Page 13 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
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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.
648 homes
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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

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.
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.
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.
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.
The Village at Northridge
IL
AL
MC
Los Angeles (Northridge)
194
Facility 194
CA AVG 103
Rank #167 / 1,492
Yes
61
Facility 61
CA AVG 57
Rank #903 / 1,887
27
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,020 / 1,387
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1,433
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #611 / 1,452
89.7%
Facility 89.7%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #273 / 1,313
Northridge Subtenant LLC And Srg Management LLC1 Bed / 2 Bed
Atria Rancho Mirage
IL
AL
MC
RC
Rancho Mirage
142
Facility 142
CA AVG 103
Rank #375 / 1,492
Yes
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,533 / 1,887
18
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #809 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #879 / 1,452
80.3%
Facility 80.3%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #552 / 1,313
Gp Of Aoc Rancho Mirage And Atria Aoc Ca Opco Gp PtrStudio / 1 Bed
Carlton Senior Living San Jose
IL
AL
MC
San Jose
183
Facility 183
CA AVG 103
Rank #190 / 1,492
Yes
35
Facility 35
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,490 / 1,887
21
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #845 / 1,387
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1,433
26
Facility 26
CA AVG 13
Rank #214 / 1,452
74.9%
Facility 74.9%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #690 / 1,313
Carlton Senior Living, LLCAlcove / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Brookdale Paulin Creek
IL
AL
MC
Santa Rosa
100
Facility 100
CA AVG 103
Rank #636 / 1,492
Yes
76
Facility 76
CA AVG 57
Rank #481 / 1,887
20
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #845 / 1,387
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1,433
14
Facility 14
CA AVG 13
Rank #501 / 1,452
71.0%
Facility 71.0%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #775 / 1,313
Blc Lodge At Paulin Inc Gp, Blc Lodge At Paulin LPStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Holiday Springs of Escondido
IL
Escondido (Midway)
143
Facility 143
CA AVG 103
Rank #370 / 1,492
Yes
84
Facility 84
CA AVG 57
Rank #289 / 1,887
25
17
Facility 17
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,056 / 1,387
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1,433
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 13
Rank #566 / 1,452
75.5%
Facility 75.5%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #672 / 1,313
Pacifica North Cnty & Pac N Cnty And North County Mgr1 Bed / 2 Bed
Atria Tamalpais Creek
IL
AL
MC
RC
Novato
180
Facility 180
CA AVG 103
Rank #195 / 1,492
Yes
47
Facility 47
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,283 / 1,887
21
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #442 / 1,387
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #898 / 1,433
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 13
Rank #106 / 1,452
62.2%
Facility 62.2%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1,020 / 1,313
Wg Tamalpais Creek Sh LP And Atria Management Co LLCStudio / Suite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Merrill Gardens at Rockridge
IL
AL
MC
Oakland (Shafter)
150
Facility 150
CA AVG 103
Rank #312 / 1,492
Yes
95
Facility 95
CA AVG 57
Rank #61 / 1,887
33
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,020 / 1,387
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #898 / 1,433
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #879 / 1,452
89.3%
Facility 89.3%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #279 / 1,313
Shi-III Mg Rockridge Gp LLC And Merrill Gardens LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Atterdag Village of Solvang
IL
AL
MC
Solvang
188
Facility 188
CA AVG 103
Rank #174 / 1,492
No
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 57
Rank #140 / 1,887
8
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
-
82.4%
Facility 82.4%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #505 / 1,313
Solvang Lutheran Home, Inc-
Enso Village, a Kendal Affiliate
IL
AL
MC
Healdsburg
400
Facility 400
CA AVG 103
Rank #28 / 1,492
No
89
Facility 89
CA AVG 57
Rank #176 / 1,887
15
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #442 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,270 / 1,452
76.8%
Facility 76.8%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #636 / 1,313
A Zen Inspired Community Kendal At Sonoma-
The Manor on Bankers Hill
IL
San Diego (Bankers Hill)
200
Facility 200
CA AVG 103
Rank #141 / 1,492
No
85
Facility 85
CA AVG 57
Rank #262 / 1,887
14
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #325 / 1,387
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1,433
51
Facility 51
CA AVG 13
Rank #7 / 1,452
53.5%
Facility 53.5%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1,139 / 1,313
St Paul's Episcopal Home, Inc-

