Other senior care options in California:

Best Independent Living in California

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 640 independent living communities in California using California Department of Social Services (CDSS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in CA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jun 2026
We analyzed
640 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: 57/ 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: 103The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in California. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent Living around California

Reata Glen
IL
AL
MC
NH
Mission Viejo
840
Facility 840
CA AVG 103
Rank #2 / 1657
No
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 57
Rank #2044 / 2092
96
Facility 96
CA AVG 81
Rank #1 / 1401
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
Villa Lorena Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
San Diego (Black Mountain Ranch Village)
85
Facility 85
CA AVG 103
Rank #884 / 1657
No
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 57
Rank #1693 / 2092
73
Facility 73
CA AVG 81
Rank #1022 / 1401
14
20
Facility 20
CA AVG 13
Rank #1129 / 1397
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #413 / 1164
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #703 / 1487
72.9%
Facility 72.9%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #778 / 1368
-Santaluz Senior Partners,LP;Vlgp Inc(Gen. Partner)-
The Ivy at Wellington
IL
AL
Aliso Viejo
160
Facility 160
CA AVG 103
Rank #288 / 1657
No
29
Facility 29
CA AVG 57
Rank #1735 / 2092
79
Facility 79
CA AVG 81
Rank #881 / 1401
15
17
Facility 17
CA AVG 13
Rank #1061 / 1397
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #600 / 1164
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #1210 / 1487
78.8%
Facility 78.8%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #624 / 1368
-Well Oak Tenant LLC;Oakmont Management Group LLC-
Town & Country
IL
AL
MC
NH
Santa Ana (East Memory Lane)
328
Facility 328
CA AVG 103
Rank #45 / 1657
No
67
Facility 67
CA AVG 57
Rank #830 / 2092
64
Facility 64
CA AVG 81
Rank #1247 / 1401
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
IL
AL
Sonoma (Oregon Street)
82
Facility 82
CA AVG 103
Rank #901 / 1657
Yes
74
Facility 74
CA AVG 57
Rank #598 / 2092
87
Facility 87
CA AVG 81
Rank #568 / 1401
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
AL
Santa Rosa (Oakmont Village Association)
79
Facility 79
CA AVG 103
Rank #936 / 1657
Yes
34
Facility 34
CA AVG 57
Rank #1663 / 2092
64
Facility 64
CA AVG 81
Rank #1247 / 1401
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
Cogir of North Bay
IL
NH
AL
Vallejo (Harry Floyd Terrace)
83
Facility 83
CA AVG 103
Rank #897 / 1657
Yes
47
Facility 47
CA AVG 57
Rank #1422 / 2092
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 81
Rank #630 / 1401
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
IL
AL
Rohnert Park
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 103
Rank #956 / 1657
Yes
27
Facility 27
CA AVG 57
Rank #1760 / 2092
76
Facility 76
CA AVG 81
Rank #946 / 1401
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
Pleasanton
828
Facility 828
CA AVG 103
Rank #3 / 1657
No
47
Facility 47
CA AVG 57
Rank #1422 / 2092
92
Facility 92
CA AVG 81
Rank #308 / 1401
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
IL
AL
HC
MC
NH
Davis (West Davis)
500
Facility 500
CA AVG 103
Rank #22 / 1657
No
54
Facility 54
CA AVG 57
Rank #1242 / 2092
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #355 / 1401
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
IL
NH
AL
San Diego (Rancho Bernardo)
582
Facility 582
CA AVG 103
Rank #10 / 1657
No
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 57
Rank #1932 / 2092
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 81
Rank #398 / 1401
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
IL
AL
MC
RC
Chino Hills (Butterfield Ranch)
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 103
Rank #827 / 1657
Yes
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 57
Rank #1720 / 2092
63
Facility 63
CA AVG 81
Rank #1261 / 1401
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
Modesto
225
Facility 225
CA AVG 103
Rank #110 / 1657
Yes
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 57
Rank #1963 / 2092
63
Facility 63
CA AVG 81
Rank #1261 / 1401
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 #988 / 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
IL
AL
Vallejo (Somerset Highlands)
80
Facility 80
CA AVG 103
Rank #916 / 1657
Yes
20
Facility 20
CA AVG 57
Rank #1846 / 2092
87
Facility 87
CA AVG 81
Rank #568 / 1401
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
Carlton Senior Living Pleasant Hill – Martinez
IL
AL
Pleasant Hill
165
Facility 165
CA AVG 103
Rank #275 / 1657
Yes
65
Facility 65
CA AVG 57
Rank #888 / 2092
83
Facility 83
CA AVG 81
Rank #765 / 1401
10
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #654 / 1397
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #600 / 1164
37
Facility 37
CA AVG 13
Rank #55 / 1487
84.2%
Facility 84.2%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #404 / 1368
-Carlton Senior Living, LLCAlove / 1 Bed
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Overview of Regency Place Senior Living

