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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Overview of Brookdale Anaheim

Located in Anaheim, California, Brookdale Anaheim is an exceptional senior living community that provides memory care and assisted living. The community ensures round-the-clock care and assistance from a skilled and compassionate team. Brookdale Anaheim offers elegant and spacious apartments, including a studio, alcove, and one-bedroom apartment. With their B-Fit exercise program, residents enjoy a fun social exercise experience curated based on the latest research on senior fitness.

Brookdale Anaheim emphasizes the well-being of its residents, delivering the utmost care and assistance to its residents. Encouraging a warm and welcoming environment, the seniors enjoy activities and programs with other residents. The community offers personalized care plans and serves delicious and healthy meals to satisfy the resident’s dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include a library, a game room, a salon, a community room, a serene garden, and beautifully landscaped grounds.

Contact Brookdale Anaheim

Overview of Atria Sunnyvale

Atria Sunnyvale offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere that helps encourage a sense of community for the welfare of its residents in Santa Clara Valley. Their commitment to ensuring that an individual can feel independent while engaged is one of their utmost priorities for a balanced lifestyle. They emphasize independent living, assisted living, and memory care, ensuring that their residents are healthy and active. Atria Sunnyvale has provided a diverse and inclusive environment, offering a strong sense of community.

The vibrant lifestyle of all-inclusive amenities includes daily delicious and nutritious meals, weekly housekeeping and laundry services, daily fitness activities with their finest gym equipment, private apartments with an emergency call system, 24-hour resident nurse presence, and a cafe available.

Contact Atria Sunnyvale

WellQuest of Elk Grove

Sheldon Pacific, 8871 E Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95624
Overview of Wellquest of Elk Grove

Wellquest of Elk Grove provides a comfortable community for its assisted living with memory care and independent living housing options. The luxurious retirement home creates a lifestyle that aims to provide an enjoyable lifestyle that cultivates individuality and growth. In a community focused on a continuum of care, the senior living experience of its residents is enhanced through its innovative and technologically advanced person-centered approach.

WellQuest aims to modernize senior living by focusing on the convenience and comfort of senior wellness by designing a lifestyle that caters to their needs.  Luxury accommodations extend to personalized care plans, scheduled housekeeping, specialized memory care activities, and ADLs.

Contact WellQuest of Elk Grove

Overview of Westmont of Escondido

Beautifully set in Escondido, CA, Westmont of Escondido is a blissful senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. Designed to encourage independence and overall well-being, the community provides just the right amount of assistance to its residents. Compassionate and specialized care is provided by a specially-trained team to those living with memory loss, ensuring they are able to continue their desired lifestyle despite their condition.

The community’s convenient location offers easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, making it ideal for a vibrant retirement experience. Residents are also free to participate in the community’s wide array of activities and explore its amenities, including the heated pool, bistro, theater, and therapy services. At Westmont of Escondido, residents have access to various services, programs, and features that make their lives more enjoyable.

Contact Westmont of Escondido

Overview of Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood

Settled in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, CA, Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood is a thriving senior living community, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. The community provides inviting accommodations, ranging from studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Featuring their enriching memory care programs, the community ensures residents in various stages of memory loss are given the right care and support with dynamic programming and mental training.

At Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood, residents are invested in and catered to with a professionally managed fitness center offering on-site therapy services, a licensed nurse and well-trained team on-site 24/7. Residents also enjoy carefully crafted menus featuring fresh ingredients and homestyle meals. With planned social activities, a wide array of amenities, and a compassionate care team, the community guarantees residents a thrilling retirement experience.

Contact Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood

Overview of Belmont Village Senior Living Sabre Springs

Overlooking the beautiful views of the valleys and foothills of North County, Belmont Village Senior Living Sabre Springs is a blissful senior living community in San Diego, CA, offering independent living, assisted living and memory care. Here, residents enjoy inviting living spaces with a variety of floor plans to choose from, including studios and one-bedroom floor plans. A licensed nurse and well-trained team on-site 24/7 helps residents keep their peace of mind, knowing that assistance is available whenever they need it.

Dedicated to providing its residents everything they need to thrive holistically, the community offers a professionally managed fitness center with on-site therapy services, researched-backed memory care program, and a vibrant social activity calendar. Residents stay nourished with chef-prepared meals based on their dietary preferences and needs. Amenities include a swimming pool, putting green, walking paths, a bistro, salon services, and Wi-Fi access, ensuring residents will never run out of things to do.

Contact Belmont Village Senior Living Sabre Springs

Overview of Belmont Village Senior Living Cardiff by the Sea

Belmont Village Cardiff by the Sea is a trusted senior living community set in Manchester Avenue, Cardiff by the Sea, CA, providing assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Take in the picturesque scenery with elegant and spacious residences with a wide array of floor plans including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. The community is committed to delivering top-tier care, adapting to seniors’ ever-changing needs, and supporting them throughout their journey.

With its spot near mesmerizing attractions and convenient amenities, seniors are given the time to explore with friends and ensure their needs are within a few steps away. The community strives to meet seniors’ dietary needs and cater to their tastes with healthy and delicious meals. With its scenic campus surrounded by an inviting community and breathtaking amenities, Belmont Village Cardiff by the Sea is a haven for seniors to spend wondrous golden years.

Contact Belmont Village Senior Living Cardiff by the Sea

Walnut Village in Anaheim

891 S Walnut St, Anaheim, CA 92802
Overview of Walnut Village in Anaheim

Situated in the charming neighborhood of South Walnut Street, Anaheim, CA, Walnut Village is an extraordinary senior living community providing assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community features specially designed and cozy residences in variations of one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans for seniors to enjoy comfort and security like no other. With its commitment to easing seniors’ worries, Walnut Village takes pride in a team of compassionate and well-trained professionals handling maintenance, housekeeping, and other household responsibilities.

Make the most out of your day with fun activities and enjoyable programs highlighting your interests and strengths. The community utilizes innovative technologies and holistic approaches to ensure individuals with dementia receive the right care and assistance. Walnut Village promotes a bright and friendly environment for seniors to spend their golden years happily.

Contact Walnut Village in Anaheim

Overview of Eskaton Village Grass Valley

Nestled in the scenic town of Grass Valley, CA, Eskaton Village Grass Valley provides a premier senior living experience within a vibrant 42-acre community. Residents can choose from a range of independent living, assisted living, and memory care options, with thoughtfully designed floor plans tailored to their lifestyles. With a dedicated team available around the clock, Eskaton Village fosters a supportive environment where residents can stay active, secure, and fully at ease.

The community offers amenities that promote both wellness and enjoyment, including a fitness center with a heated indoor pool, a full-service beauty salon, and two libraries. Residents can savor nutritious, chef-prepared meals in a welcoming dining space and enjoy a variety of recreational and social outings. At Eskaton Village, each day brings opportunities for connection, comfort, and peace of mind in a warm and engaging community.

Contact Eskaton Village Grass Valley

Overview of The Variel of Woodland Hills

Live your golden years within the esteemed senior living community of The Variel of Woodland Hills on Variel Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA, that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community features aesthetically pleasing and snug residences in various one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring seniors experience a relaxed and secure environment. A competent and highly qualified team goes above and beyond to provide the care and support that best matches seniors’ needs and aspirations.

Dedicated to enhancing seniors’ quality of life, the community conducts a wide array of engaging activities and enjoyable programs. Indulge in well-balanced meals with fellow residents to meet dietary requirements and tastes. Enjoy a glorious retirement at The Variel of Woodland Hills with its luxurious spaces and incredible amenities.

Contact The Variel of Woodland Hills

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.