Page 21 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. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. 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. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
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.
Bay Towers at Bixby Knolls
IL
AL
RC
Long Beach (California Heights)
65
Facility 65
CA AVG 168
Rank #346 / 409
Yes
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 59
Rank #61 / 638
C+18
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #181 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 15
Rank #367 / 402
69.2%
Facility 69.2%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #216 / 361
-Atlantic Ave Holdings LLC And Ca Sr. Lvg Mgmt LLC1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Kensington
IL
AL
MC
Walnut Creek
200
Facility 200
CA AVG 168
Rank #86 / 409
Yes
69
Facility 69
CA AVG 59
Rank #253 / 638
C+31
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #124 / 391
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #279 / 398
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 15
Rank #338 / 402
73.5%
Facility 73.5%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #174 / 361
-Kensington Tenant LLC & Kisco Senior Living, LLC1 Bed / 2 Bed
Safe Haven – Brentwood II
IL
AL
HOS
MC
Brentwood (Rose Garden)
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 168
Rank #390 / 409
No
57
Facility 57
CA AVG 59
Rank #365 / 638
A+5
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 15
Rank #387 / 402
--Safe Haven Rose Garden LLCPrivate / Shared Rooms
Oceanside Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
RC
Oceanside (Guajome)
165
Facility 165
CA AVG 168
Rank #146 / 409
Yes
16
Facility 16
CA AVG 59
Rank #590 / 638
B+37
19
Facility 19
CA AVG 13
Rank #290 / 391
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #279 / 398
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 15
Rank #240 / 402
55.8%
Facility 55.8%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #296 / 361
A+Hrse Pacficia Senior Living Oceanside Trs LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Westmont of Morgan Hill
IL
AL
MC
Morgan Hill
112
Facility 112
CA AVG 168
Rank #268 / 409
Yes
37
Facility 37
CA AVG 59
Rank #499 / 638
B+25
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 13
Rank #258 / 391
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 3
Rank #302 / 398
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 15
Rank #154 / 402
73.2%
Facility 73.2%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #177 / 361
-Morgan Hill Senior Lvg LP And Westmont Living IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Atria Park of San Mateo
IL
AL
MC
San Mateo (East San Mateo)
175
Facility 175
CA AVG 168
Rank #129 / 409
Yes
70
Facility 70
CA AVG 59
Rank #242 / 638
B+53
27
Facility 27
CA AVG 13
Rank #336 / 391
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 3
Rank #373 / 398
25
Facility 25
CA AVG 15
Rank #103 / 402
42.3%
Facility 42.3%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #346 / 361
-Wg Hillsdale Sh LP And Atria Management Co LLCStudio / 1 Bed
Ramona Park Senior Apartments
IL
Long Beach (North Long Beach)
68
Facility 68
CA AVG 168
Rank #344 / 409
No
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 59
Rank #196 / 638
A+3
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 15
Rank #367 / 402
--Rehman Care Corporation1 Bed / 2 Bed
Aldersly
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
San Rafael (Dominican)
172
Facility 172
CA AVG 168
Rank #139 / 409
Yes
89
Facility 89
CA AVG 59
Rank #71 / 638
B-34
14
Facility 14
CA AVG 13
Rank #247 / 391
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 3
Rank #354 / 398
21
Facility 21
CA AVG 15
Rank #120 / 402
47.7%
Facility 47.7%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #329 / 361
-Aldersly/Life Care Services, LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Alcove
Quail Park on Cypress
IL
AL
NH
Visalia
175
Facility 175
CA AVG 168
Rank #129 / 409
Yes
46
Facility 46
CA AVG 59
Rank #452 / 638
B-19
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #181 / 391
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 3
Rank #373 / 398
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 15
Rank #66 / 402
65.1%
Facility 65.1%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #247 / 361
-Qp Retirement Village, LLC & Living Care ManagementStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Rancho Penasquitos Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
RC
San Diego
120
Facility 120
CA AVG 168
Rank #252 / 409
Yes
59
Facility 59
CA AVG 59
Rank #346 / 638
B-28
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #87 / 391
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #185 / 398
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 15
Rank #322 / 402
65.8%
Facility 65.8%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #241 / 361
A+Pacifica Ca LLC, Penasquitos LP, And Penasquitos Mgr LLC-

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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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 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 Safe Haven – Brentwood II

Safe Haven – Brentwood II operates a six-bed residential care home on Honor Way in Brentwood, California. Managed by Safe Haven Rose Garden LLC and administrator Richard Grimesey, this single-story facility features a stair-free layout to accommodate residents with physical mobility limitations. The property has been open for one year and offers a mix of private and semi-private rooms that support independent living, assisted living, memory care, and hospice services under one roof.

The surrounding neighborhood holds a walkability score of 57 out of 100, allowing visitors to manage a few retail errands on foot. On-site services include daily housekeeping, local transportation, beauty treatments, and structured exercise programs.

Residents also have access to an outdoor garden, a spa area, and personalized care plans tailored for cognitive decline. State regulatory reviews have focused on safety documentation and fall-prevention fixtures, with past inspection items now fully resolved.

