Looking for a place to enjoy your golden years? Madison, Wisconsin, is a great place to retire, with affordable living, gorgeous scenery, excellent healthcare, and superb amenities. You'll find tons of 55+ communities in Madison WI for every lifestyle and budget, whether you're envisioning luxury downtown living or interested in a close-knit retirement community.
Here are the 11 best retirement communities in Madison WI. When you're ready to make your move, StraightLine Moving is here to help with full-service senior movers in Madison who can handle all the hard work.
Capitol Lakes – One of the Best 55+ Communities Madison WI Has to Offer With a Great Downtown Location
- Address: 333 W Main St, Madison, WI 53703
- Living options: Full continuum of care with independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing. Residents can choose from 20 floor plans with one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and two-bedroom plus den apartment homes.
- Pricing: The independent living pricing structure includes a monthly fee and a one-time entrance fee (traditional or 90% refundable).
Capitol Lakes is a premier not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) conveniently located in the heart of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Its central location offers residents easy access to a vibrant college town atmosphere, with numerous cultural attractions, restaurants, and recreational opportunities within walking distance. Capitol Lakes is one of the highest-rated 55+ communities in Madison WI, with amazing views of Lake Mendota.
Your buy-in fee for Capitol Lakes means you’ll have access to additional support if you need it. As a Life Plan Community, Capitol Lakes is ready to support your individual needs with access to care at a discount, including care from licensed nurses, without leaving your new home.
Stand-out amenities and services you'll love:
- Aquatic & Wellness Center: Residents have access to a state-of-the-art fitness center, including multiple pools and a variety of wellness classes.
- Dining options: Semi-formal Seasons dining room and laid-back Henry Street Cafe with flexible dining options and seasonal menus.
- Social and recreational activities: An extensive array of activities, groups, and social events create a wonderful environment to make friends, learn, and enjoy life. Here's a sample activity calendar!
- Other perks: Full-service beauty salon and barber, library, art studio, community atrium, patio, rooftop garden
Coventry Village offers senior living in Madison WI in a welcoming environment that feels like a close-knit neighborhood. It's one of the best 55+ communities in Madison WI if you're looking for a warm community that fosters active living, lifelong learning, and close friendships.
Residents can enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds and community pond, connect over the Friday fish fry, and explore the local museums and more with free transportation. There are tons of on-site amenities like an ice cream shop, sauna, pub, bistro, billiards, and an art studio. You can also enjoy live entertainment, lectures, community events, and other opportunities to learn and love life.
Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge & University Woods Campuses – Continuum of Care 55 Plus Communities in Madison WI
Oakwood Village is one of the best 55+ communities in Madison WI for tranquil living at its best. The retirement home has two campuses: Prairie Ridge is on an 18-acre campus east of downtown, and University Woods is on a 36-acre campus close to the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Both campuses offer great views, paved walking paths, and superb amenities.
Seniors have everything they need to enjoy life to its fullest. You'll have the freedom to explore open spaces on campus and venture into the city. Discover new hobbies and enjoy life-long learning with the Life Enrichment Programming, craft rooms, woodworking shop, library, computer lab, and other amenities.
Looking for your forever home? Oakwood Village is one of the best Continuum of Care retirement communities Madison WI has to offer. Oakwood's health services are comprehensive, ensuring you receive priority access to the support you need as your needs change.
- Address: 519 Commerce Dr, Madison, WI 53719
- Living options: Ranch style homes, condos, and apartments for independent living with assisted living and memory care options
- Pricing: All Saints Cottages and Hillside Estate Condominiums for sale, monthly rent at two buildings with senior apartments
All Saints Neighborhood blends comfort and community with a variety of care options. Residents enjoy a close-knit atmosphere with a neighborhood-style layout. Thanks to the Main Street running through the community, it's one of the most unique 55+ communities in Madison WI. It's the central gathering place and is surrounded by a large chapel, Wellness Center, Greenhouse, and dining areas.
You can choose to buy or rent in All Saints Neighborhood with many lifestyle options. No matter which option you choose, you'll benefit from friendly and helpful staff members, a packed activities calendar, and an amazing community where you will be welcomed with open arms.
Evia Apartments (55+ community) – Modern Senior Apartments in an Affordable Madison Retirement Community
Evia Apartments is an active adult community with a 55+ age restriction. The building offers affordable senior apartments with stylish, modern design for maintenance-free living. The Verona community offers a community room, fitness center, and nearby walking trails.
Vista West is one of several 55+ communities in Madison WI in the growing west side area. This award-winning community was named Top Choice in 2024 for Senior Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Retirement Community by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for the fourth consecutive year!
Vista West is a community for active seniors who want a vibrant lifestyle. It's located near shops and parks to give you plenty of opportunities to stay connected. There's a robust daily activity calendar with educational programs, special events, and organized outings.
