Page 7 of Best Assisted Living in California

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 1,600 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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We analyzed These are the facilities in California our team has analyzed — not a count of every assisted living provider in California.
1,600 homes
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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. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over 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.
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 grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
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.
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).
Count of California state "Type A" citations — the state's most serious citation category (immediate or serious harm to residents), from California state inspection data.
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.
Harbor Terrace Retirement Community
AL
IL
San Pedro
202
Facility 202
CA AVG 103
Rank #129 / 1,350
A-No
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 56
Rank #56 / 1,411
7
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #310 / 1,292
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,338
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 13
Rank #96 / 1,299
34.7%
Facility 34.7%
CA AVG 74.1%
Rank #1,173 / 1,202
-Harbor Terrace Retirement Center Of San Pedro, LLCStudio / 1 Bed
Golden Moments Care Home, Inc.
AL
MC
RESC
Sacramento (Arden-Arcade)
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 103
Rank #1,036 / 1,350
B+No
80
Facility 80
CA AVG 56
Rank #288 / 1,411
8
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #310 / 1,292
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,338
19
Facility 19
CA AVG 13
Rank #355 / 1,299
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 74.1%
Rank #1 / 1,202
-Golden Moments Care Home Building 1 IncPrivate / Semi-private Rooms
Merrill Gardens at Lafayette
AL
IL
MC
Lafayette
100
Facility 100
CA AVG 103
Rank #600 / 1,350
A-Yes
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 56
Rank #146 / 1,411
10
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #498 / 1,292
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,338
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #615 / 1,299
87.0%
Facility 87.0%
CA AVG 74.1%
Rank #266 / 1,202
-Shi-III Lafayette And Merrill Gardens Shi-III Mg GpStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
La Vida Del Mar
AL
IL
MC
Solana Beach (Eden Gardens)
130
Facility 130
CA AVG 103
Rank #418 / 1,350
A-Yes
61
Facility 61
CA AVG 56
Rank #642 / 1,411
13
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #498 / 1,292
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #451 / 1,338
39
Facility 39
CA AVG 13
Rank #25 / 1,299
91.5%
Facility 91.5%
CA AVG 74.1%
Rank #206 / 1,202
-La Vida Del Mar Associates And Srg Servco Management1 Bed / 2 Bed
Aegis Living Pleasant Hill
AL
HOS
MC
RC
Pleasant Hill (Pleasant Valley)
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 103
Rank #688 / 1,350
B-Yes
74
Facility 74
CA AVG 56
Rank #397 / 1,411
18
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1,292
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #679 / 1,338
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 13
Rank #76 / 1,299
81.1%
Facility 81.1%
CA AVG 74.1%
Rank #472 / 1,202
FOak Park Blvd Pleasant Hill LLC And Aegis Senior Et AStudio / Suite / 1 Bed
Canyon Trails Assisted Living & Memory Care
AL
MC
Canoga Park
120
Facility 120
CA AVG 103
Rank #484 / 1,350
B-Yes
77
Facility 77
CA AVG 56
Rank #343 / 1,411
39
26
Facility 26
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,135 / 1,292
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,338
29
Facility 29
CA AVG 13
Rank #120 / 1,299
85.0%
Facility 85.0%
CA AVG 74.1%
Rank #296 / 1,202
A+Canoga Park Sh LLC And Seasons Management LLCStudio / 1 Bed
The Carlotta
AL
Palm Desert
250
Facility 250
CA AVG 103
Rank #75 / 1,350
A+Yes
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 56
Rank #1,366 / 1,411
13
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 13
Rank #709 / 1,292
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,338
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,056 / 1,299
76.0%
Facility 76.0%
CA AVG 74.1%
Rank #589 / 1,202
A+Well Oak Ccrc Tenant LLC And Oakmont Et AlStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Pacific Gardens
AL
MC
Santa Clara
104
Facility 104
CA AVG 103
Rank #589 / 1,350
A+No
63
Facility 63
CA AVG 56
Rank #606 / 1,411
15
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #556 / 1,292
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,338
22
Facility 22
CA AVG 13
Rank #281 / 1,299
68.3%
Facility 68.3%
CA AVG 74.1%
Rank #759 / 1,202
-Community Home Partners LLCStudio / 1 Bed
Brookdale San Marcos
AL
CCRC
IL
MC
NH
SNF
San Marcos
245
Facility 245
CA AVG 103
Rank #83 / 1,350
A+Yes
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 56
Rank #376 / 1,411
20
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 13
Rank #890 / 1,292
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #451 / 1,338
25
Facility 25
CA AVG 13
Rank #214 / 1,299
66.5%
Facility 66.5%
CA AVG 74.1%
Rank #851 / 1,202
-Blc-Brookdale Place Of San Marcos LPAlcove / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Cathy’s Cottage – Assisted Living and Memory Care
AL
HOS
MC
Corona
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 103
Rank #1,036 / 1,350
A-No
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 56
Rank #1,134 / 1,411
6
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 13
Rank #199 / 1,292
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,338
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #857 / 1,299
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 74.1%
Rank #1 / 1,202
A+Cottage Care Homes, LLC1 Bed / Semi-Private Rooms

