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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.

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The Waterford at Plano

3401 Premier Drive, Plano, TX 75023

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
Photo of The Waterford at Plano
13
13 Photos available
6
6 Floor plans available
9.8
Review Score
191 reviews

The overall experience was excellent. The assisted living director and staff were very caring and respectful, and they communicated well with family. The executive director and finance manager were not...

Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
See all Sonida Senior Living communities

Gain the wealth of friendship while enjoying the good life at The Waterford at Plano. Our Independent Living and Assisted Living community in Plano, Texas, affords residents a privileged lifestyle with quality services and top-notch amenities that continue to exceed expectations. Residents gather...

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Courtyards at Lake Granbury

801 Calinco Drive, Granbury, TX 76048

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
13
13 Photos available
3
3 Floor plans available
9.8
Review Score
75 reviews

Staff is very friendly and helpful. They have treated my mom with respect and care, making sure to followup on request in a reasonable amount of time

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

Make a splash at Courtyards at Lake Granbury, offering Assisted Living and Memory Care services in Granbury, Texas. Our residents enjoy a warm community where making new friends is the norm and receiving quality care from our experienced staff is expected. Each of our apartments presents the...

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Cogir of Kent

25035 104th Ave SE, Kent, WA 98030

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
8
8 Photos available
9.8
Review Score
65 reviews

The Staff has been fantastic. The food is basically the same thing over and over. Not a lot of selection. She is still working on way finding, when I say this it is getting off the elevator on her floor,...

Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
See all Cogir Senior Living communities

StoryPoint Clinton Township

16230 19 Mile Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
11
11 Photos available
9.8
Review Score
41 reviews

We are very happy with Story Point. I would give them a nine or 10 in all categories. They have a lot to do. My parents just don't participate. There are always activities and fun things to do. The food is...

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
See all StoryPoint Group, LLC communities

Lakewood Estates

8585 West Dakota Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80226

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
9
9 Photos available
9.8
Review Score
101 reviews

It's very nice. The inside needs some TLC but renovations are coming soon. The apartment size is great. The staff is fabulous. I would recommend the community to others searching for senior living once the...

Provides: Independent Living
See all Sunrise Senior Living communities

Lakewood Estates provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment. Situated on gorgeous, landscaped grounds in the thriving town of Lakewood, you'll love our tastefully elegant facilities and all the conveniences of the nearby community. We're just minutes from shopping,...

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Merrill Gardens at Greenville

90 Payne Street, Greenville, SC 29601

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
5
5 Photos available
9.8
Review Score
23 reviews

Merrill gardens was reassuring, not pushy, and very professional while my Dad was determining if this would be the right place for him. There is a real sense of community that you see right away. Residents...

Provides: Independent Living
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Palomino Gardens Retirement Community

9885 Palomino Drive, Lake Worth, FL 33467

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
16
16 Photos available
9.8
Review Score
23 reviews

Since befor Palamino opened it was a gem. We were invited to see where our parents were moving as a family. The sun shines in from all over even smiley faces are contagious. Once in, we have watched it fill...

Provides: Independent Living
See all Resort Lifestyle Communities communities

Palomino Gardens, the luxurious Resort Lifestyle Community, is Now Open! Located on Palomino Drive in Lake Worth. Palomino Gardens offers all of the comforts and conveniences of modern-day living that allow you to enjoy your retirement.Palomino Garden's top-notch, all-inclusive services and...

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Atria Oakridge

10810 Sandy Oak Lane, Raleigh, NC 27614

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
9
9 Photos available
6
6 Floor plans available
9.8
Review Score
91 reviews

Everyone is very welcoming and friendly. There have been many changes in staffing, including 4 changes in culinary director in the 10.5 months we've been here. The food has been the biggest issue.

Provides: Independent Living
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Atria Oakridge offers residents a lively social atmosphere while taking care of the housekeeping, cooking, and even transportation. Whether escaping with a good book on our patio or cheering on your favorite team in our sports lounge, your time is truly yours. We offer educational and cultural...

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Aspen Trail Retirement Resort

5455 New Car Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80923

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
15
15 Photos available
9.8
Review Score
24 reviews

My Mom (and Dad before his passing) has lived at Aspen Trails as a charter member for about 5 years. I have visited many times. The facilities are very nice and always very well maintained. The staff is...

Provides: Independent Living
See all Resort Lifestyle Communities communities

Aspen Trail, the luxurious Resort Lifestyle Community, is currently under construction on New Car Drive in Colorado Springs. We look forward to opening brand new during the Fall of 2020! Aspen Trail will offer all of the comforts and conveniences of modern-day living that allow you to enjoy your...

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Independence Village of Zionsville West

6800 Central Blvd, Zionsville, IN 46077

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
18
18 Photos available
9.8
Review Score
64 reviews

My loved one says she is really happy there. I would absolutely recommend them to others who are searching for senior living for themselves or a loved one.

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
See all StoryPoint Group, LLC communities

Welcome to Independence Village of Zionsville West! This isn’t just a place to reside — it’s a place where our community members truly shine, and we are glad to share this experience with them. Our senior living options include independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Throughout each...

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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 241-250 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.