Cherry Laurel Sky Active Living Named Best Independent Living

U.S. News & World Report Names Cherry Laurel Sky Active Living Among Best Senior Living Communities for 2026

Cherry Laurel Sky Active Living has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a 2026 Best Independent Living Community.

Now in its fifth year, the 2026 Best Senior Living ratings from U.S. News evaluated more than 3,000 communities across the United States. Communities were assessed on several key criteria, including resident and family member satisfaction with safety, care, community management, staff, value and other essential services and amenities.

“Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Best in Independent Living community—and for our Activities & Enrichment and Food & Dining—means so much to our team. At Cherry Laurel Sky Active Living, we are passionate about creating a community where residents can stay active, build connections and truly enjoy each day. This honor reflects the dedication of our team and the vibrant lifestyle our residents experience,” said Valerie Walker, General Manager of Cherry Laurel Sky Active Living.

U.S. News awards the designation of Best Senior Living only to those communities that meet its objective, data-driven standards, reflecting the feedback of hundreds of thousands of consumers nationwide. The highest-rated communities in each care level earned a Best Senior Living rating.

In addition to the primary ratings, Cherry Laurel Sky Active Living was recognized for excellence in Independent Living – Activities & Enrichment and Independent Living – Food & Dining. These accolades are awarded only to communities that scored in the top 25% of evaluated communities nationwide for Caregiving, Activities & Enrichment, Management & Staff, Food and “Feels Like Home.”

“Choosing a senior living community is a significant life decision for older adults and their families. U.S. News’ Best Senior Living ratings provide a transparent, data-driven tool to help families identify the highest-quality care available,” said Ben Harder, managing editor and chief of health analysis at U.S. News. “We commend the communities that have earned this distinction, which reflects a deep commitment to resident well-being and exceptional service.”

While the Best Senior Living ratings offer a starting point for families, U.S. News encourages prospective residents, when appropriate, to consult with their health care providers or care teams to ensure a community’s specific services align with their individual clinical and wellness needs.

For more information on the U.S. News Best Senior Living ratings, visit U.S. News and explore Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok and X using #BestSeniorLiving.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

d

Categories

Awards

Stay Connected

Newsletter

|

Testimonials

Many thanks to Cherry Laurel Tallahassee for the safe-keeping or our 90+ year old parents...
Read More
Thelma
Many thanks to Cherry Laurel Tallahassee for the safe-keeping or our 90+ year old parents, Al & Millie, during Hurricane Michael. A special thanks to Debbie the manager who, although her house had a tree fall on it, remained at the residence to care for all the seniors – she is a real hero who has gone above and beyond our expectations in caring for our parents – and thanks to her team who kept everything running as smoothly as possible, give the circumstance - it is very much appreciated. Thank you for the large generator that was delivered to turn the lights on and special thanks to the workers who worked so diligently and quickly in getting Tallahassee back to rights in such quick time. You’re all our heroes!!!
Thelma
Thelma
Cherry Laurel is a beautiful facility where all staff is focused on providing the best ...
Read More
Halie
Cherry Laurel is a beautiful facility where all staff is focused on providing the best quality of life for your loved one. Residents greatly benefit from the activities and socialization! Cherry Laurel is a wonderful home for both yourself or your loved one!
Halie
Halie
I came down from the north to find a place to live. I toured a ...
Read More
Paul
I came down from the north to find a place to live. I toured a few places then came to Cherry Laurel. After taking a tour with Valerie I didn't need to look anymore because she was awesome and I knew this was the place to be. Donna does a great job planning activities and outings too.
Paul
Paul
My mom has been at Cherry Laurel for over a year, and we love...
Read More
Marie
My mom has been at Cherry Laurel for over a year, and we love it! The one bedroom apartments are nice and roomy, and the balcony looks out over a beautiful green space. Cherry Laurel is a small community where everyone knows everyone. The staff are so warm and welcoming. The director, Valerie knows every one by name. Ms Donna plans fun activities- like bingo, craft days, special events and outings to local restaurants. The rest of the staff are sweet, kind and truly care about the residents! I am so grateful to all of the staff at Cherry Laurel- it’s truly a special place!
Marie
Marie
I recently toured Cherry Laurel with my 92 year old mother-in-law. As a first impression, I ...
Read More
Brian
I recently toured Cherry Laurel with my 92 year old mother-in-law. As a first impression, I have nothing but positive things to say. The sales manager who led the tour was kind and informative - we didn't have many remaining questions to ask after our meeting/tour. We ran into the head manager, who seemed caring and quickly established a connection with my mother-in-law that made us feel she would be in safe place. We looked at studios and 1br apartments; all were clean and seemed to be well maintained when we tested different facets of the apartments. The common areas of the building are now being renovated in increments, which should be a nice change for the residents. After touring several independent, senior living apartments in town, we have decided Cherry Laurel is the right place for us!
Brian
Brian
i have been working at cherry laurel for over a year and i truly have...
Read More
Gianna
i have been working at cherry laurel for over a year and i truly have to say i love all the residents and the other staff here. Cherry Laurel is a very warm and inviting place across the board and all the staff truly cares for all the residents. Management is amazing and Valerie who is the General Manager will always put the residents needs first and truly knows how to run a facility! Sales manager is extremely informative and Donna, the activities coordinator always has something fun in store for the residents! Haven’t had a bad experience here!
Gianna
Gianna
My mother was in Cherry Laurel for five years. During her stay there , everyone was ...
Read More
Paula
My mother was in Cherry Laurel for five years. During her stay there , everyone was very helpful and it was run efficiently. Valerie, (the current Director) was especially helpful and quick to solve any problems my mother or myself brought up. The rooms are spacious. Ms Donna plans wonderful activities for the residents. Dancing with Dave on Wednesdays was a favorite of my moms. I would recommend Cherry Laurel to anyone that is considering it.
Paula
Paula

GET THE BROCHURE

Please provide your email to download your brochure.*We will not sell your information to any third party; we will use the email you provided only to reach out to better understand your senior living needs.