Other senior care options in California:

Page 17 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 The Plaza at Westwood Senior Living

Operating for five years, The Plaza at Westwood Senior Living is a three-story assisted living community operated by Sta Management Inc in Westwood, Los Angeles. It offers studio suite housing and has 136 total beds, currently at 46 percent occupancy.

Situated on Westwood Boulevard in a highly walkable neighborhood where most errands can be finished on foot, the home sits convenient to shopping, services, and public transit. Pets are welcome, and the facility supports various pet companions.

Since opening, the community has undergone regular state inspections that the California Department of Social Services oversees. Inspections have flagged periodic concerns: environmental safety and administrative compliance, including proper water temperature maintenance and timely incident documentation. A recent investigation into resident care allegations found no substantiated deficiencies, mirroring the home’s responsiveness to oversight feedback.

Touring in person and speaking with staff will give you a clear sense of the daily culture, staffing approach, available services, activities, and dining options. That hands-on visit is invaluable when assessing fit for a loved one.

Contact The Plaza At Westwood Senior Living

Overview of Sierra Vista Independent & Assisted Living

Operated by Sierra Vista ALF LLC, Sierra Vista Independent and Assisted Living is a senior living community in Victorville, California, in San Bernardino County. Kimberly Mejia serves as the administrator. The community offers assisted living, independent living, and respite care, so residents can receive different levels of support without moving if their needs change. Housing includes one-bedroom apartments and larger suite-style units.

The 99-bed community has served residents for about 1 year, making it one of the newer senior living communities in the Victorville area. About half of the beds are currently occupied, which may provide greater availability for families looking for immediate placement.

State inspections by the California Department of Social Services have generally found the community in good standing. One inspection noted administrative items involving staff health screening and food handler training records. Other inspections found the community clean, safe, and fully compliant with no deficiencies. Overall, the inspection history does not suggest concerns with daily resident care.

The neighborhood is somewhat walkable. A few nearby shops and services can be reached on foot, while most errands and outings require a car. Families looking for a community close to medical offices and shopping may find the location convenient.

Families interested in Sierra Vista Independent and Assisted Living should ask about current room availability and how resident programs have developed since the community opened.

Contact Sierra Vista Independent & Assisted Living

Overview of Sparr Heights Estates Senior Living

Residing in the harmonious neighborhood of Honolulu Avenue, Montrose, CA, Sparr Heights Estates Senior Living is an extraordinary senior living community that provides assisted living, memory care, and respite care. The community features sophisticated and purposely built studio and one-bedroom floor plans, ensuring seniors experience comfort and convenience at its finest. A reliable and highly skilled team strives to deliver top-tier care and support to meet seniors’ special needs and aspirations.

Meet new friends and participate in engaging activities and exciting programs for leisure and wellness. With its commitment to seniors’ well-being, the community serves delightful and well-balanced meals for dietary satisfaction. Sparr Heights Estates Senior Living fosters a warm and inviting environment for seniors to thrive and live their best lives within its wonderful premises.

Contact Sparr Heights Estates Senior Living

Overview of The Point at Rockridge Senior Living

The Point at Rockridge Senior Living is an award-winning senior living community in Oakland, CA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community offers distinctive floor plans, including studio and one-bedroom options each with a kitchenette and refrigerator. Emergency call systems and a dedicated team is available 24/7 to provide support and assistance should residents need it.

Recognized as a Best Assisted Living community by the U.S. news and World Report, the community proves its excellence in providing unparalleled care and senior living services. With services like weekly housekeeping and concierge services, residents enjoy utmost convenience and peace of mind. A wide array of beautiful amenities, such as elegant private dining rooms, fitness center, salon, cozy common areas, fitness center, and restaurant-style dining, add to the charm and advantage of living in The Point at Rockridge Senior Living.

Contact The Point at Rockridge Senior Living

Cottages at Riverside

6280 Clay St, Riverside, CA 92509
Overview of Cottages at Riverside

Tailored to provide help with daily living needs, Cottages at Riverside is a 110-bed residential senior living community in California. It offers a moderately walkable location where some errands can be done on foot, making it convenient for residents with partial independence in their mobility.

The home spotlights personalized care via its 24-hour staffing and nursing services, complemented by rehabilitation and respite care options. A full-time activity director coordinates engaging activities tailored to individual interests and needs, ensuring residents spend their time purposefully. Financial planning support exists to help residents manage their resources and long-term care decisions. Daily life centers around chef-prepared meals served in an inviting dining room, with an in-room dining option available. The community welcomes pets, recognizing that companionship is crucial to many occupants’ well-being. To support overall wellness, amenities include a full-service salon and spa, fitness classes, and routine health assessments. Transportation services help residents attend appointments and social outings, while weekly housekeeping and a concierge team handle practical daily needs. From 24-hour emergency maintenance to volunteer programs that build opportunities for community engagement, the property is focused on comfort and accessibility.

