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.
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).
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
Yes
21
Facility 21
CA AVG 59
Rank #577 / 638
A-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
No
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 59
Rank #598 / 638
A-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
No
89
Facility 89
CA AVG 59
Rank #71 / 638
B+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
Yes
85
Facility 85
CA AVG 59
Rank #99 / 638
B-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
Yes
65
Facility 65
CA AVG 59
Rank #286 / 638
B-14
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 13
Rank #165 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
10
Facility 10
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
Yes
93
Facility 93
CA AVG 59
Rank #41 / 638
B+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
No
79
Facility 79
CA AVG 59
Rank #154 / 638
B+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
Yes
46
Facility 46
CA AVG 59
Rank #452 / 638
C25
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
No
83
Facility 83
CA AVG 59
Rank #114 / 638
C+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
Yes
98
Facility 98
CA AVG 59
Rank #6 / 638
B-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

Committed to delivering a vacation-style retirement experience to its residents, Atria Park of Vintage Hills is a luxury senior living community that offers personalized independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Residents here are provided with stunning and cozy living spaces in a range of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans for a comfortable living environment. Licensed nurses are available 24/7 to offer various assistance, including support with daily living activities, grooming, and medication administration.

Residents are provided with a wide range of activities to keep them engaged, stimulated, and entertained, combined with all-inclusive amenities that contribute to residents’ enjoyment and convenience. Chef-prepared meals are served restaurant-style in the elegant dining room, making sure residents are always full and eating right on time. At Atria Park of Vintage Hills, residents are bound to enjoy the lifestyle they want without stressing about chores and tedious tasks.

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 of the Aura Collection of Communities is an independent living, assisted living, and memory care support home for seniors outside of Los Angeles. Considered the premier retirement home in the city, the residences provide the best convenience and comfort for seniors who seek to explore new adventures and experience a redefined luxury senior living. The dedicated and compassionate care staff is driven by its unwavering commitment to enhance the quality of life for residents to retire with a lifestyle that they deserve.

Meridian at Anaheim Hills provides a range of opportunities that ensure residents live life to the fullest everyday. Through forward-thinking amenities and services, such as a restaurant-style dining hall, spacious outdoor areas, beautiful landscaped outdoors, personalized meal plans, exciting social events, and specialized memory care programs– each individual is guaranteed to grow, connect, and learn at Anaheim’s trusted choice for retirement.

Contact Meridian At Anaheim Hills

Overview of Laguna Senior Apartments

The Laguna, a serene independent living community, situated in the idyllic Sunset Junction beckons senior citizens to indulge in the glorious Californian lifestyle. The home boasts stunning indigenous plants, creating a refreshing landscape that adds a touch of airy feel to the property. Its apartments are designed with keen attention to detail and boast ample lighting, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. With a wide variety of affordable 1 and 2 bedroom floor plans, residents can choose an abode that resonates with their personalities. 

The four-story building encompasses expansive common areas, replete with a laundry room and outdoor patios, perfect for basking in the sun and enjoying the balmy breeze. The air is pure and clean since the community is entirely smoke-free, allowing seniors to relish the invigorating atmosphere. The parking garage and four stories offer a panoramic view of Myrna Avenue, where the sun deck adds a pop of color and excitement throughout the year. 

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

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.