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 The Kensington

The Kensington is a senior living community in Walnut Creek, California. The community offers Assisted Living and Memory Care in a friendly environment where residents and associates enjoy being served and serving others. Their philosophy and approach for safety and security, trust and transparency, and five-star service delivery have always been their top priorities. Aging in place is essential to residents and their families. The Kensington allows senior residents to find The Art of Living Well® balance that’s right for them.

Kensington’s primary goal is to preserve dignity and enable residents to be as independent as they can safely manage. The community features an open-concept dining room that is bright and airy, with abundant natural light and beautiful architectural details. The talented culinary team shares the commitment to providing residents with a one-of-a-kind dining experience while ensuring they are healthy and made to the highest of standards.

Contact The Kensington

Overview of The Watermark at Napa Valley

The Watermark at Napa Valley stands as an exquisite oasis of luxurious senior living amidst the renowned beauty of Napa, California. This esteemed community offers a spectrum of upscale living options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, ensuring a tailored approach to meet the diverse needs of residents.

The team of caregivers and staff fosters an environment where residents flourish through personalized care and a rich array of cultural, wellness, and social programs. From wine tastings to educational seminars and artistic pursuits, residents indulge in experiences that nurture the mind, body, and spirit, fostering connections and a sense of camaraderie.

Contact The Watermark at Napa Valley

Overview of Morningstar Senior Living of Mission Viejo

A proud MorningStar Senior Living Group member, Morningstar Senior Living of Mission Viejo provides exceptional assisted living and memory care services tailored to each individual’s needs. The community prides itself on providing the best services, striving to be the city’s top-ranked assisted living place. Residents of Morningstar Senior Living of Mission Viejo can rest assured that they can feel like a home away from home.

An elegant community built on its contemporary design and styling, allowing for a more luxurious environment while providing resort-like services: elegant designs and upscale amenities such as its dining room, brightly-lit lounge areas, spacious apartments, courtyard, and arts and crafts studio. MorningStar promotes a stress-free lifestyle for their residents, providing essential services– housekeeping, social and recreational events, and transportation events. Management encourages residents to participate in activities and maximize the amenities to socialize and promote a warm and welcoming environment.

Contact MorningStar Senior Living of Mission Viejo

Overview of Quail Park at Shannon Ranch

Quail Park at Shannon Ranch, located in Visalia, CA, is a senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services to its residents. Their professional and attentive staff provides residents in need of assisted living professional assistance that is readily available 24/7. Additionally, part of their care services include medication management, and health monitoring to keep the residents personalized care service plans up to date.

Quail Park at Shannon ranch also offers a rich array of luxury amenities aimed to enhance the residents’ living experience. Such amenities include  their sports den, centennial theater, as well as beauty salon. They also offer fitness programs in their fitness centers, promoting the residents overall well being and enhancing mobility.

Contact Quail Park at Shannon Ranch

Overview of Harrison Villa of Mt. San Antonio Gardens

Harrison Villa, located inside Mt San Antonio Gardens’ campus in Pomona, CA, is a senior living community that offers assisted living services for residents in need of high-acuity care. Harrison Villa is modeled on the groundbreaking Green House® concept to create an authentic, caring home environment for residents to thrive in. The residents are provided individualized care and support, especially for activities of daily living.

Harrison Villa residents are not only provided quality healthcare, they also offer a variety of amenities designed to enhance their daily life. Such includes carefully prepared meals, indoor and outdoor common space for relaxation and socialization, and regular activities that promote the residents overall well being.

Contact Harrison Villa of Mt. San Antonio Gardens

O‘Connor Woods

3400 Wagner Heights Rd, Stockton, CA 95209
Overview of O‘connor Woods

Situated in the vibrant Stockton, CA, O’Connor Woods provides a safe and supportive environment where independence and personal choice are celebrated. Their mission centers on providing holistic care that enriches the lives of residents, addressing their diverse needs and preferences through independent living and assisted living. Compassion, respect, and dignity guide their approach to senior living, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported.