You'll enjoy retirement at its best with luxury on-site amenities, including:
- Movie theater
- Game room with a bar and fireplace
- Fifth floor gathering area and deck with Madison skyline views
- Raised bed gardening
- Woodworking shop
- Arts and crafts studio
- Outdoor gathering area with fire pit, pergola, and grilling stations
- Heated underground parking
- Address: 5440 Caddis Bend, Fitchburg, WI 53711
- Lifestyle options: Independent and assisted living & memory care
- Pricing: Independent living starts at $3,090/month, assisted living starts at $4,940/month
The Waterford at Fitchburg is one of the top-rated 55+ communities in Madison WI in the Fitchburg area. This award-winning community has been rated Best Independent Living by U.S. News and Best Senior Living by Senior Advisor.
The community features condo-style apartments designed with seniors in mind. Floor plans range from 798 to 1,517 square feet! Senior apartments include private balconies, gas fireplaces, walk-in showers, and in-unit laundry.
As one of the best Madison WI retirement communities, The Waterford offers fun experiences like social clubs, gardening, themed parties, happy hours, and outings. You can take advantage of weekly worship services and spiritual wellness programs, educational classes, and more.
Attic Angels – Senior Living Community With Detached Homes & Apartments
- Address: 8301 Old Sauk Rd, Middleton, WI 53562
- Living options: Independent, assisted living, and memory care
- Pricing: Detached homes have a life lease residency fee (90% refunded), apartments have a monthly fee
The nonprofit Attic Angel Association has served the Madison area for more than 135 years. The nonprofit has a commitment to meeting the health and human service needs of people who reside in Dane County, Wisconsin, with a special focus on kids and older adults. Their senior living Madison WI campus is at the heart of how they serve older adults in the area.
The Attic Angel campus offers Prairie Point homes and Segoe Heights apartments for 55+ independent living. The Prairie Point active adult neighborhood features 123 single-level houses ranging from 1,375 to 2,300 square feet, all with full basements and attached garages. Residents sign a life lease with a residency fee equal to the fair market value (generally $375,000 to $750,000), and 90% is returned to the family or resident when the lease ends, and it’s re-leased.
The 74 Segoe Heights apartments offer private balconies and dens with an included dining credit and easy access to the amenities and benefits of the main campus.
- Address: 5477 Westshire Cir, Waunakee, WI 53597
- Living options: Single-story homes, condo-style homes, and a senior apartment building for maintenance-free independent living
- Pricing: Homes for sale and rental apartments
Westshire Village offers a peaceful retreat for active adults who appreciate a convenient location and beautiful surroundings. Nestled on the Yahara River in the beautiful city of Waunakee, residents enjoy easy access to east and west Madison and a quiet waterfront setting.
You can choose from multiple housing options to fit your lifestyle. Their ranch homes offer garden-style living with duplex, triplex, and fourplex buildings. Stratford Homes offers condo-style living with one- and two-bedroom apartment homes ranging from 870 to 1,334 square feet. Essex Apartments provides affordable rental apartments with several floor plans from which to choose.
No matter which option you choose, you'll enjoy the finest senior living in Madison WI, with great amenities like reserved indoor parking, a community library and lounge with a fireplace, and a clubhouse with billiards.
Rosewood Villas – Affordable Retirement Community in Madison WI Near Lake Mendota
- Address: 902 N High Point Rd, Madison, WI 53717
- Living options: Independent living senior apartments with one- and two-bedroom units ranging from 567 to 888 square feet
- Pricing: Starting at $1,190/month
Rosewood Villas is located in the West Madison area, one of the best neighborhoods in Madison for an active lifestyle and outdoor recreation. It's one of the top 55+ communities in Madison WI if you love to spend time outdoors with Lake Mendota and many golf courses and nature parks within a few miles.
Residents love the welcoming community at Rosewood Villas and its great variety of activities. Spend time in the community garden, gather with friends for bingo, cards, and watching sports, or share a meal in the community room. There's even an on-site grocery store for the ultimate convenience!
Talamore is one of the best 55+ communities in Madison WI if you want to be close to the action near shopping and entertainment. It's located in the heart of Sun Prairie next to the main commercial district and adjacent to the sprawling Token Creek County Park.
Talamore provides top-notch care and a supportive environment for seniors with great social programs to help you form friendships and enjoy your favorite hobbies. You can see an example activity calendar with everything from bingo nights and outdoor BBQs to card games and scheduled outings. You’ll enjoy made-from-scratch meals with chef-led cooking demonstrations and specialty diet plans. Check out the sample meal schedule to see what you’re missing!
Apartments feature 9-foot ceilings, large windows, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. There are 18 independent living floor plans to choose from with one bedroom, one bed plus den, and two-bedroom options.
Map of 55 Communities Madison WI
Madison’s retirement communities have something for everyone, from independent living to a full continuum of care and everything from affordable senior apartments to luxury retirement communities. Does one of these 55+ communities in Madison WI seem like the perfect new home? StraightLine Moving is here to help! Call our helpful Madison movers at (815) 708-7875 to get started with a free estimate and the superior customer service you deserve.
