About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2024 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2024 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2024 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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10 Best Independent Living Communities in Madison, WI

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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:

  • Recent, high-quality reviews. We take into account reviews from the past two years. Then, we look for independent living options that people prefer. Communities that have mostly positive ratings in the past two years are prioritized over facilities that have low or no reviews in the past two years. Reviews also help us understand what matters most to families like yours and how you rate communities based on subcategories like meals and dining, staff, and cleanliness.
  • Facility transparency. Communities that have robust information are prioritized over facilities that don’t offer the same level of transparency.
  • Location. Independent living options vary based on proximity to your desired location.
Madison Independent Living Facilities | 1145 Reviews
Showing 104 communities
Last Updated: 3/26/24
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Best of Senior Living

The top senior living communities stand out for their exceptional care and support of seniors in independent living, assisted living, memory care, and in-home care. Our Best of Senior Living Award winners represent the top 1-2% of senior care providers nationwide based on reviews from those who matter most: residents and families.

Best Meals and Dining

Nutritious meals are one of the most important and valued benefits of senior living. Chefs and meal planners provide residents the right balance of vitamins and minerals – and so much more. The best make sure every dish is made with quality ingredients, tastes great and leaves diners excited for their next meal.

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Amenities
Providers
Types of care available in Madison, WI
Independent Living
Independent Living
Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Assisted Living
Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Nursing Homes
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Memory Care
Memory Care
Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Residential Care Home
Residential Care Home
Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Senior Apartments
Senior Apartments
Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Home Care
Home Care
Home care relies on trained aides to provide companionship and non-medical care for seniors living at home.
Recent reviews of Independent Living in Madison, WI
5 / 5.0

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 ...

4 / 5.0

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.

4 / 5.0

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 fantasti...

Photo of Renaissance Senior Living of Hilldale
88 Photos available
Pricing promotion expiring soon
7.0
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My parents really enjoy Renaissance place.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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...
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Photo of Frost Woods I and II
11 Photo available
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Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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!
Photo of Oak Park Place Madison West Nakoma
33 Photos available
5.6
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17 reviews
5.6
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17 reviews
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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...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
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Photo of Cottages of Madison
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When we were looking for a new place to move my mom, cost was a factor. We really liked this community. Her apartment is in the remodeled wing and it is supposed to have extra staff available for the...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
The Cottages of Madison, in operation for more than 20 years, offers CBRF-assisted living, licensed for Alzheimer’s, dementia and related neurological diagnoses.Our warm, welcoming, secure community has the perfect balance of private and public community living space, making it quaint, functional...
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Photo of Sage Meadow Middleton
1212 Photos available
1.5
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47 reviews
1.5
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47 reviews
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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...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
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...
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Photo of Whitcomb Square Apartments
55 Photos available
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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...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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...
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Photo of Eden Vista Madison
77 Photos available
6.6
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41 reviews
6.6
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41 reviews
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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...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
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...
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Photo of Chamomile Assisted Living, LTD
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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...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
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...
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Photo of Sylvan Crossings in Westshire Village
66 Photos available
6.0
Review score
27 reviews
6.0
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27 reviews
5 star
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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...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
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...
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Photo of Madison Pointe Senior Living
1212 Photos available
6.7
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28 reviews
6.7
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28 reviews
5 star
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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...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
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...
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Photo of Meadow Grove Apartments
77 Photos available
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Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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...
Photo of Oakwood Village University Woods
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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...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
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...
Photo of Sylvan Crossings at Chapel Valley
22 Photos available
6.0
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6.0
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3 reviews
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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...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
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 &...
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Photo of Sylvan Crossings of Fitchburg
44 Photos available
2.1
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28 reviews
2.1
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28 reviews
5 star
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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...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
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...
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Photo of Chamomile Assisted Living II
66 Photos available
5 star
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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.
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
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...
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Photo of Westminster Senior Housing
11 Photo available
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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...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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...
Photo of Waunakee Valley Senior Living
1212 Photos available
5 star
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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...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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...
Photo of Evia Apartments
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Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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...
Photo of Prairie Gardens Assisted Living
88 Photos available
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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....
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
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...
Photo of Drumlin Reserve
11 Photo available
5 star
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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...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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...
Photo of Capitol Lakes Independent Living
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This community was very good and the care staff are really good. We are happy with our loved one here.
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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...
Photo of Atwood Courtyard
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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...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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,...
Photo of Burr Oaks Apartments
11 Photo available
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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.
Photo of Segoe Terrace
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Novation Senior Commons
Provides: Independent Living, Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.

