Page 22 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
Reviewed by
Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in California our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in California.
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

Compare Independent Living around California

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.
Belmont Village Senior Living Aliso Viejo
IL
AL
MC
Aliso Viejo
180
Facility 180
CA AVG 168
Rank #118 / 409
Yes
61
Facility 61
CA AVG 59
Rank #319 / 638
B-28
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 13
Rank #223 / 391
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 3
Rank #366 / 398
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 15
Rank #240 / 402
72.8%
Facility 72.8%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #183 / 361
-Bmsh I Belmont Av Gp LLC And Belmont Three LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Merrill Gardens at Brentwood
IL
AL
MC
Brentwood
150
Facility 150
CA AVG 168
Rank #178 / 409
Yes
46
Facility 46
CA AVG 59
Rank #452 / 638
B29
18
Facility 18
CA AVG 13
Rank #283 / 391
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #185 / 398
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 15
Rank #322 / 402
76.7%
Facility 76.7%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #146 / 361
-Hsvi Gp, LLC, Merrill Gardens LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Carmel Village
IL
AL
MC
Fountain Valley (Colonia Juarez)
220
Facility 220
CA AVG 168
Rank #71 / 409
Yes
70
Facility 70
CA AVG 59
Rank #242 / 638
B+56
34
Facility 34
CA AVG 13
Rank #360 / 391
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #185 / 398
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 15
Rank #240 / 402
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #1 / 361
-Wellquest 625 Fountain Valley LLC-
Carlton Plaza of San Leandro
IL
AL
MC
San Leandro
199
Facility 199
CA AVG 168
Rank #97 / 409
Yes
59
Facility 59
CA AVG 59
Rank #346 / 638
B-33
21
Facility 21
CA AVG 13
Rank #308 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
27
Facility 27
CA AVG 15
Rank #97 / 402
74.9%
Facility 74.9%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #167 / 361
-Carlton Senior Living, LLC-
Chino Hills Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
RC
Chino Hills
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 168
Rank #315 / 409
Yes
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 59
Rank #539 / 638
C35
21
Facility 21
CA AVG 13
Rank #308 / 391
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 3
Rank #327 / 398
16
Facility 16
CA AVG 15
Rank #149 / 402
94.7%
Facility 94.7%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #25 / 361
A+Pacifica Chino Hills LP And Chino Hills Mgr LLCStudio / 1 Bed
Alta Vista Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
RC
Vista
98
Facility 98
CA AVG 168
Rank #308 / 409
Yes
43
Facility 43
CA AVG 59
Rank #474 / 638
C24
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 13
Rank #258 / 391
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #279 / 398
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 15
Rank #240 / 402
84.7%
Facility 84.7%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #77 / 361
A+Pacifica Regency Palms LLC And Alta Vista Mgr LLCAlcove / Studio / 1 Bed
Encinitas Senior Living
IL
AL
RC
Encinitas
125
Facility 125
CA AVG 168
Rank #243 / 409
Yes
59
Facility 59
CA AVG 59
Rank #346 / 638
C25
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 13
Rank #232 / 391
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #279 / 398
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 15
Rank #291 / 402
71.2%
Facility 71.2%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #200 / 361
A+Carlsbad Operating LLC And Atsc II LLC1 Bed
Atria Las Posas
IL
AL
MC
RC
Camarillo
140
Facility 140
CA AVG 168
Rank #211 / 409
Yes
55
Facility 55
CA AVG 59
Rank #383 / 638
C21
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 13
Rank #232 / 391
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 3
Rank #302 / 398
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 15
Rank #66 / 402
80.0%
Facility 80.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #114 / 361
-Wg Las Posas Sh LP And Atria Management Co LLCStudio / 1 Bed
Belmont Village Senior Living Cardiff by the Sea
IL
AL
MC
RC
Cardiff
175
Facility 175
CA AVG 168
Rank #129 / 409
Yes
26
Facility 26
CA AVG 59
Rank #557 / 638
C22
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #210 / 391
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #279 / 398
14
Facility 14
CA AVG 15
Rank #159 / 402
91.4%
Facility 91.4%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #40 / 361
-Belmont Village Cardiff Tenant & LP And Belmont ThreeStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Atria Park of Pacific Palisades
IL
AL
MC
Pacific Palisades
60
Facility 60
CA AVG 168
Rank #355 / 409
Yes
89
Facility 89
CA AVG 59
Rank #71 / 638
C+14
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #195 / 391
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #185 / 398
21
Facility 21
CA AVG 15
Rank #120 / 402
61.7%
Facility 61.7%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #271 / 361
-Al Subfunding LLC And Atria Management Co LLCStudio / Suite / 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

Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes
1...212223...64
Overview of Belmont Village Senior Living Aliso Viejo

Nestled in the serene lands of Freedom Lane, Aliso Viejo, CA, Belmont Village Aliso Viejo is a novel senior living community offering assisted living and memory care. The community features a wide selection of cozy and sophisticated floor plans including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments for seniors’ convenience and safety. Boasting a team of compassionate and extremely talented professionals, the community strives to provide the highest standard of care and assistance 24/7.

Highlighting seniors’ interests and strengths, the community conducts exciting activities and fun programs. Moreover, the community ensures individuals living with dementia maintain their dignity and reach their full potential. Delicious and healthy meals are served to cater to residents’ dietary needs and tastes. Belmont Village Aliso Viejo goes above and beyond in fostering comfort and familiarity with its stunning amenities and kind community.

Contact Belmont Village Senior Living Aliso Viejo

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Brentwood

Tucked away in the charming community of Brentwood, CA, Merrill Gardens at Brentwood is a warm and inviting senior living community offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care in a setting surrounded by a rich history of agriculture and farming. The community features spacious apartments, beautiful common areas, and numerous amenities. Seniors will love the vibrant atmosphere, participating in enriching activities curated by the Active Living Program Director, ensuring there’s always something fun and engaging to do.

Merrill Gardens at Brentwood is dedicated to providing a fulfilling and comfortable lifestyle for its residents. The community aims to cater to the desires of its residents with amenities like a library, salon, courtyard, swimming pool, and a bistro and wine bar. The community also offers 24-hour support, a resident call system, transportation options, anytime dining, and on-site maintenance, ensuring all needs are met with care and attention.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Brentwood

Carmel Village

17077 San Mateo St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Overview of Carmel Village

Overlooking the beautiful neighborhood of Fountain Valley, CA, Carmel Village is a paradisal senior living community that offers three care levels, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents here enjoy a maintenance-free living in their impeccably designed accommodations near Huntington Beach, Mile Square Regional Park, and other local spots. Those needing extra care and support are provided with a 24-hour care team supervised by a licensed nurse and an array of care services, including assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and personal care assistance.

Residents live life to the fullest with a broad array of planned events and activities that provides plenty of opportunities for indulging their passions for arts, music, fitness, education, and other interests. Indulge in fine dining experiences with a daily selection of fresh, delicious meals served restaurant style in an elegant dining room. A wide array of delightful amenities are also available to foster activity, enjoyment, and leisure, such as a fully-equipped fitness center, clubhouse, card room, library, arts & crafts room, and a beauty parlor.

Contact Carmel Village

Overview of Carlton Plaza of San Leandro

Carlton Plaza of San Leandro offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in San Leandro, CA. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment.

Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Carlton Plaza of San Leandro may be a good fit for a resident whose needs may grow over time because the community offers multiple care levels without requiring a move to a different community.

Restaurant style dining provides meals in a restaurant style setting, while transportation is available for appointments and outings so residents can attend those activities without arranging each trip independently.

Pets are allowed, so residents may bring a pet when moving in. The starting price is $4,795, giving families an initial monthly amount for planning costs. Angela Boucher-Turin serves as the administrator, and Carlton Senior Living operates the community. A Walk Score of 59 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may be able to reach certain nearby destinations independently.

Contact Carlton Plaza of San Leandro

Chino Hills Senior Living

6500 Butterfield Ranch Rd, Chino Hills, CA 91709
Overview of Chino Hills Senior Living

Pacifica Senior Living Chino Hills graces Chino Hills, California, with its picturesque and lively retirement living community. This community is dedicated to delivering personalized assisted living and memory care options, along with respite care, designed to meet the unique needs of residents. With a compassionate staff available around the clock, they provide residents and their families with the assurance and peace of mind they deserve.

Pacifica Senior Living Chino Hills strives to strike an ideal balance between support and independence, ensuring that residents live fully in a tranquil and vibrant environment. Discover the beauty and vibrancy of their community, where senior residents thrive and enjoy a fulfilling retirement living experience that celebrates individuality and well-being.

