10 Best Independent Living Communities in Reading, MA

Independent Living

If you or your loved one desire the peace of mind of having your chores handled by professionalls while living the way you desire, think about the option of independent living. Meals, recreational activities and housekeeping duties are taken care of for you while you are unencumbered to use your time as you desire. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy an opportunity to be among peers, surrounded by others of similar age groups and interests. Residents’ quarters consist of a private living space with their own kitchen. The independence of apartment life is still enjoyed, offering opportunities to socialize with guests and visitors in a private and personal setting. While policies differ between locations, a number of residences allow cats and dogs as well. Nursing and health care services may always be arranged for with independent care providers as desired. There are an assortment of advantages and expenses to consider when deciding on an independent living community. It is important to learn if these amenities are covered in your service plan: cable TV, field trips, wellness program, housekeeping, move-in fee, internet access, private phone, and meals. The benefits that pertain to independent living include golf course, healthcare center, security guards, community activities, fitness center & swimming pool, beauty salon & barber shop, transportation, and game/TV room.

Cost of Living

The total cost of living can be a major factor in deciding which location fits best. The median monthly rent in Reading is around $2,075 and the median value for a home for Reading is approximately $497,529. The rent burden for Reading is about 19.0% of the average monthly income.

Demographics and Values

Reading has a population density of 997 people per square mile. The total population of Reading consists of 25,769 people. In Reading, 5.0% of the citizens are veterans of the United States armed forces. Of the population of Reading 28.0% have a graduate degree, 15.8% have a high-school diploma, and 62.1% have a college degree. In Reading, 5.4% are widowed, 72.2% participate in the labor force, 9.3% have some form of disability, and 1.1% do not have health insurance. Out of the total city population, 50.0% are male and 50.0% are female. The median age of Reading is 42 years old. Demographically, Reading is 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 92.4% white, 2.0% Hispanic, 0.4% other or not specified, 4.6% Asian, 0.1% Native American, 0.7% black, and 1.8% mixed race.

State Information

An overview of Massachusetts

Overall, Massachusetts ranks 8th in quality of life and 2nd in healthcare compared to other US states. Based on natural beauty, Massachusetts ranks 26th in the nation. Out of a national average of 100, Massachusetts has a cost of living index rating of 134, a grocery index rating of 114, and a housing index rating of 170. There are 78 general hospitals and 129 health centers that provide care for 6,941,273 Massachusetts residents. Cape Cod Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and New England Baptist Hospital are among the top three highest ranked hospitals in the state.

Social demographics of the state

The state of Massachusetts ranks 16th in the country for diversity and the state is considered very LGBTQ friendly. During the latest presidential election, 33% voted for the Republican candidate while 60% voted for the Democratic candidate. Twenty-three percent of Massachusetts residents regularly attend a religious service from one of the state’s 4,200 different congregations. The top three Christian denominations in the state are Evangelical Protestant-9%, Mainline Protestant-10%, and Historically Black Protestant-2%. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-3%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%. In Massachusetts there are 27 masonic lodges. The state has a median age of 39 and 30% of its population being over the age of 55.

State-wide weather information

During the winter, the average temperature in Massachusetts drops to around 28F. The average high winter temperature is around 45F in the month of January. In the winter months, the average low temperature falls to around 7F during the month of December. During the summer, the average temperature in Massachusetts is around 68F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 85F during the month of July. The average low summer temperature is around 50F in the month of June. Massachusetts experiences an average humidity rating of about 71%. Humidity levels tend to reach their peak in the month of December at around 71%. The average amount of precipitation peaks during the month of May at around 6.10 inches. The average monthly precipitation for the state of Massachusetts is around 4.04 inches. The average air quality index rating in Massachusetts is 38.9 AQI. The highest seasonal air quality index rating occurs in the month of May with a rating of 47.5 AQI. While residents of Massachusetts mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Massachusetts can include hurricanes, earthquakes (moderate), and and tornadoes.

Wildlife to be found in Massachusetts

The state of Massachusetts has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of American linden, eastern red cedar, white spruce, and butterfly weed. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the woodchucks, the lance leaf coreopsis, the cardinal flower, or the bats. The state animal of Massachusetts is the woodchucks.