Situated in Sacramento, Regency Place Senior Living Community is dedicated to supporting seniors in living their best life during retirement. They offer assisted living, memory care, respite care, and independent living options. Regency Place ensures a peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle for its residents and their community’s compassionate staff creates a nurturing and secure environment, promoting an enriching experience for all.
Senior residents can relish the comforts of home while staying active, maintaining a balanced diet, and enjoying a life filled with joy and contentment. In addition to providing excellent care services, Regency Place Senior Living Community offers a host of engaging activities and social opportunities. And with a focus on overall well-being and independence, seniors at Regency Place can savor their golden years surrounded by a caring and welcoming atmosphere that feels just like home.

Contact Regency Place Senior Living

Overview of Bayshire Torrey Pines

A top continuing care community in San Diego, Bayshire Torrey Pines is a senior living community that offers all levels of care. Bayshire Torrey Pines consists of professional staff who are committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for all seniors. They pride themselves on their integrity by ensuring that everyone is confident to speak up and be truthful with their communication– growing a trusting bond between residents and staff. The senior living community does its best to guarantee everyone can thrive in a home that is bustling with big and inspiring spaces to help live a purposeful life. Torrey Pines puts value on the trust that families place in them; they are dedicated to earning and proving their worth. 

A certified quality care provision in San Diego, Bayshire Torrey Pines has a welcoming community housing independent living in resort-like hospitality. The charming community provides indoor and outdoor restaurant-style dining; a movie theater, a fitness center, library, and salon and day spa– among a few of their amenities and facilities offered. A few of their services are poetry classes, art classes, volunteering activities, maintenance and housekeeping, and concierge services. Bayshire Torrey Pines houses residents of ages averaging between seventy to ninety. Many families have come back to Bayshire Torrey Pines and with its rapid vacancy rate lowering, it’s a testament to the demand of the community– a community where families are confident their loved ones will be in good hands. 

Contact Bayshire Torrey Pines

Overview of Palo Alto Commons

Situated in the neighborhood of Palo Alto, CA, Palo Alto Commons is a blissful senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. A 24-hour care team and licensed nurses are always on standby to attend to residents’ individual needs, including assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and personal care assistance. Residents are provided with a spacious studio, one, and two bedroom apartment for a comfortable living space that fosters a relaxing and restful environment.

The community helps residents live their retirement life to the fullest through its broad array of activities and an abundance of delightful amenities. Residents here benefit from life enrichment programs and various convenient services, including housekeeping, linen services, and scheduled transportation. Amenities, include a fitness center, card room, library, salon, and a fireside lounge that provides relaxing space for gathering with friends or spending some precious time alone.

Contact Palo Alto Commons

Overview of Coterie Cathedral Hill

At Coterie Cathedral Hill, one will find a lifestyle built on luxury, wellness, and purpose. A luxury senior living offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care, Coterie Cathedral Hill in San Francisco is all about up-scale quality of service. The atmosphere of enhanced quality living is instantly felt when you step into community grounds. An elevated lifestyle is the goal of the senior living community, ensuring that residents can thrive and continue nurturing themselves as individuals in a warm and welcoming environment. In San Francisco, Coterie Cathedral Hill offers an unmatched level of care that redefines the luxury quality of living we know today. 

Coterie Cathedral Hills strive to nourish your well-being with its wellness programs and fitness activities. Luxury appliances fill the magnificent rooms of every room and facility in the building. Located in a wonderful location, residents can appreciate the iconic views of San Francisco through their windows or their expansive rooftop terrace. Their outdoor common area is spacious and built with outdoor heaters that allow for engaging activities all year round.