Contact Chino Hills Senior Living

Alta Vista Senior Living

2041 W Vista Way, Vista, CA 92083
Overview of Alta Vista Senior Living

A proud Aura Living community member, Alta Vista offers a luxurious environment that creates a lifestyle filled with endless possibilities for seniors to discover. The independent living community provides a list of amenities and services that make a comfortable and secure environment for residents. The residential lifestyle is focused on relaxation, enjoyment, and peaceful living. Alta Vista is a vibrant community that encourages residents to thrive independently, flourish actively, and live purposefully.

The Alta Vista difference boasts its commitment to delivering quality care and service for each individual to be enriched and engaged during their stay. Accommodations comprise delightful amenities and services such as housekeeping, laundry, engaging programs, social events, recreational activities, fitness classes, gourmet meals at the restaurant-style dining hall, beautifully furnished apartments, and an in-home emergency call pendant.

Contact Alta Vista Senior Living

Encinitas Senior Living

504 S El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024
Overview of Encinitas Senior Living

Located in the picturesque city of Encinitas, California, Encinitas Senior Living is an esteemed assisted living community. They provide a range of amenities, including housekeeping services and chef-prepared dining, to empower residents to lead their best lives in a tranquil and comfortable environment.

Each day at Encinitas Senior Living is a fresh opportunity for residents to revel in new experiences, connect with friends on campus, and partake in diverse and exciting life enrichment opportunities. This vibrant community is designed to enhance the well-being and quality of life of every resident they serve. Encinitas Senior Living is dedicated to offering senior residents an ideal balance of support and independence, always tailored to their unique and individual needs.

Contact Encinitas Senior Living

Overview of Atria Las Posas

Nestled in the tranquil neighborhood of Camarillo, CA, Atria Las Posas is a classic senior living community that offers a variety of living options including assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Featuring warm and cozy floor plans including two types of studios and one-bedroom apartments, the community ensures a relaxing and secure residence. With 24-hour care and assistance from a friendly, compassionate, and skilled team, Atria Las Posas commits to high-quality service.

Atria Las Posas promotes a vibrant environment, providing its residents with signature programs such as Engage Life and Life Guidance. Engage Life encourages seniors to remain active and connected with different learning activities and fun programs to participate in while Life Guidance ensures that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia regain their sense of independence. The community serves three chef-prepared meals daily to satisfy its residents’ dietary needs and cravings. Amenities include an outdoor fireplace and grill, a cognitive learning center, a library, a movie theater, a fitness center, a physical therapy center, a salon, a game room, serene courtyards and walking paths, and a sunlit patio.

Contact Atria Las Posas

Overview of Belmont Village Senior Living Cardiff by the Sea

Belmont Village Cardiff by the Sea is a trusted senior living community set in Manchester Avenue, Cardiff by the Sea, CA, providing assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Take in the picturesque scenery with elegant and spacious residences with a wide array of floor plans including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. The community is committed to delivering top-tier care, adapting to seniors’ ever-changing needs, and supporting them throughout their journey.

With its spot near mesmerizing attractions and convenient amenities, seniors are given the time to explore with friends and ensure their needs are within a few steps away. The community strives to meet seniors’ dietary needs and cater to their tastes with healthy and delicious meals. With its scenic campus surrounded by an inviting community and breathtaking amenities, Belmont Village Cardiff by the Sea is a haven for seniors to spend wondrous golden years.

Contact Belmont Village Senior Living Cardiff by the Sea

Overview of Atria Park of Pacific Palisades

Located in the tranquil neighborhood of West Sunset Boulevard, Pacific Palisades, CA, Atria Park of Pacific Palisades is an exceptional senior living community providing assisted living and memory care. Meticulously-designed floor plans welcome seniors including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments inclusive of individual thermostat controls and emergency alert systems. The community ensures comfort and safety with a team of friendly and dedicated professionals available around the clock.

Atria Park of Pacific Palisades promotes a secure and comfortable community, offering its exclusive Life Guidance memory care that encourages its residents to live a fulfilled and inspiring life. Moreover, the community provides the utmost assistance with the seniors’ medication, ensuring they are well taken care of. With the residents’ satisfaction in mind, the community serves three chef-prepared healthy and delicious meals daily. The community features a salon and a rooftop terrace overlooking with ocean and mountain scenery.

Contact Atria Park of Pacific Palisades

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
Submit a correction

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
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today

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.