7 Top Chestnut Hill Senior Living Options for 2026

If you're starting the search for senior living in Chestnut Hill, the first thing you'll notice is the range. This corner of greater Boston has everything from straightforward, budget-conscious care to genuinely luxurious communities, with independent living apartments, assisted care, and memory care units all in the mix at their own price points and service levels.

Expect monthly costs to land somewhere between $4,000 and $12,000, depending on how much care your loved one needs and how upscale the setting is. At the higher end, The Terrace layers on amenities like chef-prepared meals and fitness centers, while nursing homes put their budget toward 24-hour medical supervision and rehabilitation services.

The reviews below walk through seven Chestnut Hill communities for 2026, comparing what they charge, the care they provide, the credentials behind their staff, and how satisfied residents are. For each one, you'll see the housing options, healthcare services, dining, and daily activities laid out plainly, so your family can decide whether it's the right fit.

The Residence at Boylston Place

The Residence at Boylston Place has 99 units at 615 Heath Street, with 81 traditional apartments and 18 specialized care spaces. The facility combines independent living with care services.

Amenities

Residents can choose from multiple dining venues, including a restaurant with chef-prepared meals and private dining areas. The facility has:

• Modern bistro
• Fully equipped fitness center
• Landscaped outdoor spaces
• Transportation services
• Community living rooms

Care services

Medical staff provide 24-hour nursing with personalized care plans. Services include:

1. Medication management
2. Oxygen assistance
3. Daily living support
4. Memory care programs

All staff members are certified by the National Institute for Dementia Education, so residents with memory conditions get specialized care.

Pricing

Monthly rates start at:

These rates are below the Chestnut Hill average of $6,750 per month. Base fees cover housekeeping, laundry, and meals.

The facility accepts check payments with all-inclusive rent structures. Medicare typically does not cover most costs. Medicaid eligibility varies by state.

Heathwood Nursing and Retirement

Heathwood Nursing and Retirement operates at 188 Florence Street as a multi-level facility combining specialized medical services and residential programs.

Care programs

The healthcare team provides:

• Occupational and physical therapy
• Vision and dental care
• 24/7 skilled medical supervision
• Memory care programs

Staff adjust personalized care plans based on resident needs. Daily activities support physical and cognitive wellness through structured programming.

Facilities

Residential spaces include spa-like bathing suites, professional beauty services, and landscaped outdoor areas. Living options are:

• Studio units with kitchenettes
• One- and two-bedroom apartments
• Private rooms with half baths
• Restaurant-style dining room

Residents participate in social activities from movie screenings to Wii bowling. Professional musicians and entertainers perform regularly.

Costs

Monthly fees range from:

These rates exceed the local nursing home average of $7,182 monthly. Base costs may increase with additional care services.

Heathwood is a member of the American Health Care Association and has received its Bronze Quality Award. The State Department of Health licenses the facility.

Cabot Park Village

Cabot Park Village is located minutes from downtown Boston with suburban comfort. The community has 162 residents, a 1:5 staff-to-resident ratio, and has operated for two decades.

Living options

Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments have built-in kitchenettes. Residents can cook independently while accessing community dining services.

Activities

The Forever Fit program leads multiple wellness initiatives:

• Indoor pool sessions with water aerobics, tai chi, yoga
• Musical performances, educational lectures, art workshops
• Social gatherings including wine tastings and holiday events

Brain fitness programs complement physical activities through educational sessions and group outings.

Monthly fees

Monthly rates vary by apartment size:

Base independent living costs start at $5,000, including housekeeping and maintenance. These rates compare favorably to the regional average of $6,750 per month.

The facility uses a four-step pricing system covering apartment choice, nursing evaluation, care assessment, and service selection.

Waterstone at Wellesley

Set along the Charles River, Waterstone at Wellesley trades on its views while backing them with medical support and a full range of care services.

Accommodation types

Apartment configurations include one-bedroom, one-bedroom with den, and two-bedroom layouts. Each residence has:

• Screened porches or private patios
• Granite-topped designer kitchens
• Stainless steel appliances
• In-unit laundry
• Built-in storage

Bathrooms have safety features and upscale finishes.

Care services

The facility provides one hour of daily personal care assistance, plus:

• Resident-specific care planning
• Medication oversight
• Round-the-clock staff
• Physical therapy
• Diabetes management
• Cognitive support programs

Health monitoring systems track resident wellness changes, so staff can adjust care quickly.

Pricing plans

Monthly rates reflect the services offered:

Base fees cover weekly housekeeping, local transportation, and indoor pool access. The facility is near Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

Residents can choose flexible dining programs with chef-prepared meals using local ingredients. Additional amenities include personal wine storage and a demonstration kitchen.

