Page 18 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. 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. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
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.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
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.
Lantern Crest
IL
AL
MC
Santee
180
Facility 180
CA AVG 168
Rank #118 / 409
Yes
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 59
Rank #596 / 638
A16
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #153 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
14
Facility 14
CA AVG 15
Rank #159 / 402
76.7%
Facility 76.7%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #146 / 361
-Santee Snr Ret I LLC(Owner)/Lcm, LLC (Mngt)-
Merrill Gardens at Rockridge
IL
AL
MC
Oakland (Shafter)
150
Facility 150
CA AVG 168
Rank #178 / 409
Yes
96
Facility 96
CA AVG 59
Rank #15 / 638
B+33
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 13
Rank #258 / 391
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #239 / 398
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 15
Rank #265 / 402
89.3%
Facility 89.3%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #50 / 361
-Shi-III Mg Rockridge Gp LLC And Merrill Gardens LLC-
Westmont of Chico-The Inn at the Terraces
IL
AL
MC
Chico
99
Facility 99
CA AVG 168
Rank #296 / 409
Yes
97
Facility 97
CA AVG 59
Rank #13 / 638
A-24
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #87 / 391
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 3
Rank #302 / 398
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 15
Rank #225 / 402
79.8%
Facility 79.8%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #118 / 361
-Inn Operations, LP, The And Westmont Living, Inc-
Truewood by Merrill, Oceanside
IL
AL
MC
Oceanside
175
Facility 175
CA AVG 168
Rank #129 / 409
Yes
68
Facility 68
CA AVG 59
Rank #267 / 638
A-12
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #124 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 15
Rank #387 / 402
65.7%
Facility 65.7%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #243 / 361
-Everest Oceanside Blessing Star, LLC And Everest Sr. L-
Cottages at Hemet
IL
AL
MC
RC
Hemet
110
Facility 110
CA AVG 168
Rank #270 / 409
No
61
Facility 61
CA AVG 59
Rank #319 / 638
B-50
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 13
Rank #349 / 391
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #239 / 398
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 15
Rank #66 / 402
71.8%
Facility 71.8%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #193 / 361
A+Pacifica Sl Hemet LLC And Hemet Mgr LLCStudio / 1 Bed
Cogir of Stock Ranch
IL
AL
Citrus Heights
99
Facility 99
CA AVG 168
Rank #296 / 409
Yes
70
Facility 70
CA AVG 59
Rank #242 / 638
B32
23
Facility 23
CA AVG 13
Rank #322 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 15
Rank #240 / 402
63.6%
Facility 63.6%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #256 / 361
A-Welltower Cogir Tenant LLC And Cogir Mgt Usa IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Revel Folsom
IL
Folsom
60
Facility 60
CA AVG 168
Rank #355 / 409
Yes
20
Facility 20
CA AVG 59
Rank #578 / 638
B-19
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #210 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 15
Rank #291 / 402
80.0%
Facility 80.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #114 / 361
A+The Wolff CompanyStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Atria Santa Clarita
IL
AL
MC
RC
Santa Clarita (Newhall)
160
Facility 160
CA AVG 168
Rank #154 / 409
Yes
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 59
Rank #196 / 638
B-38
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #341 / 391
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 3
Rank #359 / 398
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 15
Rank #192 / 402
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #1 / 361
-Arhc Svsclsa01 Trs LLC And Atria Management Co LLCStudio / Suite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Chateau III
IL
AL
MC
Pleasant Hill
175
Facility 175
CA AVG 168
Rank #129 / 409
No
54
Facility 54
CA AVG 59
Rank #392 / 638
B+16
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #153 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
29
Facility 29
CA AVG 15
Rank #60 / 402
79.4%
Facility 79.4%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #120 / 361
-Carlton Senior Living, LLC-
The Variel of Woodland Hills
IL
AL
MC
Woodland Hills
436
Facility 436
CA AVG 168
Rank #22 / 409
No
60
Facility 60
CA AVG 59
Rank #334 / 638
C47
27
Facility 27
CA AVG 13
Rank #336 / 391
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 3
Rank #366 / 398
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 15
Rank #291 / 402
85.8%
Facility 85.8%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #70 / 361
A+Sblp Warner Center Opco, LLC And Momentum Senior LivingStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Penthouse

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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Overview of Lantern Crest

Lantern Crest offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Santee, CA. Independent living provides a private home with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with dressing, bathing, and medication management. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for a resident who may be at risk of wandering.

Having all three care levels in one community may make Lantern Crest a good fit for a resident whose needs may grow over time. A move to another level can happen without leaving the community. Respite care is also available for short stays when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

Lantern Crest opened in 2013, and Liz Najera serves as its administrator. With 180 beds, the community is among the larger ones, with more residents, staff, and programming.

Residents can use the heated outdoor swimming pool, gardens, putting greens, indoor and outdoor fitness areas, salon and spa, movie theatre, game room, library, and on-site restaurant. Pets are allowed, so residents can keep a pet with them.

Contact Lantern Crest

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 Westmont of Chico-The Inn at the Terraces

Westmont of Chico, The Inn at the Terraces offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Chico, California. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and taking medication while the resident keeps an apartment. Independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

The community has 99 beds, and having all three care levels in one place may suit a resident whose needs grow over time because moving to another level does not require leaving the community. A Walk Score of 97 out of 100 places the area in the walker’s paradise band, so daily errands do not require a car and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Pets are allowed, and Cliff Keene serves as the administrator.

