Page 20 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. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
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.
Cascades of Grass Valley
IL
AL
MC
RC
Grass Valley
65
Facility 65
CA AVG 168
Rank #346 / 409
Yes
92
Facility 92
CA AVG 59
Rank #52 / 638
B+19
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #181 / 391
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #185 / 398
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 15
Rank #265 / 402
86.2%
Facility 86.2%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #67 / 361
-Cascade Lvg Grp-Grs Vly LLC And Kre Tgr Grs Vly Ops-
The Pinnacles at Burton
IL
AL
MC
Los Angeles (Central La)
138
Facility 138
CA AVG 168
Rank #219 / 409
No
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 59
Rank #30 / 638
B+19
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #195 / 391
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #185 / 398
27
Facility 27
CA AVG 15
Rank #84 / 402
39.1%
Facility 39.1%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #352 / 361
-Burton Way Carmel, Inc And Calson Care North LLC-
Golden Assisted Living
IL
AL
MC
RC
Sylmar
128
Facility 128
CA AVG 168
Rank #239 / 409
Yes
64
Facility 64
CA AVG 59
Rank #296 / 638
B+83
76
Facility 76
CA AVG 13
Rank #391 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 15
Rank #240 / 402
89.1%
Facility 89.1%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #53 / 361
-Golden Living In Sylmar Inc-
Belmont Village Senior Living Hollywood Hills
IL
AL
MC
Los Angeles (Central La)
150
Facility 150
CA AVG 168
Rank #178 / 409
Yes
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 59
Rank #93 / 638
B-20
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #195 / 391
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 3
Rank #341 / 398
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 15
Rank #111 / 402
62.7%
Facility 62.7%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #261 / 361
-Belmont Village Hollywood Tenant And Belmont ThreeStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Las Villas del Norte
IL
AL
MC
RC
Escondido (Central Escondido)
198
Facility 198
CA AVG 168
Rank #100 / 409
Yes
74
Facility 74
CA AVG 59
Rank #207 / 638
B-45
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 13
Rank #349 / 391
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 3
Rank #327 / 398
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 15
Rank #265 / 402
91.4%
Facility 91.4%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #40 / 361
-Escondido Sh LLC And Integral Senior Lvg Mgmt LLCStudio / 1 Bed / Suite
Canyon Villas
IL
AL
HOS
RC
San Diego (Clairemont)
133
Facility 133
CA AVG 168
Rank #230 / 409
No
65
Facility 65
CA AVG 59
Rank #286 / 638
B18
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #195 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
35
Facility 35
CA AVG 15
Rank #30 / 402
68.4%
Facility 68.4%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #221 / 361
-San Diego Christian Foundation-
Carlton Senior Living Elk Grove
IL
AL
MC
Elk Grove
180
Facility 180
CA AVG 168
Rank #118 / 409
Yes
61
Facility 61
CA AVG 59
Rank #319 / 638
C35
18
Facility 18
CA AVG 13
Rank #283 / 391
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 3
Rank #377 / 398
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 15
Rank #192 / 402
73.9%
Facility 73.9%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #171 / 361
ACarlton Senior Living, LLCStudio / 1 bed / 2 bed
Westmont of Fresno
IL
AL
MC
RC
Fresno
155
Facility 155
CA AVG 168
Rank #168 / 409
Yes
39
Facility 39
CA AVG 59
Rank #491 / 638
C59
42
Facility 42
CA AVG 13
Rank #379 / 391
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 3
Rank #366 / 398
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 15
Rank #111 / 402
83.9%
Facility 83.9%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #85 / 361
A+Westmont Mgr Gp LLC, Gp Of Fresno Ops And Westmont LvngStudio / 1 Bed
Carmel Village at Clovis
IL
AL
HOS
MC
RESC
Clovis
127
Facility 127
CA AVG 168
Rank #241 / 409
Yes
79
Facility 79
CA AVG 59
Rank #154 / 638
C9
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #41 / 391
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 3
Rank #327 / 398
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 15
Rank #265 / 402
85.0%
Facility 85.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #72 / 361
-Genclovis LLC And Generations-Ca LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Watermark at Westwood Village
IL
AL
MC
Los Angeles (Westwood)
237
Facility 237
CA AVG 168
Rank #66 / 409
Yes
95
Facility 95
CA AVG 59
Rank #22 / 638
B-32
20
Facility 20
CA AVG 13
Rank #300 / 391
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #239 / 398
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 15
Rank #291 / 402
71.7%
Facility 71.7%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #195 / 361
-Westwood Sr. Hsg LLC And Atsc II LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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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Cascades of Grass Valley