Costs of independent living in the Madison area

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.

Breaking down Madison’s independent living costs

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:

  • Arts and crafts center
  • Fireplaces
  • Fitness center
  • Game room
  • Movie or theater room
  • Private patio, deck, or balcony
  • Raised garden beds
  • Swimming pool
  • Bar or pub
  • Billiards lounge
  • Café or bistro
  • Complimentary transportation
  • Computer or media center
  • Indoor and outdoor common areas
  • Library
  • Meeting room
  • TV lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible showers

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 baseline costs for independent living in Madison, but it doesn’t include any additional fees.

Average cost comparisons near Madison, WI

Average monthly costs

Madison, WI

$4,018

How people pay for independent living in Madison

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.

Private pay methods in Madison

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:

Caregiver Resources
Reverse Mortgages and Long-Term Care: The Pros and Cons
By Merritt Whitley, senior living writer and editor
VA benefits for independent living in Madison
9686

Approximately 9,689 veterans live in Madison as of 2021.

Roughly 50% of Madison veterans are 65 or older as of 2021.

If you’re a veteran seeking independent living options in Madison, there are a variety of specialized financial options to consider that could help you fund independent living.

Aid and Attendance benefit

First, any veteran applying for placement in an independent living community partnered with A Place for Mom should look into the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit is especially generous, and it can increase funds to a veteran’s Pension that could help pay for in-home health care services that improve their quality of life.[04]

Resources for veterans in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers the following state-specific benefits and resources veterans can take advantage of:

Assistance from local experts

Given their complexity, these benefits can sometimes be difficult to navigate. The following resources in Madison can be helpful:

  • Veterans services offices can provide a helpful hand for veterans looking into both VA and local resources to fund their independent living stays. Appointments at the Dane County Veterans Service Office are recommended. Wednesdays are held for walk-in appointments.
  • The Veterans of Foreign Wars office offers claims and assistance programs and opportunities to apply for unmet needs.
  • The Severson-Cairns American Legion Post in Madison can provide direction and additional assistance depending on their programs and offerings.

No matter whether you think you’ll qualify for benefits, be sure to contact vetted and VA-recognized VSOs before applying for independent living in Madison.

Resources for Madison Veterans

VSOs and veteran resources in Madison

Dane County Veterans Service Office

1709 Aberg Ave., Suite 2

Madison, WI 53704

Phone: 608-266-4158

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Wisconsin

4622 Dutch Mill Road

Madison, WI 53716

Phone: 608-221-2576

Veterans of Foreign Wars Day Post 7591

301 Cottage Grove Road

Madison, WI 53716

Phone: 608-221-9326

Severson-Cairns American Legion Post 501

105 Dempsey Road

Madison, WI 53614

Phone: 608-244-7716

Madison Medicaid for independent living

Medicaid is a health insurance program for lower-income Americans. Although the program doesn’t cover living costs at an independent living facility, Wisconsin Medicaid will pay for medically necessary health services in recipients’ residences.[05] This care is provided via waivers from Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).

For a closer look, you can view the highly comprehensive Wisconsin Medicaid eligibility handbook. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also offers a Job Center to assist residents trying to discern their Medicaid eligibility.

Additional Medicaid resources

Madison offers the following local resources:

  • Wisconsin’s SeniorCare program is helpful for residents 65 and older who are in need of prescription medication assistance. The cost is $30 annually, and assistance is based on income. Applicants can sign up for this program either the month of their 65th birthday or after they turn 65.
  • Wisconsin’s Board on Aging and Long-Term Care and corresponding Ombudsman Program — as well as the local Area Agency on Aging — are available for seniors and their loved ones who have aging-related inquiries or questions about elder rights.
  • Seniors can find help determining their eligibility for benefits at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ Job Center.

Madison resident Medicaid resources

Local Medicaid services

Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ Job Center

1819 Aberg Ave.

Madison, WI 53704

Phone: 888-794-5556

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Board on Aging and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

1402 Pankratz St., Suite 111

Madison, WI 53704

Phone: 800-815-0015

Dane County Area Agency on Aging

2865 N. Sherman Ave., Northside Town Center

Madison WI, 53704

Phone: 608-261-9930

Email: AAA@countyofdane.com

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Medicare independent living coverage in Madison

Federal health insurance for people 65 and over is called Medicare. Seniors looking for ways to help cover the cost of Madison independent living communities need to know that Medicare doesn’t provide payment for custodial costs in these facilities, which includes room and board. However, the program does cover medical costs such as dental visits, medically necessary equipment, and hospital visits. Seniors can call or visit the Madison Social Security Administration Office to help determine their Medicare eligibility.

