About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2025 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2025 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2025 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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10 Best Independent Living Communities in Orono, ME

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If you’re looking for independent living in the Orono area, our local senior living advisors can help you each step of the way. From affordable independent living for seniors to luxury options, we’ll work with you to understand the cost of independent living in Orono. From there, we’ll show you the best independent living communities for your lifestyle, interests, and budget.

Discover unique independent living amenities, social activities, dining, and more independent living benefits. With 23 independent living facilities in Orono, A Place for Mom makes it easier to find your new, maintenance-free home.

We are also serving Assisted Living facilities in surrounding neighborhoods like Bangor, Ellsworth and Brewer.
You may also consider nearby communities such as Bangor, Ellsworth and Brewer.

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top3CommunitiesWithLinks: Winterberry Heights Senior Living, Solstice Senior Living at Bangor and Dirigo Pines
zipAveragecost: $4,097

Orono Independent Living Facilities | 146 Reviews

Showing 18 communities
Last Updated: 11/21/25
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Photo of Winterberry Heights Senior Living
1616 Photos available
9.5
Review score
58 reviews
9.5
Review score
58 reviews
5 star
52%
4 star
24%
3 star
9%
2 star
10%
1 star
5%
See all reviews
What we like the most about the community is the people. All parts of the staff were great. I honestly believe they care about the people and it's more than a job.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Winterberry Heights Assisted Living features 78 well designed studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom retirement and assisted living apartments. We also offer a dedicated wing with 14 apartments designed to accommodate residents with memory care needs. This wing, which has a separate entrance, is...
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Photo of Solstice Senior Living at Bangor
1010 Photos available
77 Floor plans available
8.1
Review score
39 reviews
8.1
Review score
39 reviews
5 star
59%
4 star
23%
3 star
13%
2 star
0%
1 star
5%
See all reviews
Unfortunately my dad was not able to stay there. He had a sudden decline and it didn't meet the level of care he required. But the staff was very friendly and helpful. They were understanding about the...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Discover the charms of the “Jewel of Maine” city at Solstice Senior Living at Bangor. Located near Husson University and Bangor Mall, Solstice at Bangor offers a bright and open senior living community full of adventure for all residents. Family members and caregivers find comfort in the...
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Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
Photo of Dirigo Pines
1515 Photos available
6.4
Review score
28 reviews
6.4
Review score
28 reviews
5 star
21%
4 star
32%
3 star
18%
2 star
0%
1 star
29%
See all reviews
Everyone was very helpful and professional during the whole process from touring the facility to moving in and getting settled. The staff have great communication with each other so when we were running...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Dirigo Pines is an independent living, assisted living, specialized care, and memory care community situated in picturesque Orono, Maine. Residents choose from a wide range of lifestyle options and styles designed for comfort and convenience. At Dirigo Pines residents can stroll along the...
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Photo of Orono Commons
66 Photos available
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
My loved one stayed at this facility at a time, and the care they provided was excellent. However he was not quite ready for full time nursing care, and still wanted a level of independence. We decided to...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Orono Commons is located in historic and vibrant Orono, Maine. Home to the University of Maine, Orono is an exciting and growing city on the shores of the Penobscot River. We are proud of our beautiful community and the high quality assistance we provide to our residents. Our caring staff can...
Photo of The Country Villa
1818 Photos available
5 star
73%
4 star
0%
3 star
13%
2 star
7%
1 star
7%
See all reviews
My father passed away leaving my mother living alone. The upkeep of their home was too much and she was very lonely. A friend of mine told me about Country Villa - so I called and came in for a tour. The...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
The Country Villa - Supportive Senior LivingThe Country Villa is a Supportive Senior Living Community owned and operated by Volunteers of American Northern New England. Since 1896 Volunteers of America has helped seniors live in safety, comfort, and dignity. Our mission is to provide residents...
Photo of Longfellow Heights
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Hillside Apartments
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Park East Apartments and Villa
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Penobscot Terrace
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Marsh Island Apartments
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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Photo of Bradford Commons
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Crestwood Place
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Freese's Building Apartments
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Freese's Assisted Living Program
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Bangor House
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Sirjas
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Ellen M. Leach Memorial Home
5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
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My experience with this community has been great, this community is kept fairly clean. When i first came to visit, i knew this was going to be a great fit for me. The ares tarting to slowly open up...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
The Ellen M. Leach Memorial Home is located in Historic Brewer, Maine. Here you'll find the Ellen Leach Home surrounded by nature's beauty while nestled in a grove of stately pines, yet conveniently located within minutes of public libraries, museums, shopping venues, restaurants, medical...
Photo of Fairmount Boarding House
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.

