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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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Byron Park

1700 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94595
Overview of Byron Park

Byron Park is a full-service senior community in Walnut Creek, California. It serves the area with Independent and Assisted Living options since 1991. The personal attention and service provided by the engaged team of associates allow residents to relax and appreciate all the details that make this community so unique. Should residents’ needs change over time, they will have the opportunity to choose additional levels of service to assist them with the activities of daily living so they can maintain the relationships and daily routines they have come to cherish.

Byron Park is a hidden gem with a lot to offer. It is a perfect place for seniors to call home and enjoy their golden years. Residents enjoy delectable Sunday brunches and monthly birthday dinners; every holiday is thoughtfully planned. The chefs are well-experienced, and they provide weekly national guidance on the menu. From savory to sweet, traditional dishes to new and enticing dishes, residents at Byron Park have no shortage of cuisines to sample, allowing them to taste the flavors of different parts of the world without leaving the community. Byron Park offers a warm and homelike environment with open space views from every vantage point. The building is wrapped around a beautiful courtyard featuring multiple sitting areas, a shaded patio for relaxing, a greenhouse, and a heated swimming pool. The community also has a distinguished library, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and beautifully manicured grounds with a community garden. The community is between Rossmoor and downtown Walnut Creek, just 30 miles from San Francisco.

Contact Byron Park

Overview of Quail Park on Cypress

Quail Park on Cypress, located in Visalia, CA, is one of Living Care Lifestyles’ senior living communities offering assisted living services and memory care. This senior living community’s assisted living services provides residents with personalized care plans from licensed care professionals on site. Each accommodation unit is also equipped with emergency call systems, providing more peace of mind for both residents and family members.

Additionally, they also provide residents with delicious chef-prepared meals, and are provided dining assistance if needed. Housekeeping and laundry services are also offered, as well as scheduled transportation for medical appointments or shopping needs.

Contact Quail Park on Cypress

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 Truewood by Merrill, Oceanside

Live in comfort and luxury with the prestigious senior living community of Everest at Oceanside located in the beautiful setting of Lake Boulevard, Oceanside, CA, which provides assisted living, independent living, and memory care. With cozy and purposely designed residences in variations of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, seniors experience unparalleled comfort and convenience. The community doubles its efforts to meet seniors’ special needs and aspirations with a respectful and well-trained team.

Have a relaxing time and create lasting moments with friends through engaging activities and enjoyable events. Interact with friends over healthy and delicious meals for a delightful dining experience. Everest at Oceanside is filled with state-of-the-art amenities and excellent services, making it ideal for seniors hoping to make every moment of their golden years count.

Contact Truewood by Merrill, Oceanside

Overview of Westmont of La Mesa

Enjoy various levels of care in a resort-style setting with Westmont of La Mesa, an excellent senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Featuring stunning, private apartments and a team of reliable and competent care professionals, the community ensures its residents are able to successfully age in place. Residents here are offered the right amount of care and support, including assistance with their daily living activities or compassionate memory support.

The community handles residents’ chores to give them more time for enjoyable pursuits, including the community’s vibrant activities and events. Delicious meals are served daily with accommodations for residents’ unique tastes and dietary preferences. Various amenities, such as a heated pool, fitness center, bistro, theater, and therapy services are also offered to make residents’ living experience more fun and enjoyable.

Contact Westmont of La Mesa

Overview of Cogir of Cedar Creek

Settling in the quiet neighborhood of North Westberry Boulevard, Madera, CA, Cogir of Cedar Creek is an outstanding senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Choose from a wide range of well-built and spacious floor plans including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom cottages. With a dedicated and highly skilled team attending to unique needs and aspirations, seniors optimize their independence and gain more time to explore their interests.

The community fosters a vibrant and welcoming environment, paving the way for residents to interact with their surroundings and enjoy various learning opportunities. Indulge in delicious and nutritious meals catering to seniors’ dietary needs and tastes. With its homely spaces and serene community, Cogir of Cedar Creek doubles its efforts to provide seniors with a safe place to age gracefully.

Contact Cogir of Cedar Creek

Overview of The Hampshire – a Provincial Senior Living Community

Promising a retirement filled with fun and warmth, The Hampshire is a distinguished senior living community located in the serene residential area of R Street, Merced, CA, that offers independent living. Have a cozy and safe retirement with purposely built residences in a variety of suites, cottages, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. The community prides itself in a kind and compassionate team helping seniors with their daily chores and housekeeping.

A robust calendar of enrichment activities and enjoyable programs accompany seniors as they make the most out of their days. Indulge in healthy and tasty meals catering to nutritional requirements and preferences. Stroll with your pets in the scenic walking paths and relax in the gardens. Filled with incredible amenities and serene spaces, The Hampshire is ideal for seniors aiming to make their golden years more meaningful.

Contact The Hampshire – A Provincial Senior Living Community

Overview of Astoria Park Senior Living

Astoria Park Senior Living is a nurturing community, boasting gorgeous interior and exterior spaces adorned with premier details. With over 50 years of dedicated service, this privately-owned company sets a high standard for personalized care. They offer a range of services including assisted living, memory care, short-term stays, comprehensive care planning, and thoughtfully designed floor plans that prioritize comfort.

Strategically located just minutes away from Old Town Pasadena, residents enjoy convenient access to local conveniences and attractions, from vintage shops to five-star restaurants and luxury stores, embodying an elevated and elegant living experience. Adhering to strict safety standards, Astoria Park Senior Living ensures a sanitized community and promotes an active lifestyle. Embracing the California vibe, the community provides independent living services featuring villas and stylish dining and top-notch services. Transportation services, regularly scheduled entertainment, a pet-friendly environment, and planned activities all contribute to a vibrant atmosphere where each day is better than the last.

Contact Astoria Park Senior Living

Overview of St. Paul’s Plaza

Beautifully nestled near Heritage Park in Chula Vista, CA, St. Paul’s Plaza is an outstanding community that offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life, a compassionate and highly trained team provides top-notch care tailored to their special needs around the clock. The community also promotes a warm and welcoming environment, so residents can feel at ease during their stay.

A full calendar of fun recreational activities and enriching programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Delicious and well-balanced meals are available to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. With its extensive amenities and dedicated services, residents are guaranteed to thrive in retirement.

Contact St. Paul’s Plaza

Overview of The Terraces of Roseville

The Terraces of Roseville, located in Roseville CA, is a senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and respite care services. Their independent living accommodation offers two different studio-type units featuring their own private bathrooms, living area, and kitchenette, with other units featuring a patio or terrace.

The independent residents of The Terraces of Roseville also enjoy the rich array of amenities the community offers. Their restaurant style dining features award winning culinary offerings, residents will also surely enjoy the group outings the community schedules regularly where transportation is provided. Additionally, the community has a fitness center, theater, and library where residents can keep physically fit, or emotionally and intellectually stimulated.

Contact The Terraces of Roseville

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.