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There aren’t many better places than the Badger State to spend your golden years — and its capital city of Madison, Wisconsin, might be a particularly great option when it comes to settling down later in life. With gorgeous lakefront views, a bright and social atmosphere, and no shortage of engaging cultural activities, this midsize city is an undoubtedly attractive option for seniors of all stripes.
Madison is the 22nd-best major city to retire in and the fifth-best city for seniors’ quality of life. Independent living in Madison is for lively seniors who are usually healthy and active but seek convenience and opportunities to socialize. In contrast with assisted living, independent living residents don’t receive help with activities of daily living. The style of residents’ living quarters will depend on the facilities and floor plans they choose, and they may have access to amenities and services on-site such as salons, physicians, and community lounges.
A Place for Mom partners with eight independent living communities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Madison. In this guide, we’ll cover information on independent living facilities, financing options, residential laws and regulations, care types, and more to help simplify your housing search.
How do we rank Madison’s independent living communities?
Our goal is to help you find high-quality independent living facilities that fit your needs. Using our 20+ years of experience in senior living, we developed a proprietary rating system based on the following:
Types of care available in Madison, WI
Independent Living
Thrilled with the care and attention my Mother received while at this Brookdale. It felt like I was pet of a family! The food is wonderful and I enjoyed that when visiting. They also have fun activities for residents and their family members. Thanks for all you did and I would highly suggest anyone to move their loved one into their community.
The week day staff is compassionate and well trained and employed by Oakwood. The weekend staff is hired from an agency and the care and compassion is lacking. They are working on fixing this but claim there are not enough people interested in this type of work.
The staff that is there are wonderful, they have done a great job given the circumstances but there is a high turnover rate outside of the day to day staff. The director is trying her best, but communication with the staff and families has started to lack. The life enrichment coordinator is fantastic and wonderful, she wears many hats there. We want them to improve, once stability is provided everything will fall into place.
201 N Walbridge Ave, Madison, WI 53714
Just to clarify its my Mother in law living there, but she seems to really like it and is very happy with her apartment and the people she's met.
Park Glen Apartments is for those 55 and better, located in Madison, Wisconsin. It is where luxury meets affordability. You may have heard of Madison being referred to as a college town but rest assured, college kids have not cornered the market on enjoying all this Midwest city has to offer....
5440 Caddis Bend, Fitchburg, WI 53711
I came to the Waterford community physical challenged and needing care. I was met with a level of professionalism that was outstanding. The experience I want to emphasize is that I was embraced and welcomed...
Get to know the warm, friendly environment at The Waterford at Fitchburg and you'll see how thoughtful amenities and world-class services come together in harmony. Residents at our Independent Living and Assisted Living community in Fitchburg, WI, are afforded the privacy and freedom to live a...
413 & 429 S. Yellowstone Drive, Madison, WI 53719
Overall we are becoming happier with my moms care at Brookdale. [name removed] the interim Director is a breath of fresh air! We have seen quite the improvements in a short period of time and It’s nice to...
A Beautiful Place to Call HomeImagine trading in your household chores and responsibilities for a lifestyle rich in quality friendships, exciting activities and personalized care. Wouldn’t that be the dream?Here at our assisted living and memory care community in Madison, Wisconsin, your dreams...
2879 Fish Hatchery, Madison, WI 53713
my mother has been a resident for about 4-5 years. She has been going very well since her move to the larger common are and with mom's contact with others. There have been challenges, however they have been...
At The Ridge, our mission is simple: creating environments where moments of joy, independence and wellness are the focus each and every day. We have a Med Staff on site 24 hours a day, dedicated to your health, safety and well-being. Located in Fitchburg, we serve all of Madison and the...
2851 Fitchrona Road, Fitchburg, WI 53719
Quarry Ridge was great to work with plus a great facility. Highly recommend them. The facility is not inexpensive but my loved one really enjoyed her time there. Good meals and comfortable accommodations. ...
Quarry Ridge, the luxurious Resort Lifestyle Community, is currently under construction on Fitchrona Road in Fitchburg. We look forward to opening brand new during the Spring of 2022! Quarry Ridge will offer all of the comforts and conveniences of modern-day living that allow you to enjoy your...
5601 Burke Rd, Madison, WI 53718
This facility has a very caring staff, a capable administrative team, and is an excellent quality facility. The needs of my sister-in-law were fully met. I would highly recommend this community for any...
Cedarhurst of Madison provides truly person-directed care, taking the time to know and work with each resident as an individual and providing them with care that’s as unique as they are. In Assisted Living, our caring, compassionate staff, first-rate amenities, new community and welcoming,...
111 Owen Road, Monona, WI 53716
Actually, my folks moved the end of August because my Mom needed memory care and they did not have a unit in memory care that would fit 2 people. Med passers and activities staff were very friendly. They...
