Best Assisted Living in California

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 1,435 assisted living communities in CA using CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank assisted living in CA
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in California our team has analyzed — not a count of every assisted living provider in California.
1,435 homes
Other senior care options in California:

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Avg Monthly Cost: $7,797The average monthly cost across facilities in California. Reflects published or estimated base rates and can vary with care level, room type, and amenities. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: $5,600
Avg Walk Score: 57/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in California. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 103The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in California. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Assisted Living around California

Info below is compiled from the CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HC (Home Care): Professional care delivered in the person's own home, from companionship to skilled nursing. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. PC (Palliative Care): Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine score. It is not a government rating. A dash means we do not publish a grade for that facility: either its public record is too thin to be fair, or we hold nothing for it at all.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Visits or investigations linked to complaints, as counted in the state record (may differ from routine annual surveys).
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
Name of the licensed owner, operator, or managing entity as filed with the state. Useful for grouping facilities under the same organization.
Housing or bed configuration options (e.g. studio, shared), often from facility-reported amenities and licensing details.
The Magnolia of Millbrae
AL
RC
Millbrae
180
Facility 180
CA AVG 103
Rank #195 / 1,492
Yes
89
Facility 89
CA AVG 57
Rank #176 / 1,887
A+9
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 13
Rank #210 / 1,387
27
Facility 27
CA AVG 13
Rank #186 / 1,452
76.1%
Facility 76.1%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #661 / 1,313
A+Magnolia Of Millbrae, Inc1 Bed / 2 Bed
Foothills Residential Care
AL
HOS
RESC
San Luis Obispo
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 103
Rank #1,166 / 1,492
No
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 57
Rank #511 / 1,887
A+4
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1,387
19
Facility 19
CA AVG 13
Rank #387 / 1,452
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1 / 1,313
A+Jane QuinesPrivate Rooms
San Francisco Towers
AL
IL
MC
San Francisco (Cathedral Hill)
350
Facility 350
CA AVG 103
Rank #36 / 1,492
Yes
99
Facility 99
CA AVG 57
Rank #2 / 1,887
A+13
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #589 / 1,387
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #133 / 1,452
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1 / 1,313
-Front Porch Communities And Services1 Bed / 2 Bed
Providence Place
AL
MC
RC
San Francisco (Lower Pacific Heights)
34
Facility 34
CA AVG 103
Rank #1,087 / 1,492
No
95
Facility 95
CA AVG 57
Rank #61 / 1,887
A-7
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #442 / 1,387
26
Facility 26
CA AVG 13
Rank #214 / 1,452
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1 / 1,313
C+Knop, Roman & Knop, GalinaStudio / Semi-Private Rooms
Reata Glen
AL
CCRC
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Mission Viejo
840
Facility 840
CA AVG 103
Rank #2 / 1,492
No
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,873 / 1,887
A+10
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1,387
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 13
Rank #566 / 1,452
80.6%
Facility 80.6%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #548 / 1,313
B-Reat Glen Orange County Ccrc1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
Canterbury Woods
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Pacific Grove
190
Facility 190
CA AVG 103
Rank #168 / 1,492
Yes
81
Facility 81
CA AVG 57
Rank #352 / 1,887
-13
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #325 / 1,387
42
Facility 42
CA AVG 13
Rank #21 / 1,452
72.6%
Facility 72.6%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #739 / 1,313
A+Front Porch Communities And Services1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Watermark at Napa Valley
AL
IL
MC
Napa
240
Facility 240
CA AVG 103
Rank #94 / 1,492
No
51
Facility 51
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,195 / 1,887
A+9
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #325 / 1,387
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #133 / 1,452
77.5%
Facility 77.5%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #612 / 1,313
A+4055 Solano Ave Opco LLC And Atsc II LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Inspirations Home Care IV
AL
HC
MC
Corona
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 103
Rank #1,166 / 1,492
No
37
Facility 37
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,449 / 1,887
A+4
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1,387
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #133 / 1,452
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1 / 1,313
A+Inspirations Home Care IV LLCPrivate / Semi-Private Rooms
Royal Gardens Senior Care
AL
HOS
PC
Fresno
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 103
Rank #1,166 / 1,492
No
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 57
Rank #511 / 1,887
B+5
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1,387
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 13
Rank #258 / 1,452
83.3%
Facility 83.3%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #392 / 1,313
AVr Enigma IncStudio / Semi-Private Rooms
Sunny Rose Glen
AL
MC
Menifee (Sun City)
116
Facility 116
CA AVG 103
Rank #551 / 1,492
Yes
60
Facility 60
CA AVG 57
Rank #940 / 1,887
A+4
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 13
Rank #210 / 1,387
14
Facility 14
CA AVG 13
Rank #501 / 1,452
76.7%
Facility 76.7%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #639 / 1,313
A+Menifee Assisted Living LLC Dba Sunny Rose Sr. LvngSemi-Private Rooms