Prospective residents can contact the administrative desk to verify open beds and request current monthly pricing.

Contact Safe Haven – Brentwood II

Oceanside Senior Living

5508 Avenida Pacifica Wy, Oceanside, CA 92057
Overview of Oceanside Senior Living

Oceanside Senior Living, in Oceanside, California, treats its residents like family. They offer memory care, independent living, respite care, and assisted living services tailored to seniors’ needs and preferences. The community provides a wide range of engaging activities and programs, creating a beautiful and serene environment for residents to enjoy with a comprehensive array of services and amenities, including round-the-clock staff support, housekeeping, and laundry services.

The community prioritizes the independence and well-being of its residents, ensuring that their unique care needs are met with personalized attention—the elegant and inviting atmosphere that promotes self-care and encourages residents to engage in physical activity. The beautiful outdoor courtyard offers residents a peaceful place to stroll and connect with nature. Combined with exceptional services and world-class amenities, Oceanside Senior Living provides peace of mind to families in the community.

Contact Oceanside Senior Living

Overview of Westmont of Morgan Hill

Located in the serene setting of Cochrane Road, Morgan Hill, CA, Westmont of Morgan Hill is a blissful senior living community providing assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community is committed to improving residents’ quality of life with top-tier care and assistance from a compassionate and well-trained team. Residents thrive and live their lives to the fullest within the community’s cozy and pet-friendly amenities.

Celebrate milestones and lead a meaningful life through a variety of enriching events and fun programs. Here, residents enjoy delightful dining with diverse options that satisfy their nutritional needs and tastes. With its ideal location near convenient local amenities and amusing attractions, residents gain easy access to their needs and desires. Westmont of Morgan Hill strives to provide a safe place where residents retain their independence while receiving the utmost support they deserve.

Contact Westmont of Morgan Hill

Overview of Atria Park of San Mateo

Situated just 20 miles south of San Francisco, Atria Park of San Mateo extends a warm welcome to San Mateo, California seniors, offering a blend of assisted living and memory care services. With a dedicated staff taking care of the driving, housekeeping, laundry, and home maintenance, residents can dedicate their time to what truly ignites their passions.

Atria Park of San Mateo stands out with its Engage Life® program, presenting many opportunities for residents to explore, create, and engage. This San Mateo, California community is tailored for active seniors seeking a dynamic lifestyle complemented by premium amenities. Nestled within the Hillsdale neighborhood along the waterfront, this community thrives on fostering connections and bringing people together, enriching the lives of its residents.

Contact Atria Park of San Mateo

Overview of Ramona Park Senior Apartments

Enjoy a better quality of life at Ramona Park Senior Apartments, a distinct 55+ community in Long Beach, CA, offering independent living. The community features spacious and well-designed one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents enjoy a worry-free lifestyle with convenient apartment amenities, including a fully-equipped kitchen and a refrigerator.

Residents can spend their days as they please, especially with the community’s proximity to recreation sites and on-site amenities, including a picnic area, a pool, reading areas, and a computer room. Delightful restaurants are also set nearby, providing residents with a variety of dining options that meet their dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those looking to spend their golden years independently.

Contact Ramona Park Senior Apartments

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 Quail Park on Cypress

Quail Park on Cypress offers assisted living, independent living, and nursing care in Visalia, CA. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while the resident keeps a private living space. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while nursing care provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

For someone whose needs change over time, these care levels can allow a move between services without leaving the community or starting over socially. The community has 175 beds, with studios, one bedroom layouts, and two bedroom layouts available. A studio provides a single private space, while a two bedroom layout can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion.

A Walk Score of 46 places the area in a car dependent setting, so most errands require a car or a ride. Pets are allowed, and residents can bring a pet when moving in. James Sidoti serves as administrator, and Qp Retirement Village & Living Care Management operates the community.

Contact Quail Park on Cypress

Rancho Penasquitos Senior Living

12979 Rancho Peñasquitos Blvd, San Diego, CA 92129
Overview of Rancho Penasquitos Senior Living

Rancho Penasquitos Senior Living offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care that promotes independence while receiving exceptional quality of assistance. Rancho Penasquitos Senior Living is a community that tailors a uniquely designed care for each individual. They boast a warm and welcoming environment where residents are able to feel comfortable and secure to do as they please and be open to a world of endless possibilities. Its ideal location in Rancho Peñasquitos offers exciting activities and interest that allows families or individuals to soak in everything that Southern California has to offer. Rancho Penasquitos Senior Living strives to maintain a lifestyle that inspires residents to live a purposeful life and have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience at the senior living home.

Residents are from different states with an average age of sixty-eight to a hundred, and having about seventy-percent women over men. Whether one is from a different housing option or has different background, amenities and services are open to any resident. Anyone can have seamless access to common spaces, the library, the restaurant-style dining room, and more. Rancho Penasquitos Senior Living is well designed and strategically built for the convenience of you or your family member. 

Contact Rancho Penasquitos 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.
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.