Cost of independent living in Orono, ME

The average cost of senior living in Orono is $4,097 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Old Town, ME with an average of $4,097 per month.

Independent living costs in Orono, ME, vs. nearby cities

Orono, ME
$4,097/mo
$4,097/mo
$4,097/mo

Independent living costs in Orono, ME, vs. state and national averages

Orono, ME
$4,097/mo
$5,568/mo
U.S. national average
$4,016/mo

Independent living costs in Orono, ME, vs. other senior living options

$6,140/mo
Independent Living
$4,097/mo

Independent living costs in Orono, ME, by floor plan type

Semi-Private
$5,675/mo
Studio
$5,195/mo
1 Bedroom
$4,066/mo
2 Bedroom
$5,313/mo

Senior living costs in Orono vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column communityType: Community type
Column destination: Orono, ME
Column state: Maine
Column national: U.S.
Community typeOrono, MEMaineU.S.
Independent Living$4,097/mo$5,568/mo$4,016/mo
Assisted Living$6,140/mo$6,490/mo$4,557/mo
Memory Care$6,140/mo$6,490/mo$4,794/mo
Independent Living
Orono, ME:$4,097/mo
Maine:$5,568/mo
U.S.:$4,016/mo
Assisted Living
Orono, ME:$6,140/mo
Maine:$6,490/mo
U.S.:$4,557/mo
Memory Care
Orono, ME:$6,140/mo
Maine:$6,490/mo
U.S.:$4,794/mo
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Independent living costs in Orono, ME, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly independent living costs have shifted over the past five years in Orono and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent quarterly averages of what seniors actually paid after moving into A Place for Mom partner communities.

Orono, MEME stateNational

Independent living cost trends in Orono, ME

The table below shows how monthly independent living costs in Orono have changed in the last two years and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent averages of actual costs paid by seniors who moved into A Place for Mom partner communities in 2023 and 2024.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column location: Location
Column cost2024: 2024 average cost
Column cost2023: 2023 average cost
Column percentChange: Percent change
Location2024 average cost2023 average costPercent change
Orono, ME$3,101/mo$3,038/mo+2.1%
Maine$3,597/mo$3,461/mo+3.9%
National$3,251/mo$3,154/mo+3.1%
Orono, ME
2024 average cost:$3,101/mo
2023 average cost:$3,038/mo
Percent change:+2.1%
Maine
2024 average cost:$3,597/mo
2023 average cost:$3,461/mo
Percent change:+3.9%
National
2024 average cost:$3,251/mo
2023 average cost:$3,154/mo
Percent change:+3.1%
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Discover the many ways to pay for senior living

Planning ahead can better position you to make good choices for your loved one’s care in the future. But if your aging family member needs care now, there are ways to finance the cost of long-term care through a combination of approaches.

What families are saying about independent living in Orono

Recent reviews for independent living in Orono

Ellen M. Leach Memorial Home in Brewer, ME

5.0
So far in the time that I have been here, I tink it is a great place. I am pleased with everything and I feel very comfortable here, I have no complaints.

Dirigo Pines in Orono, ME

4.0
Once placed at Dirigo Pines, there was no instructions about how to to forward. Things like making a hair appointment, policies on visitors or outings, arranging for personal care like podiatrist etc. a manual to navigate this bug change in both our lives would have great. Yes, we would ...
Read more

Solstice Senior Living at Bangor

5.0
I am very happy with solstice. We like the fact that even though it is not assisted care, they come into clean once a week and they change the bedding once a week. Also, the fact that they cook meals. The place is very clean.

Orono independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Orono independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Orono, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Orono independent living

Independent living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Orono partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Orono, MENational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
5.6%
20.5%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
16.7%
34.1%
No sugar
No sugar
16.7%
31.5%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
11.1%
33.6%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
5.6%
8.1%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Orono independent living

Our independent living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Orono communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Orono, MENational
Professional chef
Professional chef
22.2%
36.5%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
27.8%
43.5%
Room service
Room service
33.3%
36.9%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
5.6%
17.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Orono independent living

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered independent living communities in Orono offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Orono, MENational
Activity director
Activity director
27.8%
45.3%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
16.7%
28.4%
Community service programs
Community service programs
22.2%
32.8%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
22.2%
49.3%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
27.8%
49.8%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
27.8%
54.9%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
16.7%
43.1%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
11.1%
37.7%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
16.7%
41.7%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
27.8%
47.5%
Live performances
Live performances
27.8%
47.3%
Dances
Dances
11.1%
32.6%
Fitness center
Fitness center
16.7%
39.8%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
27.8%
47%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
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