Page 23 of Best Independent Living in California

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 648 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.
648 homes
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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

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. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. 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.
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.
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.
Quail Park on Cypress
IL
AL
NH
Visalia
175
Facility 175
CA AVG 103
Rank #215 / 1,492
Yes
46
Facility 46
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,305 / 1,887
19
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #809 / 1,387
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 3
Rank #1,309 / 1,433
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #133 / 1,452
65.1%
Facility 65.1%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #962 / 1,313
Qp Retirement Village, LLC & Living Care ManagementStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Maravilla
IL
AL
MC
Santa Barbara
131
Facility 131
CA AVG 103
Rank #438 / 1,492
Yes
42
Facility 42
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,378 / 1,887
20
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #845 / 1,387
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 3
Rank #1,244 / 1,433
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #611 / 1,452
95.4%
Facility 95.4%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #182 / 1,313
Maravilla Subtenant LLC And Srg Managment LLC1 Bed / 2 Bed
WellQuest of Granite Bay
IL
AL
MC
Granite Bay
135
Facility 135
CA AVG 103
Rank #420 / 1,492
Yes
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,848 / 1,887
21
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #651 / 1,387
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1,433
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #972 / 1,452
52.6%
Facility 52.6%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1,146 / 1,313
Wellquest Granite Bay Tenantco And Wellquest LivingStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Pines, A Merrill Gardens Community
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
Rocklin (Whitney Ranch)
142
Facility 142
CA AVG 103
Rank #375 / 1,492
Yes
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,832 / 1,887
28
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 13
Rank #950 / 1,387
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #724 / 1,433
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #972 / 1,452
84.5%
Facility 84.5%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #366 / 1,313
Mg Rocklin Mgmt Ca, LLC And Cogir Sl Pines, LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Truewood by Merrill, Oceanside
IL
AL
MC
Oceanside
175
Facility 175
CA AVG 103
Rank #215 / 1,492
Yes
68
Facility 68
CA AVG 57
Rank #723 / 1,887
12
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #651 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,363 / 1,452
65.7%
Facility 65.7%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #952 / 1,313
Everest Oceanside Blessing Star, LLC And Everest Sr. L-
Emerald Court
IL
AL
MC
Center Anaheim (Northwest Anaheim)
299
Facility 299
CA AVG 103
Rank #55 / 1,492
Yes
62
Facility 62
CA AVG 57
Rank #876 / 1,887
31
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 13
Rank #950 / 1,387
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #898 / 1,433
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 13
Rank #258 / 1,452
84.6%
Facility 84.6%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #364 / 1,313
Krc Anaheim, & Kisco Senior Living, LLC-
Woodbridge Terrace of Irvine
IL
AL
MC
Irvine (Woodbridge)
180
Facility 180
CA AVG 103
Rank #195 / 1,492
No
74
Facility 74
CA AVG 57
Rank #541 / 1,887
26
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 13
Rank #919 / 1,387
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1,433
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #972 / 1,452
78.9%
Facility 78.9%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #581 / 1,313
Hsre-Kisco I Trs, LLC And Ksl Woodbridge Mgr LLC-
Merrill Gardens at Rockridge
IL
AL
MC
Oakland (Shafter)
150
Facility 150
CA AVG 103
Rank #312 / 1,492
Yes
96
Facility 96
CA AVG 57
Rank #42 / 1,887
33
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,020 / 1,387
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #898 / 1,433
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #879 / 1,452
89.3%
Facility 89.3%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #279 / 1,313
Shi-III Mg Rockridge Gp LLC And Merrill Gardens LLC-
The Watermark at Westwood Village
IL
AL
MC
Los Angeles (Westwood)
237
Facility 237
CA AVG 103
Rank #98 / 1,492
Yes
95
Facility 95
CA AVG 57
Rank #61 / 1,887
32
20
Facility 20
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,124 / 1,387
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #898 / 1,433
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #972 / 1,452
71.7%
Facility 71.7%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #760 / 1,313
Westwood Sr. Hsg LLC And Atsc II LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Garden Court at Villa Santa Barbara
IL
AL
Santa Barbara (Laguna)
126
Facility 126
CA AVG 103
Rank #472 / 1,492
Yes
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 57
Rank #78 / 1,887
18
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #809 / 1,387
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 3
Rank #1,094 / 1,433
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,186 / 1,452
73.8%
Facility 73.8%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #710 / 1,313
Ventas Santa Barbara Opco, LP And Capital Sr. Mgmt 2Studio / Alcove / 1 Bed

