Watertown, Massachusetts, is a pleasant retirement destination that’s received numerous best-of awards for its family-friendly amenities and high quality of life. This community of 35,900 is located on the Charles River between Waltham and Cambridge. Although residents are less than 10 miles from downtown Boston, the city retains its small-town charm, thanks to numerous parks and historic sites. Seniors aged 65 and older represent 16.2% of the population, and a significant number of assisted living facilities are located in the immediate area.

Assisted living is an ideal solution for seniors who can live independently but want a little extra support. These facilities offer apartment-style accommodations, meals and daily recreational programs. They also provide medication reminders, and most facilities have a nurse on staff in case of an emergency. In Watertown and the greater Boston area, assisted living costs $6,100 per month, which is slightly higher than the state median. 

This guide includes information about average assisted living prices in Watertown and other metropolitan areas. We’ve also provided a list of financial assistance programs and local resources that can help with long-term care planning.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Watertown, MA

The Residence at Watertown Square

20 Summer Street, Watertown, MA, 02472

My mother was a here for assisted living. The facility is clean and bright, the food is good, and there are lots of activities for the diverse residents — some still very active, others more infirm … (read more)
My mother was a here for assisted living. The facility is clean and bright, the food is good, and there are lots of activities for the diverse residents — some still very active, others more infirm … (read more)

Brigham House

341 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA, 02472

Brigham House is located in a residential neighborhood in historic Watertown, Massachusetts. Visitors love the facility’s grounds, which include a well-landscaped park, patios and gardens, and they re … (read more)
Brigham House is located in a residential neighborhood in historic Watertown, Massachusetts. Visitors love the facility’s grounds, which include a well-landscaped park, patios and gardens, and they re … (read more)

Maplewood at Weston

99 Norumbega Road, Weston, MA, 02493

Maplewood is a lovely, warm and inviting assisted living facility. My mother-in-law moved into Maplewood about three months ago and we have been so impressed with every aspect of the community. The ph … (read more)
Maplewood is a lovely, warm and inviting assisted living facility. My mother-in-law moved into Maplewood about three months ago and we have been so impressed with every aspect of the community. The ph … (read more)

Benchmark Senior Living at Waltham Crossings

126 Smith Street, Waltham, MA, 02451

Benchmark Senior Living at Waltham Crossings is located in Waltham, Massachusetts, close to Interstate 95 and the expansive Juniper Hill wooded park. Visitors to this facility appreciate its large, cl … (read more)
Benchmark Senior Living at Waltham Crossings is located in Waltham, Massachusetts, close to Interstate 95 and the expansive Juniper Hill wooded park. Visitors to this facility appreciate its large, cl … (read more)

2022

Atria Longmeadow Place

42 Mall Road, Burlington, MA, 01803

My husband and I moved into Atria Longmeadow Place in February 2023. The helpful staff assisted us in getting adjusted to our new home and he residents we were introduced to quickly became dear frien … (read more)
My husband and I moved into Atria Longmeadow Place in February 2023. The helpful staff assisted us in getting adjusted to our new home and he residents we were introduced to quickly became dear frien … (read more)

Sunrise of Burlington MA

24 Mall Road, Burlington, MA, 01803

Situated across the street from the Boston Marriott Burlington, Sunrise of Burlington is located in the quaint city of Burlington, Massachusetts, a short drive from Boston. The facility is described b … (read more)
Situated across the street from the Boston Marriott Burlington, Sunrise of Burlington is located in the quaint city of Burlington, Massachusetts, a short drive from Boston. The facility is described b … (read more)

2013

Holiday Maplewood Place

295 Broadway, Malden, MA, 02148

We went to Atria Maplewood Place. We had lunch, and they gave us a tour. They were very nice. It felt spacious. I think it had been renovated. It used to be a school, so they had nice, big, high ceili … (read more)
We went to Atria Maplewood Place. We had lunch, and they gave us a tour. They were very nice. It felt spacious. I think it had been renovated. It used to be a school, so they had nice, big, high ceili … (read more)

2013

Chestnut Park at Cleveland Circle

50 Sutherland Road, Brighton, MA, 02135

Chestnut Park at Cleveland Circle is tucked into Brighton, Massachusetts, adjacent to the Chestnut Hill Reservoir and Beacon Street. Visitors are impressed by the spaciousness of the studio apartments … (read more)
Chestnut Park at Cleveland Circle is tucked into Brighton, Massachusetts, adjacent to the Chestnut Hill Reservoir and Beacon Street. Visitors are impressed by the spaciousness of the studio apartments … (read more)

Evans Park at Newton Corner

430 Centre Street, Newton, MA, 02458

Evans Park at Newton Corner is located on the northeast end of Newton, Massachusetts, a short distance from the freeway off-ramp. Many guests live in studio apartments that are furnished with sinks, k … (read more)
Evans Park at Newton Corner is located on the northeast end of Newton, Massachusetts, a short distance from the freeway off-ramp. Many guests live in studio apartments that are furnished with sinks, k … (read more)

