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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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Clarendale of Algonquin

2001 W Algonquin Rd, Algonquin, IL 60102

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
Photo of Clarendale of Algonquin
15
15 Photos available
10
10 Floor plans available
9.9
Review Score
311 reviews

They are very easy to work with. Friendliness- Even my mom commented on that. I am happy with the medical staff. I wish more of the support staff was female. My mom expressed that she is uncomfortable...

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
See all Life Care Services LLC communities

At Clarendale of Algonquin, we offer a variety of community features. Residents can enjoy regular off-site adventures and excursions. Cats and dogs are allowed in private quarters. Indoor and Outdoor parking available at our location. Our purpose-built community has the advantage of specialized...

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The Waterford on Highland Colony

619 Highland Colony Pkwy, Ridgeland, MS 39157

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
13
13 Photos available
5
5 Floor plans available
9.9
Review Score
89 reviews

My time at The Waterford was wonderful, even though I don't live there anymore due to no fault of the community. The food is excellent, and the activities are always fun. The staff is friendly and good at...

Provides: Independent Living
See all Sonida Senior Living communities

Join a community overflowing with warmth and friendliness at The Waterford on Highland Colony. Featuring Independent Living services in Ridgeland, Mississippi, our community puts a focus on getting the most out of life. Our residents can participate in weekly activities, including movie nights,...

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West Shores

2607 Albert Pike, Hot Springs, AR 71913

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
8
8 Photos available
9.9
Review Score
149 reviews

The apartment is a nice size. Housekeeping is awesome. I'm not used to someone knocking and unlocking my door and walking in. I put a small sign on my door "Please knock and give me a chance to answer door....

Best of Senior Living All Star
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
See all Sonida Senior Living communities

See the natural beauty that flows through West Shores, a 17-acre community that combines serenity and security by offering desired services and amenities in every studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment home. Our goal is to enrich the lives of our residents by providing an environment that is...

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Villas of Holly Brook Marshall

17050 N. Quality Lime Rd., Marshall, IL 62441

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
17
17 Photos available
9.9
Review Score
41 reviews

I recently move here and it was the best decision I ever could have made. The staff here go out of their way to make sure all my needs are met. The food is wonderful and I’ve already made a lot of friends. I...

Provides: Assisted Living
See all Meridian Senior Living communities

Riverstone Retirement Community

9000 North Congress Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64153

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
15
15 Photos available
9.9
Review Score
112 reviews

I have lived here for for five years. My life began in a great home in the state of Virginia. After looking at three other retirement places, my son [name removed] brought be back here three times and the...

Best of Senior Living All Star
Provides: Independent Living
See all Resort Lifestyle Communities communities

Riverstone Retirement is Kansas City’s Premier independent living community. Riverstone Retirement comprises apartments for adults 55 and over — including studio apartments, one, two, and three bedroom suites and a variety of floor plans. Riverstone Retirement is an all-inclusive retirement...

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10 Wilmington Place

10 Wilmington Ave, Dayton, OH 45420

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
16
16 Photos available
9.9
Review Score
95 reviews

My father was recently diagnosed with dementia, and moved to 10 Wilmington which we correctly identified as a safe, welcoming new home with most of the in-house care he needs, and options for increased care...

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living

For 37 years, 10 Wilmington Place has been one of Dayton's premier senior living communities and has remained family-owned since opening in 1986. Situated on 34 acres of historic beauty in one of Dayton's classic neighborhoods, 10 Wilmington Place offers a wide range of services and amenities at...

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Holiday Simi Hills

950 Sunset Garden Ln, Simi Valley, CA 93065

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
13
13 Photos available
10
10 Floor plans available
9.9
Review Score
69 reviews

The staff was very helpful and professional and friendly. The facility always looked clean and orderly. Some of the other issues like food, etc. are too soon to respond to because this is only the second day...

Provides: Independent Living
See all Holiday by Atria communities

Simi Hills provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment.Located in one of the safest suburbs in the country, you'll enjoy our stunning views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the tasteful elegance of our community. Residents also appreciate the convenience of being...

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Holiday Thornton Place

2901 Southwest Armstrong Ave, Topeka, KS 66614

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
13
13 Photos available
20
20 Floor plans available
9.9
Review Score
102 reviews

My loved one likes everything ! Even how convenient the laundry room is! The staff is a five star group and are ready to help anytime. Always caring and ready to help. Thornton place has a great activities...

Provides: Independent Living
See all Holiday by Atria communities

Thornton Place provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment. Nestled within gorgeously landscaped grounds in the Flint Hills, you'll love the grandeur of Thornton Place while enjoying all the conveniences of nearby Topeka. We're just minutes from shopping, dining,...

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Mission Ridge

4349 South Kansas Avenue, Springfield, MO 65810

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

I've lived at Mission Ridge for almost 3 years and I love it here. The people are all really nice and the food is wonderful! I would highly recommend it and know anyone who lives here will be happy.

Best of Senior Living All Star
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
See all Merrill Gardens communities

Located in the Southwest area of Springfield, our brand-new community offers quality senior living at its best. Mission Ridge senior living offers independent retirement living, assisted living and memory care. We feature spacious private apartments and stunning amenities.Our community is...

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McClellan Senior Living

41 Polkville Dr, Anniston, AL 36205

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
5
5 Photos available
9.9
Review Score
77 reviews

We have had our loved one here for 4 years now. I cannot say enough good about them. They TRULY care for the residents!!! I always see a pat on the back, a hug or just a resident being acknowledged which...

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

While you may have known Fort McClellan as a premier military installation in the Southeast, the fort's Army days are in the past. Today a portion of the former military base has a whole new mission.Welcome to the new McClellan, and welcome to Anniston, Alabama. A growing retirement destination...

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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.

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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.