Page 10 of 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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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. 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. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
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.
Atria Park of Vintage Hills
IL
AL
MC
Temecula (Costain Collection)
143
Facility 143
CA AVG 168
Rank #204 / 409
A-Yes
21
Facility 21
CA AVG 59
Rank #577 / 638
14
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #181 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 15
Rank #173 / 402
83.2%
Facility 83.2%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #95 / 361
-Ventas Aoc Operating Holdings And Atria Management CoStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Varenna at Fountaingrove
IL
Santa Rosa
322
Facility 322
CA AVG 168
Rank #35 / 409
A-No
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 59
Rank #598 / 638
24
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 13
Rank #165 / 391
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #239 / 398
18
Facility 18
CA AVG 15
Rank #139 / 402
75.2%
Facility 75.2%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #164 / 361
-Varenna LLC, Gallaher Sr. Lvg And Gsl Mgmt LLC1 Bed / 2 Bed
Enso Village, a Kendal Affiliate
IL
AL
MC
Healdsburg
400
Facility 400
CA AVG 168
Rank #25 / 409
B+No
89
Facility 89
CA AVG 59
Rank #71 / 638
15
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #63 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 15
Rank #367 / 402
76.8%
Facility 76.8%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #145 / 361
-A Zen Inspired Community Kendal At Sonoma-
Pasadena Highlands
IL
AL
MC
Pasadena
245
Facility 245
CA AVG 168
Rank #62 / 409
B-Yes
85
Facility 85
CA AVG 59
Rank #99 / 638
31
20
Facility 20
CA AVG 13
Rank #300 / 391
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 3
Rank #341 / 398
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 15
Rank #291 / 402
86.5%
Facility 86.5%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #65 / 361
A-Wellquest 625 Pasadena LLC And Wellquest Living LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Meridian At Anaheim Hills
IL
AL
MC
RC
Anaheim (Anaheim Hills)
120
Facility 120
CA AVG 168
Rank #252 / 409
B-Yes
65
Facility 65
CA AVG 59
Rank #286 / 638
14
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 13
Rank #165 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 15
Rank #209 / 402
65.8%
Facility 65.8%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #241 / 361
C+Hsre Meridian At Anaheim Hills Trs LLC And AnaheimSuite
Laguna Senior Apartments
IL
Los Angeles (Central La)
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 168
Rank #390 / 409
B+Yes
93
Facility 93
CA AVG 59
Rank #41 / 638
6
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 15
Rank #338 / 402
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #1 / 361
-Inland Senior Manor Inc1 Bed / 2 Bed
Arcadia Gardens Retirement Hotel
IL
AL
HOS
MC
RC
Arcadia
200
Facility 200
CA AVG 168
Rank #86 / 409
B+No
79
Facility 79
CA AVG 59
Rank #154 / 638
42
35
Facility 35
CA AVG 13
Rank #363 / 391
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #279 / 398
21
Facility 21
CA AVG 15
Rank #120 / 402
94.5%
Facility 94.5%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #26 / 361
-Arcadia Gardens Management CorpSingle Suite / Double Suite
Fairwinds Woodward Park
IL
AL
Fresno
270
Facility 270
CA AVG 168
Rank #50 / 409
CYes
46
Facility 46
CA AVG 59
Rank #452 / 638
25
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #210 / 391
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 3
Rank #302 / 398
25
Facility 25
CA AVG 15
Rank #103 / 402
93.7%
Facility 93.7%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #29 / 361
A+Fresn LLC And Leisure Care LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Belmont Village San Ramon
IL
AL
MC
San Ramon (Bishop Ranch Business Park)
176
Facility 176
CA AVG 168
Rank #128 / 409
C+No
83
Facility 83
CA AVG 59
Rank #114 / 638
8
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 13
Rank #31 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 15
Rank #387 / 402
87.5%
Facility 87.5%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #58 / 361
-Belmontvillage Sanramon Tenantllc And BelmontvillagelpStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Kokoro Assisted Living
IL
AL
RC
San Francisco (Japantown)
61
Facility 61
CA AVG 168
Rank #353 / 409
B-Yes
98
Facility 98
CA AVG 59
Rank #6 / 638
11
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #87 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
22
Facility 22
CA AVG 15
Rank #117 / 402
67.2%
Facility 67.2%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #226 / 361
-Kokoro Assisted Living Inc And Northstar Snr Lvg MgtStudio / 1 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 Atria Park of Vintage Hills

Atria Park of Vintage Hills offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Temecula, CA. Independent living means private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living helps with everyday tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication management. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision for a resident who may be at risk of wandering.