415 Sierra College Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945
Overview of Cascades of Grass Valley

Cascades of Grass Valley offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care in Grass Valley, CA. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps a private apartment. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care.

Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision. Respite care offers a short stay for someone whose usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. The range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since moving between care levels can happen without leaving the community.

The community has 65 beds. A Walk Score of 92 places the area in the walker’s paradise band, where daily errands do not require a car, so a resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby shops, a pharmacy, or cafes on foot. Haley Parker serves as the administrator.

Dining combines the elegance of fine dining with the comfort of family meals. Rehabilitation services are available for residents who need rehabilitation support.

Contact Cascades of Grass Valley

Overview of The Pinnacles at Burton

The Pinnacles at Burton in Los Angeles offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care. Assisted living adds help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

All three care levels share one campus. For a resident whose needs may grow over time, moving to another level can happen without leaving the community, which may make this a good fit for that situation. The community has 138 beds and opened in 1976. A Walk Score of 94 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.

Robin Culver serves as administrator. Burton Way Carmel and Calson Care North operate the community.

Contact The Pinnacles at Burton

Overview of Golden Assisted Living

Golden Assisted Living provides assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care in Sylmar, California. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment. Independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, while respite care offers a short stay for a family caregiver who needs to travel or recover.

The combination of care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since moving to another level of care can happen without leaving the community. Golden Assisted Living has 128 beds.

Three chef prepared, restaurant style meals are provided daily, so residents can eat prepared food without cooking. Courtyards, walking paths, a greenhouse, and a garden offer places to walk and garden, while the salon allows residents to receive salon services within the community. Rehabilitation services are also available for residents who need support with recovery or maintaining function.

A Walk Score of 64 places the area in the somewhat walkable range, meaning some errands can be done on foot. Scheduled transportation can support trips beyond walking distance. Pets are allowed, so a resident may be able to continue living with a pet.

Contact Golden Assisted Living

Overview of Belmont Village Senior Living Hollywood Hills

An exceptional senior living community settling in the peaceful lands of North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, Belmont Village Hollywood Hills features assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Experience a comfortable and safe retirement with well-built floor plans including studio and one-bedroom apartments. Combining clinical expertise and utmost comfort, the community strives to provide seniors with unforgettable golden years.

Belmont Village Hollywood Hills encourages residents to retain a well-engaged and happy life, conducting a wide array of fun activities and learning programs. Healthy and delicious meals are served to satisfy dietary needs. Age gracefully surrounded by stunning amenities and ethereal views within the safe grounds of Belmont Village Hollywood Hills. The community is recognized as US News and World Report’s Best Memory Care for its top-notch care and assistance to individuals with dementia.

Contact Belmont Village Senior Living Hollywood Hills

Overview of Las Villas Del Norte

Spend your golden years like a lifetime vacation with the exceptional senior living community of Las Villas Del Norte set in the stunning Las Villas Way, Escondido, CA, that provides assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care. Featuring a wide selection of meticulously designed and sophisticated floor plans including private and shared suites, studios, and one-bedroom apartments, the community promises comfort and security like no other.

Experience the warm and welcoming environment of the community and maintain an active and well-engaged lifestyle through engaging activities. Dining is an experience with delectable and healthy meals catering to nutritional requirements and preferences. Las Villas Del Norte is a good place for seniors to live their best years with its quaint campus surrounded by tranquil spaces and a friendly neighborhood.

Contact Las Villas del Norte

Overview of Canyon Villas

Where Vonda Boller serves as administrator, Canyon Villas is a multi-care senior living community in San Diego’s Clairemont neighborhood. It delivers assisted living, independent living, respite care, and hospice services under San Diego Christian Foundation’s operation. Operating for 35 years, the home maintains 133 apartments, with current occupancy near 68 percent.