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every CA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 1,435 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of The Magnolia of Millbrae

The Magnolia of Millbrae offers assisted living and respite care in Millbrae, California. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps their own living space. Respite care provides a short stay for a family whose usual caregiver needs to travel or recover, so the combination may suit someone who needs everyday support or a family caregiver who needs a temporary care arrangement.

The community has 180 beds, making it a larger setting with more residents, staff, and usually more programming. One bedroom and two bedroom residences are available. The two bedroom layout may work for a couple moving together or for someone who wants a companion. A Walk Score of 89 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Pets are allowed, and Lola Borrego serves as the administrator.

Contact The Magnolia of Millbrae

Foothills Residential Care

696 Foothill Blvd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Overview of Foothills Residential Care

Make the most of your best years at Foothills Residential Care, an idyllic haven in San Luis Obispo, CA, offering assisted living. Residents also receive top-tier care tailored to their unique needs from a kind and highly trained team available around the clock. The community also ensures residents feel at ease during their stay, helping with housekeeping, laundry, and linens.

Here, residents are encouraged to live actively and make new friends, accompanied by various activities and fun programs. Mealtimes promote social interactions and satisfy dietary needs with delicious and healthy meals, provided three times daily, alongside delightful snacks. For residents’ convenience, medication management is also taken care of. With its dedicated services and nurturing environment, residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience.

Contact Foothills Residential Care

Overview of San Francisco Towers

San Francisco Towers is a vibrant and trusted community in the heart of San Francisco, emphasizing the importance of togetherness and support. The community’s mission is to provide a welcoming environment where residents thrive, even during challenging times, through the care of dedicated staff and virtual events that foster connection. Rooted in values of community and resilience, San Francisco Towers is committed to creating a supportive living experience for all.

The community offers a range of amenities and facilities designed to enhance residents’ lives. Nestled in Pacific Heights, near Nob Hill and Fillmore Street, the prime location allows residents to explore the best of San Francisco. Engaging events, from classes and concerts to wellness programs, contribute to a dynamic calendar of activities. San Francisco Towers provides a variety of amenities, including an indoor swimming pool, a cozy library, and a rooftop garden, creating an environment where residents can relax and live their best lives. Additionally, the community’s comprehensive services, spanning healthcare, dining, and wellness, ensure residents have the support they need at every stage, fostering positive aging and overall well-being.

Contact San Francisco Towers

Overview of Providence Place

Surrounded by convenient local amenities in Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA, Providence Place is a distinguished community that offers assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Residents keep their peace of mind with a kind and highly trained team helping with their personal needs and household responsibilities 24/7. The community promotes a vibrant and welcoming environment, ensuring residents can feel at ease during their stay.

Residents are encouraged to live actively and interact with their surroundings with a robust calendar of engaging programs and exciting events. Delightful and well-balanced home-cooked meals are served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community also provides feeding assistance, incontinence care, and medication management for residents’ comfort and convenience. Here, residents age comfortably, accompanied by the community’s dedicated services and specially designed amenities.

Contact Providence Place

Reata Glen

2 Las Estrellas Loop, Mission Viejo, CA 92694
Overview of Reata Glen

Enjoy a peaceful time in the idyllic campus of Reata Glen in Las Estrellas Loop, Rancho Mission Viejo, CA, offering assisted living, memory care, and long-term care. The community features sophisticated and naturally lit accommodations to optimize comfort and convenience. With its commitment to improving seniors’ wellness, the community delivers top-notch care and assistance from a kind and highly skilled team.

Residents do not run out of things to do with meticulously curated classes and engaging clubs that highlight their interests and strengths. Eat well and feel your best with healthy and delightful meals that satisfy dietary needs and preferences. Reata Glen is great for a relaxing and active retirement with its campus filled with the perfect combination of serene amenities and a lively environment.

Contact Reata Glen

Overview of Canterbury Woods

Canterbury Woods is a 190 bed community in Pacific Grove, CA, offering independent living, assisted living, nursing home care, and skilled nursing. The range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs could become more intensive over time, because moving among levels may allow the resident to remain in the community, subject to availability and clinical fit. Nursing home and skilled nursing care serve residents who need ongoing nursing or clinical care beyond independent or assisted living, while assisted living provides help with daily personal care tasks and independent living is intended for residents who can manage personal care without routine hands on assistance.

