Other senior care options in California:

Page 11 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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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 The Villas at Stanford Ranch

Explore the various assisted living options provided by The Villas at Stanford Ranch, a leading senior living facility situated in Rocklin, Northern California. This community offers a range of personalized care and floor plans to meet each resident’s unique requirements. The Villas provides premium amenities and services, such as a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, and salon, featuring massages and pedicures.

Residents can also enjoy community activities like playing Bocce Ball, crafting, watching movies in the theater, or relaxing in the community areas with stone fireplaces. Additionally, The Villas has a computer room and serves delicious chef-prepared meals in its Bistro or directly to residents in their living quarters.

Contact The Villas at Stanford Ranch

Meridian at Laguna Hills

24552 Paseo De Valencia, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Overview of Meridian at Laguna Hills

A proud member of the Aura Collection of Communities, Meridian at Laguna Hills is the premier choice in the city that many families and adults prefer because of its unwavering commitment to exceed expectations. Built on luxury, warmth, and comfort, the 55+ retirement home strives to boost individual confidence and enhance hassle-free living. Meridian at Laguna Hills is committed to delivering an enriching lifestyle that redefines luxury senior living experience in resort-style surroundings.

The retirement home strive to empower and support each individual with a list of amenities and services that make a comfortable and secure environment for the seamless blend of freedom and assistance. Residents are guaranteed to learn, grow, and connect through the comprehensive amenities and services, such as a patio, a swimming pool, a putting green, individualized care plans, personalized culinary experience, and exciting recreational activities in a vibrant SoCal community.

Contact Meridian at Laguna Hills

Overview of The Peninsula Regent

As San Mateo’s foremost not-for-profit condominium community, The Peninsula Regent is designed for independent seniors aged 60 and beyond. What sets them apart is its unique approach; rather than the customary entrance fee that is often non-refundable, senior residents have the opportunity to invest in their very own homes.

The Peninsula not only secures a valuable asset for seniors and their heirs but also imparts a sense of comfort and peace of mind that comes with being part of this exceptional senior community. Here, an array of concierge services, excellent amenities, delectable dining selections, and daily social engagement await seniors, offering a carefree lifestyle that empowers them to pursue their passions and embrace life to the fullest wholeheartedly.

Contact The Peninsula Regent

Byron Park

1700 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94595
Overview of Byron Park

Byron Park is a full-service senior community in Walnut Creek, California. It serves the area with Independent and Assisted Living options since 1991. The personal attention and service provided by the engaged team of associates allow residents to relax and appreciate all the details that make this community so unique. Should residents’ needs change over time, they will have the opportunity to choose additional levels of service to assist them with the activities of daily living so they can maintain the relationships and daily routines they have come to cherish.

Byron Park is a hidden gem with a lot to offer. It is a perfect place for seniors to call home and enjoy their golden years. Residents enjoy delectable Sunday brunches and monthly birthday dinners; every holiday is thoughtfully planned. The chefs are well-experienced, and they provide weekly national guidance on the menu. From savory to sweet, traditional dishes to new and enticing dishes, residents at Byron Park have no shortage of cuisines to sample, allowing them to taste the flavors of different parts of the world without leaving the community. Byron Park offers a warm and homelike environment with open space views from every vantage point. The building is wrapped around a beautiful courtyard featuring multiple sitting areas, a shaded patio for relaxing, a greenhouse, and a heated swimming pool. The community also has a distinguished library, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and beautifully manicured grounds with a community garden. The community is between Rossmoor and downtown Walnut Creek, just 30 miles from San Francisco.

Contact Byron Park

Overview of The Watermark at San Jose

Located in the scenic Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA, the Watermark at Almaden is an idyllic senior living community offering a wide array of living options. These include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and short-term stays. Featuring spacious and elegant floor plans including private and shared studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, the community provides a cozy residence for seniors. A comfortable and safe residence for seniors to experience an accepting and worry-free environment.

The Watermark at Almaden prepares three carefully chef-curated meals every day to satisfy its’ residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Moreover, the community ensures the residents enjoy an active lifestyle and learning through their acclaimed Watermark University. Amenities include an outdoor pool and hot tub, a movie theater, a fitness center, a spacious art studio, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Valuing the importance of pets, the community provides a pet-friendly environment.

Contact The Watermark at San Jose

Overview of The Village at Sherman Oaks

Experience an exceptional stay with The Village at Sherman Oaks, located in Sherman Oaks, California. This elegant senior living community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. The community is dedicated to elevating a next level of senior living. Spacious, cozy, and pet-friendly accommodations are available for a resort-style stay. In terms of memory care, it offers the Enliven Memory Care which is built on the foundation of love and is patient-centered providing creative and engaging experiences.

With its top-tier amenities and services, residents can enjoy zestfit group classes, book and walking clubs, wine tastings, ping pong instruments, chef-led interactive cooking demos, lifelong learning seminars, concerts and social happy hours, gardening classes, and philanthropic opportunities. At the Village of Sherman Oaks, seniors are guaranteed an experience worth remembering.

Contact The Village At Sherman Oaks

Overview of Merrill Gardens at West Covina

Located in the harmonious neighborhood of W West Covina Parkway, West Covina, CA, is the trusted senior living community of Merrill Gardens at West Covina offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. With its naturally lit and spacious accommodations, seniors enjoy relaxation and security like no other. Delivering round-the-clock care and assistance, the community prides itself on a team of compassionate and highly trained professionals to ensure residents flourish and live their best lives.

There is always something fun to do with a wide array of engaging activities and enjoyable programs highlighting residents’ interests and strengths. Have a delightful dining experience with well-balanced meals available throughout the day for dietary satisfaction. Merrill Gardens at West Covina is a good place for seniors to spend their golden years creating lasting moments.

Contact Merrill Gardens at West Covina

Overview of Atria Sunnyvale

Atria Sunnyvale offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere that helps encourage a sense of community for the welfare of its residents in Santa Clara Valley. Their commitment to ensuring that an individual can feel independent while engaged is one of their utmost priorities for a balanced lifestyle. They emphasize independent living, assisted living, and memory care, ensuring that their residents are healthy and active. Atria Sunnyvale has provided a diverse and inclusive environment, offering a strong sense of community.

The vibrant lifestyle of all-inclusive amenities includes daily delicious and nutritious meals, weekly housekeeping and laundry services, daily fitness activities with their finest gym equipment, private apartments with an emergency call system, 24-hour resident nurse presence, and a cafe available.

Contact Atria Sunnyvale

Overview of Atria Rancho Mirage

Atria Rancho Mirage is an extraordinary senior living community situated on Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA, that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Featuring spacious floor plans including a studio, one-bedroom, and shared suite, the community ensures the comfort and safety of its residents. With a team of compassionate and highly skilled professionals, Atria Rancho Mirage provides personalized care and assistance around the clock.

The community fosters a warm and welcoming environment, employing a whole-person approach to ensure that residents remain joyful and inspired. Focusing on dementia care, the Life Guidance program of the community provides seniors with opportunities to remain engaged physically, cognitively, and socially. Three chef-prepared meals are served daily to satisfy the seniors’ dietary needs and preferences. Atria Rancho Mirage is equipped with a hot tub, an outdoor swimming pool, a library, a fitness center, a salon, a sunlit patio, and serene walking paths.

Contact Atria Rancho Mirage

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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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.