Page 17 of Best Independent Living in California

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 640 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.
640 homes
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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. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. 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. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
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.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
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.
Westminster Terrace
IL
AL
Westminster
152
Facility 152
CA AVG 168
Rank #174 / 409
Yes
78
Facility 78
CA AVG 59
Rank #168 / 638
B+38
27
Facility 27
CA AVG 13
Rank #336 / 391
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #239 / 398
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 15
Rank #338 / 402
76.3%
Facility 76.3%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #153 / 361
Westminster Terrace LLCStudio
Brethren Hillcrest Homes
IL
AL
MC
NH
RESC
SNF
La Verne
574
Facility 574
CA AVG 168
Rank #10 / 409
Yes
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 59
Rank #93 / 638
B+23
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 13
Rank #232 / 391
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #239 / 398
50
Facility 50
CA AVG 15
Rank #7 / 402
26.3%
Facility 26.3%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #360 / 361
Brethren Hillcrest Homes-
Westhaven Assisted Living
IL
AL
HOS
MC
Orland
42
Facility 42
CA AVG 168
Rank #372 / 409
No
77
Facility 77
CA AVG 59
Rank #174 / 638
A+3
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 15
Rank #387 / 402
69.0%
Facility 69.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #217 / 361
Westhaven Senior Living, A California Corporation-
Cogir of Vallejo Hills
IL
AL
Vallejo (Somerset Highlands)
80
Facility 80
CA AVG 168
Rank #329 / 409
Yes
20
Facility 20
CA AVG 59
Rank #578 / 638
B+14
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #153 / 391
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #185 / 398
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 15
Rank #240 / 402
58.8%
Facility 58.8%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #287 / 361
Welltower Cogir Tenant LLC And Cogir Mngt Usa Inc1 Bed / 2 Bed
Garden Court at Villa Santa Barbara
IL
AL
Santa Barbara (Laguna)
126
Facility 126
CA AVG 168
Rank #242 / 409
Yes
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 59
Rank #30 / 638
B+18
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #181 / 391
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 3
Rank #302 / 398
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 15
Rank #338 / 402
73.8%
Facility 73.8%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #172 / 361
Ventas Santa Barbara Opco, LP And Capital Sr. Mgmt 2Studio / Alcove / 1 Bed
Atria El Camino Gardens
IL
AL
MC
RC
Carmichael
325
Facility 325
CA AVG 168
Rank #34 / 409
Yes
40
Facility 40
CA AVG 59
Rank #485 / 638
A-72
41
Facility 41
CA AVG 13
Rank #377 / 391
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #279 / 398
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 15
Rank #50 / 402
70.2%
Facility 70.2%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #207 / 361
Wg El Camino Gardens Sh LP And Atria Management CoStudio / 1 Bed
The Plaza At Westwood Senior Living
IL
AL
Los Angeles (West Los Angeles)
136
Facility 136
CA AVG 168
Rank #222 / 409
Yes
89
Facility 89
CA AVG 59
Rank #71 / 638
B+41
36
Facility 36
CA AVG 13
Rank #367 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 15
Rank #291 / 402
46.3%
Facility 46.3%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #338 / 361
Sta Management IncStudio Suites
Atria Walnut Creek
IL
AL
MC
RC
Walnut Creek
200
Facility 200
CA AVG 168
Rank #86 / 409
Yes
40
Facility 40
CA AVG 59
Rank #485 / 638
B+68
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 13
Rank #356 / 391
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #239 / 398
27
Facility 27
CA AVG 15
Rank #84 / 402
68.5%
Facility 68.5%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #220 / 361
Wg Montego Heights Sh LP And Atria Management Co LLCStudio / Suite / 1 Bed
Atria Willow Glen
IL
AL
MC
RC
San Jose (Dry Creek)
63
Facility 63
CA AVG 168
Rank #351 / 409
Yes
34
Facility 34
CA AVG 59
Rank #524 / 638
A-20
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #181 / 391
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #185 / 398
27
Facility 27
CA AVG 15
Rank #84 / 402
69.8%
Facility 69.8%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #213 / 361
Wg Willow Glen Sh LP And Atria Management Co LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Pines, A Merrill Gardens Community
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
Rocklin (Whitney Ranch)
142
Facility 142
CA AVG 168
Rank #209 / 409
Yes
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 59
Rank #618 / 638
A-28
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 13
Rank #232 / 391
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #185 / 398
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 15
Rank #291 / 402
84.5%
Facility 84.5%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #79 / 361
Mg Rocklin Mgmt Ca, LLC And Cogir Sl Pines, LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other CA independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 640 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Westminster Terrace

