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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Avocet Playa Vista

12490 W Fielding Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90094
Overview of Avocet Playa Vista

Create unforgettable moments at Avocet Playa Vista, an idyllic retreat in Los Angeles, CA, that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Featuring beautifully furnished and secure one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Residents also receive top-tier care tailored to their unique needs from a kind and highly skilled team available around the clock.

A thoughtfully curated calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Delicious and healthy meals are also served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. With its extensive amenities and dedicated services, the community creates the ideal setting where residents can thrive in retirement.

Contact Avocet Playa Vista

Aldersly

326 Mission Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901
Overview of Aldersly

Have the finest retirement experience at Aldersly Retirement Community, an exceptional community in San Rafael, CA, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and extended care. Alongside beautifully furnished and cozy studio and one-bedroom floor plans, housekeeping and linen services are also provided to ensure residents can feel at ease during their stay. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with a compassionate and well-trained team providing top-notch care around the clock.

To enhance residents’ cognition and living experiences, fun recreational activities and stimulating programs are conducted. Mealtimes foster comfort and satisfy dietary needs with delicious and healthy dining options served three times daily. Amenities include an on-site salon, a library, a greenhouse, safety features, a fitness studio, and a beautifully maintained garden, creating the ideal setting for residents to thrive in their golden years.

Contact Aldersly

Overview of Cogir of South Bay

Nestled in the serene Hawthorne Boulevard, Torrance, CA, is an exceptional senior living community, Cogir of South Bay provides assisted living and independent living. The community features a variety of intricate and spacious floor plans, promising seniors a comfortable and secure retirement. Spend your golden years experiencing new things and doing what you love the most with a compassionate and experienced team handling the mundane chores and maintenance for you.

Nogir of South Bay doubles its efforts in empowering seniors to live actively and blissfully, conducting different energizing activities and enjoyable programs. With its dedication to seniors’ well-being, the community serves healthy and delicious meals catering to their dietary requirements and tastes. With its tranquil spaces and state-of-the-art amenities, seniors experience unmatched sophistication and safety in Cogir of South Bay.

Contact Cogir of South Bay

Overview of Cedar Crest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Overlooking the peaceful neighborhood of Sunnyvale, CA, Cedar Crest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a respected senior living community that offers excellent skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. The community aims to help residents maintain their functional independence by offering an array of services, including daily living assistance, therapy services, and behavioral health programs for those living with mental health disorders. Residents here enjoy cozy and safe accommodations with easy access to care services and amenities.

In addition to individualized care plans, residents are also offered meaningful activity programs for their enrichment and entertainment. Three meals and snacks throughout the day are available to make sure residents’ nutritional needs and cravings are satisfied. A multitude of amenities are also available to ensure residents enjoy utmost comfort and convenience during their stay.

Contact Cedar Crest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Overview of The Vineyards – California Armenian Home

Offering a continuum of care, the blissful senior living community of The Vineyards – California Armenian Home in Fresno County, Fresno, CA, empowers seniors to successfully age in place with access to care needs even as their needs change. The community offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, designed to accommodate various lifestyle needs and provide excellent care. Choose from an array of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, and move into a residence that perfectly matches your lifestyle needs.

The community features a hardworking team, available 24/7 to provide compassionate, efficient, and professional care and support to every resident. Residents are empowered to continue learning, growing and living life to its fullest with a plethora of activities, including gardening, Tai Chi lessons, cooking classes, and exercise sessions. Another highlight of living in the community is their exceptional dining with meals inspired by the freshest locally sourced ingredients, grown right within the community.

Contact The Vineyards – California Armenian Home

Overview of The Watermark at San Jose

Located in the scenic Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA, the Watermark at Almaden is an idyllic senior living community offering a wide array of living options. These include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and short-term stays. Featuring spacious and elegant floor plans including private and shared studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, the community provides a cozy residence for seniors. A comfortable and safe residence for seniors to experience an accepting and worry-free environment.

The Watermark at Almaden prepares three carefully chef-curated meals every day to satisfy its’ residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Moreover, the community ensures the residents enjoy an active lifestyle and learning through their acclaimed Watermark University. Amenities include an outdoor pool and hot tub, a movie theater, a fitness center, a spacious art studio, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Valuing the importance of pets, the community provides a pet-friendly environment.