Wingate Residences at Needham

235 Gould Street, Needham, MA, 02494

Wingate Residences at Needham is nestled in Needham, Massachusetts, just west of Charles River Country Club. Favorite activities among guests include literature clubs, cooking classes and stories arou … (read more)
Wingate Residences at Needham is nestled in Needham, Massachusetts, just west of Charles River Country Club. Favorite activities among guests include literature clubs, cooking classes and stories arou … (read more)

Springhouse Senior Living

44-46 Allandale Street, Boston, MA, 02130

We looked at Springhouse Senior Living. It was a lovely facility, and the tour was given by a very experienced person in the field. She did a nice job of explaining what they offered. She helped us se … (read more)
We looked at Springhouse Senior Living. It was a lovely facility, and the tour was given by a very experienced person in the field. She did a nice job of explaining what they offered. She helped us se … (read more)

The Residence at Melrose Station

158 Essex Street, Melrose, MA, 02176

The Residence at Melrose Station was extremely luxurious. It just opened and it’s like a 5-star hotel. It was beautiful. It was on the pricier side, but when they first opened they were offering huge … (read more)
The Residence at Melrose Station was extremely luxurious. It just opened and it’s like a 5-star hotel. It was beautiful. It was on the pricier side, but when they first opened they were offering huge … (read more)

Providence House Assisted Living

180 Corey Rd, Brighton, MA, 02135

Providence House Assisted Living is located in Brighton, Massachusetts, near St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, parks and restaurants. Residents report being impressed with the delicious food. The facili … (read more)
Providence House Assisted Living is located in Brighton, Massachusetts, near St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, parks and restaurants. Residents report being impressed with the delicious food. The facili … (read more)

2013

Sunrise of Arlington MA

1395 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476

Sunrise of Arlington MA is located in Arlington, Massachusetts, close to shopping centers, eateries and the Lexington Bike Path. Visitors describe the facility as immaculate and beautiful with a frien … (read more)
Sunrise of Arlington MA is located in Arlington, Massachusetts, close to shopping centers, eateries and the Lexington Bike Path. Visitors describe the facility as immaculate and beautiful with a frien … (read more)

Benchmark Senior Living at Woburn

1 Cedar Street, Woburn, MA, 01801

Benchmark Senior Living at Woburn is conveniently situated between Interstates 93 and 95 in Woburn, Massachusetts, just down the road from the Cranberry Bog Conservation Area. Relatives consistently p … (read more)
Benchmark Senior Living at Woburn is conveniently situated between Interstates 93 and 95 in Woburn, Massachusetts, just down the road from the Cranberry Bog Conservation Area. Relatives consistently p … (read more)

Scandinavian Living Center

206 Waltham St, West Newton, MA, 02465

Scandinavian Living Center was an absolutely lovely facility. Great staff, beautiful, lots of recreational and educational opportunities, and good food. It had beautiful rooms, small, intimate setting … (read more)
Scandinavian Living Center was an absolutely lovely facility. Great staff, beautiful, lots of recreational and educational opportunities, and good food. It had beautiful rooms, small, intimate setting … (read more)

The Falls at Cordingly Dam

2300 Washington Street, Newton Lower Falls, MA, 02462

We went to The Falls at Cordingly Dam. We looked at both assisted living and memory care. It was beautiful, it felt like home, and it was a very warm place. All the nursing staff reached out and were … (read more)
We went to The Falls at Cordingly Dam. We looked at both assisted living and memory care. It was beautiful, it felt like home, and it was a very warm place. All the nursing staff reached out and were … (read more)

The Residence at Boylston Place

615 Heath St, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467

I chose The Residence at Boylston Place because Josh, the CEO, and the staff that I met were very gracious and friendly. I felt comfortable with them. They have lots of interesting, varied, and age-ap … (read more)
I chose The Residence at Boylston Place because Josh, the CEO, and the staff that I met were very gracious and friendly. I felt comfortable with them. They have lots of interesting, varied, and age-ap … (read more)

Sophia Snow Place

1205-1215 Centre St, West Roxbury, MA, 02132

Sophia Snow Place is a mid-large sized facility, with 36 supportive living suites and 66 for independent living, tucked away in a beautiful area of West Roxbury, Massachusetts. Surrounded on almost al … (read more)
Sophia Snow Place is a mid-large sized facility, with 36 supportive living suites and 66 for independent living, tucked away in a beautiful area of West Roxbury, Massachusetts. Surrounded on almost al … (read more)

Sunrise of Newton

431 Washington Street, Newton, MA, 02458

My aunt has moved to Sunrise of Newton’s assisted living, it’s a new facility. There had been normal complaints like her loss of dependence, and the food, but now she’s settling in. Now she’s getting … (read more)
My aunt has moved to Sunrise of Newton’s assisted living, it’s a new facility. There had been normal complaints like her loss of dependence, and the food, but now she’s settling in. Now she’s getting … (read more)

