Best Independent Living in California

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 640 independent living communities in CA using CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent 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 independent living provider in California.
640 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. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. 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 grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
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.
San Francisco Towers
IL
AL
MC
San Francisco (Cathedral Hill)
350
Facility 350
CA AVG 168
Rank #29 / 409
Yes
99
Facility 99
CA AVG 59
Rank #2 / 638
A+13
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #111 / 391
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 15
Rank #66 / 402
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #1 / 361
-Front Porch Communities And Services1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Watermark at Napa Valley
IL
AL
MC
Napa
240
Facility 240
CA AVG 168
Rank #64 / 409
No
51
Facility 51
CA AVG 59
Rank #415 / 638
A+9
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #41 / 391
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 15
Rank #66 / 402
77.5%
Facility 77.5%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #134 / 361
A+4055 Solano Ave Opco LLC And Atsc II LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Reata Glen
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Mission Viejo
840
Facility 840
CA AVG 168
Rank #2 / 409
No
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 59
Rank #635 / 638
A+10
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 391
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 15
Rank #173 / 402
80.6%
Facility 80.6%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #111 / 361
B-Reat Glen Orange County Ccrc1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
The Glen at Scripps Ranch
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
San Diego (Scripps Ranch)
684
Facility 684
CA AVG 168
Rank #6 / 409
No
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 59
Rank #608 / 638
A+5
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 13
Rank #31 / 391
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 15
Rank #173 / 402
81.3%
Facility 81.3%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #107 / 361
A+Glen At Scripps Ranch Ccrc LLC1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
Oak Tree Lodge of Mt. San Antonio Gardens
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Pomona
520
Facility 520
CA AVG 168
Rank #14 / 409
No
53
Facility 53
CA AVG 59
Rank #405 / 638
A+14
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #63 / 391
33
Facility 33
CA AVG 15
Rank #35 / 402
84.0%
Facility 84.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #83 / 361
-Congregational Homes, IncorporatedStudio
White Sands La Jolla – Luxury Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
SNF
La Jolla
299
Facility 299
CA AVG 168
Rank #41 / 409
Yes
80
Facility 80
CA AVG 59
Rank #145 / 638
A+7
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 13
Rank #31 / 391
52
Facility 52
CA AVG 15
Rank #3 / 402
61.2%
Facility 61.2%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #275 / 361
-Humangood & Humangood SocalStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Casa de Mañana
IL
AL
RC
La Jolla
249
Facility 249
CA AVG 168
Rank #61 / 409
Yes
79
Facility 79
CA AVG 59
Rank #154 / 638
A+13
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #124 / 391
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 15
Rank #173 / 402
88.0%
Facility 88.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #55 / 361
-Front Porch Communities And ServicesStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Vista Del Monte Retirement Community
IL
AL
MC
Santa Barbara (Hidden Valley)
266
Facility 266
CA AVG 168
Rank #52 / 409
Yes
18
Facility 18
CA AVG 59
Rank #586 / 638
A-9
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #41 / 391
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 15
Rank #66 / 402
75.6%
Facility 75.6%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #158 / 361
A+Walgenbach, Brian & Gill, DougStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Peninsula Del Rey
IL
AL
MC
Daly City
150
Facility 150
CA AVG 168
Rank #178 / 409
Yes
76
Facility 76
CA AVG 59
Rank #183 / 638
A17
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #195 / 391
19
Facility 19
CA AVG 15
Rank #134 / 402
70.7%
Facility 70.7%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #204 / 361
A+Pdr Subtenant LLC, Srg Califorina Mgmt LLCSuite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Wesley Palms Retirement Community
IL
AL
MC
San Diego (Pacific Beach)
511
Facility 511
CA AVG 168
Rank #18 / 409
Yes
19
Facility 19
CA AVG 59
Rank #582 / 638
B+17
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #87 / 391
31
Facility 31
CA AVG 15
Rank #48 / 402
65.0%
Facility 65.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #248 / 361
A+Front Porch Communities And ServicesStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other CA independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 640 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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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 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

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 The Glen at Scripps Ranch

Embrace a luxurious lifestyle in the hotel-style senior living community of The Glen at Scripps Ranch in San Diego, CA. The community strives to provide residents with a vacation-style living experience through its elegant accommodations, attractive amenities, and all-encompassing assisted living, memory care, and long-term care services. Residents can choose from an array of well-designed one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom layouts with convenient access to mainservices, such as telehealth services, physical, occupational, and speech therapies, and a vaccine clinic.

The community also takes care of residents’ apartment maintenance and other chores so they can enjoy more of the things they love to do. With a dedication to maintaining residents’ wellness and overall well-being, the community provides residents with plenty of fulfilling activities, fitness classes, and health lectures. Residents’ cravings and nutritional needs are always met with satisfaction with fresh, made-to-order meals, making their living experience more enjoyable and convenient.