7571 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CA 92683
Overview of Westminster Terrace

Westminster Terrace offers assisted living and independent living in Westminster, California. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment, while independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care.

The two care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time and who may be able to remain at the community while moving to a different level of support. Westminster Terrace has 152 beds, with studios, one bedroom units, and semi private rooms for someone who wants a private space or prefers to share a room.

Carmen Galicia serves as the administrator. A Walk Score of 78 places the area in the very walkable range, so most errands can be completed on foot and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently.

Pets are allowed, so a resident may bring a pet to the community.

Contact Westminster Terrace

Overview of Brethren Hillcrest Homes

Brethren Hillcrest Homes offers independent living, residential care, assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing in La Verne, California. Independent living gives residents private living with community services and no daily care, while residential care and assisted living include help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and taking medication; memory care provides a secured setting with supervision, and skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Having several care levels in one community may suit a resident whose needs change over time, since moving to another level does not have to mean leaving the community or starting over socially. With 574 beds, the home is a larger community with more residents, staff, and usually more programming, and Keith Kasin serves as the administrator.

An 86 / 100 Walk Score means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby shops and services independently. A campus shuttle and trolley help residents get around the community, while dining includes private dining, fine dining, casual fare, and carry out; pets are allowed, and rehabilitation services, including short term rehab, are available.

Contact Brethren Hillcrest Homes

Overview of Westhaven Assisted Living

Westhaven Assisted Living offers assisted living, hospice care, independent living, and memory care in Orland, CA. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while the resident keeps their own living space. Independent living provides private living with community services for residents who do not need daily care, while memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Hospice care supports residents who need end of life care, and respite care provides a short stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. Having several care types in one community may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since changing care levels does not require leaving the community. Westhaven has 42 beds, which may suit someone who prefers a smaller community.

The starting price is $795. The area has a Walk Score of 77, meaning it is very walkable and most errands can be completed on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby shops or services independently. Aaron Elliott serves as the administrator.

Contact Westhaven Assisted Living

Overview of Cogir of Vallejo Hills

Breathe in the fresh air of Locust Drive, Vallejo, CA, with the eminent senior living community of Cogir of Vallejo Hills providing assisted living and independent living. The community features a wide array of well-designed floor plans, ensuring seniors’ utmost comfort and safety. Experience a hassle-free retirement with a kind and experienced team handling the mundane activities and household duties for seniors to enjoy every moment of their independence.

Cogir of Vallejo Hills fosters a warm and welcoming environment, conducting a wide range of energizing activities and engaging programs for seniors’ leisure and wellness. Indulge in healthy and tasty meals served to cater to dietary needs and tastes. With its serene campus surrounded by picturesque landscapes, seniors enjoy a wondrous retirement.

Contact Cogir of Vallejo Hills

Overview of Garden Court at Villa Santa Barbara

Operated by Ventas Santa Barbara Opco, LP and Capital Sr. Mgmt. 2, Garden Court at Villa Santa Barbara is a residential care community in downtown Santa Barbara, CA, that offers independent living, assisted living, and respite care. With a 126-bed capacity, the two-story community offers studio, alcove, and one-bedroom residences. It is currently operating at 74% occupancy, with 93 occupied beds, supporting a balance between personalized care and an active living environment.

A 24-hour care team and concierge are provided, along with medication management and incontinence care. Therapy is also available on-site, while transportation is scheduled for doctor appointments. The surrounding neighborhood has an excellent Walk Score of 94, allowing residents and visiting families to easily reach nearby shops, restaurants, galleries, and essential services on foot.

