Other senior care options in California:

Page 10 of Best Independent Living in California

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 648 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
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jul 2026
We analyzed
648 homes
Other senior care options in California:

Video Tour: Top-rated Independent Living facilities in California.

Watch this Video to see California's Top-rated Senior Communities
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: 104The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in California. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent 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 to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

Harrison Villa of Mt. San Antonio Gardens
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Pomona
520
Facility 520
CA AVG 104
Rank #16 / 1646
No 45
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 81
Rank #212 / 1475
14
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #443 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
33
Facility 33
CA AVG 13
Rank #88 / 1504
84.0% -Congregational Homes, IncorporatedStudio
Vi at La Jolla Village
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
San Diego (University City)
783
Facility 783
CA AVG 104
Rank #5 / 1646
No
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 59
Rank #218 / 2058
84
Facility 84
CA AVG 81
Rank #732 / 1475
34
17
Facility 17
CA AVG 13
Rank #1057 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #155 / 1504
69.3% -Ccw La Jolla LLC, Cc La Jolla LLC, And Classic Res MgmtSuite / Penthouse / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Vi at Palo Alto
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Palo Alto
876
Facility 876
CA AVG 104
Rank #1 / 1646
No
80
Facility 80
CA AVG 59
Rank #416 / 2058
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 81
Rank #461 / 1475
24
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #846 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
21
Facility 21
CA AVG 13
Rank #362 / 1504
73.1% -Cc Palo Alto LLC And Classic Res. Mgmt. Ltd. Partner1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
The Reutlinger Community
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Danville
120
Facility 120
CA AVG 104
Rank #560 / 1646
No
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 59
Rank #1717 / 2058
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 81
Rank #649 / 1475
27
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #886 / 1388
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1434
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #155 / 1504
65.0% A+Reutlinger Community, The And Eskaton Properties IncStudio / 1 Bed
Canterbury Woods
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Pacific Grove
190
Facility 190
CA AVG 104
Rank #180 / 1646
Yes
81
Facility 81
CA AVG 59
Rank #383 / 2058
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #408 / 1475
13
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #326 / 1388
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1434
42
Facility 42
CA AVG 13
Rank #33 / 1504
72.6% A+Front Porch Communities And Services1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens a CCRC
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Fresno
652
Facility 652
CA AVG 104
Rank #9 / 1646
Yes 57
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 81
Rank #563 / 1475
20
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #526 / 1388
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #724 / 1434
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 13
Rank #105 / 1504
57.2% A+Humangood & Humangood Norcal & Humangood Fresno-
Webster House
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Palo Alto (Crescent Park)
54
Facility 54
CA AVG 104
Rank #1116 / 1646
Yes
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 59
Rank #171 / 2058
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 81
Rank #212 / 1475
7
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #652 / 1504
90.7% -Front Porch Communities And Services1 Bed / 2 Bed
O‘Connor Woods
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Stockton (Sherwood Manor)
499
Facility 499
CA AVG 104
Rank #23 / 1646
Yes
22
Facility 22
CA AVG 59
Rank #1824 / 2058
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 81
Rank #212 / 1475
13
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #326 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
34
Facility 34
CA AVG 13
Rank #79 / 1504
0-O'connor Woods HousingStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
University Retirement Community
IL
AL
HC
MC
NH
SNF
Davis (West Davis)
500
Facility 500
CA AVG 104
Rank #22 / 1646
No 54
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #408 / 1475
15
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #526 / 1388
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1434
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #155 / 1504
0-Univer Retire Com At Davis/Pacific Retire Services1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
The Vineyards – California Armenian Home
IL
AL
MC
NH
RESC
SNF
Fresno (Roosevelt)
412
Facility 412
CA AVG 104
Rank #27 / 1646
Yes
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 59
Rank #1795 / 2058
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #408 / 1475
18
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 13
Rank #759 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
41
Facility 41
CA AVG 13
Rank #36 / 1504
54.1% -California Home For The Aged IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Spring Lake Village
IL
NH
AL
MC
Santa Rosa (Melita)
679
Facility 679
CA AVG 104
Rank #8 / 1646
Yes
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 59
Rank #1924 / 2058
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 81
Rank #563 / 1475
14
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #652 / 1388
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #724 / 1434
40
Facility 40
CA AVG 13
Rank #42 / 1504
0A+Front Porch Communities And Services1 Bed / 2 Bed
Town & Country
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Santa Ana (East Memory Lane)
328
Facility 328
CA AVG 104
Rank #45 / 1646
Yes 67
60
Facility 60
CA AVG 81
Rank #1332 / 1475
39
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #1237 / 1388
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 3
Rank #1157 / 1434
50
Facility 50
CA AVG 13
Rank #22 / 1504
32.9% A+Christian And Missionary Alliance-
Hillcrest Care
IL
AL
MC
NH
RESC
SNF
Arrowhead Farms
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 104
Rank #1319 / 1646
Yes
29
Facility 29
CA AVG 59
Rank #1732 / 2058
96
Facility 96
CA AVG 81
Rank #1 / 1475
5
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
19
Facility 19
CA AVG 13
Rank #423 / 1504
100.0% -Angelita Perez-
Bayshire Torrey Pines
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
San Diego (Carmel Valley)
125
Facility 125
CA AVG 104
Rank #525 / 1646
Yes
81
Facility 81
CA AVG 59
Rank #383 / 2058
95
Facility 95
CA AVG 81
Rank #123 / 1475
7
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #443 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #1234 / 1504
84.8% A+Hartfield Care LLC-
Ararat Gardens
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Glendale (Somerset)
175
Facility 175
CA AVG 104
Rank #234 / 1646
Yes
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 59
Rank #267 / 2058
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 81
Rank #964 / 1475
22
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 13
Rank #920 / 1388
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #1011 / 1434
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #1234 / 1504
46.3% -Ararat Home Of Los Angeles, IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Cottage
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Atria Palm Desert

