Other senior care options in California:

Page 16 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 Varenna at Fountaingrove

Varenna at Fountaingrove is an idyllic retreat surrounded by lush natural spaces in Santa Rosa, CA, offering independent living. Residents enjoy scenic views and live comfortably in beautifully designed and cozy accommodations. The community ensures residents feel at ease during their stay, promoting a vibrant and welcoming environment.

Residents here can live actively and make new friends with plenty of recreational activities and wellness opportunities. With different dining venues on-site, residents can enjoy delightful and healthy meals that satisfy their dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include a fitness center, a spa, a swimming pool, a wellness center, a library, pet parks, and serene walking paths.

Contact Varenna at Fountaingrove

Pacifica Senior Living Poway

12750 Gateway Park Rd, Poway, CA 92064
Overview of Pacifica Senior Living Poway

Pacifica Senior Living Poway, in Poway, California, is a premier care facility that is the right for its residents. They offer more than 55 apartments for independent living, respite care, and assisted living services with tailored care programs for seniors’ needs and preferences. The community provides a wide range of engaging activities and programs, creating a beautiful and serene environment for residents to enjoy with a comprehensive array of services and amenities, including round-the-clock staff support, housekeeping, and laundry services.
The community prioritizes the independence and well-being of its residents, ensuring that their unique care needs are met with personalized attention—the elegant and inviting atmosphere that promotes self-care and encourages residents to engage in physical activity. The beautiful outdoor courtyard offers residents a peaceful place to stroll and connect with nature. Combined with exceptional services and world-class amenities, PSL-Poway provides peace of mind to families in the community.

Contact Pacifica Senior Living Poway

Overview of Acacia Creek – Union City

Masonic Homes Cal & Acacia Creek operates Acacia Creek – Union City, a senior living campus located at 34400 Mission Blvd in Union City, California. The property is owned by Larry Adamson, administered by Chuck Major, and has been in business for 20 years. While the broader campus houses 376 residents across independent and assisted living options, the skilled nursing section includes 96 beds. Residents stay for an average of 87 days, showing that the nursing team balances short-term post-hospital rehab with intermediate care.

The surrounding neighborhood has a walk score of 63, meaning visitors can handle a few quick errands on foot but will generally need a car to get around. On the floor, the nursing crew delivers an average of 5 hours of hands-on care per resident each day. This round-the-clock staffing handles physical rehabilitation, memory care programs, and temporary respite stays. For day-to-day life, the campus features an indoor pool, a fitness center, a library, a hair salon, and restaurant-style dining with made-to-order breakfast options.

Interested families exploring regional recovery or memory care programs can call the intake department to check on current bed availability and ask about the admissions process. The front office can also arrange a convenient time to tour the campus, view the dining rooms, and see the therapy spaces.

Contact Acacia Creek – Union City

Rosewood

1301 New Stine Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Overview of Rosewood

Spend your golden years at Rosewood, an esteemed life plan community nestled near Sundale Country Club in Bakersfield, CA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents can ease their worries with a kind and highly trained team attending to their needs around the clock. As part of a non-profit organization, the community prioritizes residents’ safety and well-being.

Residents will not feel lonely with a carefully curated calendar of exciting events and engaging programs that highlight residents’ interests and capabilities. Mealtimes promote social interactions and satisfy dietary needs with delightful and healthy dining options. The community ensures residents live a blissful retirement with its extensive amenities and a wide range of care options.

Contact Rosewood

Overview of Woodbridge Terrace of Irvine

Having developed and managed the community for over 30 years, Woodbridge Terrace of Irvine is a senior living community in Irvine, California. They offer Assisted Living and Memory Care options where residents can build a legacy, share passions, and live in balance. The attentive and dedicated caregivers understand that every resident has different needs, abilities, and interests and tailor their care to those unique traits. The community provides a full calendar of activities for educational, social, and spiritual growth. Woodbridge Terrace has a bright and inviting Southern California feel, with Mission-style architecture, beautiful courtyards, lush landscaping, and walking paths welcoming you home.