Contact The Glen at Scripps Ranch

Overview of Oak Tree Lodge of Mt. San Antonio Gardens

Oak Tree Lodge, located inside Mt San Antonio Gardens’ campus in Pomona, CA, is a senior living community that offers assisted living services to its residents. Their accommodations feature attractive studio apartments, each with a private bath. Additionally, the homes are enhanced by welcoming common areas and courtyards with blossoming flowers and shady trees. At Oak Tree Lounge, residents are provided round-the-clock staff availability for assistance as needed. This includes escorting or mobility assistance, as well as assistance with regular daily activities.

The campus features a number of amenities. The picturesque grounds and raised garden beds, provides areas for meditation or relaxation, and the three meals provided daily and are prepared to accommodate personal taste and dietary requirements. Life enrichment activities are also available for residents to participate in, and are designed around shared interests of the residents.

Contact Oak Tree Lodge of Mt. San Antonio Gardens

Overview of White Sands La Jolla – Luxury Senior Living

Sitting as the only beachfront retirement community in Olivetas Avenue, La Jolla, CA, White Sands La Jolla – Luxury Senior Living is a blissful senior living community that offers a variety of living options including assisted living, memory support, residential living, and skilled nursing. Boasting a wonderful community from the team to its residents, White Sands La Jolla ensures a joyful and worry-free residency within its grounds. Featuring a variety of floor plans including a studio suite, one-bedroom apartment, and two-bedroom apartments, that seniors may choose from.

White Sands La Jolla is a luxury senior living that promotes an unforgettable connection among its residents, providing fitness programs, scheduled outings, weekly lectures and discussions. The community serves different chef-prepared meals daily ensuring that its residents have contributed and satisfy their cravings and allergies. With beach access, White Sands La Jolla provides water’s edge dining, a Sand bistro, and a full-service beauty salon and barber Shop.

Contact White Sands La Jolla – Luxury Senior Living

Overview of Casa De Mañana

Perched above the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla, California, Casa De Mañana unfolds as a breathtaking retirement community that embraces its residents in the sunshine and the refreshing coastal salty breeze. With the ocean as its backdrop and La Jolla’s vibrant village just a block away, kindred spirits converge here to exchange ideas, share passions, and cultivate new experiences.

This multi-level retirement community seamlessly blends independent living and assisted living services. Each residence, whether oceanfront villas capturing sought-after sunset views or two-bedroom apartments with inviting patios for al fresco dining, celebrates the scenic setting uniquely. Casa De Mañana is an artful haven where the water sculpts the shore, and human connections flourish in an inviting and inspiring setting. At the heart of this community lies the Front Porch Family—a not-for-profit family of communities and partnerships dedicated to celebrating the spirit of the individual and the strength of the community.

Contact Casa de Mañana

Overview of Vista Del Monte Retirement Community

Vista Del Monte is a cozy, comfortable, and oasis-like home with quality service. Offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services, residents continue to maintain their individuality. Vista Del Monte is undeniably a place where seniors belong to live on their terms. Seniors will discover an elevated lifestyle in its elegant and gracious approach to modern-day senior living.

As a member of the Front Porch group, a not-for-profit organization, it provides philanthropic support for its seniors to gain a wonderful experience during their stay. They also offer their exclusive Humanly Possible® program that focuses on the holistic wellness of its residents in a positive, person-centered approach to individual growth.

Contact Vista Del Monte Retirement Community

Overview of Peninsula Del Rey

Peninsula Del Rey offers luxury independent living and assisted living options. Its atmosphere is filled with genuine staff that provides unparalleled hospitality– the driving force of the senior home and SRG service. Families can rest easy knowing their loved ones are being prioritized, seen, and understood in a new community they can call home. Peninsula Del Rey in Daly City is about creating connections and providing engaging experiences among community members.
As an upscale community that aims to create a vibrant and innovative senior living facility, seniors can immerse themselves in exclusive specialized programs such as the Zest™ Wellness, Dine Your Way™, and SyneRGy™. These special programs focus on each resident’s wellness, health, and social aspects. The program services and the comprehensive amenities are offered to nurture seniors’ holistic wellness.

Contact Peninsula Del Rey

Overview of Wesley Palms Retirement Community

Front Porch Communities and Services operates Wesley Palms Retirement Community, a 511-bed senior living property located on Loring Street in San Diego, California. Justin Weber serves as the administrator for the complex, which has been in business for 31 years and currently maintains a 65 percent occupancy rate. The single-story layout ensures that residents can walk between their studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom units and the common dining spaces without climbing stairs.

The everyday schedule combines standard housing, prepared meals, and personal care assistance. State regulatory oversight includes a recent inspection in February 2026 to monitor ongoing operational standards. The area carries a walkability score of 19 out of 100, indicating a car-dependent location where staff, residents, and visitors will need a vehicle for standard shopping and medical errands.

Interested individuals looking into regional senior housing can call the main office to check on current room vacancies. Planning an on-site walkthrough is an effective way to inspect the single-level campus, meet the management team, and review the monthly care fees.

Contact Wesley Palms Retirement Community

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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Independent Living in California at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 59/ 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: 168The 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 Independent Living in California

What is independent living?

Independent living communities are residential settings for active older adults — typically with private apartments or cottages, shared amenities (dining, fitness, activities), and no built-in medical care.

How many independent living communities are listed on this page?

This page features 640 independent living communities in California. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community 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 independent living communities 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.