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Best Independent Living in California

Reviewed by
Last updated
Jun 2026
We analyzed
592 homes in California

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and California Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

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

Compare Independent Living around California

Click column headers to sort
GlenBrook Health Center
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Carlsbad
95
Facility 95
CA AVG 103
Rank #811 / 1658
No
57
Facility 57
CA AVG 57
Rank #1158 / 2093
11
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #324 / 1397
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1164
22
Facility 22
CA AVG 13
Rank #313 / 1487
64.2%
Facility 64.2%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #1020 / 1368
-Glenbrook Hc LLC/Life Services LLC-
Reata Glen
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

Mission Viejo
840
Facility 840
CA AVG 103
Rank #2 / 1658
No
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 57
Rank #2045 / 2093
8
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1397
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1164
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 13
Rank #569 / 1487
80.6%
Facility 80.6%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #584 / 1368
B-Reat Glen Orange County Ccrc1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
Town & Country
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Santa Ana (East Memory Lane)
328
Facility 328
CA AVG 103
Rank #45 / 1658
No
67
Facility 67
CA AVG 57
Rank #831 / 2093
23
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #1242 / 1397
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #828 / 1164
50
Facility 50
CA AVG 13
Rank #21 / 1487
32.9%
Facility 32.9%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #1355 / 1368
A+Christian And Missionary Alliance-
Cogir of Sonoma
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Sonoma (Oregon Street)
82
Facility 82
CA AVG 103
Rank #902 / 1658
Yes
74
Facility 74
CA AVG 57
Rank #599 / 2093
10
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #441 / 1397
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #600 / 1164
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #805 / 1487
34.1%
Facility 34.1%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #1342 / 1368
A+Welltower Cogir Tenant; Cogir Management Usa1 Bed / 2 Bed
Oakmont Gardens
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Santa Rosa (Oakmont Village Association)
79
Facility 79
CA AVG 103
Rank #937 / 1658
Yes
34
Facility 34
CA AVG 57
Rank #1664 / 2093
24
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 13
Rank #1024 / 1397
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 3
Rank #1152 / 1164
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #1100 / 1487
62.0%
Facility 62.0%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #1069 / 1368
-Ffi Oakmont Tenant LLC; Life Care Services LLC1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Watermark at Almaden
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

San Jose (Erikson)
240
Facility 240
CA AVG 103
Rank #100 / 1658
Yes
82
Facility 82
CA AVG 57
Rank #357 / 2093
25
18
Facility 18
CA AVG 13
Rank #1088 / 1397
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #828 / 1164
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #987 / 1487
80.4%
Facility 80.4%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #586 / 1368
-Us Alliance Holden Of San Jose Tentant;WatermarkStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Cogir of North Bay
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Vallejo (Harry Floyd Terrace)
83
Facility 83
CA AVG 103
Rank #898 / 1658
Yes
47
Facility 47
CA AVG 57
Rank #1423 / 2093
12
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 13
Rank #762 / 1397
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #600 / 1164
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #805 / 1487
44.6%
Facility 44.6%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #1300 / 1368
A+Welltower Cogir Tenant LLC; Cogir Mngt Usa IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Cogir of Rohnert Park
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Rohnert Park
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 103
Rank #957 / 1658
Yes
27
Facility 27
CA AVG 57
Rank #1761 / 2093
13
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 13
Rank #953 / 1397
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #828 / 1164
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #805 / 1487
56.0%
Facility 56.0%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #1160 / 1368
A+Welltower Cogir Tenant LLC; Cogir Mngt Usa IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Pleasanton
828
Facility 828
CA AVG 103
Rank #3 / 1658
No
47
Facility 47
CA AVG 57
Rank #1423 / 2093
11
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #654 / 1397
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1164
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 13
Rank #569 / 1487
90.6%
Facility 90.6%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #265 / 1368
-Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton Ccrc LLC-
University Retirement Community
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Davis (West Davis)
500
Facility 500
CA AVG 103
Rank #22 / 1658
No
54
Facility 54
CA AVG 57
Rank #1243 / 2093
12
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #529 / 1397
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #413 / 1164
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #158 / 1487
--Univer Retire Com At Davis/Pacific Retire Services1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
Casa de las Campanas
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