Contact The Watermark at San Jose

Overview of Spring Lake Village

Spring Lake Village is a natural retreat and life plan community in the vibrant setting of Santa Rosa, CA, embodying the essence of a beautiful place to call home. Rooted in the values of active living and positive aging, the community nestled in beautiful Sonoma County offers a dynamic lifestyle surrounded by parks, vineyards, and the tranquility of Santa Rosa Creek. Residents appreciate the diverse array of activities, classes, and intellectual pursuits, fostering a sense of community engagement since 2014.

The community boasts a range of amenities and facilities, creating an enriching environment for residents. From the expansive fitness center, indoor pool, and art studios to the theatre, library, and Creekside Lounge, Spring Lake Village offers a comprehensive array of spaces for residents to explore and enjoy. The commitment to well-being extends to services that cater to varying healthcare needs, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, memory care, and outpatient rehabilitation. The dining experience is a delight, featuring locally sourced meals served in friendly dining rooms or the Village Bistro, accommodating special diets, and offering personalized nutrition consultation. With an award-winning wellness program encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual fitness, Spring Lake Village ensures residents have abundant opportunities for holistic well-being.

Contact Spring Lake Village

Overview of Casa De Mañana

Perched above the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla, California, Casa De Mañana unfolds as a breathtaking retirement community that embraces its residents in the sunshine and the refreshing coastal salty breeze. With the ocean as its backdrop and La Jolla’s vibrant village just a block away, kindred spirits converge here to exchange ideas, share passions, and cultivate new experiences.

This multi-level retirement community seamlessly blends independent living and assisted living services. Each residence, whether oceanfront villas capturing sought-after sunset views or two-bedroom apartments with inviting patios for al fresco dining, celebrates the scenic setting uniquely. Casa De Mañana is an artful haven where the water sculpts the shore, and human connections flourish in an inviting and inspiring setting. At the heart of this community lies the Front Porch Family—a not-for-profit family of communities and partnerships dedicated to celebrating the spirit of the individual and the strength of the community.

Contact Casa de Mañana

Ponté Palmero

3081 Ponte Morino Dr, Cameron Park, CA 95682
Overview of Ponté Palmero

Ponté Palmero is a unique resort-style senior living community nestled in the picturesque foothills of El Dorado County, Northern California. The community offers a continuum of care, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, emphasizing warmth and hospitality. From the friendly front desk personnel to dedicated caregivers, Ponté Palmero strives to create a welcoming environment for residents. The 23-acre campus features beautifully landscaped grounds, cottage homes, apartments, and accessible recreation areas. The community’s vision is to deliver a retirement lifestyle that prioritizes individual needs and provides all residents with a supportive and inviting home.

Ponté Palmero boasts a wealth of amenities and assisted living facilities designed to enhance the quality of life for residents. The well-appointed details in apartments and community areas, coupled with a comprehensive slate of activities, outings, and events, cater to residents in every way possible. The community anticipates residents’ needs, offering freedom and support to spend time as they wish. Whether enjoying the pool, engaging in exercise classes, participating in hobbies, or admiring the scenic grounds, residents are encouraged to live life to the fullest. Ponté Palmero’s commitment to high-quality care in a home-like setting is evident, creating an environment where residents can thrive and enjoy their retirement.

Contact Ponté Palmero

Overview of Belmont Village Senior Living Albany

Belmont Village Senior Living in Albany is an upscale residential assisted living and forward-thinking memory care community. The luxurious home near Berkeley boasts an innovative approach to senior care that strives to balance professionalism and make one feel at home. The first-class community is exceptionally thriving when it comes to its patients, creating an unparalleled level of care not found in many luxury retirement homes in Albany.

As a Belmont Village community, management excels in meeting the holistic needs of its residents with world-class hospitality and resort-style accommodations. Seniors maintain an active and comfortable lifestyle through wellness activities at the fitness center and indoor pool, stay creative at the arts and crafts studio, get together with friends and families at outdoor common areas, relax in fully furnished assisted living and memory care apartments, and maintain a healthy lifestyle through specialized, enriching programs.

Contact Belmont Village Senior Living Albany

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.