O’Connor Woods boasts resort-style amenities, including restaurant-style dining with locally sourced cuisine and social engagement opportunities. With pet-friendly residences and 24-hour staffing, residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle while receiving constant support. The community offers innovative educational, cultural, and social programs alongside spiritual care options, promoting overall well-being. Additionally, top-notch exercise classes and personalized assistance with daily activities ensure residents lead fulfilling lives tailored to their unique needs and desires through excellent assisted living.

Contact O‘Connor Woods

Bay Towers at Bixby Knolls

3737 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807
Overview of Bay Towers at Bixby Knolls

Bixby Towers at Bixby Knolls is ranked one of Long Beach’s best retirement communities, entrusted by many to have their loved ones or themselves live in. The active adult apartment-style environment offers independent living and assisted living services, allowing residents to feel like family and feel comfortable thriving in a community that puts their needs first. At Bixby Knolls, individuals are guaranteed an individualized approach to care that helps create a rich and fulfilling lifestyle.

The active adult community is built on the seamless blend of independence and support, allowing its residents to take advantage of the wonderful Southern California living offered by its luxurious community features. These include an expansive courtyard, hotel-like apartments with breathtaking views, 24-hour care with an emergency call system, a grand restaurant-style dining room, a private dining room, a library, a wellness center, a patio, and an outdoor grill.

Contact Bay Towers at Bixby Knolls

Overview of Oakmont of East Sacramento

Embrace the essence of an extraordinary senior living community where life’s joys only continue to flourish. Oakmont of East Sacramento is an exquisite luxury retirement community, offering a plethora of on-site amenities to its residents. Located in Sacramento, California, this assisted living community offers a dedicated wellness center and a full-time nurse to attend to their daily needs. Their compassionate and experienced team is available 24/7, ensuring personalized services tailored to each senior resident’s unique requirements.

Their assisted living apartment homes stand out as some of the industry’s most spacious, ranging from cozy studios to generous two-bedroom units. Conveniently located close to shopping, fine dining, and entertainment options, Oakmont of East Sacramento offers an active lifestyle that residents cherish. Within the community, friends and neighbors bond over various amenities, such as the invigorating spa, private movie theater, refreshing swimming pool, and well-maintained grounds. Should the need arise, Oakmont also offers assisted living services on the same campus, ensuring a smooth transition if additional care becomes necessary. 

Contact Oakmont of East Sacramento

Fresno Senior Living

1715 E Alluvial Ave, Fresno, CA 93720
Overview of Fresno Senior Living

Fresno Senior Living is an independent living, assisted living, and memory care home with an exquisite environment guaranteed to make residents feel welcome in their friendly atmosphere. Whatever you seek, the community is ready to help and deliver it. Fresno Senior Living is an elegant community that ensures the highest level of trust and dedication of the staff, providing quality care and service to every resident– which families have recognized time and time again. 

Fresno Senior Living’s lifestyle is centered on the comfort and flexibility of its residents; through residential assisted living amenities and services such as housekeeping, laundry, social events, recreational activities, fitness classes, medication management, and transportation. The senior living community provides a life of amenities and services that creates a comfortable and secure environment for residents.

Contact Fresno Senior Living

Atria Hillcrest

405 Hodencamp Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Overview of Atria Hillcrest

Overlooking the beautiful scenery located on Hodencamp Road, Thousand Oaks, CA, Atria Hillcrest is an idyllic senior living community offering various care options including assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community features cozy and warm floor plans including a studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and shared suite. With a team of dedicated and highly skilled professionals, Atria Hillcrest delivers round-the-clock care and assistance.

Atria Hillcrest is a serene senior living community that provides safe and comfortable accommodations to its residents. Here, they ensure the quality of life of the seniors through the community’s exclusive Engage Life program which allows the seniors to participate in tai chi, discussions of current events, and enjoy the company of other residents. Healthy meals are provided three times every day in the bistro or private dining rooms. Basking in the serenity of the community, Atria Hillcrest ensures relaxing and secure residences.

Contact Atria Hillcrest

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.