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Waterstone at the Circle in Boston, MA

Waterstone at the Circle is an independent living community in Boston, MA.

Information last verified: June 3, 2026

385 Chestnut Hill Ave, Boston, MA 02135

For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318

4.6 from 67 reviews

5 stars

56

4 stars

3

3 stars

4

2 stars

0

1 stars

4

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Waterstone at the Circle Costs & Pricing

Waterstone at the Circle offers a premium living experience, reflected in its monthly costs compared to both Suffolk County and Massachusetts averages. For a one-bedroom unit, residents can expect to pay $7,320, which significantly surpasses the county's average of $5,439 and the state's average of $5,349. Similarly, two-bedroom apartments at Waterstone are priced at $9,440, notably higher than Suffolk County's average of $7,110 and Massachusetts' average of $6,151. These figures indicate that while Waterstone at the Circle commands a higher price point, it likely provides exceptional services and amenities that contribute to an elevated lifestyle for its residents.

Floor plans	Waterstone at the Circle	Suffolk County	Massachusetts
1 Bedroom	$7,320	$5,439	$5,349
2 Bedrooms	$9,440	$7,110	$6,151

Overall Review of Waterstone at the Circle

differentiator 16 reviews mention this

Dining and meals get top praise

Meals are repeatedly described as restaurant-quality and satisfying.

Residents and visiting families consistently describe the dining room experience as a major draw, with praise for the quality and variety of meals. Several mention specific diet preferences or “low sodium/heart healthy” options, and others compare the food favorably to other independent living communities they toured. Some also describe special meal moments as part of the community’s events, reinforcing that dining is part of daily life and occasions—not just an amenity.

common 22 reviews mention this

Warm, responsive staffing stands out

Staff warmth and responsiveness are a consistent theme across reviews.

Across many reviews, residents and families describe staff as friendly, attentive, and genuinely interested in them. Multiple comments highlight quick help when issues come up, plus supportive interactions from front-line roles like reception through maintenance and housekeeping. A few reviews are negative about service, including rude or disorganized experiences and a dining visit with problems, but the majority describe day-to-day support as a strength.

common 14 reviews mention this

Activities keep residents engaged

Residents describe a steady stream of stimulating activities.

Reviews frequently mention life enrichment programming such as lectures, concerts, classes, and scheduled daily activities. Several residents say it helps them stay social and active, and a number point to resident involvement in programs and clubs. The community’s concierge and transportation support are also brought up in the context of staying involved in Boston-area outings and appointments.

differentiator 10 reviews mention this

Independent living fits an active lifestyle

Residents say the independent living setting supports staying active in Boston.

Many reviews emphasize that the community matches what people wanted in independent living—space, comfort, and an environment where older adults can keep living their routines. Several note the urban location and easy access to Boston and nearby attractions, along with amenities like an indoor pool, exercise room, library, theater, and common spaces. Residents also describe making friends quickly, contributing to the feeling of community within the independent-living lifestyle.

caveat 2 reviews mention this

Cost comes up as a drawback

Pricing is described as very expensive by some families.

A couple of reviews explicitly call out that the community is very expensive and recommend it only for those who can afford it. Even when the overall experience is positive, the reviews still frame cost as a clear consideration for prospective residents and families.

How we summarize

Counts show how many written reviews mention each theme; a review can touch several themes, and only frequently mentioned themes become a section.

Features

Housing

1-bedroom apartments
2-bedroom apartments

Types of Care

Independent Living

Pets

Cats allowed
Dogs allowed

Amenities

Activities off-site
Activities on-site
Air-conditioning
Bath tubs
Beautician on-site
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Cafe
Computer center
Continuing learning programs
Devotional services off-site
Devotional services on-site
Dining room
Family private dining rooms
Fitness room
Full kitchen
Fully furnished
Gaming room
Garden
Handicap accessible
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor common areas
Outdoor patio
Outdoor space
Pet friendly
Private bathrooms
Respite or short term stays offered
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Swimming pool
Swimming pool / hot tub
Telephone
Wellness center
Wheelchair accessible showers
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available