Recent state inspections identified opportunities to improve response times to resident needs and medication management, and the community has implemented corrective action plans to address these findings.

Contact Garden Court at Villa Santa Barbara

Overview of Atria El Camino Gardens

Located in Carmichael, California, Atria El Camino Gardens is an inviting senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Residents can get access to participate in the daily activities, and chef-prepared meals. The 24-hour staff takes care of cooking, housekeeping, maintenance, and local transportation, allowing seniors to focus on their passions and interests – whether it’s watching a movie in the theater, pampering themselves at the salon, or strolling through the gardens.

For those seeking adventure, the nearby Ancil Hoffman Park boasts a riverside golf course and nature center, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can also indulge in treats at Estelle Bakery and Pâtisserie. At Atria El Camino Gardens, residents have everything they need for a fulfilling and vibrant lifestyle, both within the community and right outside its doors.

Contact Atria El Camino Gardens

Overview of The Plaza at Westwood Senior Living

The Plaza at Westwood Senior Living provides assisted living and independent living in Los Angeles, California. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care.

Having both care levels can suit a resident whose needs may grow over time without requiring a move to another community. The community has 136 beds and offers studio suites, giving a resident a single private living space. A Walk Score of 89 out of 100 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Pets are allowed, enabling a resident to continue living with a pet after moving in. The Plaza at Westwood Senior Living is administered by Luz Emma Rose and operated by Sta Management.

Contact The Plaza At Westwood Senior Living

Overview of Atria Walnut Creek

Providing top-tier care and assistance, Atria Walnut Creek is an exceptional senior living community settling at Montego, Walnut Creek, CA, offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Resident chooses floor plans including studio and one-bedroom that best suit their preferred lifestyle. The community ensures comfort and safety with 24-hour personalized care and assistance from a team of dedicated and well-trained professionals.

Atria Walnut Creek is a vibrant community that ensures residents remain socially connected and physically and mentally active. With its signature Life Guidance, the community encourages its residents to live a fulfilling and happy life. The community serves multicultural meals and various meal options to cater to its residents’ dietary needs and preferences at different dining venues. Amenities include a movie theater, a game room, a library, a fitness center, a salon and spa, a courtyard, a sunlit patio, and walking paths.

Contact Atria Walnut Creek

Overview of Atria Willow Glen

Nestled in the heart of San Jose, California, Atria Willow Glen stands as the pinnacle of excellence. Offering a wide range of living options, including memory care apartments, assisted living apartments, and independent living floor plans, Atria Willow Glen caters to the unique needs and preferences of each resident.
Take a dip in the heated pools, enjoy a trip to the on-site barbershop, or unwind in the center media room.

Life at Atria Willow Glen is nothing short of amazing. With a calendar full of engaging activities, residents have endless opportunities to socialize, learn, and explore their passions. Delight in the culinary experience, as fresh seasonal ingredients are thoughtfully prepared to create delightful meals each day. The comprehensive emergency response plans ensure that the facility is meticulously maintained and provides a safe environment for all residents.

Contact Atria Willow Glen

Overview of The Pines, a Merrill Gardens Community

Situated in the scenic lands of West Ranch View Drive, Rocklin, CA, The Pines, a Merrill Gardens Community is an outstanding senior living community offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Maximize comfort and safety with the carefully designed and spacious studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences of The Pines, a Merrill Gardens Community. With a kind and dedicated team lending extra hands 24/7, the community ensures seniors’ unique needs and aspirations are well-cared for.

Create meaningful interactions with friends and hone your skills through fun activities for an enhanced quality of life. Have the finest dining experience with well-balanced meals catering to nutritional needs and preferences. The Pines, a Merrill Gardens Community strives to provide a haven for seniors who want to have the freedom to live as they prefer.

Contact The Pines, A Merrill Gardens Community

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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Independent Living in California at a glance

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: 168The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in California. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90
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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.