Who are you searching for?
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.
8301 Old Sauk Road, Middleton, WI 53562
Attic Angel Community is a Madison original, still locally owned and operated after more than 125 years! We offer senior living for the entire continuum of care: independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation. Attic Angel residents live...
8501 Old Sauk Road, Middleton, WI 53562
This is a very friendly caring community. There are lots of opportunities to meet new friends. We do have a Red Hat Group. The guys have a lot of fun too.
5833 American Pkwy, Madison, WI 53718
Our family had an in person tour and it was a nice community but the required the families to put down a life lease. There was a month to month rate and you got back a large percentage of large lump some of...
6055 Perrot Place, McFarland, WI 53558
The Skaalen Village Independent Living Community, WISkaalen Village is an independent living community in Dane County, on the eastern shore of Lake Waubesa McFarland, WI. Skaalen Village accords residents who are 55+ access to over 200 miles of hiking and biking trails. Skaalen Village is on the...
301 East Third St., Waunakee, WI 53597
I'm hoping to make more friends here at Cannery Row Senior Apartments. My children thought this was the best place for me when they decided where I should live. There are a lot of people are older in their...
Cannery Row is an active senior community located in the one and only Waunakee, WI. It has been designed to provide comfortable, exquisitely designed apartment homes for a wide range of lifestyles and income levels. We offer one and two bedroom apartments, in a variety of floor plans that...
210 O'Malley St., Waunakee, WI 53597
210 O'Malley St., Waunakee, WI 53597
607 Reeve Drive #109, Waunakee, WI 53597
I really like that the community is kept clean and organized. The manager and landlord are lovely people. My room is very spacious i love that. I really hope that the maintenance people can get stuff fixed...
An affordable luxury apartment home community built on the promise of independent, carefree living for seniors 55 years and better. With many reasons to enjoy life and have peace of mind. Professionally managed by Oakbrook which develops, builds and manages apartment homes for seniors that are...
1049 Enterprise Dr., Verona, WI 53593
Prairie Oaks is located in a safe neighborhood. It is in a nice suburban area with a couple of restaurants across the street. There is small things like the ease of getting to the mailbox that really made it...
Prairie Oaks II 55+ Adult Community is located in the Prairie Oaks Neighborhood in the town of Verona. Prairie Oaks II has 36 one and two bedroom apartments for the persons 55 and better. Prairie Oaks was built on the promise of independent, carefree living for adults.
143 Prairie Oaks Drive, Verona, WI 53593
405 W. Cottage Grove Rd #102, Cottage Grove, WI 53527
I have lived at Glenwood Senior living for over 11 years. I love it here! The managers Kris and [name removed] are wonderful! Any concerns that I have had whether it be a repair or anything else they're always ready to listen and take care of it. The...
505 Westlawn Dr, Cottage Grove, WI 53527
My mother was there when she lived in Wisconsin it was good but it was like a 4 out of 5 compared to the place mother moved to in California. There were not nearly as many volunteers at Harbor House and the...
325 West Cottage Grove Road 505 West Lawn Drive, Cottage Grove, WI 53527
My mother in law was alright with it, but we never moved her stuff there because it didn't have a warm feeling and it was also harder for me to get to (I'm the primary care giver). I wasn't sold on it for...
KindredHearts is built on more than 25 years of achieving excellence in meeting today's senior needs, and anticipating those of tomorrow. We are dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of today's elderly by offering assisted living, memory care and independent living in a personalized, home-like...
510 Westlawn Drive, Cottage Grove, WI 53527
Taylor RidgeTaylor Ridge is a charming senior living community located in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. There are 66 apartment homes in the community that consist of both market rate and affordable one and two bedroom apartments. All apartment homes feature full appliances (including...
510 Westlawn Dr, Cottage Grove, WI 53527
510 Westlawn Dr, Cottage Grove, WI 53527
309 Schweitzer Drive, Verona, WI 53593
Four Winds Assisted Living is an assisted living community that is located in a quiet residential neighborhood of Verona, WI. Verona is located just 10 miles outside of the downtown area of Madison, WI. You get the quiet neighborhood with the ease of being able to visit Madison if the need...
850 Prairie Run St., Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Voted ‘Best Rentals’ by the Sun Prairie Star proving that this community is built around customer service and comfort. Offering spacious floor plans, top quality design, generous amenities and scenic views; this community is designed for seniors who appreciate convenience and luxury. We are...
850 Prairie Run St., Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Voted ‘Best Rentals’ by the Sun Prairie Star proving that this community is built around customer service and comfort. Offering spacious floor plans, top quality design, generous amenities and scenic views; this community is designed for seniors who appreciate convenience and luxury. We are...
1000 Hunters Trail, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
1000 Hunters Trail, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
206 South Marietta Street, Verona, WI 53593
1750 Linnerud Dr., Sun Prairie, WI 53590
1750 Linnerud Dr., Sun Prairie, WI 53590
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
Your zip code
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.
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
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.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
Please enter a valid email address.