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 And 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 And 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 And 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 And 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 And 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 And 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 And 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 And 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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The Forum at Rancho San Antonio

23500 Cristo Rey Dr, Cupertino, CA 95014
Overview of The Forum at Rancho San Antonio

Uncover a world of extraordinary living at The Forum at Rancho San Antonio, where breathtaking Northern California landscapes meet exceptional assisted living and unparalleled memory care services for seniors. With a prestigious five-star Medicare rating for skilled nursing care, you can trust that seniors in need of assistance will receive the highest level of support and attention. The community’s dedication extends to specialized memory care living, where compassionate caregivers and top-notch technology come together in a beautiful and nurturing setting.

Rejuvenate your body and mind in the state-of-the-art fitness center, escape into a world of imagination in the art studio, engage in friendly competition in the game room, and immerse yourself in the wisdom of literature in the inviting library. Your furry companions will find joy in the dedicated dog park, while the salon services ensure you always look and feel your best. Every facet of life in this community has been thoughtfully designed to enrich and elevate your experience. With spacious layouts and luxurious touches, each residence becomes a sanctuary of comfort and style. Whether you seek relaxation or entertainment, the living spaces cater to your every need, creating an environment that is both inviting and sophisticated.

Contact The Forum at Rancho San Antonio

Overview of Bruceville Point

Bruceville Point is a luxury assisted living community in Elk Grove with independent living and memory care services that delivers unmatched hospitality. Placing importance on creating a welcoming environment where residents can feel a sense of belonging, the staff ensures a cozy and home-like atmosphere in a condominium-style setting. The retirement community presents a rich and supportive environment that prioritizes a lifestyle built for the holistic development of its residents.

Bruceville Point boasts individualized care plans that inspire residents to live the lifestyle they deserve. The beautiful community has premier amenities that residents can use, such as a game room, a recreational area, a fitness center, common areas, lounges, and outdoor spaces. Essential services include specialized services, wellness activities and clubs, housekeeping services, 24/7 care staff, and ADLs.

Contact Bruceville Point

Overview of Taylor Villa of Mt. San Antonio Gardens

Taylor Villa, located within Mt San Antonio Gardens in Pomona, CA, is a senior living community dedicated to providing quality memory care services to its residents. This senior care home located within the same campus as Harrison Villa and Oak Tree Lodge, is a special unit that provides assisted living services for residents living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. And as part of those services, they receive round the clock supervision, and life enrichment programs that help the cognitive, creative, physical and psycho-social needs of residents.

As residents of Mt San Antonio Gardens, they also receive the same access to their rich array of amenities. This includes the deliciously prepared meals and snacks, created to cater to the residents’ taste and dietary needs. Their beautifully landscaped courtyard and garden provides relaxing spaces for residents to relax and breathe in fresh air.

Contact Taylor Villa of Mt. San Antonio Gardens

Overview of Heritage on the Marina, a Ccrc

Heritage on the Marina is considerably one of the most extended senior living communities in San Francisco. The beautiful Heritage on the Marina promotes an elegant ambiance with a welcoming community. Heritage on the Marina ensures that residents can experience an exceptional quality of service that is a testament to their commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all of their residents.

Its location nestles in a vibrant neighborhood filled with farmers’ markets, yacht clubs, and art galleries, all ready for you to explore. At Heritage on the Marina, there are a variety of activities and programs, with one priority being the health and wellness of the residents; therefore allowing fitness activities and programs to enhance seniors’ health. Residents are also uniquely given specific personalized attention that will cater to each individual’s needs. 

Contact Heritage on the Marina, a CCRC

Overview of Fairwinds – Woodwark 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 – Woodwark Park

Overview of The Glen at Scripps Ranch

Embrace a luxurious lifestyle in the hotel-style senior living community of The Glen at Scripps Ranch in San Diego, CA. The community strives to provide residents with a vacation-style living experience through its elegant accommodations, attractive amenities, and all-encompassing assisted living, memory care, and long-term care services. Residents can choose from an array of well-designed one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom layouts with convenient access to mainservices, such as telehealth services, physical, occupational, and speech therapies, and a vaccine clinic.