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every CA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 648 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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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

Maravilla

5486 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Overview of Maravilla

Managed by Senior Resource Group, Maravilla is a senior living community in Santa Barbara, California. It offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community is operated by Maravilla Subtenant LLC and SRG Management LLC, with Ruth E. Grande serving as the administrator.

The three-story community has 131 beds. It offers suites along with one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom residences. Maravilla has served residents for 11 years. Currently, it has an occupancy rate of 95%, which shows residents and families have a steady home here.

Resident services include beauty services, housekeeping, transportation, a swimming pool, fitness and recreation programs, and a variety of social activities. The community also offers the Zest Wellness fitness and wellbeing program, the Dine Your Way dining program and the broader SyneRGy wellness initiative. The Walk Score for the neighborhood is 42, so it’s somewhat walkable. You can walk to a few places nearby, but for most trips and errands, you’ll need a car.

State inspections have mainly focused on staff training, communication, building safety systems, and the timely delivery of care, including mobility assistance and family communication. Earlier inspections also identified a caregiver background check issue that was later corrected. Families touring Maravilla may want to ask how these areas are monitored as part of the community’s daily operations.

Contact Maravilla

WellQuest of Granite Bay

9747 Sierra College Blvd, Granite Bay, CA 95746
Overview of WellQuest of Granite Bay

Nestled along Sierra College Boulevard near Folsom Lake in Granite Bay, CL, WellQuest of Granite Bay is a community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care to an upscale senior living experience. A wide array of well-appointed and spacious accommodations with several floor plans ranging from studios and one-or-two bedroom apartments that include kitchenettes, private baths, and more. In terms of memory care, WellQuest provides a collaborative team approach that includes input from family members that will be used as a personalized plan for each resident.

With its top-of-the-line amenities and services, residents can enjoy restaurant-style dining, group fitness classes, community calendars and organized activities, in-room dining, personal care services for activities of daily living, and many more. At WellQuest of Granite Bay, seniors can truly enjoy a secure and pleasant living experience.

Contact WellQuest of Granite Bay

Overview of The Pines, a Merrill Gardens Community

Situated in the scenic lands of West Ranch View Drive, Rocklin, CA, The Pines, a Merrill Gardens Community is an outstanding senior living community offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Maximize comfort and safety with the carefully designed and spacious studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences of The Pines, a Merrill Gardens Community. With a kind and dedicated team lending extra hands 24/7, the community ensures seniors’ unique needs and aspirations are well-cared for.

Create meaningful interactions with friends and hone your skills through fun activities for an enhanced quality of life. Have the finest dining experience with well-balanced meals catering to nutritional needs and preferences. The Pines, a Merrill Gardens Community strives to provide a haven for seniors who want to have the freedom to live as they prefer.

Contact The Pines, A Merrill Gardens Community

Overview of Truewood by Merrill, Oceanside

Truewood by Merrill, Oceanside is an assisted living, independent living, and memory care community situated at 3500 Lake Boulevard in Oceanside, California. Operated by Everest Oceanside Blessing Star LLC with Ferlina McBride as administrator, the three-story building provides a continuum of care within a half-mile of Tri-City Medical Center.

The campus holds 175 beds and offers apartment-style housing. Its daily services include personalized care plans, medication management, light housekeeping, and laundry. Residents have access to paved garden pathways, physical fitness classes, and scheduled local transportation.

The pet-friendly property features a dedicated memory support wing known as the Garden House. The surrounding neighborhood carries a walk score of 68, indicating a moderately walkable layout where some basic destinations are accessible on foot.

