For the third year in a row, Briarwood Continuing Care Retirement Community has been recognized as the #1 retirement community in Massachusetts by Newsweek and Statista. We are also proud to be ranked #1 in New England and to have placed #18 nationwide in the 2026 edition of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities.
This national ranking reflects what our residents and families already know: Briarwood is a place where older adults can genuinely thrive. We offer not only a wide range of care and support but also a vibrant community of people who choose to live with independence, dignity, and connection.
While our national ranking has moved slightly from last year, that shift comes amid a broader, more competitive field. The 2026 list includes more communities and more states than previous editions. That makes Briarwood’s continued presence in the national top 20 — and its place at the top of Massachusetts and New England — all the more meaningful.
A Testament to Community and Care
This recognition isn’t just a number to us; it’s a reflection of our continued commitment to being the best retirement community in Massachusetts, where older adults can truly thrive. Our residents are active, involved, and welcoming. They create and run clubs, write articles, organize events, and help new neighbors feel at home. Our staff are deeply committed to providing excellent care and personal support. Families trust Briarwood because we focus on the whole person, not just a level of care.
Briarwood is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), which means that we offer a full spectrum of housing and care services. People often move to Briarwood while they are fully independent, confident that they can access additional support right here on campus if their needs change over time. Our community includes:
- Independent living in cottages and apartments
- Assisted living in studios and one-bedroom apartments, some with full kitchens
- Memory care assisted living studios
- Skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation
These differing service levels allow residents to stay in a familiar environment and maintain a sense of continuity in their lives. It also brings peace of mind to families, who know their loved ones can receive high-quality care without having to move again.
A Closer Look at the Rankings
The 2026 ranking of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities is the third edition of this national study, published by Newsweek in partnership with research firm Statista. The goal of the project is to provide individuals and families with reliable, data-driven guidance as they consider their retirement living options.
Here are a few key facts about this year’s rankings:
- 330 communities were ranked, up from 250 in 2025.
- The rankings now include 30 states, compared to 25 last year.
- Five new states were added: Alabama, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Tennessee.
- To strengthen the evaluation, data from the past two years was included in the scoring.
Communities were evaluated across several categories using a mix of professional feedback, public opinion, and independent data. The ranking is based on four main pillars:
- Expert and resident evaluation: Feedback was provided by medical professionals, administrative staff, residents, and their close acquaintances. This helped assess both the quality of care and the day-to-day experience of living in each community.
- Visitor satisfaction: Data from Accushield, a visitor management system used in many retirement communities, was used to measure guest experience, providing insight into each location’s culture and hospitality.
- Accreditation: Communities accredited by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) received additional recognition. CARF sets high standards for care, operations, and continuous improvement.
- Google reviews: Public reviews on Google were included to reflect overall satisfaction and reputation.
By combining these sources, the ranking aims to provide a well-rounded view of each community, from the services offered to the quality of life residents actually experience.
What Makes Briarwood the Best Retirement Community in Massachusetts?
Being ranked in the top 20 nationwide is something we’re proud of. But at Briarwood, we’ve always focused first on our local community. We serve older adults across Worcester and Central Massachusetts who are looking for something more than just housing. Many of our residents come here to simplify life, connect with others, and have access to support if they need it down the road.
Our campus is tucked into a quiet, wooded corner of West Boylston and Worcester. Residents enjoy walking trails, gardens, and easy access to the city. We offer restaurant-style dining, a state-of-the-art wellness center with a pool and sauna, art exhibits, lifelong learning programs, and a robust calendar of activities and events. But what truly sets us apart is the way people here care for each other. Our residents are involved in neighbors helping neighbors, staff go out of their way, and we all celebrate a culture that values warmth and kindness.
What This Means for You
Whether you’re starting to think about retirement living or you’ve been researching options for a while, this recognition affirms that Briarwood is a trusted, respected choice in Massachusetts and beyond. When you choose to move to Briarwood, you can feel confident that you’re choosing a place where people feel seen, safe, and supported.
If you’re an adult child helping a parent explore the best retirement communities in Massachusetts, or if you’re planning ahead for your own future, we encourage you to come see Briarwood for yourself. Take a walk around campus, talk with residents, and get a sense of what life feels like here.
We believe the best way to understand Briarwood is to experience it firsthand.
See Our Community for Yourself
We invite you to visit us and explore what makes Briarwood the best retirement community in Massachusetts. Whether you’re interested in independent living, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing, our team is here to answer your questions and help you take the next step.
Contact us today to schedule a tour or learn more about our community.