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each assisted living community is ranked against every other CA assisted living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 1,600 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Harbor Terrace Retirement Community

Two hundred and two beds, thirty years of history, and a Walk Score of 94: Harbor Terrace Retirement Community occupies a mid-rise building at 435 W 8th St in San Pedro, California, offering studio and one-bedroom units. That Walk Score puts the surrounding area solidly in walker’s-paradise territory, so daily errands rarely require a car.

Staffing runs around the clock here, and daily life includes restaurant-style dining and housekeeping handled for residents. The amenity list runs long: a coffee parlor, a library, a salon, and massage therapy services alongside a full calendar of educational, social, recreational, and wellness programming.

Occupancy currently sits at 35 percent, with 70 of the 202 beds filled. That’s a meaningfully lower number than what a facility this established and this well-located might suggest.

Harbor Terrace Retirement Center Of San Pedro, LLC operates the property, and Holly Rice serves as administrator. State inspections in California have tended to center on medication management, staffing credentials, and resident rights and protections.

Harbor Terrace brings together three decades of operating history, an unusually walkable location, and a wide amenity list, though the current occupancy rate is a detail worth factoring into how families weigh this community against others in the area.

Contact Harbor Terrace Retirement Community

Overview of Golden Moments Care Home

Golden Moments Care Home offers assisted living, memory care, and residential care in Sacramento’s Arden-Arcade neighborhood. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision. The six bed home may suit someone who prefers a smaller community.

Private rooms accommodate one resident, while semi-private rooms are shared. Residents can take part in the Active Day Program and daily activities at the home. An 80 / 100 Walk Score means most errands are possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may still be able to get out independently.

Makayla Anderson-White serves as the administrator, and Golden Moments Care Home Building 1 operates the community. Residents do not have to choose only one type of support at move-in, since the home provides assisted living, memory care, and residential care.

Starting Price $4,950/Month

Contact Golden Moments Care Home, Inc.

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Lafayette

Merrill Gardens at Lafayette offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Lafayette, CA. Independent living means having a private residence with community services but no daily care, while assisted living provides help with tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while the resident keeps an apartment. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Having all three care levels in one community may suit a resident whose needs grow over time. A move to a different level can happen without leaving the community or starting over socially. The community has 100 beds with studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom residences; a two bedroom can suit a couple moving together, while a studio offers one private living space. Pets are allowed, so a resident can bring a pet when moving in.

A Walk Score of 88 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot. A resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Aubrey Goo serves as the administrator, and the community is operated by Shi-Iii Mg Gp, Shi-Iii Lafayette and Merrill Gardens.

Starting Price $6,250/Month

Contact Merrill Gardens at Lafayette

La Vida Del Mar

850 Del Mar Downs Rd, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Overview of La Vida Del Mar

La Vida Del Mar offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Solana Beach, California. Assisted living includes help with bathing, dressing, and medication management, while independent living supports private living without daily care; Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision. Having all three care levels on one campus may allow a resident’s needs to change over time without requiring a move to another community.

The community has 130 beds, with residences offering one or two bedrooms, including a two bedroom layout for a couple moving together. It is in the Eden Gardens neighborhood, administered by Scottie Geno, and operated by La Vida Del Mar Associates and Srg Servco Management. A Walk Score of 61 places the area in the somewhat walkable range, so some errands can be completed on foot and a resident who no longer drives may be able to manage certain nearby errands independently; pets are allowed, letting residents who move with a pet keep that pet as part of their household.

Starting Price $8,870/Month

Contact La Vida Del Mar

Overview of Aegis Living Pleasant Hill

Located in the enticing town of Pleasant Hill, CA, Aegis Living Pleasant Hill is a welcoming senior living community that offers assisted living, memory care, and respite care services. A wide array of stunning and comfortable accommodations with several floor plans are available for its residents based on their preferences. The community ensures round-the-clock care and support for its residents through its well-equipped and dedicated team. As for memory care, those with cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can receive a spectrum of options tailored to their immediate needs and concerns.