Transportation

Gen Edw L Logan International (8 miles away)
Community operated transportation
Transportation arrangement
Transportation arrangement (non-medical)

Care Services

12-16 hour nursing
24-hour call system
Ambulatory care
Assistance with dressing
Coordination with health care providers
Diabetic care
Hospice waiver
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Transportation to doctors appointments

Dining

Anytime dining
Diabetes diet
Gluten-free
Guest meals
International cuisine
Low / no sodium
Meals provided
No Sugar
Professional chef
Restaurant style dining
Room service
Special dietary restrictions
Vegan
Vegetarian

Activities

Art classes
Catholic services
Community-sponsored activities
Concierge services
Cooking classes
Day trips and outings
Devotional activities offsite
Devotional activities on-site
Educational speakers / life long learning
Fitness programs
Jewish services
Live well programs
Planned day trips
Protestant services
Resident-run activities
Scheduled daily activities
Visiting Rabbi
Visiting chaplain or priest

Videos

Nearby Places of Interest

This part of Boston, Massachusetts, offers a convenient and vibrant urban environment with a variety of amenities nearby. With several pharmacies, transportation options, cafes, theaters, restaurants, parks, physicians' offices, hospitals, and places of worship within easy reach, residents can easily access essential services and enjoy recreational activities. The presence of top medical facilities like Brigham and Women's Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital provides peace of mind for seniors who may require specialized healthcare services. Additionally, the proximity to universities like Harvard Medical School offers opportunities for lifelong learning and cultural enrichment. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded and accessible community for seniors looking for a comfortable and engaging living environment.

Pharmacies

CVS Pharmacy (0.1 miles)
CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
Walgreens (1.5 miles)
Wegmans (1.7 miles)
CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)

Transportation

MBTA Reservoir Station (0.1 miles)
MBTA Fenway Station (2.5 miles)
MBTA Kenmore Station (3 miles)
MBTA Ruggles Station (3.1 miles)
Porter Square MBTA Station (4 miles)
MBTA Union Square Station (4.1 miles)
MBTA Charles/MGH Station (4.4 miles)

Cafes

Blue Bottle Coffee (1.3 miles)
Starbucks (1.6 miles)
Tatte Bakery & Cafe (2.7 miles)
Flour Bakery + Cafe (3 miles)
Tatte Bakery & Cafe (3.1 miles)
Mike's Donuts (3.1 miles)
Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar (3.7 miles)

Theaters

Showcase SuperLux (1.4 miles)
Cinema World Majestic 7 (1.8 miles)
Kendall Square Cinema (3.8 miles)

Restaurants

Veggie Crust (1.4 miles)
McDonald's (1.6 miles)
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar (1.9 miles)
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (2 miles)
Spring Shabu-Shabu (2 miles)
Yard House (2.6 miles)
Sofra Bakery & Cafe (2.7 miles)

Parks

Larz Anderson Park (1.9 miles)
Olmsted Park (2.1 miles)
Jamaica Pond (2.2 miles)
Franklin Park (3.2 miles)
Newton Highlands Playground (3.2 miles)
Pagel Playground (3.6 miles)
The Esplanade (4.2 miles)

Physicians

Bidmc Lowry Building (2.1 miles)
Mass. Eye and Ear (2.2 miles)
Harvard Medical School (2.4 miles)
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates – Spinal Unit/Pain Management (2.6 miles)
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates (2.6 miles)
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates (3.5 miles)

Hospitals

Brigham and Women's Hospital (2.2 miles)
New England Baptist Hospital (2.3 miles)
Boston Children's Hospital (2.3 miles)
Mount Auburn Hospital (2.8 miles)
Lemuel Shattuck Hospital (3.5 miles)
West Roxbury VA Hospital (4.3 miles)

Places of Worship

St Paul Parish, Harvard Square (3 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live at Waterstone at the Circle in Boston, MA?

What floor plans and room types does Waterstone at the Circle offer?

Where is Waterstone at the Circle?

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What photos are available for Waterstone at the Circle in Boston, Massachusetts?

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