With 190 beds, Canterbury Woods is sized for many residents rather than a small household setting. Its 73% occupancy indicates that the community was below full capacity when measured, but that does not establish availability in the care level a resident needs.

Medicare and private pay are accepted, so payment may involve Medicare coverage for eligible services or direct payment by the resident or family for selected care and related charges. An 81 Walk Score places the area in the very walkable band, meaning most errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Total nurse staffing is 6 hours 18 minutes per resident per day, including 1 hour 58 minutes per resident per day from licensed nurses such as RNs and LPNs; these are facility level staffing figures and do not guarantee individual nursing time. Pets are allowed, so residents may be able to keep a pet at the community. Ryan Banner is the administrator, and Front Porch Communities And Services operates Canterbury Woods.

Contact Canterbury Woods

Overview of The Watermark at Napa Valley

The Watermark at Napa Valley stands as an exquisite oasis of luxurious senior living amidst the renowned beauty of Napa, California. This esteemed community offers a spectrum of upscale living options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, ensuring a tailored approach to meet the diverse needs of residents.

The team of caregivers and staff fosters an environment where residents flourish through personalized care and a rich array of cultural, wellness, and social programs. From wine tastings to educational seminars and artistic pursuits, residents indulge in experiences that nurture the mind, body, and spirit, fostering connections and a sense of camaraderie.

Contact The Watermark at Napa Valley

Overview of Inspirations Home Care IV

Live a blissful retirement with the trusted community of Inspirations Home Care IV in Heartland Way, Corona, CA, that offers assisted living. The community strives to provide top-tier care and assistance for up to six residents with a compassionate and highly trained team attending to their unique needs. Residents are guaranteed to live comfortably with the community handling the housekeeping, laundry, and other daily living activities.

A jam-packed calendar of fun-filled activities and engaging programs is conducted to promote belongingness among the residents. Indulge in delightful and healthy home-cooked meals for a satisfactory dining experience that cater to dietary needs and tastes. Receive the care you deserve at a budget-friendly cost with the community’s all-inclusive rates.

Contact Inspirations Home Care IV

Overview of Royal Gardens Senior Care

Royal Gardens Senior Care is a dependable community in Fresno, CA, offering assisted living. The community is committed to improving residents’ well-being, providing top-notch care tailored to their unique needs 24/7. Housekeeping and laundry are also provided, ensuring residents enjoy hassle-free living.

Residents will not feel lonely with a variety of fun recreational activities and exciting events that highlight their interests and capabilities. Mealtimes also foster comfort while catering to dietary needs and preferences with delicious and healthy dining options. Medication administration, wound care, continence management, and oxygen therapy are also available to meet residents’ healthcare needs. The community is ideal for those needing assistance to experience the best of their golden years, especially with its comprehensive care and welcoming environment.

Contact Royal Gardens Senior Care

Overview of Sunny Rose Glen

Sunny Rose Glen provides assisted living and memory care in Menifee’s Sun City neighborhood. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps a private living space. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

These care levels may make the community a good fit for a resident living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia who needs supervised care. The community has 116 beds, and its 77% occupancy means not all beds were occupied at the measured point. Semi-private rooms are shared accommodations for residents who are comfortable living with a roommate, while a Walk Score of 60 out of 100 makes the area somewhat walkable, so some errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives may be able to reach select nearby destinations independently. Pets are allowed, and Nancy Anguiano serves as the administrator.

Contact Sunny Rose Glen

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in California

What's the difference between assisted living and memory care in California?

Assisted living in California supports residents with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication management) while preserving independence. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and adds 24/7 secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and structured routines designed to reduce confusion and wandering.

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in California?

Assisted living in California is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does California Medicaid cover assisted living?

California Medicaid does not directly pay room-and-board for assisted living, but most states (including California) offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can offset the cost of care services delivered inside a licensed community. Eligibility, waitlists, and covered services vary — check directly with the state Medicaid agency.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living combines private or semi-private apartments with help on activities of daily living (meals, bathing, dressing, medication management) and a social calendar — for residents who need some support but do not need 24/7 medical care.

How many assisted living facilities are listed on this page?

This page features 1435 assisted living facilities in California. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right assisted living facility in California?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in California, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting assisted living facilities in California?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.