San Diego (Rancho Bernardo)
582
Facility 582
CA AVG 103
Rank #10 / 1658
No
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 57
Rank #1933 / 2093
14
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #814 / 1397
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1164
36
Facility 36
CA AVG 13
Rank #64 / 1487
86.8%
Facility 86.8%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #347 / 1368
A+Casa De Las Campanas/Life Care Service, LLC-
Chino Hills Senior Living
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Chino Hills (Butterfield Ranch)
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 103
Rank #826 / 1658
Yes
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 57
Rank #1721 / 2093
24
21
Facility 21
CA AVG 13
Rank #1147 / 1397
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 3
Rank #953 / 1164
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 13
Rank #492 / 1487
94.7%
Facility 94.7%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #193 / 1368
A+Pacifica Chino Hills LP; Chino Hills Mgr LLCStudio / 1 Bed
The Park at Modesto
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Modesto
225
Facility 225
CA AVG 103
Rank #110 / 1658
Yes
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 57
Rank #1964 / 2093
33
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 13
Rank #1261 / 1397
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 3
Rank #1033 / 1164
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #987 / 1487
82.2%
Facility 82.2%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #547 / 1368
-Wm Milpitas Mgr LP,Gp Of Milpitas Phase I Ops LPStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Cogir of Vallejo Hills
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Vallejo (Somerset Highlands)
80
Facility 80
CA AVG 103
Rank #917 / 1658
Yes
20
Facility 20
CA AVG 57
Rank #1847 / 2093
9
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #719 / 1397
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #600 / 1164
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #805 / 1487
58.8%
Facility 58.8%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #1130 / 1368
A+Welltower Cogir Tenant LLC; Cogir Mngt Usa Inc1 Bed / 2 Bed
Tuscan Hills
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Escondido (East Grove)
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 103
Rank #826 / 1658
No
14
Facility 14
CA AVG 57
Rank #1914 / 2093
1
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1397
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1164
---Apollo Senior Care LLC; Northstar Snr Lvg Mgt LLCStudio / Suite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
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Overview of Merrill Gardens at Monterey

A distinct senior living community situated in the quiet lands of Iris Canyon Road, Monterey, CA, Merrill Gardens at Monterey provides assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Featuring a selection of 110 cozy and spacious studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences, the community aims to provide a welcoming abode for seniors to live in comfort and elegance. A competent and highly skilled team delivers top-tier care and assistance around the clock for seniors to enjoy their best years without worries.

With a jam-packed calendar of fun activities and exciting programs, seniors discover new interests and reignite old hobbies for leisure and wellness. Merrill Gardens at Monterey fosters a bright and welcoming environment, ensuring seniors maintain an active and well-engaged lifestyle. Committed to enhancing seniors’ well-being, the community serves well-balanced meals for dietary satisfaction. Surrounded by a serene courtyard, Merrill Gardens at Monterey is a good place to live a wondrous retirement.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Monterey

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Rockridge

Found in Oakland, California, Merrill Gardens at Rockridge stands out as a vibrant and thoughtfully designed community. Owned by a family company, it offers both independent senior living and memory care services, excelling particularly in providing top-notch assisted living facilities. Residents can trust in the commitment to premier care, ensuring privacy, security, and exceptional support services.
This community goes beyond the basics, featuring a variety of amenities for a well-rounded lifestyle. From cozy studio to one-bedroom units with kitchenettes and private balconies, Merrill Gardens at Rockridge caters to diverse preferences. The community spaces include a movie theater, living areas, game room, landscaped courtyard, library, computer room, and fitness center. With a calendar brimming with activities and proximity to cafes, restaurants, antique shops, and bookstores, residents can enjoy both convenience and an engaging social environment. The addition of a concierge further enhances the overall experience, providing a seamless living experience for those seeking various assisted living levels of care.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Rockridge

Overview of Morningstar Assisted Living & Memory Care at West San Jose

A proud MorningStar Senior Living Group member, MorningStar at West San Jose provides exceptional assisted living and memory care services tailored to each individual’s needs. The community prides itself on providing the best services; striving to be the top-ranked assisted living community near Cupertino. An elegant community that is built on its contemporary design and styling, allowing for a more luxurious environment while providing resort-like service. Residents of MorningStar of San Jose can rest assured that they can feel like they’re a home away from home.

The community boasts elegant designs and upscale amenities such as its dining room, brightly-lit lounge areas, spacious apartments, courtyard, and arts and crafts studio. MorningStar promotes a stress-free lifestyle for their residents, providing essential services– housekeeping, social and recreational events, and transportation events. Management encourages residents to participate in activities and maximize the amenities to socialize and promote a warm and welcoming environment.

Contact MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at West San Jose

Overview of Carmel Village at Clovis

Carmel Village, is a vibrant senior living community nestled in Clovis, CA, offering a harmonious blend of assisted living, independent living, memory care services, and post-acute care. At Carmel Village, residents experience a lifestyle tailored to their needs, where compassionate and personalized 24-hour care is at the core of their well-being. The community’s dedicated staff ensures a helping hand is always within reach, providing support with daily tasks, from morning routines to medication reminders, granting residents and their families peace of mind. The apartments feature convenient kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves.