Within the doors of Heritage Monona, you'll find a warm and gentle community where daily assistance is provided with love and the utmost respect for the personal integrity of our residents. Our compassionate staff has been specially selected and carefully trained to serve with an open heart and a...
7710 N Brookline Dr, Madison, WI 53719
Coventry Village is a nice place, beautifully appointed. The staff seemed to be over-worked. Sometimes it would take an hour for someone to come after the call button was pushed. My mother was not a...
Welcome to the award-winning Sebring Assisted Care and Sebring Gardens Memory Care Residences! Sebring Assisted Care Residence is an integral part of Coventry Village, Madison's premier west-side retirement community.Coventry Village is dedicated to enabling each resident to maximize their...
6550 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI 53711
The common areas, dining, etc. was very clean. The cleanliness of my loved one's apartment fell a little bit short of our expectations. The staff are friendly, engaging, and they treat the residents as...
BrightStar Senior Living is an assisted living community in the welcoming, scenic city of Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin. Our beautiful community is centrally located in a quiet residential area near the West Beltline Highway, providing easy access to area attractions and the nearby cities of...
8210 Highview Dr., Madison, WI 53719
A room opened up and so we moved her. All Saints has a very well-established and robust memory program. Mom seems to be happy there. These retirement communities are super expensive. That said, All Saints...
All Saints Assisted Living and Memory Care offers seniors Spirited Community Living! The residence is part of the All Saints Neighborhood, which offers living options like cottages, condos and apartments for those 55 and better. As a person's needs change, the assisted living residence has...
9401 Old Sauk Road, Middleton, WI 53562
It's obvious how much the staff at Holidays Middleton care for the residents on a personal level. I don't know all the staff, but the 2 that I encounter somewhat regularly are of whom I speak.
The Jefferson has been here for over 16 years near beautiful farmland, Pope Farm and corn fields.We have senior care on site to offer Assisted Living. Our staff members have longevity over 15 years and more. We have won "Best Place to Live" 2018 and "Best Place to Work 3 years in a row. We are...
1125 N Edge Trail, Verona, WI 53593
In comparison to other alternatives, Charter Senior Living of Verona (formerly Cedarhurst) is a safe, caring and very affordable home for seniors.
Cedarhurst of Verona is a senior living community located in Verona, Dane County, Wisconsin, a short drive southwest of Madison. The community features apartment-style living designed to offer residents a high degree of comfort and independence, all while they benefit from the support needed.The...
275 N City Station Dr, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
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My dad is a resident at Talamore Sun Prairie. He loves it. He is very comfortable and has met friends. I'm glad they have a lot of activities for him and he participates in a lot.
At Talamore Senior Living our engaging environment is thoughtfully designed to enrich the rhythms of our residents' lives. We focus on fostering meaningful relationships, creating engaging experiences, and providing exceptional care.Our brand new community is designed to be welcoming for...
3820 Tribeca Dr, Middleton, WI 53562
The staff at Cardinal View Senior Living are amazing! My loved one's room is cleaned once a week and the facility is also clean. Communication with the family is great. The move in process went very smooth....
See what life can be like at Cardinal View Senior Living. From our 5-Star restaurant-style dining room to our full theater, everyday is a gift waiting to be unwrapped.We train our staff to cater to your every need, providing an experience that seamlessly blends comfort, convenience, and care. Our...
200 Cross Street, Waunakee, WI 53597
They were AMAZING. My mom was not here very long, but they really treated her like their own. A few of the staff members cried just as hard as we did when she passed away. We knew that if for some reason...
Sienna Crest of Waunakee is a full service facility located in a small town of the heartland. We have caring staff with decades of combined experience that will treat your family like their own. Our friendly residents will welcome your loved one during our group activities and outings. Sienna...
4897 Innovation Dr, DeForest, WI 53532
It's a beautiful facility and very clean. I liked the wide hallways and open spaces. The bathroom was very accessible. I liked the country setting with southern exposure. The head chef had been in the...
The Koselig House Assisted Living and Memory CareNamed in honor of our owner's beloved Grandmother Marion, The Koselig House is the premiere provider of Assisted Living and Memory Care in DeForest, Wisconsin. Our team provides round-the-clock specialized care for seniors looking for assistance...
618-719 Jupiter Drive, Madison, WI 53718
I am very sure that working on a memory care unit is extremely difficult for staff. Staff have to be mind readers with the patience of a saint when dealing with folks with dementia who can be violent, angry,...
Welcome to Oak Park Place! Located on Madison's far east side, Oak Park Place offers options beyond traditional senior living for the lifestyle you or your loved one deserve. Imagine an all-inclusive list of amenities and services that support a carefree, independent way of life for residents...
1936 Tennyson Lane, Madison, WI 53704
My loved one is currently a resident at Tennyson Retirement Living. Overall, the experience has been positive so far. Like everyone else, they have staffing challenges. But there seems to be some steadiness...