Contact Westmont of Chico-The Inn at the Terraces

Overview of Truewood by Merrill, Oceanside

Truewood by Merrill, Oceanside is an assisted living, independent living, and memory care community situated at 3500 Lake Boulevard in Oceanside, California. Operated by Everest Oceanside Blessing Star LLC with Ferlina McBride as administrator, the three-story building provides a continuum of care within a half-mile of Tri-City Medical Center.

The campus holds 175 beds and offers apartment-style housing. Its daily services include personalized care plans, medication management, light housekeeping, and laundry. Residents have access to paved garden pathways, physical fitness classes, and scheduled local transportation.

The pet-friendly property features a dedicated memory support wing known as the Garden House. The surrounding neighborhood carries a walk score of 68, indicating a moderately walkable layout where some basic destinations are accessible on foot.

Interested individuals can reach out to the Lake Boulevard community office to arrange a tour or inquire about current apartment pricing.

Contact Truewood by Merrill, Oceanside

Cottages at Hemet

1177 S Palm Ave, Hemet, CA 92543
Overview of Cottages at Hemet

Offering a blend of residential care tiers for seniors with varying support needs, Cottages at Hemet is a nursing home and assisted living community administered by Barbara Bogoje in Hemet, California. The 110-bed community provides assisted living, memory care, and respite care services, each tailored to meet residents at their current care stage.

To support daily living activities, the home operates 24/7 with consistent staffing. Daily life centers on chef-prepared meals, housekeeping services, and a calendar of engaging activities designed to keep residents connected and active. The community creates a warm, neighborly atmosphere where residents maintain their preferred independence. For families managing financial logistics, the facility offers on-site financial planning support to help navigate insurance, Medicaid options, and payment considerations. Respite care exists for those needing temporary residential support while convalescing from a hospital stay or managing a momentary need. The neighborhood scores 62 for walkability. This means some errands can be done on foot, while most trips require a car.

The setting fits residents and families who cherish a quieter, residential feel instead of a high-traffic commercial area.

Contact Cottages at Hemet

Cogir of Stock Ranch

7418 Stock Ranch Rd, Citrus Heights, CA 95621
Overview of Cogir of Stock Ranch

A respected senior living community tucked in the peaceful grounds of Stack Ranch Road, Citrus Heights, CA, providing assisted living and independent living. The community features newly refurbished accommodations including studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, providing seniors with better comfort and safety than before. With a kind and compassionate team tending to seniors’ needs and aspirations, the community promises exceptional care and assistance for seniors to flourish and reach their full potential.

Boredom has no place in the community with a wide array of fun activities and engaging events orchestrated for seniors’ enjoyment and wellness. The community serves healthy and delicious meals, striving to meet residents’ dietary needs and tastes. With its tranquil campus filled with fabulous amenities and kindhearted community, Cogir of Stock Ranch is a good place for seniors looking for an actively engaged lifestyle accompanied by unparalleled care and support.

Contact Cogir of Stock Ranch

Overview of Revel Folsom

Revel Folsom is a blissful community in the peaceful residential area of Iron Point Road, Folsom, CA, offering independent living. Thoughtfully designed and sophisticated one- and two-bedroom accommodations are provided to optimize residents’ comfort and safety. Residents also enjoy a worry-free lifestyle, with the community’s weekly housekeeping and round-the-clock concierge services.

Residents maintain independence while having plenty of opportunities for social interactions with the community’s enriching programs and fun activities. With delightful and healthy meals catering to their dietary needs, residents have a satisfactory dining experience. The community strives to provide the highest quality of life for those looking to live independently in their golden years.

Contact Revel Folsom

Overview of Atria Santa Clarita

A classic senior living community settling in Lyons Avenue, Santa Clarita, CA, Atria Santa Clarita provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Relax in the variety of spacious floor plans including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes and walk-in showers. With personalized 24-hour care and assistance from a kind and compassionate team of professionals, residents experience a worry-free and relaxing lifestyle.

Atria Santa Clarita fosters a bright and friendly environment, providing its residents with opportunities to enhance their physical, mental, emotional, and social welfare. Through its signature Life Guidance program, memory care residents enjoy a meaningful and joyful life. Catering to its residents’ dietary needs and preferences, the community serves three chef-prepared healthy meals daily. With wonderful amenities such as a library, a movie theater, a fitness center, a salon, a game room, a beautiful resident garden, an aesthetically landscaped courtyard, and walking paths, residents enjoy a better quality of life.

Contact Atria Santa Clarita

Chateau III

175 Cleaveland Road, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Overview of Chateau III

Chateau III provides assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Pleasant Hill, California. Independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care. Assisted living adds help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while the resident keeps an apartment. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, and the three care levels can support a resident whose needs grow over time without leaving the community.

With 175 beds, Chateau III is a larger community with more residents, staff, and typically more programming. A garden gives residents outdoor space, while the pool provides an on site place for swimming. The community may be a good fit for someone who wants access to multiple care levels in one setting.

The area has a Walk Score of 54, described as somewhat walkable. Some errands can be done on foot, and a resident who no longer drives may have nearby destinations available without a ride. Chateau III opened in 1805, is administered by Tracey Ingleman, and is operated by Carlton Senior Living.

Contact Chateau III

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
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.