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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.
5330 Century Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562
The staff members are a 5 plus, they are so friendly and we are getting ready to move our loved one in and she is really looking forward to the arts and crafts. Before we even toured this community we wanted...
Sage Meadow Middleton offers quality care through our assisted living and memory care programs. This is a comfortable, relaxed community with a friendly atmosphere and dedicated, 24-hour staff. With the goal of nurturing mind, body, and spirit, Sage Meadow Living features both structure and...
1601 Wheeler Rd, Madison, WI 53704
The staff are very caring, and they work very well with our family. Our loved one has had a lot of issues, and they have kept the lines of communication very open. They work well to get her what she needs...
We are continuing to Admit New Residents, where possible and appropriate, to help residents and families in need.We are offering Virtual Tours of our Community via Zoom, facetime, APFM community APP and Google Duo. If you're interested in learning more or want to get your Virtual tour set up let...
4929 Whitcomb Dr., Madison, WI 53711
Whitcomb Square Apartments are a nice 55 plus community. The grounds are beautiful and they are quick to clean them up when needed. They do not have a meal plan and the only person on site is a maintenance...
Whitcomb Square Senior Apartment Homes for ages 55+ is located in wooded Orchard Ridge Neighborhood in Madison, WI's west side. Conveniently located near shopping and restaurants, (Home Depot, Copper Top restaurant, Vitense Golf and Gino’s), Whitcomb Square is a community of 66 apartments (all 2...
22 Milo Lane, Madison, WI 53714
I can’t imagine a better assisted living place for my mother than Camomile 1. First, she has a great apartment – living area, sleeping area, kitchen alcove, bathroom and two large closets. Great windows...
Chamomile Assisted Living, LTD is located in a tranquil area of Madison, Wisconsin. Our community is close to several large public parks and nestled between quiet residential neighborhoods. It is an ideal place for our residents to call home, and we find that visitors and family guests often have...
5475 Westshire Circle, Waunakee, WI 53597
There have been a lot of issues finding and maintaining staff just like everywhere else right now. They do their very best - but it has been a struggle. They are having a hard time finding an activities...
We see in each individual their grand potential to live a life of self-respect and integrity. In like manner we lessen your worry as we provide compassionate skilled care that brings a spirit of self-respect into the life of your loved one. We take our responsibilities seriously at Sylvan...
4815 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, WI 53716
This palce has everything my she wants (dishwasher, washer and dryer in apartment underground parking)
Meadow Grove is a vibrant senior community that is located off Cottage Grove Road in Madison, Wisconsin. Make yourself at home in one of our 60 apartment homes and enjoy the convenience of being close to shopping, restaurants, medical services and much more. All apartments feature full...
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....
6209 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705
Oakwood is a lovely facility, has many amenities and services for all of their residents. We have also appreciated all of the social workers, therapists and caregivers as we have navigated the transition...
Oakwood Village University Woods is located on Madison's west side, set on 30 acres that include a nine-acre nature preserve. It is a part of Oakwood Lutheran Senior Ministries, a not-for-profit, Lutheran organization established in 1948. In addition to independent living, short-term rehab and...
5765 Chapel Valley Road, Madison, WI 53711
Sylvan Crossings had availability quickly when I was needing to move my loved one. The staff here is very good. They seem to handle his care well if not better than where he was at previously. I would...
We see in each individual their grand potential to live a life of self-respect and integrity. We also strive to lessen your worry as we provide compassionate skilled care that brings a spirit of independence into the life of your loved one. Our priority is to provide the highest level of care...
5784 Chapel Valley Road, Madison, WI 53711
The people are really nice at this community. The staff are helpful. Mom likes the food and activities they offer. The community is clean and well maintained inside and out. This community is just the...
For family members, watching a loved one cope with the effects of Alzheimer's or other dementias can be difficult. We want to help. We conduct one-on-one counseling for families, as well as offer family training on redirection of their loved one, and can offer additional resources such as...
842 Jupiter Drive, Madison, WI 53718
The place is bright, clean and goo quality food and care. Meals are made from scratch not shipped in or reheated from a local service.
Chamomile Assisted Living is an assisted living community located in the lovely and charming Madison, Wisconsin. The two different locations of this community provide you with choice and variety. The lovely private apartments are accommodating and spacious. You can enjoy the beautiful foliage and...
6916 Century Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562
I have lived here a year now and feel like I’m part of a big family. I really like the people, they are so caring and nice. The food is so good! [name removed] keeps me full and is great!
Do more every dayLive your life to the fullest with a little help from us. If you’re looking for freedom and fun in senior living, we might be the right fit for you. Located in Middleton, Wisconsin, near Madison, you’ll have the care you need if you need it at our Assisted Living community. We...