6234 Maywood Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562
Cleaning of residents apartments is sub-par. Even though the administrator states they do, the cleaning service they employ does no dusting, no cleaning mirrors, no bed sheet changing. It appears that all...
Heritage Middleton is an assisted living center offering senior citizens the opportunity to maintain their independence and enjoy their lifestyle. Heritage Middleton prides itself on providing luxurious and spacious apartments that feature large closets, private baths and modern conveniences....
705 Ziegler Rd, Madison, WI 53714
The staff is very patient and friendly to the residents. They're very good at communication with me as well. The food is good, and they're good about serving a fair amount of fruits and vegetables. A...
At Madison Pointe Senior Living, we strive to provide each of our residents a caring, nurturing environment with dignified and respectful services at a special place that they are proud to call 'home'. We understand there is no greater comfort in life than being around people who care. Our team...
345 W Main St, Madison, WI 53703
The staff there at Capitol Lakes Terraces are super! They are very welcoming, very caring, and very well organized. Their staff is very well trained and they really care and do a great job. The only...
Capitol Lakes Terraces is an assisted living community located in the heart of the city of Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin. Surrounded on both the north and south by Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, respectively, residents of Capitol Lakes Terraces enjoy one of the best views in the city, no matter...
1110 North Sherman Avenue, Madison, WI 53704
Location OK, nice lighting
We are a Senior Property for ages 55 and better! Our location couldn't be more convenient... close to shopping and on the busline! Our newly updated and affordable apartments are designed for your comfort and convenience! Sherman Glen offers you everything you'll need for your independent...
602 N Segoe Rd, Madison, WI 53705
My parents really enjoy Renaissance place.
Located in the Hill Farms neighborhood on Madison's West Side, Renaissance Senior Living of Hilldale offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. We strive to provide a lifestyle that promotes independence and the opportunity to live life at its fullest!Strategically designed with...
101- 201 Frost Woods Road, Monona, WI 53716
We contacted A Place For Mom and were assigned a counselor within minutes. She called and e-mailed places to contact using information we gave her with regards to what we were looking for and price range. We...
Conveniently located in the heart of Monona, Frost Woods offers quality and luxury at an affordable price. Frost Woods Apartments have one & two bedroom apartment homes. Call today to schedule a tour!
4327 Nakoma Road, Madison, WI 53711
What we like the most about the Oak Park Place is that it is very welcoming and the staff members are so friendly. My brother is very happy there. He is enjoying the community and other residents who live...
According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, Madison independent living options cost an average of $3,725 a month in 2022, which includes rent, relevant service fee add-ons, and associated expenses.[02] However, these monthly costs can vary given the unit size a resident lives in as well as the extra amenities and services they choose.
In general, monthly independent living costs in Madison include a base monthly fee as well as additional fees that help seniors live by themselves without worrying about typical homeowner responsibilities. These might include gardening and lawn care services, appliance repairs, or regular home maintenance.
Additionally, independent living communities in Madison often offer residents the following amenities in their facilities as part of their monthly costs:
Likewise, independent living communities in Madison might offer residents the choice to use additional services, such as beauty salons or covered parking, which may increase their monthly payments.
The following chart shows baselinecosts for independent living in Madison, but it doesn’t include any additional fees.
16.18 miles from you
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15.96 miles from you
Residents looking for a Madison-based independent living experience have a variety of options to help finance their stay. Tenants can pay using private options, Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, or public resources.
In this section, we’ll cover different private and public payment options and will detail the types of in-home care that could be covered for independent living residents under Medicaid and Medicare.
Potential independent living residents are welcome to pay their fees using private funding.
Long-term care insurance will not pay residents’ independent living costs given that they’re not senior care facilities and don’t include care fees within their monthly costs. Instead, tenants can tap into their personal savings, leverage Social Security benefits, cash out their pensions, or use investment returns to secure their spot in an independent living community.
Besides this, the following options are also available for residents trying to finance their own independent living stays in Madison:
Independent living facilities in Wisconsin do not have licensing or inspection requirements. However, seniors with a disability are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This act also allows for the exception of a service animal in independent living apartments that don’t accept pets.
Additionally, independent living communities that also provide more dedicated in-house care are typically overseen by Wisconsin’s Division of Quality Assurance. To see surveys performed on senior care facilities by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, you can use this portal.
Within Madison, A Place for Mom partners with two combination assisted living and independent living facilities and four more facilities that provide assisted living, independent living and memory care. Because of these additional care components, these facilities do have licensing and inspection requirements that are overseen by the Bureau of Assisted Living within the Division of Quality Assurance.
