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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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Showing 588 communities
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Waltonwood Lake Boone

3550 Horton St., Raleigh, NC 27607

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
Photo of Waltonwood Lake Boone
18
18 Photos available
9.3
Review Score
37 reviews

My 97-year-old widowed mother has found such a wonderful home at Waltonwood. We looked at several independent living communities; none can compare to the warmth, care, and sense of community here. From the...

Provides: Independent Living
See all Waltonwood Senior Living communities

Heartlands Senior Living Village at Ellicott City

3004 N Ridge Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
23
23 Photos available
9.4
Review Score
78 reviews

I’ve been very happy with my experience here. Like many older properties, there are some structural and maintenance challenges, and unfortunately, we haven’t been able to use the pool for about a year. The...

Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
See all Five Star Senior Living communities

Welcome to HeartLands, a Five Star Senior Living community and Howard County's premier rental retirement community. We are the only community in the county that offers cottages and apartments. Located on 48 picturesque acres near historic Ellicott City, we are close to antique and specialty...

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Westerwood (Friendship Village Columbus)

5800 Forest Hills Blvd, Columbus, OH 43231

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
10
10 Photos available
15
15 Floor plans available
9.4
Review Score
55 reviews

What we like the most about the community is that the staff are very nice and the holiday meals are always very nice to see everyone

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living

Friendship Village of Columbus is a not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community established in 1978. Nestled in a residential setting on 25 acres of naturally wooded grounds, we are conveniently located near downtown Westerville. Our community is based on respect for older adults and...

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Anthology of Farmington Hills

30637 W 14 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
16
16 Photos available
3
3 Floor plans available
9.4
Review Score
53 reviews

StoryPoint has been really helpful with getting grandma closer to a base line similar to before she got sick. They take care of her and the admin staff communicate with us as much as possible, which we...

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

At Anthology of Farmington Hills, you will discover boutique-inspired senior living, designed especially with you in mind. We combine the best in accommodations, care, culinary experiences and community. Professional, in-house chefs prepare gourmet meals from scratch. Dedicated and compassionate...

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Five Star Residences of Noblesville

7235 Riverwalk Way N, Noblesville, IN 46062

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
22
22 Photos available
9
9 Floor plans available
9.2
Review Score
72 reviews

5 across the board I am very pleased. I enjoy being here. The housekeeping is good and lighting is bright and warm. The staff is helpful with computer problems and other tasks. The physical therapists are...

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
See all Five Star Senior Living communities

Everyone loves freedom and choices...and we kept that in mind when designing our Senior Apartments. Our community also offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care services that are tailored to meet the needs of each individual, allowing them to live life to the fullest.

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Holiday Aspen View Senior Living

3075 Avenue C, Billings, MT 59102

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
11
11 Photos available
27
27 Floor plans available
9.4
Review Score
118 reviews

We are very satisfied with the apartment. We would recommend the community to others who are searching for senior living for their loved one.

Provides: Independent Living
See all Holiday by Atria communities

Holiday Retirement provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment. Beautiful fishponds, fountains and waterfalls await you at Aspen View. Our lovely landscape covers nearly five acres of gorgeous Montana countryside, complete with gentle paths and wonderful views of the...

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Patriot Heights

5000 Fawn Meadow, San Antonio, TX 78240

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
16
16 Photos available
9.4
Review Score
91 reviews

Patriot Heights provides numerous activities, outside dining experiences, trips to unique locations, transportation to doctors visits as needed, staff is very friendly. Housekeeping services. In-house...

Provides: Independent Living
See all Ensign Group, Inc communities

Our luxurious continuing care retirement community (CCRC) provides a wide range of care options, activities and amenities for seniors in an upscale, elegant environment. We’re located in San Antonio, Texas, a culture-rich, historic and vibrant city with deluxe entertainment options and plenty of...

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Assisted Living at The Meadowlands

135 Meadowlands Estates Lane, O'Fallon, MO 63366

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
9
9 Photos available
9.3
Review Score
87 reviews

Lots more men here than most places. Oftentimes men outnumber women in the dining room for breakfast especially. We chose the most expensive room that has a separate bedroom from the main living area with a...

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

Providing exceptional, loving and healing care to seniors. Our residents are invited to enjoy their days with friends and hobbies instead of filling them with everyday chores and hassles. Our vibrant, charming community offers privacy, comfort and safety with thoughtful amenities and a wide...

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Atria Newport Plaza

1455 Superior Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
7
7 Photos available
9
9 Floor plans available
9.4
Review Score
102 reviews

I am concerned about employee satisfaction though as we see a lot of turnover. The caregiver & dining room service. Overall happy

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
See all Atria communities

Set on manicured grounds less than a mile from the ocean, Atria Newport Plaza is a vibrant senior living community where older adults can enjoy engaging events and chef-prepared meals in the company of friends and neighbors, and receive the discreet support they need – all backed by the...

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Brookdale Edina

3330 Edinborough Way, Edina, MN 55435

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
12
12 Photos available
21
21 Floor plans available
9.3
Review Score
134 reviews

My experiences with the entire process starting with the tour of the facility, the quality and value of the apartment, the welcome that my mother has received by the staff, the activities and positive vibes...

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
See all Brookdale communities

It's time to start enjoying the carefree lifestyle you deserve and when you come home to our luxurious, unique community, with its towering 18 stories and stunning views of downtown Minneapolis, you’ll see that each day opens up a whole realm of possibilities. Our continuing care community...

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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 541-550 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.