Having all three care levels on one campus can suit a resident whose needs grow over time without requiring a move to another community. The home has 143 beds, with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences that can accommodate either one resident or a couple moving together, and pets are allowed. Mariano Q. Hernandez serves as the administrator, and Ventas Aoc Operating Holdings and Atria Management Co. operate the community in the Costain Collection neighborhood.

Contact Atria Park of Vintage Hills

Overview of Varenna at Fountaingrove

Varenna at Fountaingrove is an idyllic retreat surrounded by lush natural spaces in Santa Rosa, CA, offering independent living. Residents enjoy scenic views and live comfortably in beautifully designed and cozy accommodations. The community ensures residents feel at ease during their stay, promoting a vibrant and welcoming environment.

Residents here can live actively and make new friends with plenty of recreational activities and wellness opportunities. With different dining venues on-site, residents can enjoy delightful and healthy meals that satisfy their dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include a fitness center, a spa, a swimming pool, a wellness center, a library, pet parks, and serene walking paths.

Contact Varenna at Fountaingrove

Overview of Enso Village, a Kendal Affiliate

Enso Village, a Kendal Affiliate offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Healdsburg, CA. Independent living provides private apartment living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living offers help with bathing, dressing, medication, and other daily tasks without requiring a resident to leave their apartment. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Together, the three care levels can support a resident whose needs grow over time without leaving the community.

One-bedroom apartments provide a single private living space, while two-bedroom apartments can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion. A Walk Score of 89 means the area is very walkable, and most errands can be done on foot, giving a resident who no longer drives a way to get out independently.

Contact Enso Village, a Kendal Affiliate

Overview of Pasadena Highlands

Pasadena Highlands is a luxurious retirement community in Pasadena, CA, that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Featuring thoughtfully furnished and upscale amenities, the community ensures older adults can feel at home during their stay. Nutritious meals, maintenance services, and scheduled transportation are also provided to improve residents’ quality of life. Understanding residents’ needs and habits, the community provides personalized care plans. 

Social events, exercises, and a variety of recreational opportunities ensure residents can live actively and make friends. Spacious outdoors and cozy rooms are also available for residents’ relaxation. Set in the lively residential area of Pasadena, near bus stops and restaurants, the community is easily accessible for families and visitors. This retirement community has a wide range of care options, making it one of the best choices for senior living in California. 

Contact Pasadena Highlands

Meridian At Anaheim Hills

525 S Anaheim Hills Rd, Anaheim, CA 92807
Overview of Meridian at Anaheim Hills

Meridian at Anaheim Hills offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care in Anaheim, CA. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while the resident keeps a private living space. Independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Respite care is available for short stays. It can suit a family caregiver who needs time to travel or recover. With several care levels on one campus, the community can suit a resident whose needs may grow over time without requiring a move to a different community.

There are 120 beds, with housing offered in suites, and residents may bring their pets so they can continue living with a companion animal. Outdoor patios, activity rooms, and local outings provide places to spend time indoors and outdoors, along with opportunities to leave the community for planned activities; exercise classes, arts and crafts, ice cream socials, and social hour provide scheduled activities. A Walk Score of 65 places the area in the somewhat walkable range, meaning some errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives may be able to complete certain nearby tasks independently; Ray Pellicer serves as the administrator.

Contact Meridian At Anaheim Hills

Overview of Laguna Senior Apartments

Laguna Senior Apartments in Los Angeles, California, provides independent living for adults aged 55 and older. The residence centers on private living paired with communal features, fitting seniors who manage daily routines independently.

Inland Senior Manor operates the 6-bed property under administrator Ma. Teresa Perez. One-bedroom apartments suit single occupants, while two-bedroom floor plans accommodate couples or companions, and pets are permitted. On-site shared spaces include a sunroom, media room, activity hall, and a large outdoor deck equipped with a barbecue.