Interested individuals can reach out to the Lake Boulevard community office to arrange a tour or inquire about current apartment pricing.

Contact Truewood by Merrill, Oceanside

Overview of Emerald Court

Emerald Court offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Anaheim, California. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while the resident keeps a private 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.

Having all three care levels in one community can suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since moving to a different level does not require leaving Emerald Court. The community has 299 beds, which means more residents, more staff, and usually more programming.

In the Northwest Anaheim neighborhood, Emerald Court has a Walk Score of 62, meaning the area is somewhat walkable and some errands may be possible on foot for a resident who no longer drives. Three swimming pools and two fitness centers offer places to swim and exercise, while the resident clubhouse provides shared community space. Pets are allowed, so a resident may keep a pet in the community. Daizel C Gasperian serves as administrator, and Krc Anaheim, & Kisco Senior Living operates Emerald Court.

Contact Emerald Court

Overview of Woodbridge Terrace of Irvine

Having developed and managed the community for over 30 years, Woodbridge Terrace of Irvine is a senior living community in Irvine, California. They offer Assisted Living and Memory Care options where residents can build a legacy, share passions, and live in balance. The attentive and dedicated caregivers understand that every resident has different needs, abilities, and interests and tailor their care to those unique traits. The community provides a full calendar of activities for educational, social, and spiritual growth. Woodbridge Terrace has a bright and inviting Southern California feel, with Mission-style architecture, beautiful courtyards, lush landscaping, and walking paths welcoming you home.

The community is located within the Woodbridge development of Irvine, embodying the simple, relaxing lifestyle with time for friends, activities, and hobbies. With lush lawns, mature trees, and manicured pathways surrounding the community, residents enjoy the beautiful Southern California weather all year. In the Main Dining Room, they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner from daily menus. In their popular bistro, they offer quick options. The community offers spacious studios, suites, and one-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, large bathrooms, and plenty of closet space with friendly associates available 24 hours a day. Enjoy a vibrant and energetic lifestyle.

Contact Woodbridge Terrace of Irvine

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Rockridge

Found in Oakland, California, Merrill Gardens at Rockridge stands out as a vibrant and thoughtfully designed community. Owned by a family company, it offers both independent senior living and memory care services, excelling particularly in providing top-notch assisted living facilities. Residents can trust in the commitment to premier care, ensuring privacy, security, and exceptional support services.
This community goes beyond the basics, featuring a variety of amenities for a well-rounded lifestyle. From cozy studio to one-bedroom units with kitchenettes and private balconies, Merrill Gardens at Rockridge caters to diverse preferences. The community spaces include a movie theater, living areas, game room, landscaped courtyard, library, computer room, and fitness center. With a calendar brimming with activities and proximity to cafes, restaurants, antique shops, and bookstores, residents can enjoy both convenience and an engaging social environment. The addition of a concierge further enhances the overall experience, providing a seamless living experience for those seeking various assisted living levels of care.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Rockridge

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

Overview of Garden Court at Villa Santa Barbara

Operated by Ventas Santa Barbara Opco, LP and Capital Sr. Mgmt. 2, Garden Court at Villa Santa Barbara is a residential care community in downtown Santa Barbara, CA, that offers independent living, assisted living, and respite care. With a 126-bed capacity, the two-story community offers studio, alcove, and one-bedroom residences. It is currently operating at 74% occupancy, with 93 occupied beds, supporting a balance between personalized care and an active living environment.

A 24-hour care team and concierge are provided, along with medication management and incontinence care. Therapy is also available on-site, while transportation is scheduled for doctor appointments. The surrounding neighborhood has an excellent Walk Score of 94, allowing residents and visiting families to easily reach nearby shops, restaurants, galleries, and essential services on foot.

Recent state inspections identified opportunities to improve response times to resident needs and medication management, and the community has implemented corrective action plans to address these findings.

Contact Garden Court at Villa Santa Barbara

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.
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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 648 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.