Contact Coterie Cathedral Hill

Overview of Brookdale San Jose

Located on Blossom River Way in the vibrant city of San Jose, CA, Brookdale San Jose offers an exceptional senior living experience with a blend of independence, support, and specialized care. This community is conveniently positioned across the street from Westfield Oakridge Mall, providing easy access to shopping and dining. Brookdale San Jose is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents by offering three levels of care: independent living assisted living, and memory care.

Residents enjoy an array of amenities, including a well-equipped fitness center, a serene library, and a vibrant art studio. The community also offers concierge services and surface parking for convenience. Most utilities and maintenance are included, allowing residents to focus on enjoying their daily activities and social events. For those in need of additional support, Brookdale San Jose provides compassionate assistance with daily living activities such as medication management and personal grooming. The community’s dedication to quality care and enriching experiences makes it the top choice for senior living in San Jose.

Contact Brookdale San Jose

Ivy Park at Cerritos

11000 New Falcon Way, Cerritos, CA 90703
Overview of Ivy Park at Cerritos

Enhancing seniors’ quality of life, Ivy Park at Cerritos located in New Falcon Way, Cerritos, CA, is a paradisal senior living community offering assisted living and retirement living. The community features a wide range of floor plans including private studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites. Ivy Park at Cerritos values the independence and freedom of its residents, providing them with care and assistance tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

Ivy Park at Cerritos empowers its residents and conducts social and educational programs to keep them engaged and learning. Residents enjoy all-day dining in Vine at Ivy Restaurant. The pet-friendly community is equipped with wondrous amenities including a library, a full-service salon, an activity studio, barbeque areas for gatherings, an ethereal community park and luscious rose garden, and peaceful walking paths and outdoor lounges for the residents’ enjoyment and convenience.

Contact Ivy Park at Cerritos

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 Santa Clarita

A classic senior living community settling in Lyons Avenue, Santa Clarita, CA, Atria Santa Clarita provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Relax in the variety of spacious floor plans including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes and walk-in showers. With personalized 24-hour care and assistance from a kind and compassionate team of professionals, residents experience a worry-free and relaxing lifestyle.

Atria Santa Clarita fosters a bright and friendly environment, providing its residents with opportunities to enhance their physical, mental, emotional, and social welfare. Through its signature Life Guidance program, memory care residents enjoy a meaningful and joyful life. Catering to its residents’ dietary needs and preferences, the community serves three chef-prepared healthy meals daily. With wonderful amenities such as a library, a movie theater, a fitness center, a salon, a game room, a beautiful resident garden, an aesthetically landscaped courtyard, and walking paths, residents enjoy a better quality of life.

Contact Atria Santa Clarita

Overview of Atria Las Posas

Nestled in the tranquil neighborhood of Camarillo, CA, Atria Las Posas is a classic senior living community that offers a variety of living options including assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Featuring warm and cozy floor plans including two types of studios and one-bedroom apartments, the community ensures a relaxing and secure residence. With 24-hour care and assistance from a friendly, compassionate, and skilled team, Atria Las Posas commits to high-quality service.

Atria Las Posas promotes a vibrant environment, providing its residents with signature programs such as Engage Life and Life Guidance. Engage Life encourages seniors to remain active and connected with different learning activities and fun programs to participate in while Life Guidance ensures that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia regain their sense of independence. The community serves three chef-prepared meals daily to satisfy its residents’ dietary needs and cravings. Amenities include an outdoor fireplace and grill, a cognitive learning center, a library, a movie theater, a fitness center, a physical therapy center, a salon, a game room, serene courtyards and walking paths, and a sunlit patio.

Contact Atria Las Posas

Overview of Atria at Foster Square

Ideally situated in the beautiful Foster City, California, Atria at Foster Square offers upscale senior living options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Atria offers individualized care to ensure residents live comfortably and confidently, from luxurious independent living to discrete support such as assistance with daily tasks, safety checks, medication management, and more.

Atria provides a range of leisure and convenience features as part of its commitment to creating a meaningful lifestyle. Residents can have a cocktail in the lounge or dine at the restaurant featuring regionally influenced food and table service. With a movie theater, exercise facility, and outdoor dining areas, residents enjoy plenty of recreational alternatives. The pet-friendly atmosphere and on-site salon and spa at Atria make residents feel at home, while their round-the-clock support, transportation, and treatment options ensure all of their residents’ needs are met.

Contact Atria at Foster Square

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 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.