Wisconsin Department of Health
1 W Wilson St.
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 608-266-1865
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Madison and Wisconsin don’t have strict COVID-19 guidelines, but the state adheres to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s overarching guidance. Here are some more specific guidelines:
Vaccinations. Madison doesn’t have strict regulations around COVID-19. However, vaccines and boosters are recommended. Madison does subscribe to the guidelines approved by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Be sure to check with the specific communities you’re considering for additional information.
Masking. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommends masking in specific situations, like in health care settings requiring masks and for 10 days following COVID-19 exposure or symptoms.
Quarantining. The state encourages residents to remain at home if they have COVID-19, are dealing with symptoms associated with the illness, or have been exposed.
In Madison’s independent living facilities, residents can get the perks of home in a more convenient and social atmosphere. Things like maintenance and yard work are of no concern to residents. With age limits, usually at least 55+, you can expect a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of extras to enjoy.
Madison’s independent living residents may find convenience in the form of these types of perks:
Likewise, many independent living facilities in Madison equip residents with these great amenities:
There’s also no shortage of opportunities to connect with fellow seniors in bright and social facility common areas:
Although two of the eight independent living facilities partnered with A Place for Mom in Madison offer this kind of living experience alone, there are also two combination assisted living and independent living facilities in Madison as well as four communities offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. These combination facilities can ensure a continuity of care for residents. Essentially, this means that you can continue living in the community as your care needs change, which may help ease concerns if there’s uncertainty about future needs.
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Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Madison as of 2021
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Madison population in 2021
General and geriatric medicine in Madison is primarily done within two major medical centers, along with the VA hospital.
University Hospital in Madison
University Hospital in Madison is the No. 1 health care provider in the city.[06] It’s also the 35th best hospital in the nation for geriatric care.[06]
SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison
SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison is the second-best hospital in the Madison area and the sixth-best hospital in the state.[06] It’s a high-performing provider of lung surgery, spinal fusions, stroke care, and more.
William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans’ Hospital
Madison’s VA hospital received the highest national award for patient experience in 2022. The hospital offers a wide variety of care, including cancer, cardiology, emergency, mental health, neurology, orthopedics, primary care, transplant surgery and social work.
Got somewhere to go in Madison? If so, you have any number of ways to get there in Wisconsin’s capital city.
Do you like to get places by road? Admittedly, Madison is a city best traveled in a car — and 75% of independent living facilities partnered with A Place for Mom offer complimentary transportation to residents. This offers residents an easy way to go grocery shopping, run other errands, attend events, or go to the doctor.
Additionally, there are plenty of public transportation options in Madison as well as ample biking infrastructure for more active residents.
Public transportation in Madison
On Madison’s Metro Transit, passengers can travel throughout the city on accessible low-floor buses. Passengers 65 and older or living with disabilities can ride for just $1 if they present an Americans with Disabilities Act-approved transit card or Metro senior/disability card.
With paratransit, patrons unable to take fixed-route buses on a regular basis can traverse the city, and Group Access Service provides regularly scheduled drop-offs to places of interest in the community.
Other transportation options
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program provides door-to-door pickups and drop-offs for seniors needing rides to health appointments, and Madison’s Older Adult Transportation Assistance program allows seniors to travel independently while making critical appointments and meetings.
Biking in Madison
For bikers, not too many cities in the nation can top Madison — it’s ranked the 11th-best biking town in the country. If you fancy a pedal, check out the Lake Monona Loop or a popular urban route.
The WalkScore metrics below are rated out of 100, with higher numbers meaning that a location is more walkable. It also gives additional insight into how well people can get around the city using different transportation methods:
50
35
66
Madison is a midsize city providing a balance of nature, history, arts, and culture — meaning there are a variety of things to do for seniors and their loved ones searching for engaging experiences.
Historical places of interest
Madison has a rich history and plenty of attractions that will appeal to wide range of interests:
Art and architecture
Take in the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, whose architectural splendor can be seen at the Monona Terrace and Taliesin. For more traditional art experiences, look into the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.
Nature
For arboreal beauty, make a stop at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens’ 16 acres of greenery, check out one of the city’s many biking trails, or visit Henry Vilas Zoo, which is still free to the public.
Senior-focused activities
For more senior-specific things to do, the Madison Senior Center and Sharing Active Independent Lives each supply plenty of indoor and outdoor engagement for interested seniors. To learn more, check out their respective event calendars.
Seniors can also attend workshops at the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging or dance classes at Ballroom Basics for Balance.
Holiday Middleton, Park Glen Apartments and The Waterford at Fitchburg are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Madison, WI. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Madison is 4,246 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
WalletHub. (2022). Best & Worst Places to Retire.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population Estimates 2021: Madison, Wisconsin [Data set].
United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
Benefits.gov. (n.d.). Wisconsin Medicaid.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Madison, WI.
LawnStarter. (2022, May 25). 2022’s Best Biking Cities in the U.S.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Madison.
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