The location on Balboa Avenue offers a somewhat walkable neighborhood environment, with a Walk Score of 65, meaning some daily errands can be done on foot while others demand a quick drive. The surrounding area offers a blend of nearby conveniences and parks.

State inspections have targeted care documentation and resident care practices, particularly around medication administration recordkeeping, timely assistance with personal care needs, and emergency preparedness protocols. Canyon Villas has addressed the flagged areas through correction plans.

An on-site visit by families considering Canyon Villas is valuable to tour the available room options, meet the staff, and discuss the specific services and support available within each care level offered.

Contact Canyon Villas

Overview of Carlton Senior Living Elk Grove

Offering quality assisted living, Carlton Senior Living in Elk Grove is one of the trusted retirement homes in the city.  Also providing memory care and independent living options, residents can build a lifestyle on their terms. Management encourages its residents to live freely while receiving undivided attention and support. Senior living experience leads a vibrant social life with everyone creating new relationships that garner a wonderful time at home.

Life at Carlton has designed features that make everyday living hassle-free. They are a person-centered community that has provided amenities and services that would make residents feel comfortable and welcomed in a home-like environment. Their amenities include a courtyard, restaurant-style dining, and cozy apartments to have seniors enjoy their stay at their new home.

Contact Carlton Senior Living Elk Grove

Overview of Westmont of Fresno

Designed to foster a sense of belonging, independence, and overall well-being, Westmont of Fresno is an exceptional senior living community based in Fresno County, Fresno, CA. The community offers a personalized approach to independent living, assisted living and memory care, providing residents with holistic solutions to their care needs and a higher level of care. A friendly team of senior care professionals is ready to help residents any time of the day with 24/7 availability.

The community takes care of housekeeping, restaurant-style dining, and transportation to give residents the freedom to do the things that they love and enjoy. Residents can choose to participate in a breadth of social activities and outings, or just sit back and relax in their comfortable accommodations. Whatever your preference is, the community always provides inviting options perfectly designed to help you make the most of your retirement life.

Contact Westmont of Fresno

Overview of Carmel Village at Clovis

Carmel Village, is a vibrant senior living community nestled in Clovis, CA, offering a harmonious blend of assisted living, independent living, memory care services, and post-acute care. At Carmel Village, residents experience a lifestyle tailored to their needs, where compassionate and personalized 24-hour care is at the core of their well-being. The community’s dedicated staff ensures a helping hand is always within reach, providing support with daily tasks, from morning routines to medication reminders, granting residents and their families peace of mind. The apartments feature convenient kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves.

Carmel Village redefines senior living by offering a headache-free lifestyle, relieving residents from the burdens of housework, yard work, and cooking, unless they choose to indulge their culinary passions. Scheduled transportation, along with on-site amenities like a salon, fitness center, theater, and garden, provides opportunities for social engagement and relaxation. Culinary delights await in the dining room, where residents can enjoy three delicious meals a day, supplemented with snacks, and special dietary menus cater to individual preferences. The community’s Vitality Programming adds a meaningful touch to residents’ lives, offering a variety of activities and events that nurture their physical, social, and intellectual well-being.

Contact Carmel Village at Clovis

Overview of The Watermark at Westwood Village

Soak up the sun in the blissful community of The Watermark at Westwood Village residing in the stunning Tiverton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, that offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and short-term stays. Experience unrivaled comfort and convenience with beautifully designed and spacious accommodations in a wide range of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. The community goes above and beyond to provide top-tier care and support around the clock for seniors to live their best years without worries.

Focusing on seniors’ interests and strengths, The Watermark at Westwood Village orchestrates engaging activities and fun events. Eat well and feel good with healthy and tasty meals that cater to dietary needs and preferences. Filled with pet-friendly spaces and a vibrant environment, The Watermark at Westwood Village doubles its efforts to provide a haven for seniors who want to enjoy a luxurious retirement.

Contact The Watermark at Westwood Village

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.