Explore its top-tier amenities and services wherein residents can avail of tasty and healthy meals based on dietary needs prepared by a talented culinary team, concierge services, weekly housekeeping, scheduled transportation, and many more. Meet new companions by visiting its bistro or gastropub as well as its arts, crafts, and music room. Participate in diverse social activities and life enrichment programs. At Aegies Living Pleasant Hill, seniors are guaranteed a wonderful retirement experience.

Starting Price $6,384/Month

Contact Aegis Living Pleasant Hill

Overview of Canyon Trails Assisted Living & Memory Care

Canyon Trails Assisted Living and Memory Care is dedicated to providing personalized and supportive care in a spacious and welcoming environment in West Hills, California. Offering top-of-the-line assisted living, memory care, and respite care, their committed staff, available 24/7, ensures residents’ needs are met with compassion and expertise, enhancing their experience through tailored programs and services.

Residents of Canyon Trails enjoy a wealth of assisted living amenities designed to promote comfort, convenience, and enjoyment. From spacious studio apartments and pet-friendly accommodations to weekly housekeeping and an emergency response system, every aspect is carefully crafted to foster a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle. Residents can indulge in various activities and socialize freely in community spaces like a beauty salon, game rooms, and outdoor areas that ensure the best quality of life.

Contact Canyon Trails Assisted Living & Memory Care

The Carlotta

41505 Carlotta Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92211
Overview of The Carlotta

The Carlotta is an assisted living community in Palm Desert, California. Residents can receive help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and taking medication while living in their own apartment.

Housing includes studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom residences. A studio offers one private space, while a two bedroom layout can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion, making The Carlotta a possible fit for a resident who wants daily support with the option to live alone or with someone else. The community has 250 beds, allows pets, and is administered by John Brennan.

Contact The Carlotta

Overview of Pacific Gardens

Pacific Gardens provides assisted living and memory care in Santa Clara, CA. In assisted living, residents receive help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while maintaining an apartment. Memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

The community has 104 beds, with studio and one-bedroom layouts. A studio provides one private living space, while a one-bedroom layout separates the sleeping area from the main living space. With both assisted living and memory care, Pacific Gardens may be a good fit for a resident whose needs may grow over time and who could remain in the community as care needs change. A Walk Score of 63 places the area in the somewhat walkable category, so some errands can be completed on foot. A resident who no longer drives may be able to reach certain nearby destinations independently, while other errands may require a car or ride. Matthew Zahodne serves as the administrator, and Community Home Partners operates Pacific Gardens.

Contact Pacific Gardens

Overview of Brookdale San Marcos

Brookdale San Marcos, found at 1590 W. San Marcos Blvd in San Marcos, California, delivers luxury assisted living in an elegant coastal setting. The community provides personalized care, genuine relationships, and a focus on helping residents enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle. At the community, residents can expect assistance with daily tasks such as housekeeping, meals, bathing, and dressing, all customized to their specific needs. The community offers a full calendar of events and activities, including shopping trips, art clubs, and fitness classes, allowing residents to explore old hobbies or discover new ones.

The community features vacation-style amenities, including an outdoor pool, fitness center, and transportation services. Apartments are spacious and pet-friendly, with options for studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. Basic utilities and maintenance are typically included in the basic service rate, providing residents with peace of mind and fewer bills to worry about. They aim to meet residents where they are in life’s journey, making Brookdale San Marcos a top choice when looking for a community for your loved one.

Contact Brookdale San Marcos

Overview of Cathy’s Cottage – Assisted Living and Memory Care

Peacefully tucked away in Corona, CA, Cathy’s Cottage – Assisted Living and Memory Care is a relaxing community that specializes in memory care. Their living spaces are beautifully designed to create a warm and safe environment tailored to residents’ unique safety needs. Residents here receive compassionate care and support with their daily activities from an excellent team of dementia specialists available 24/7.

Apart from individualized care plans, residents enjoy the convenience of having no household chores to do, such as housekeeping and meal preparation. Fun and exciting activities are also held regularly to stimulate residents’ minds and keep them active and healthy. Here, they go above and beyond in creating a calming environment that fosters, fun, peace, and comfort.

Contact Cathy’s Cottage – Assisted Living and Memory Care

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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Assisted Living in California at a glance

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: 56/ 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
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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 1600 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.