6160 Dell Dr., Madison, WI 53718
I moved into Westminster in June 2020. I must say it was the best move I made after selling my house. My sister [name removed] lived at Westminster for 9 years before she passed away in 2016. She absolutely...
On Madison’s far east side, Westminster 55+ Adult Community is easy to find. One block from the Richmond Hill Neighborhood and minutes from East Towne Mall, Westminster offers one- and two-bedroom apartment homes in a variety of floor plans plus underground parking. Common areas not only include...
5206 Paulson Court, McFarland, WI 53558
McFarland Villa is a really great place. The staff were all very nice and accommodating, and they put up with my loved one. He did not want to live this far away from his friends so he moved. I would...
At McFarland Villa Assisted 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...
1120 Connery Cove, Waunakee, WI 53597
Very nice facility. The Director is excellent. My friend really enjoys the food and all of the interns. Everyone is very friendly and they do an excellent job with meds, laundry, social activities, and care...
Home Again's newest community in Waunakee is Now Open!This beautiful new location has many new unique features like an on-site chef, in-house beauty salon, movie theater, pub and entertainment center, lounge and coffee areas, private dining rooms, gourmet kitchen, wellness center, private meeting...
5565 Tancho Dr, Madison, WI 53718
I've been a resident at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge since the Grasslands independent living apartments were completed in July 2019. My wife and I couldn't be happier. We have a spacious apartment,...
Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge is a part of Oakwood Lutheran Senior Ministries, a not-for-profit, Lutheran church-sponsored organization established in 1948. Located on Madison's east side near Sun Prairie, Prairie Ridge provides close proximity to local shopping and restaurants, while providing...
801 S Klein Dr, Waunakee, WI 53597
There are multiple different things offered here like independent living, assisted living, higher levels of care and even a rehab unit and that was something we like. There are plenty of activities going on...
Welcome to Waunakee Manor, a Continuing Care Retirement Community serving the Greater Madison area since 1974. At Waunakee Manor, we strive to ensure that throughout all of life’s stages, we’ve got you covered. We offer senior living solutions across the Continuum of Care ranging from short term...
325 Prairie Way Blvd., Verona, WI 53593
This facility is very nice and I love that it is pet friendly. I, unfortunately, had to rule this out as a place to live because the rule on pets seems to be a little off to me. They allow you 2 dogs or 1...
Evia Apartments 55+ Adult Community is located in the Prairie Oaks Neighborhood in the town of Verona. Evia Apartments has 36 one and two bedroom apartments for the persons 55 and better. Evia Apartments was built on the promise of independent, carefree living for adults. Please schedule a...
900 O'Keeffe Ave, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
We chose Prairie Gardens because it is a very local place and we actually knew some of the caretakers who worked here so it was more of a familiar feel. It is a super nice place and everyone was informative....
Prairie Gardens Assisted Living for a Better Quality of Life Offering a Lifestyle Built on the Values of Personal Care, Comfort, and Security Services & Amenities Jerry & Suzy Harbort, RN, Owners / Managers of Prairie Gardens offers an array of amenities and services designed to provide an...
139 E Reynolds St, Cottage Grove, WI 53527
My mother is a resident here. They could get a new activities director because my mother does not get along with her.They need more staff on the weekends. We chose Aster Retirement because they offer...
The Aster Retirement Communities and its dedicated staff recognize that you make the difference in our lives and we want to make a difference in yours. By dedicating ourselves to our 'mission' to care for you, we create an environment that is a positive way of life for all of our residents. We...
333 W. Main Street, Madison, WI 53703
This community was very good and the care staff are really good. We are happy with our loved one here.
Welcome to Capitol Lakes! Capitol Lakes is downtown Madison, Wisconsin's only continuing care retirement community! Our entire campus is infused with the energy and inspiration of our vibrant location right in the heart of one of the Midwest's most sought after retirement destinations. We embrace...
1912 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI 53704
My wife and I live at this senior apartments and we are happy with it. The grounds and public area are clean. We have all the amenities to prepare our own meals. Everything is quiet nice too. The community...
Atwood CourtyardAtwood Courtyard is a senior apartment community, located right in the heart of the community in Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin. Madison is a friendly community that is buzzing with a wide variety of activities. Spend a Saturday browsing through the Dane County Farmers Market,...
2417 Cypress Way OPENING 8/1/11, Madison, WI 53713
Located on the recently renovated South Side of Madison, Burr Oaks is a 62+ Adult Community located on a 1.4 acre development consisting of a newly constructed, three-story elevator-serviced building providing 50 units of affordable housing to independent adults.
602 Sawyer Terrace, Madison, WI 53718
602 Sawyer Terrace, Madison, WI 53718
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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Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
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, The Waterford at Fitchburg and Park Glen Apartments 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 4,034 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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