The community also takes care of residents’ apartment maintenance and other chores so they can enjoy more of the things they love to do. With a dedication to maintaining residents’ wellness and overall well-being, the community provides residents with plenty of fulfilling activities, fitness classes, and health lectures. Residents’ cravings and nutritional needs are always met with satisfaction with fresh, made-to-order meals, making their living experience more enjoyable and convenient.

Contact The Glen at Scripps Ranch

Overview of Wesley Palms Retirement Community

Situated with the breathtaking view of Mission Bay in San Diego, CA, Wesley Palms Retirement Community is a remarkable senior living community that offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. Featuring a wide array of floor plans from a studio apartment to 2-bedroom apartments, the community ensures a comfortable and safe residence for seniors. Bathe in the aesthetic view of the San Diego coasts and enjoy a relaxing retirement.

Wesley Palms Retirement Community highlights the quality of life of its residents and ensures that their needs are met. Amenities include an art gallery and studio, a library, a club room, a Bocce court, a shuffleboard court, a wellness center, walking paths, a heated saltwater pool, a therapy pool, a gym, and a lot of indoor and outdoor areas. The community also value pets and provides a dog park. 

Contact Wesley Palms Retirement Community

Overview of VI at La Jolla Village

Situated in Costa Verde Blvd., San Diego, CA, VI at La Jolla Village is an extraordinary senior living community providing assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing services. To ensure the quality of life of its residents, the community provides a round-the-clock concierge and on-site care and rehabilitation. The VI at La Jolla Village features a wide range of floor plans including one bedroom with a den, two bedrooms with a den, and a penthouse and suites.

The community promotes meaningful connections among its residents and orchestrates social activities. Here, the culinary team serves healthy and hearty meals that suit the palette and satiate the cravings of its residents. The VI at La Jolla Village offers luxurious amenities including private gardens, aesthetic walkways, a movie theater, a salt-filtered pool, a salon and spa, a library, an art studio, and many more areas for the seniors’ enjoyment.

Contact Vi at La Jolla Village

Overview of Atria Golden Creek

Experience a convenient senior living experience in the welcoming senior living community of Atria Golden Creek, nestled along the serene banks of San Diego Creek in Irvine, CA. The community offers vibrant senior living options, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. Atria’s collaboration with EmpowerMe provides residents with access to physical, occupational, and speech therapies, ensuring that they have the ability to do the things they love.

Atria Golden Creek’s mission is to provide residents with a fulfilling lifestyle through all-inclusive amenities and engaging daily activities. From a restaurant offering table service to a cozy lounge, movie theater, fitness center, and more, residents enjoy a variety of options to inspire a meaningful life. The community boasts relaxing outdoor spaces, including an expansive deck overlooking the creek, a dining courtyard, and walking paths. LEED Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, Atria Golden Creek combines luxury with eco-friendly design and practices, ensuring a comfortable and sustainable environment for its residents.

Contact Atria Golden Creek

Overview of Westmont of Culver City

Nestled in the neighborhood of Culver City, CA, Westmont of Culver City is a warm and welcoming senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. Residents are offered their preferred accommodations with convenient features like full kitchens, emergency response systems, and housekeeping services for their comfort and convenience. Ensuring residents are well-cared for, the community provides the right amount of care and support without interfering with their independence.

Residents enjoy an array of amenities, including a bistro, fitness center, and theater, while a wide array of activities are organized to keep them active and entertained. The community also offers restaurant-style dining featuring healthy and delicious meals to ensure residents eat healthily. At Westmont of Culver City, residents have access to the necessities they need to stay comfortable.

Contact Westmont of Culver City

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.