Carmel Village redefines senior living by offering a headache-free lifestyle, relieving residents from the burdens of housework, yard work, and cooking, unless they choose to indulge their culinary passions. Scheduled transportation, along with on-site amenities like a salon, fitness center, theater, and garden, provides opportunities for social engagement and relaxation. Culinary delights await in the dining room, where residents can enjoy three delicious meals a day, supplemented with snacks, and special dietary menus cater to individual preferences. The community’s Vitality Programming adds a meaningful touch to residents’ lives, offering a variety of activities and events that nurture their physical, social, and intellectual well-being.

Contact Carmel Village at Clovis

Westmont of Chico

2750 Sierra Sunrise Terrace, Chico, CA 95928
Overview of Westmont of Chico

Experience the lifestyle of your dreams with Westmont of Chico, a distinguished senior living community situated in the pristine lake of Chico, CA, offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Residents have a comfortable and safe retirement with specially designed and cozy amenities of the community. With a respectful and highly skilled team caring for their needs and preferences, residents have more time to focus on the things they truly enjoy.

Participate in engaging activities and enjoyable programs to maintain an active and socially connected retirement. Here, residents have a delightful dining experience with healthy and delicious meals that cater to their nutritional needs and tastes. Westmont of Chico goes above and beyond to provide the finest retirement experience with its incredible amenities and compassionate care.

Contact Westmont of Chico

Overview of Westmont of Cypress

Located in the neighborhood of Cypress, CA, Westmont of Cypress is a remarkable senior living community that offers various care levels, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Inspired to offer a resort-style living experience, the community features an array of carefully designed accommodations with on-site maintenance for a carefree lifestyle. A dependable care team is available to provide various care and support should residents need it, helping them maintain their independence and peace of mind.

Fostering lifelong learning, community engagement, and personal satisfaction, the community offers a wide range of amenities like an outdoor pool, fitness center, bistro, theater, and therapy services. Residents find enrichment and entertainment from the community’s vibrant activities and events. Carefully prepared meals are also served daily to make sure residents always have the energy for an active everyday life.

Contact Westmont of Cypress

Overview of Garden Court at Villa Santa Barbara

Garden Court at Villa Santa Barbara is an exquisite independent and assisted living community that boasts resort-style living in a modern apartment complex exclusively for seniors in the city. The retirement home encourages its seniors to maintain independence while receiving exceptional care from compassionate staff. The compassionate staff truly cares about its residents and families by creating a welcoming and comfortable environment that helps residents feel more comfortable.

As a Sonida Senior Living community, Garden Court provides a list of comprehensive amenities and services that help make its residents’ lives hassle-free. These include 24-hour licensed supervision, medication services, balanced meals provided, engaging scheduled activities, and a full-service salon.

Contact Garden Court at Villa Santa Barbara

Overview of The Plaza at Westwood Senior Living

Tucked in the heart of Los Angeles, The Plaza at Westwood offers luxurious living for seniors. They provide a range of living options, including memory care, independent living, and assisted living. The stunningly remodeled community is conveniently located near Beverly Hills, providing residents with easy access to world-class shopping, dining, and recreation.

Residents of The Plaza at Westwood can enjoy a wide variety of amenities, such as a fitness center, yoga and meditation garden, media and library room, and pull cord systems for safety. High-speed internet and ample parking are also accessible. The community is even pet-friendly and offers technology assistance and spiritual guidance counseling. Offering studio and one-bedroom suites, The Plaza at Westwood is perfect for seniors who want to enjoy a luxurious and worry-free lifestyle. 

Contact The Plaza At Westwood Senior Living

Overview of Friends House

In pursuit of a dynamic lifestyle, Friends House, located in Santa Rosa, CA, fosters personal growth and vibrant social connections for its senior and assisted living community. With a vision centered on simplicity, the community in Santa Rosa embodies a commitment to positive aging, emphasizing well-being as needs evolve. Residents actively plan and curate cultural, educational, and environmental events, epitomized by the annual Jazz in July celebration.

Friends House offers a continuum of healthcare and assisted living services tailored to individual needs, including independent living, home care services, and assisted living. The community promotes holistic wellness through a Fitness Center, activity groups, clubs, and events, fostering emotional, social, and physical well-being. Residents can enjoy complimentary breakfast and choose from a delicious selection for lunch and dinner at the Friends House Café, catering to diverse dietary requirements. The community’s commitment to simplicity, growth, and well-being creates an inviting atmosphere for seniors seeking a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle.

Contact Friends House

Overview of Santa Maria Terrace

A charming community providing independent living and assisted living in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria Terrace is one of the best retirement communities in the neighborhood. The upscale senior living home ensures that quality caregiving is the top priority on their list, enabling a level of trust that many families have praised over the years. Santa Maria’s devout care staff excels in providing personalized care uniquely designed for individuals’ needs in a nurturing environment.

Accommodations include premium services and amenities– fitness activities, recreational programs, scheduled outings, entertainment programs, specialized programs, gourmet-style dining, housekeeping, transportation, and ADLs.

Contact Santa Maria Terrace

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
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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 592 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.