Wisconsin offers additional Medicare resources such as the following:

  • Wisconsin’s Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program is a Medicare Savings Program that helps qualified seniors cover their premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance.
  • My Choice Wisconsin offers five statewide programs available to seniors that focus on long-term care and health services. Seniors can apply over the phone, in person, or by mailing in an application.
  • Residents in need of extra assistance can reach out to Wisconsin’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors for individual advice related to Medicare payment, enrollment, and eligibility. SHIP counselors can be reached by phone via the Medigap Helpline or Medigap Part ​D and Prescription Drug Helpline.
  • To get in-person guidance in the Madison area, visit the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dane County.
  • Wisconsin’s Board on Aging and Long-Term Care has an Ombudsman Program that helps answer questions about aging and elder rights.

Resources for Madison Medicare recipients

Medicare-related assistance offices

Madison Social Security Administration Office

6011 Odana Road

Madison, WI 53719

Phone: 866-770-2262

Fax: 833-950-3737

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dane County

2865 N Sherman Ave.

Madison, WI 53704

Phone: 608-240-7400

Fax: 608-240-7401

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Board on Aging and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

1402 Pankratz St., Suite 111

Madison, WI 53704

Phone: 800-815-0015

Understand Madison laws and regulations for independent living communities

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.

COVID-19 regulations for Madison independent living communities

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:

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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.

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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.

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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.

Get to know independent living in Madison

8Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
3.5/5.0 average in-network rating
100% of partner communities offer on-site activities
88% of communities offer pet-friendly services
50% of partner communities offer Hoyer lifts
25% of partner communities offer an on-site physician (or comparable offering)
1,637

Number of people we’ve referred to Madison independent living communities in 2022

81

Average age of residents we’ve referred to Madison independent living communities

87.5%

87.5% of facilities are pet friendly

What to expect from independent living in Madison

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.

A variety of options for Madison’s independent living residents

Madison’s independent living residents may find convenience in the form of these types of perks:[02]

  •  On-site barber shops and beauty salons
  •  Complimentary transportation
  •  Wi-Fi and high-speed internet
  •  Private decks or patios
  •  Swimming pools

Likewise, many independent living facilities in Madison equip residents with these great amenities:

  •  Full kitchens
  •  Bathtubs and wheelchair-accessible showers
  •  Fitness centers
  •  Movie rooms or theaters

There’s also no shortage of opportunities to connect with fellow seniors in bright and social facility common areas:

  •  TV rooms
  •  Garden beds
  •  Dedicated meeting rooms
  •  Game rooms
  •  Billiards lounges
  •  Libraries

Communities providing many types of senior care

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.[02] 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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Unfamiliar with Madison? Highlights for seniors

36,271

Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Madison as of 2021

0%

Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Madison population in 2021

$25,775

Median annual Social Security income for Madison seniors 65 and older in 2021

Health care for seniors in Madison

General and geriatric medicine in Madison is primarily done within two major medical centers, along with the VA hospital.

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University Hospital in Madison

University Hospital in Madison is the No. 1 health care provider in the city. It’s also the 35th best hospital in the nation for geriatric care.

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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. It’s a high-performing provider of lung surgery, spinal fusions, stroke care, and more.

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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.

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Transportation for seniors in Madison

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.[02] 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.[07] 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:[08]

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50

Walk Score

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35

Transit Score

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66

Bike Score

Senior activities in Madison

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 4018.11 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.

References

  1. WalletHub. (2022). Best & Worst Places to Retire.

  2. A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

  3. United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population Estimates 2021: Madison, Wisconsin [Data set].

  4. United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.

  5. Benefits.gov. (n.d.). Wisconsin Medicaid.

  6. U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Madison, WI.

  7. LawnStarter. (2022, May 25). 2022’s Best Biking Cities in the U.S.

  8. Walk Score. (2023). Living in Madison.

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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.
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1.

WalletHub. (2022). Best & Worst Places to Retire.

2.

A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

3.

United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population Estimates 2021: Madison, Wisconsin [Data set].

4.

United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.

5.

Benefits.gov. (n.d.). Wisconsin Medicaid.

6.

U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Madison, WI.

7.

LawnStarter. (2022, May 25). 2022’s Best Biking Cities in the U.S.

8.

Walk Score. (2023). Living in Madison.