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every CA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 648 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of The Village at Northridge

Nearly 200 beds, a decade-plus of operating history, and an amenity list that reads more like a resort than a typical assisted living community: The Village at Northridge sits at 9222 Corbin Ave in Los Angeles’s Northridge neighborhood, covering both assisted living and independent living in a mid-rise building with one- and two-bedroom units.

A swimming pool, a spa, fitness centers, a library, beauty services, and recreational programming all show up alongside standard transportation and dining services. Room sizes vary to fit different needs, meal planning stays flexible rather than locked into a single menu, and the community welcomes pets, a detail that matters for residents who don’t want to leave a companion animal behind.

Getting around the surrounding area works reasonably well, too. A Walk Score of 61 puts the neighborhood in the moderately walkable range, enough for some errands on foot without eliminating the need for a car on others.

Occupancy currently sits at 90 percent across the community’s 194 beds, a strong number that speaks to sustained demand. Thomas Rekowski administers the property, with Northridge Subtenant LLC and SRG Management LLC operating it. State inspections in California have tended to focus on care planning and documentation, along with fall and injury prevention.

The Village at Northridge combines a wide amenity list, flexible living arrangements, and strong occupancy, the kind of facility that tends to draw residents looking for a full-service community with room to make it their own.

Contact The Village at Northridge

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

Overview of Carlton Senior Living San Jose

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

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

Contact Carlton Senior Living San Jose

Overview of Brookdale Paulin Creek

Experience comfort and security like no other in the one-of-a-kind senior living community of Brookdale Paulin Creek at Range Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA. Offering a diverse selection of living options including assisted living, independent living, and memory care, the community provides high-quality care and assistance 24/7. With cozy and meticulously-designed floor plans including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, residents enjoy a vibrant and friendly residence. Brookdale Paulin Creek focuses on the uniqueness and freedom of seniors, providing them with care and assistance that best suits their specific needs.

The community conducts fun activities and engaging programs to ensure residents experience a fulfilled life with joy and inspiration. Catering to the seniors’ dietary needs and preferences, the community serves healthy and delicious meals. Moreover, the community prepares scheduled meals for memory care residents to foster familiarity. The pet-friendly community provides wonderful amenities including an outdoor pool, an arts and crafts studio, a theater, a whirlpool, a therapy pool, a salon, a fitness center, a courtyard, a library, a garden, a game room, a therapy room, a porch, meeting rooms, a fireside living room, a piano, and tranquil landscaped grounds.

Contact Brookdale Paulin Creek

Overview of Holiday Springs of Escondido

A short drive from downtown San Diego, Holiday Springs of Escondido is a luxurious senior living community situated in Escondido, California, close to the gorgeous North County beaches. With a focus on a carefree lifestyle, this community, with a Spanish architectural flair, provides lavish independent living services. With amenities including routine housekeeping, linen, maintenance, and round-the-clock emergency response, residents benefit from a high standard of care. Flexible services guarantee that residents can preserve their independence while receiving the necessary care.

At Holiday Springs of Escondido, residents can enjoy a vibrant and stimulating environment through numerous amenities, such as a restaurant-style dining area, a pet-friendly courtyard, an on-site hairdresser, and regular transportation. Residents also have access to a library, fitness facility, and putting greens, as well as a comprehensive activity program that includes social, educational, and recreational events. Holiday Springs of Escondido guarantees residents a meaningful and independent lifestyle by providing comprehensive services and amenities.

