MyLivingChoice

Best Independent Living in Portland, Maine

6 communities found

MyLivingChoice lists 6 independent living communities in Portland. Families rate them 4.4 out of 5 on average, across 212 public reviews.

  • 6communities
  • 4.4average rating, 6 rated
  • 212family reviews read

Best-rated independent living in Portland

Ranked by family rating, weighted by how many families have reviewed each one. No community pays to appear here.

  1. 1

    Holiday Woods at Canco

    4.6 (79 reviews)· Independent Living

    Families describe Holiday Woods at Canco as a warm, well-run independent living community anchored by long-tenured, attentive staff members frequently named by reviewers. Most reviews highlight strong management support…

  2. 2

    The Atrium At the Cedars

    4.9 (7 reviews)· Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care

  3. 3

    Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living

    4.4 (33 reviews)· Independent Living

    Families describe Ashton Gardens as a warm, active independent living community where staff and neighbors feel like family, though a number of reviewers point to inconsistent dining service and staffing levels. Praise…

  4. 4

    Deering Pavilion

    4.3 (38 reviews)· Independent Living

    Families and residents describe Deering Pavilion as a friendly, well-located independent living building with good food and helpful maintenance staff, though a few reviewers raised concerns about cleanliness and internal…

  5. 5

    The Park Danforth

    4.2 (32 reviews)· Assisted Living, Independent Living, Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care

    Families describe The Park Danforth as a warm, well-run non-profit community in Portland, Maine, with many praising the caring, low-turnover staff and strong sense of community across independent living, assisted living,…

  6. 6

    Birchwoods at Canco Senior Living

    3.9 (23 reviews)· Assisted Living, Independent Living, Respite / Short-Term Care

    Reviews for Birchwoods at Canco are sharply divided: some families praise the caring staff, cottage-style living, and cheerful outdoor spaces, while others describe serious breakdowns in communication, staff training,…

What families say about independent living in Portland

Counted across the review summaries of 6 Portland communities: the share whose families mention each theme.

Praised most

  • Building and grounds 100%
  • Caring, attentive staff 83%
  • Activities and social life 67%
  • Medical and nursing care 50%
  • Food and dining 33%

Concerns raised

  • Food and dining 67%
  • Management 50%
  • Cost and billing 50%
  • Staff attitude 33%

“They’re doing an amazing job with the arrangements for my aunt. I’ve been very pleased with the communication, and the confort that they provide her. Thank you so much to the staff. If you’re looking for living arrangements for seniors, this is the place.”

“Almost 5 stars. Good food,service, staff friendly. Van to Drs great. If anything negative for me is there are so many people over 90.”

“Lived here 4 months now I have zero complaints it is a very nice place the people are wonderful, the views are beautiful, and the atmosphere is relaxing and also engaging.”

Independent Living in Portland: the figures

  • •Among the 3 that publish a starting price, prices start at $2,419 a month with a median of $3,495.
  • •Most common amenities: housekeeping (6), private rooms (6), wheelchair accessible (6), social activities (6), gathering / activity spaces (6), multiple floor plans (5).

Independent Living near Portland

Cities within about 35 miles with senior living inventory, and how families rate it.

CityCommunitiesRating
South Portland3.5 mi94.6 / 5
Westbrook4.1 mi74.7 / 5
Falmouth4.4 mi94.2 / 5
Scarborough6.7 mi134.3 / 5
Yarmouth10 mi54.4 / 5
Saco14.2 mi64 / 5
Biddeford16 mi94 / 5
Brunswick22.8 mi154.3 / 5

All of Maine: Independent Living in Maine. Closer to home? Compare independent living near you, sorted by distance.

About these figures

Computed on October 21, 2026 from the 6 communities listed in Portland, 212 public family reviews on Google, Yelp and MyLivingChoice, state licensing records and, for nursing homes, CMS Care Compare. The best-rated list ranks communities by average family rating weighted by how many families have reviewed each one, so a 4.9 from three reviews does not outrank a 4.7 from two hundred. No community pays to appear in the best-rated list or in these figures; sponsored and partner listings in the directory results are marked as such. Figures refresh as listings and reviews change.

Reading on this

Guides from MyLivingChoice that families in Portland ask about.

Not in Portland? Independent living near me finds communities around wherever you are.

Independent Living in Portland: Common Questions

How many independent living communities are in Portland, Maine?

MyLivingChoice lists 6 independent living communities in Portland, Maine, each with photos, care details, and reviews from families.

How much does independent living cost in Portland?

Among Portland communities that publish pricing, independent living starts around $2,419/month, with an average published starting rate near $3,521/month. Final costs depend on care needs and apartment choice.

Which independent living communities in Portland are rated highest?

Based on combined ratings across Google, Yelp, and MyLivingChoice reviews, top-rated options include The Atrium At the Cedars (4.9★, 7 ratings), Holiday Woods at Canco (4.6★, 79 ratings), Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living (4.4★, 33 ratings).

What types of senior care are available in Portland?

Beyond independent living, Portland has skilled nursing / long term care (8 communities), assisted living (7 communities), at-home care (7 communities), memory care (4 communities), home health (2 communities). Every option is listed with photos, reviews, and contact details.

How do families rate independent living in Portland?

Families rate Portland independent living communities 4.4 out of 5 on average, across 212 public Google reviews of local communities.

What do families praise, and complain about, in Portland independent living communities?

Across the review summaries of 6 Portland communities, the most common praise is building and grounds (mentioned for 100%), caring, attentive staff (mentioned for 83%), activities and social life (mentioned for 67%). The most common concerns are food and dining (67%), management (50%), cost and billing (50%).