of Senior Living All Star
Provides: Independent Living
See all True Connection Communities communities

Discover the unparalleled joys of retirement living at Pine Ridge Villas of Shelby!Nestled in the heart of Shelby Township, Michigan, our all-inclusive 55+ independent living community provides easy access to nearly 1,200 acres of parks and 18 miles of trails, giving residents ample opportunities...

... Read more

The Auberge at Sugar Land

1221 Seventh St, Sugar Land, TX 77478

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
12
12 Photos available
9.8
Review Score
56 reviews

I am so glad they did have a room for my wife. Staff, management, LVNs, caregivers, food service, and cleaning crew members are second to none. The activities add so much to the community.

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all Frontier Senior Living communities

The Auberge at Sugar Land is a neighborhood specially designed to serve the needs of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other forms of memory loss. Our tenured staff is committed to delivering a quality of care that meets the resident's physical, social, spiritual and...

... Read more

Atria Forest Hills

112-50 72 Avenue, Forest Hills, NY 11375

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
12
12 Photos available
6
6 Floor plans available
9.8
Review Score
109 reviews

My 94-year-old mom, a very satisfied Atria resident, first came to the Forest Hills Atria on a temporary basis after hip surgery. She did not foresee staying permanently but, over time, that changed as she...

Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
See all Atria communities

Atria Senior Living is a leading operator of independent living, assisted living, supportive living and memory care communities in more than 200 locations in 26 states and seven Canadian provinces. Atria communities are home to more than 23,000 seniors and employ more than 14,000 people.

... Read more

Gardens of Wetumpka

209 Country Club Dr, Wetumpka, AL 36092

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
6
6 Photos available
9.8
Review Score
135 reviews

They are very attentive to each resident. They truly do care about them. Yes, I would recommend the community to other families. I want to thank you guys for all of the help you provided me. You put me in...

Best of Senior Living All Star
Provides: Assisted Living
See all Cavalier Senior Living communities

Welcome to the Gardens of Wetumpka Assisted Living, a place for seniors to take part, a place to belong. We offer the personal attention and home-like environment your loved one deserves. Nestled in a quiet residential area only minutes from downtown Wetumpka, our assisted living community has 29...

... Read more

Best of 2027 Senior Living Awards criteria

Receive 10 or more reviews on APlaceforMom.com

Attain an overall Review Score of at least 9.5 based on reviews

Offer assisted living, independent living, skilled nursing, memory care or continuing care retirement communities

*Based on reviews and ratings collected from APlaceforMom.com during the awards period, Jan. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2026. U.S. and Canada only.

Viewing 151-160 out of 588 communities

Frequently asked questions

The best independent living communities in the U.S. earned A Place for Mom’s 2026 Best of Senior Living Awards based on resident and family reviews. The highly rated featured communities represent the top 2-3% of independent living providers nationwide.