The community is located within the Woodbridge development of Irvine, embodying the simple, relaxing lifestyle with time for friends, activities, and hobbies. With lush lawns, mature trees, and manicured pathways surrounding the community, residents enjoy the beautiful Southern California weather all year. In the Main Dining Room, they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner from daily menus. In their popular bistro, they offer quick options. The community offers spacious studios, suites, and one-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, large bathrooms, and plenty of closet space with friendly associates available 24 hours a day. Enjoy a vibrant and energetic lifestyle.

Contact Woodbridge Terrace of Irvine

Casa De Modesto

1745 Eldena Way, Modesto, CA 95350
Overview of Casa De Modesto

Casa De Modesto is a pet-friendly senior living community located in Modesto, CA, providing assisted living and memory care services. This exemplary senior living community offers studio-type, and one-to-two bedroom accommodations that are handicap accessible, and features wheelchair accessible showers. Part of the services they provide in their different levels of care include incontinence care and diabetic care, as well as round-the-clock availability of staff for supervision as well as assistance.

Casa De Modesto boasts of their well thought amenities, designed specifically to promote physical and mental activity, contributing to the residents overall health and well being. Some of their amenities include indoor and outdoor common areas and walking paths, grooming services, fitness center, and game room. The community also employs wander guards, providing an additional layer of security to the already enclosed premises.

Contact Casa De Modesto

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 Watermark Laguna Niguel

Operated by US Alliance Holden of Forbes Tenant LLC in partnership with Watermark, Watermark Laguna Niguel is a senior living community in Laguna Niguel, California. It offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care in one location. Johnny Ortiz serves as the administrator.

The community is close to Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, as well as nearby shopping and public bus service, making medical appointments and everyday errands convenient. It has been serving residents for 2 years. It has 135 beds, with a current occupancy rate of 45%.

Residents receive concierge services, housekeeping, and prepared meals. Support from staff is available around the clock. Individualized care plans are developed for each resident and updated as care needs change over time. Through this, the community supports residents across different levels of care without moving to another location.

Daily life emphasizes health and wellness through music programs, wellness activities, and fitness classes held in the on-site fitness studio. Residents also have access to a movie theater and an outdoor courtyard, providing comfortable places to relax, socialize, and spend time outdoors. The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 53, which is moderately walkable. Some nearby shops and services can be reached on foot, but other destinations require driving.

Inspection records show that Watermark Laguna Niguel has generally maintained a strong history of regulatory compliance. Findings have included one isolated medication administration issue. The other is an administrative matter involving a resident refund rather than a pattern of ongoing concerns.

Families touring the community should ask how care plans are coordinated across independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care as residents’ needs change over time.

Contact Watermark Laguna Niguel

Overview of Ramona Park Senior Apartments

Enjoy a better quality of life at Ramona Park Senior Apartments, a distinct 55+ community in Long Beach, CA, offering independent living. The community features spacious and well-designed one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents enjoy a worry-free lifestyle with convenient apartment amenities, including a fully-equipped kitchen and a refrigerator.

Residents can spend their days as they please, especially with the community’s proximity to recreation sites and on-site amenities, including a picnic area, a pool, reading areas, and a computer room. Delightful restaurants are also set nearby, providing residents with a variety of dining options that meet their dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those looking to spend their golden years independently.

Contact Ramona Park Senior Apartments

Overview of Eskaton Village Roseville

Eskaton Village Roseville offers a vibrant senior living experience in West Roseville, CA conveniently located near shops, restaurants, parks, and medical services. This community features a main Lodge providing independent living, assisted living, short-term stays, and memory care services, surrounded by a picturesque neighborhood of private residences. Residents can choose from spacious accommodations with various floor plans to suit their tastes. Eskaton Village Roseville is dedicated to personalized care, especially for those experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s, with specialized programs and enhanced wellness support.

Enjoy its exceptional amenities including 24-hour staffing, licensed nurse oversight, iWave air purification, smart home technology, and weekly housekeeping. The community also offers a Campus Village Center with a café bistro, fitness center, heated pool, library, and more. With Eskaton Connect, residents and families stay connected through an easy-to-use app, ensuring a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle at Eskaton Village Roseville.

Contact Eskaton Village Roseville

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.