44-300 San Pascual Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Overview of Atria Palm Desert

Indulge in the beauty of Atria Palm Desert, a paradisal senior living community located at San Pascual Avenue, Palm Desert, CA providing assisted living and independent living. With the seniors’ welfare in mind, the community features well-designed floor plans including studio and one-bedroom apartments with balconies, kitchenettes, walk-in closets, and housekeeping services. The community forges meaningful connections with trusted partners to ensure that seniors receive better care plans featuring occupational, physical, and speech therapies.

Atria Palm Desert fosters a warm and welcoming environment, conducting exciting and engaging activities and programs. The community ensures a maintenance-free lifestyle, providing care and assistance 24/7. Prioritizing its residents’ dietary needs and preferences, the community serves different meal options including vegetarian options alongside three chef-prepared healthy meals daily. The pet-friendly community includes a library, a fitness center, a salon and spa, a cognitive learning center, an outdoor dining space and grill, a resident garden, a courtyard, a hot tub, and an outdoor swimming pool for the seniors’ leisure and wellness.

Contact Atria Palm Desert

Overview of Brunswick Village Assisted Living

Nestled in the picturesque lands of Olympia Park Circle, Grass Valley, CA, is the distinguished senior living community of Brunswick Village that focuses on assisted living. Enjoy a relaxing and safe retirement within the serene accommodations of Brunswick Village. The community goes above and beyond to provide the highest quality of care and assistance for seniors to thrive and live to their potential.

Make the most of your day with engaging activities and enjoyable programs carefully curated to highlight interests and strengths. With its vibrant and welcoming environment, residents create unforgettable moments and remain well-versed in their surroundings. Have a delightful dining experience for dietary satisfaction with healthy and tasty meals. Brunswick Village is a fabulous community that strives to provide a haven for seniors to experience the finest retirement.

Contact Brunswick Village Assisted Living

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill

Welcoming seniors and guests warmly is the outstanding senior living community of Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill located in the bustling neighborhood of Second Avenue, San Diego, CA, that provides assisted living, independent living, and memory care. With cozy and sophisticated studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, seniors gain a wide selection of comfortable accommodations to choose from as they transition into the community. A competent and highly qualified team delivers top-notch care and support for seniors to lead meaningful lives.

Have a fun time learning new skills and reliving past interests with enjoyable activities and exciting events. With its convenient location near local amenities and attractions, Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill ensures seniors’ needs and aspirations are within a few steps away. Eat well and feel good with delicious and healthy meals catering to dietary needs and preferences. Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill is a friendly abode where seniors can spend their best years without worries and create lasting moments by living as they prefer.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill

Overview of Atria Tamalpais Creek

Live comfortably and safely with Atria Tamalpais Creek located in Tamalpais Avenue, Novato, CA. The community offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. With homey and spacious floor plans including studio and one-bedroom apartments equipped with kitchens or kitchenettes and individual thermostat controls, the community ensures relaxation and security. Focusing on the seniors’ independence and individuality, Atria Tamalpais Creek ensures that they receive proper care and assistance that perfectly matches their needs and preferences.

Atria Tamalpais Creek is committed to giving its residents a better quality of life, encouraging them to remain active and connected. The community serves three chef-prepared healthy and delicious meals daily to ensure that residents’ dietary needs are satisfied. With pet-friendly amenities including a courtyard, an outdoor dining space, grill, and fireplace, a library, a media room, a movie theater, a fitness center, a salon and spa, a game room, computers, a resident garden, a peaceful patio, and serene walking paths, the community ensures the enjoyment and wellness of its residents.