What to Consider About Assisted Living in Watertown

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs is responsible for certifying assisted living residences in Watertown and communities across the state. This agency enforces regulations regarding health, safety and the level of care, and it sets standards for residents’ rights by emphasizing the importance of privacy, dignity and involvement in health care decision-making.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Watertown

  • The cost of living in Watertown is 50% higher than the national average due to the community’s proximity to Boston. Although residents pay more for housing, utilities and other essentials, health care costs are 15% lower than the national average.
  • Watertown is less than 5 miles from some of the nation’s top medical centers, including the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Other top-performing facilities include the McLean Hospital and St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton.
  • Watertown is a very safe community. The violent and property crime rates are significantly lower than the U.S. average, which is ideal for families, older adults who live alone and those who are concerned about scams or theft. 
  • Seniors in Watertown and the greater Boston area experience varied annual weather with heavy precipitation, including 47 inches of rain and 53 inches of snow, which is nearly double the national average. Summer highs are in the lower 80s, and the area receives an average amount of sunshine.
  • This suburban community offers multiple transportation options for older adults, including a Senior Shuttle and subsidized taxi fares. The area is also served by the Metro Boston Transit Authority, which provides a senior discount card and door-to-door transportation for disabled adults.

Paying for Assisted Living in Watertown

According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living facilities in Watertown charge $6,100 per month, which is $15 higher than the state median and $1,800 higher than the national average.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Watertown residents pay 40% more for assisted living than the average American. Local rates are also on the upper end of the spectrum when compared to other major metropolitan areas in the Bay State. Seniors in Barnstable and Cape Cod pay $6,338 per month or $238 more. However, prices are lower than average in other major cities. In Springfield, residents pay $350 less per month, and rates drop to $5,488 in Worcester, a monthly savings of $612.

$6100

Watertown

$6085

Massachusetts

$4300

The United States

$6338

Barnstable

$5488

Worcester

$5750

Springfield

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Assisted living has a moderate average cost compared to other forms of long-term care. In Watertown and other parts of Middlesex County, assisted living costs $6,100 per month, compared to $5,720 for in-home medical and personal care and $1,782 for recreational daytime programs provided at community centers. Skilled nursing facilities charge $13,383 per month, which is more than double the cost of assisted living.

$5720

Homemaker Services

$5720

Home Health Aide

$1782

Adult Day Health Care

$6100

Assisted Living

$13383

Nursing Home

Note: Data for Watertown was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Boston, was used instead.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Watertown

Seniors in Watertown who require assistance with the cost of services at an ALR are fortunate to have a number of options at their disposal. As part of the Massachusetts Medicaid State Plan, seniors can receive financial aid through the Group Adult Foster Care program and Money Follows the Person (MFP) waiver program. Low-income seniors are also eligible to apply for an optional state supplement (OSS) to be added to their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Watertown

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Watertown

From the local senior center to the Springwell Area Agency on Aging, there’s no shortage of resources for families who need help making important decisions or want more information about assisted living and possible alternatives. Learn more about some of the organizations that operate in the area.

ResourceContactService
Springwell Inc.(617) 926-4100This Area Agency on Aging is designed to be the first point of contact for seniors who need more information about long-term care. Staff members, including social workers and registered nurses, help families navigate caregiving and decision-making challenges. The agency performs functional needs assessments and provides care coordination services to help seniors live independently in the least restrictive setting. In addition to maintaining a lending library with more than 300 age-related programs, it provides transportation, shopping assistance and escorts for medical appointments. An ombudsman is available to handle questions and concerns related to assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
Watertown Council on Aging and Senior Center(617) 972-6490This local government agency offers a wide variety of social and recreational services for older adults. Active seniors can visit the center for fitness classes, book clubs, knitting circles and day trips. Popular events include tai chi, chair yoga and line dancing. The town’s Council on Aging offers Medicare insurance counseling, tax preparation assistance, senior transportation and free blood pressure checks, among other services.
MetroWest Legal Services(508) 620-1830Thanks to funding from Springwell and the Older Americans Act, seniors in Watertown qualify for free legal advice and information from MetroWest Legal Services. Its Senior Citizen’s Legal Project helps with issues, such as housing, government benefits, bankruptcy, health care proxies, estate planning and conservatorship proceedings. Services are provided by volunteer and staff attorneys.
Watertown Veteran’s Service Officer(617) 972-4616The Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services offers outreach and assistance to military families across the state. Watertown’s local VSO can help veterans and their dependents apply for all types of state and federal benefits, including VA health care, pensions, disability benefits and personal care programs, such as the Aid & Attendance benefit. Veterans may also qualify for free medical transportation and certain tax breaks.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Watertown

Watertown-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Massachusetts are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Watertown