REDDING – The comprehensive continuing care retirement community Meadow Ridge recently added another accolade to its already long list as U.S. News & World Report named it one of the best senior living communities in the country for yet another year.
Meadow Ridge is the only community in Connecticut to earn a “Best” designation in all four categories – CCRC, independent living, assisted living, and memory care – of the magazine’s 2026 Best Senior Living issue. It is tied for the second highest national rating at 4.7 stars out of 5 stars.
It was recognized for its excellence among 41 Benchmark communities that earned a total of 60 awards this year.
“These recognitions are meaningful because they reflect the experiences, services, and amenities that residents and families receive every day,” said Chris Barstein, Meadow Ridge campus executive director. “This continued recognition is rooted in a thoughtful balance of lifestyle, service and care. Just as important is the confidence of our Lifecare plan, which provides access to the full continuum of care at more predictable costs.”
Meadow Ridge is among 12 senior communities in Fairfield County to be honored with “Best of” by U.S. News & World Report. The others include Brightview on New Canaan in Norwalk (4.5), Brighton Gardens of Stamford (4.3), Waterstone on High Ridge in Stamford (4.3), Middlebrook Farms at Trumbull (4.3), Sunrise of Fairfield (4.3), Edgehill in Stamford (4.1), Bridges by EPOCH at Trumbull (4.4), Brightview Shelton (4.3), Benchmark Senior Living at Split Rock in Stamford, Sunrise of Wilton (4.2) and Ridgefield Station (4.0).
Meadow Ridge was developed by Senior Care Development and is managed by Benchmark Senior Living. The campus sits on 136 acres and offers 302 independent living apartment homes, and also features Ridge Crest, an award-winning health center for assisted living, memory care, sub-acute rehabilitation and skilled nursing that was also recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Nursing Homes issue for short-term rehabilitation.
For its selection criteria, the magazine analyzed surveys from residents and their family members. Meadow Ridge earned high marks for activities and enrichment, food and dining, and management and staff.
One resident said, “Meadow Ridge has given my family and me a strong sense of security. It really feels like ‘home’ and it has large numbers of residents who are truly interesting and friendly.”
Another resident said, “We have found Meadow Ridge to be very warm and welcoming. We are pleased with the large number of active, interesting, and intelligent residents and the very many diverse activities offered ranging from sports to music to current events.”
According to Barstein, Meadow Ridge offers a distinctive lifestyle, with residents living in just more than 300 spacious, independent living homes averaging up to 2,600 square feet, larger than most communities in Connecticut, within a 136-acre campus designed for connection and discovery.
“With more than 75 weekly programs and activities including croquet tournaments, resident-led clubs like the Farm Club and amenities such as the Ridge Range golf simulator, indoor heated pool, Meadow Ridge Spa and walking trails, each day offers meaningful choices for engagement,” he said.
Ridge Crest offers comprehensive sub-acute rehabilitation designed to support recovery after surgery, illness or injury with services including physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies delivered through personalized care plans tailored to individual needs. “Ridge Crest provides a highly attentive level of support focused on helping individuals regain strength, function and independence in a comfortable setting,” he said.
The 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Senior Living issue represents feedback on thousands of senior living communities across the country.
“We’re thrilled to be recognized again with these awards. This is possible because of the dedication, genuine care, and meaningful connections that our associates have with our residents in every interaction,” said Barstein.