Contact Atria Tamalpais Creek

Overview of Atria Golden Creek

Experience a convenient senior living experience in the welcoming senior living community of Atria Golden Creek, nestled along the serene banks of San Diego Creek in Irvine, CA. The community offers vibrant senior living options, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. Atria’s collaboration with EmpowerMe provides residents with access to physical, occupational, and speech therapies, ensuring that they have the ability to do the things they love.

Atria Golden Creek’s mission is to provide residents with a fulfilling lifestyle through all-inclusive amenities and engaging daily activities. From a restaurant offering table service to a cozy lounge, movie theater, fitness center, and more, residents enjoy a variety of options to inspire a meaningful life. The community boasts relaxing outdoor spaces, including an expansive deck overlooking the creek, a dining courtyard, and walking paths. LEED Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, Atria Golden Creek combines luxury with eco-friendly design and practices, ensuring a comfortable and sustainable environment for its residents.

Contact Atria Golden Creek

Overview of Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood

Settled in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, CA, Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood is a thriving senior living community, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. The community provides inviting accommodations, ranging from studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Featuring their enriching memory care programs, the community ensures residents in various stages of memory loss are given the right care and support with dynamic programming and mental training.

At Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood, residents are invested in and catered to with a professionally managed fitness center offering on-site therapy services, a licensed nurse and well-trained team on-site 24/7. Residents also enjoy carefully crafted menus featuring fresh ingredients and homestyle meals. With planned social activities, a wide array of amenities, and a compassionate care team, the community guarantees residents a thrilling retirement experience.

Contact Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood

Overview of Westmont of Carmel Valley

Designed to encourage a vibrant living experience, Westmont of Carmel Valley is a distinct senior living community in San Diego, CA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community provides its residents with a luxurious setting with stunning accommodations and top-notch amenities designed to make residents feel like they are on vacation. Friendly and competent care experts are always on standby to offer compassionate care and assistance with daily living activities or specialized memory care should residents need it.

Helping its residents live a vibrant and meaningful life, the community organizes a wide array of activities and events with something for everyone to enjoy. A diverse selection of delicious meals are carefully prepared and served daily to make sure residents always eat healthy and right on time. Amenities like an outdoor pool, fitness center, bistro, theater, community garden, and walking trails are also offered to further enhance residents’ comfort and convenience.

Contact Westmont of Carmel Valley

Overview of Carlton Senior Living San Jose

Carlton Senior Living San Jose is an extraordinary community nestled next to the serene Martial Cottle Park, offering a harmonious blend of memory care and residential assisted living. Enjoy the convenience of transportation services, housekeeping assistance, and apartment maintenance, while utilities are taken care of, allowing you to fully embrace the joys of retirement.
Discover thoughtfully designed floor plans, from cozy studios to spacious one-bedroom and two-bedroom senior living bedrooms.

With an emphasis on family values, this community ensures unparalleled safety and security while fostering a vibrant and engaging social life. Step into its enchanting courtyard, a serene oasis where you can relax and reconnect with nature. Indulge in delicious meals, lovingly prepared to nourish your body and delight your taste buds. Every aspect of life at Carlton Senior Living San Jose has been meticulously crafted to provide an exceptional experience that exceeds expectations.

Contact Carlton Senior Living San Jose

Atria Hillcrest

405 Hodencamp Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Overview of Atria Hillcrest

Overlooking the beautiful scenery located on Hodencamp Road, Thousand Oaks, CA, Atria Hillcrest is an idyllic senior living community offering various care options including assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community features cozy and warm floor plans including a studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and shared suite. With a team of dedicated and highly skilled professionals, Atria Hillcrest delivers round-the-clock care and assistance.

Atria Hillcrest is a serene senior living community that provides safe and comfortable accommodations to its residents. Here, they ensure the quality of life of the seniors through the community’s exclusive Engage Life program which allows the seniors to participate in tai chi, discussions of current events, and enjoy the company of other residents. Healthy meals are provided three times every day in the bistro or private dining rooms. Basking in the serenity of the community, Atria Hillcrest ensures relaxing and secure residences.

Contact Atria Hillcrest

Overview of Ocean Hills Senior Living

Nestled in the quiet neighborhood of Oceanside, CA, the Ocean Hills is a dedicated senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Luxurious resort-style accommodations with a variety of floor plans are available and tailored to the needs of its residents. Apart from physical needs, this community also puts a premium on psychological, social, and intellectual needs towards a holistic approach to service delivery. In terms of memory care, it utilizes a peace of mind that is powered by state-of-the-art engagement technology. The community also offers short-term stays for respite care services.

The community is committed to providing exceptional amenities and services wherein residents can enjoy the following: pickle ball, sports bar or restaurant, bistro, alfresco dining, theater, 6-hole putting green, convenience store, pool and spa, fitness center, and many more. At the Ocean Hills, seniors are guaranteed a retirement with utmost care and support.

Contact Ocean Hills Senior 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.
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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 648 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.