A walk score of 93 makes the surrounding neighborhood exceptionally walkable, enabling non-driving residents to run daily errands on foot.

Families or seniors exploring housing options in the area can get in touch with Laguna Senior Apartments to check current availability.

Contact Laguna Senior Apartments

Arcadia Gardens Retirement Hotel

Arcadia Gardens Retirement Hotel, 720 W Camino Real Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
Overview of Arcadia Gardens Retirement Hotel

Two hundred beds, twenty-one years of history, and a location in Arcadia, California that scores a 79 on Walk Score: Arcadia Gardens Retirement Hotel covers a lot of ground for a single community. Assisted living, hospice care, independent living, memory care, and respite care are all offered here, at 720 W Camino Real Ave, and USC Arcadia Hospital sits just over a mile away.

Clinical support runs through licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants, with respite care available for families who need coverage on a short-term basis rather than a permanent move. Daily life includes a dining program, volunteer opportunities, a fitness center, and resident gardens, giving residents both structured and unstructured ways to spend time.

Occupancy sits at 95 percent, with 189 of 200 beds filled. That’s well above what’s typical for a California community of this type, and it’s worth noting as a real signal of sustained demand.

Pamela Parsons administers the community, and Arcadia Gardens Management Corp operates the property. State inspections in California have tended to center on infection prevention, staffing credentials, care documentation, and fall prevention.

Arcadia Gardens brings together a wide range of care types, strong occupancy, and a location close to hospital care, the kind of combination that speaks to a community built for residents whose needs may shift over time, all without requiring a move to a different address.

Contact Arcadia Gardens Retirement Hotel

Overview of Fairwinds Woodward Park

Fairwinds Woodward Park is an independent living and assisted living community where both options are guaranteed to be comfortable for residents to maintain their individuality and freedom. Residents in the community are cared for by ensuring that the holistic wellness of each resident is met. The community gives off an engaging and enriching environment where the professional care staff is attentive and ready to go above and beyond for the residents. Fairwinds has celebrated and understood the importance of growth by ensuring seniors get the best possible care and limitless opportunities during their stay.

The lifestyle at Fairwinds is inspired by resort-style stay– leisure is the center of senior wellness. Community features include restaurant-style dining experiences curated by an in-house chef to take PrimeFit Wellness classes, a cafe, a private dining room, a salon and barbershop, transportation, guest parking, and a courtyard with outdoor seating

Starting Price $3,185/Month

Contact Fairwinds Woodward Park

Overview of Belmont Village San Ramon

Belmont Village San Ramon is a retirement community in San Ramon, CA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Here, older adults can find a home away from home, especially with a nurturing and family-like setting. Housekeeping, laundry, restaurant-style dining, and concierge services are also provided, so residents have a maintenance-free lifestyle. Focusing on residents’ holistic well-being, the community develops personalized care plans.

Off-site trips, creative programs, and educational activities encourage residents to live actively and explore interests. Residents can also relax and focus on wellness with first-class amenities, including a full-service salon, a fitness center, and a bistro. Located in the thriving neighborhood of San Ramon, near the Marketplace Shopping Center, a variety of dining options, and parks, the community ensures residents have easy access to necessities and leisure. This retirement community has comprehensive care options dedicated to older adults’ welfare, making it a good option for senior living in California.

Contact Belmont Village San Ramon

Kokoro Assisted Living

1881 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Overview of Kokoro Assisted Living

Kokoro Assisted Living is a wonderful senior living community that embraces both Japanese and American heritage and culture. The community’s emphasis on cultural activities, celebrations, and cuisine is a great way to foster a sense of community and create a unique experience for its residents. Kokoro offers a variety of independent and assisted living apartment styles to fit the needs of its residents. The availability of one-bedroom apartments and some studio apartments for double occupancy is especially convenient.

The community’s peaceful sanctuary, outdoor courtyard, and library offer a relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere. The focus on staying active through exercise, strength, and spiritual wellness programs is important for maintaining physical and mental health in older adults.

Contact Kokoro Assisted Living

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.