Whether occupants seek short-term respite, rehabilitation post-hospital stay, or active assisted living, Cottages at Riverside delivers comprehensive support in a community-oriented setting.

Contact Cottages at Riverside

Overview of Cogir of Vacaville

Cogir of Vacaville is a gorgeous senior living community in Vacaville, California, offering independent living and assisted living experiences where every day feels like a vacation. Featuring various floor plans, including a studio and 1 and 2-bedroom apartments, residents experience a hospitable environment that gives them freedom and flexibility to do things however they want. With their Cadence Life Enrichment Programs, Cogir of Vacaville provides a vibrant, autonomous lifestyle experience that elevates the well-being and all aspects of the life of its residents.

As a devoted senior living community, Cogir of Vacaville celebrates its residents’ individuality through its hotel-inspired amenities and award-winning services to complement the way of life they choose. Residents can access salons, barbershops, activity rooms, libraries, personalized care, and engaging programs. Meaningful relationships are built in the community because the team genuinely provides excellent care that enriches the lives of seniors. Whether you’re looking for new experiences or dreaming of spending your years relaxing in a lush courtyard, Cogir of Vacaville will help you achieve the lifestyle your heart desires.

Contact Cogir of Vacaville

Overview of Pasadena Highlands

Pasadena Highlands is a luxurious retirement community in Pasadena, CA, that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Featuring thoughtfully furnished and upscale amenities, the community ensures older adults can feel at home during their stay. Nutritious meals, maintenance services, and scheduled transportation are also provided to improve residents’ quality of life. Understanding residents’ needs and habits, the community provides personalized care plans. 

Social events, exercises, and a variety of recreational opportunities ensure residents can live actively and make friends. Spacious outdoors and cozy rooms are also available for residents’ relaxation. Set in the lively residential area of Pasadena, near bus stops and restaurants, the community is easily accessible for families and visitors. This retirement community has a wide range of care options, making it one of the best choices for senior living in California. 

Contact Pasadena Highlands

Meridian at Chino

11918 Central Ave, Chino, CA 91710
Overview of Meridian at Chino

Serving older adults in Chino, California, Meridian at Chino is a senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care. The 156-bed community has operated for 6 years. Its current occupancy is about 77%.

The community is operated by HSRE Pacifica Hillsborough TRS LLC and Hillsborough. Isabel Enriquez serves as the administrator.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 73, which is very walkable. Most everyday errands can be completed on foot, and many shops and services are close by. This can be convenient for family members who want to visit and do some errands in the area.

Having independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care in one community gives families flexibility as care needs change over time. Respite care also provides a short-term option for families who want to try the community or need temporary support while a caregiver is away.

Contact Meridian at Chino

Overview of Villa Scalabrini Retirement Center

Fathers of St. operates Villa Scalabrini Retirement Center, a 130-bed nursing and senior living property owned by Ardeshir Afshar in Sun Valley, California. The location runs at roughly 56 percent occupancy, leaving several open units across its three specialized residential hubs: the Safe Care Center, La Piazza, and the Special Care Unit. Stays average about 18 months, indicating a steady population of intermediate and long-term residents who cover their housing fees using private funds, traditional Medicare, or state Medicaid.

Residents receive roughly 4 hours and 11 minutes of direct, hands-on attention every day from an on-site team of nurses and aides. This round-the-clock staffing handles physical rehabilitation programs, runs specialized respite care, and coordinates a social schedule complete with an on-site library, barber services, and fresh meals prepared daily by a chef. The surrounding neighborhood is car-dependent, so visiting families will generally need to drive when coming to the property or taking residents out.

Prospective residents can check out the floor plans and request info on open rooms by calling the front office, where they can also ask about specialized memory care placements or pick a day to visit the grounds. This admissions desk can provide the latest reports from government health inspectors, who check the property through routine compliance reviews to verify that medical logs and building safety records meet code requirements.

Contact Villa Scalabrini Retirement Center

Overview of Camarillo Senior Living

Camarillo Senior Living is a highly regarded retirement community in Camarillo, CA, that offers a wide range of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. The community’s compassionate and welcoming environment also aims to provide older adults with a home away from home. Personalized meal plans, medication management, and weekly housekeeping also help residents maintain their independence. Through personalized care plans, residents also receive the utmost attention and care for their unique needs.

Card games, holiday parties, and weekly outings are just some of the activities dedicated to residents’ leisure and wellness. A bistro, spacious outdoor courtyards, and a library are also available, so residents can rest and connect with friends. Set in the peaceful residential area of Camarillo, the community guarantees a stress-free retirement. As one of the best options for senior living in California, this retirement community ensures older adults can age comfortably.

Contact Camarillo Senior Living

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.