Contact Holiday Springs of Escondido

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 Merrill Gardens at Rockridge

Take in the stunning views of Coronado Avenue, Oakland, CA, with Merrill Gardens at Rockridge’s astounding senior living community offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Live in comfort and elegance within the beautifully crafted and spacious Merrill Gardens at Rockridge accommodations with 126 various studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. With round-the-clock care and assistance from a compassionate and highly qualified team, seniors let go of their worries and receive the utmost attention for their needs and interests.

Maintain a well-engaged lifestyle with a wide range of exciting activities and fun learning programs. Create meaningful moments within Merrill Gardens at Rockridge’s spacious and welcoming communal spaces. Enjoy delightful and healthy meals any time you prefer to meet dietary requirements and tastes. Merrill Gardens at Rockridge is ideal for seniors aiming to maximize their freedom and receive the necessary support to experience the finest retirement.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Rockridge

Overview of Atterdag Village of Solvang

Atterdag Village of Solvang offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Solvang, California. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps a private living space. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Having all three care levels in one community can suit a resident whose needs may grow over time without requiring a move to a different community.

The community has 188 beds. Residents live alongside a larger number of residents and staff than they would in a smaller community. Atterdag Village of Solvang opened in 1968. Chris Parker serves as the administrator, and Solvang Lutheran Home operates the community.

Atterdag at Home delivers hot, nutritious meals through a volunteer based Meals on Wheels program to low income and homebound seniors. Prepared meals are available to people who may not be able to shop or cook independently. A Walk Score of 91 out of 100 places the area in a walker’s paradise band, meaning daily errands do not require a car and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently.

Contact Atterdag Village of Solvang

Overview of Enso Village, a Kendal Affiliate

Enso Village, a Kendal Affiliate, is a 400-bed continuing care retirement community in Healdsburg, California. It’s operated by Kendal at Sonoma, under administrator Annet Nakiyuka, and licensed in Sonoma County as an RCFE-CCRC since November 2023. The community serves adults 60 and older across independent living, assisted living, and memory support. Enso Village is built around a Zen-inspired care philosophy running in its programming and physical design.

As a California RCFE, inspections are conducted by the Department of Social Services instead of CMS. Since licensing, Enso Village has recorded 4 total citations against a California average of 10, and 3 complaints against a statewide norm of 14. No fines appear on record in the most recent February 2026 inspection, putting the overall score at 80 out of 100 against California’s benchmark of 70.

A dedicated meditation hall, contemplative care groups, alfresco dining, and a tea room are among the amenities. Spirituality and Lifelong Learning are program tracks, and mindfulness classes and yoga are present as part of the facility’s wellness programming.

Situated within a Zen-inspired, contemplative lifestyle community in Healdsburg, Enso Village is ideal for older adults in Sonoma County who require a full care continuum.

Contact Enso Village, a Kendal Affiliate

Overview of The Manor on Bankers Hill

Located in Maple Street San Diego, CA, The Manor on Bankers Hill is an exceptional retirement community for 55 and above offering independent living. The community promotes a maintenance-free lifestyle for seniors to enjoy a comfortable life. The Manor on Bankers Hill offers spacious apartments inclusive of a variety of features such as a kitchenette with a microwave, Wi-Fi, walk-in shower, and many more. 

The Manor on Bankers Hill fosters a warm and welcoming environment and conducts activities and outings for its residents. Here, the chef prepares nutritious and delicious meals to satisfy the residents’ needs and preferences. Amenities include the residents’ favorite spot- a library, the LUV lounge to take in the beauty of San Diego which includes a coffee bar, a large screen TV, and comfortable seating.

Contact The Manor on Bankers Hill

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in California

What is independent living?

Independent living communities are residential settings for active older adults — typically with private apartments or cottages, shared amenities (dining, fitness, activities), and no built-in medical care.

How many independent living communities are listed on this page?

This page features 648 independent living communities in California. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in California?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in California, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting independent living communities in California?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.