Forestdale Park

One of the newer options nearby, Forestdale Park opened in 2018 and pairs a modern setting with specialized care programs.

Living spaces

The property has 3 independent living apartments and 59 assisted living studios and one-bedroom units. The EnrichedLIFE program includes:

• Educational space at Creative Arts Center
• Musical performance area in Piano Lounge
• Demonstration kitchen in Bistro
• Protected outdoor recreation areas

Healthcare services

The Compass Memory Support Neighborhood serves 23 residents with cognitive care. Mediterranean-style Brain Healthy Cooking provides three daily meals focused on anti-inflammatory ingredients and heart health.

Healthcare certifications include:

• SAGECare Platinum status for LGBTQ care
• Purple Flag for Dementia Accreditation with 60 validated practices

Cost structure

Monthly rates include:

Short-term options support:

• Caregiver breaks
• Post-hospital transitions
• Trial residency periods

Payment options include private funding and long-term care insurance. Medicare excludes most services. Medicaid eligibility varies by circumstance.

Waterstone of Lexington

Waterstone of Lexington serves adults 62 and older next to Belmont Country Club's wooded grounds. The facility offers high-quality amenities and a full range of care services.

Amenities

Modern wellness facilities support active living:

• Aquatic programs in a heated indoor pool
• Juice bar-equipped mind-body studio
• Train Boston fitness center
• Full-service salon and spa
• Art studio and movie theater
• Underground resident parking

Train Boston partners deliver customized fitness programs for residents.

Care options

The facility offers independent and assisted living. Assisted living residents receive:

• Personalized care assessments
• Medication oversight
• Custom wellness planning

Bridges by EPOCH provides memory care services in an adjacent building.

Fees

Premium pricing reflects the amenities:

The facility does not require large buy-in fees, giving residents more financial flexibility. Monthly rates cover:

• Chef-prepared daily meals
• Weekly housekeeping
• Local transportation
• Full amenity access

Major roadways connect residents to Winchester, Arlington, Belmont, and Lincoln.

Springhouse

Boston Magazine named Springhouse a 2024 Top Senior Living Community. This nonprofit Life Plan Community spans 13 acres, offering both natural surroundings and access to the city.

Living arrangements

Apartment entrance fees start at $270,000 with 90% rebatable options. Monthly service packages include:

• Chef-managed dining services
• Property maintenance
• Housekeeping services
• Transportation scheduling
• Cultural programming
• Utility coverage (excluding internet and cable)
• Round-the-clock security

Medical services

Life Plan care services provide:

• Independent living
• Assisted living
• Memory support programs

Residents have priority access to advanced care levels at contracted rates. Healthcare staff regularly assess residents and adjust support as needed.

Monthly costs

Base rates include:

Life Plan pricing guarantees predictable costs even as care requirements change.

Located near Arnold Arboretum and Faulkner Hospital, the facility offers natural surroundings and medical access. Common spaces include sunlit lounges and formal dining areas, plus art studios and social lounges.

Comparison table

Conclusion

The seven communities here run from basic care to genuine luxury. The Residence at Boylston Place leans into memory support. Heathwood is the one to look at when medical care comes first. The Waterstone properties are the premium pick, and Forestdale Park stands out for its programming.

Monthly costs span from $1,970 at Heathwood to $11,265 at Waterstone of Lexington. Price differences reflect service levels, from essential care to luxury features like indoor pools and chef-prepared dining.

The bar stays high across the board, whether you're weighing staff credentials, the daily activity calendar, or the feel of the place itself. Each community goes about it a little differently, but none of them cut corners on the basics.

As you narrow it down, start with the care your family member actually needs, then weigh lifestyle and budget. Any of these seven can work. The right one comes down to which tradeoffs you're willing to make.

FAQs

What types of senior living options are available in Chestnut Hill? Chestnut Hill offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities. Communities like The Residence at Boylston Place and Waterstone at Wellesley provide multiple care levels.

How much does senior living cost in Chestnut Hill? Costs vary widely depending on care level and amenities. Monthly rates range from around $4,000 for basic independent living to over $11,000 for luxury assisted living apartments with extensive services.

What amenities do senior living communities in Chestnut Hill offer? Many Chestnut Hill communities include restaurant-style dining, fitness centers, indoor pools, social and cultural activities, transportation, and 24-hour security. Luxury communities may also have private dining areas, art studios, and underground parking.

Which communities offer memory care? Several facilities provide specialized memory care. Forestdale Park has a dedicated Compass Memory Support Neighborhood. The Residence at Boylston Place has staff certified in dementia care.

How do I choose the right community? Consider the level of care needed, budget, desired amenities, location, and community atmosphere. Tour multiple facilities, speak with staff and residents, and assess how well each community fits your specific needs and preferences.