Other senior care options in California:

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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Overview of Golden Pond Retirement Community

Treat yourself to the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of with the idyllic senior living community of Golden Pond Retirement Community in North Ford Street, Golden, CO, providing assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Featuring a selection of purposely designed and spacious accommodations ranging from studios to two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures seniors enjoy a comfortable and secure retirement. A team of kind and well-trained professionals cares for daily living activities and personal needs to ensure seniors thrive and live to their potential.

A jam-packed calendar of fun activities and engaging programs accompanies seniors as they explore new interests and relive hobbies. With diverse dining options, the community strives to meet dietary needs and preferences for a delightful dining experience. Golden Pond Retirement Community is ideal for seniors looking to optimize their independence while receiving the utmost care and support for their ever-changing needs.

Contact Golden Pond Retirement Community

Overview of Carlton Senior Living San Jose

Carlton Senior Living San Jose is an extraordinary community nestled next to the serene Martial Cottle Park, offering a harmonious blend of memory care and residential assisted living. Enjoy the convenience of transportation services, housekeeping assistance, and apartment maintenance, while utilities are taken care of, allowing you to fully embrace the joys of retirement.
Discover thoughtfully designed floor plans, from cozy studios to spacious one-bedroom and two-bedroom senior living bedrooms.

With an emphasis on family values, this community ensures unparalleled safety and security while fostering a vibrant and engaging social life. Step into its enchanting courtyard, a serene oasis where you can relax and reconnect with nature. Indulge in delicious meals, lovingly prepared to nourish your body and delight your taste buds. Every aspect of life at Carlton Senior Living San Jose has been meticulously crafted to provide an exceptional experience that exceeds expectations.

Contact Carlton Senior Living San Jose

Overview of Brookdale San Marcos

Brookdale San Marcos, found at 1590 W. San Marcos Blvd in San Marcos, California, delivers luxury assisted living in an elegant coastal setting. The community provides personalized care, genuine relationships, and a focus on helping residents enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle. At the community, residents can expect assistance with daily tasks such as housekeeping, meals, bathing, and dressing, all customized to their specific needs. The community offers a full calendar of events and activities, including shopping trips, art clubs, and fitness classes, allowing residents to explore old hobbies or discover new ones.

The community features vacation-style amenities, including an outdoor pool, fitness center, and transportation services. Apartments are spacious and pet-friendly, with options for studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. Basic utilities and maintenance are typically included in the basic service rate, providing residents with peace of mind and fewer bills to worry about. They aim to meet residents where they are in life’s journey, making Brookdale San Marcos a top choice when looking for a community for your loved one.

Contact Brookdale San Marcos

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 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 Atria El Camino Gardens

Located in Carmichael, California, Atria El Camino Gardens is an inviting senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Residents can get access to participate in the daily activities, and chef-prepared meals. The 24-hour staff takes care of cooking, housekeeping, maintenance, and local transportation, allowing seniors to focus on their passions and interests – whether it’s watching a movie in the theater, pampering themselves at the salon, or strolling through the gardens.

For those seeking adventure, the nearby Ancil Hoffman Park boasts a riverside golf course and nature center, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can also indulge in treats at Estelle Bakery and Pâtisserie. At Atria El Camino Gardens, residents have everything they need for a fulfilling and vibrant lifestyle, both within the community and right outside its doors.

Contact Atria El Camino Gardens

Overview of Rancho Ontario 55+ Community

Live the retirement of your dreams at Rancho Ontario 55+ Community, an astounding community in Ontario, CA, offering independent living. The community features beautifully furnished and spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments, ensuring residents can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences. Residents can feel a sense of belonging in a vibrant and welcoming environment.

Residents have easy access to leisure and necessities with cozy communal spaces and proximity to thriving local amenities. Pets are also welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. Other amenities include a tennis court, a clubhouse, a heated pool, a fitness center, and a dog park, creating the ideal setting for residents to spend their golden years actively.

Contact Rancho Ontario 55+ Community

Overview of Huntington Terrace North Senior Apartments

Experience the retirement of your dreams at Huntington Terrace North Senior Apartments, a distinguished 55+ community in Huntington Beach, CA, that offers independent living. Beautifully furnished and cozy studio to two-bedroom floor plans are available in a bright and friendly environment, dedicated to residents’ comfort and safety. Residents maintain their independence without the busy work, with on-site maintenance, management, and laundry spaces.

Here, residents will surely make new friends and enjoy the best of their golden years. Residents spend their days as they please with a variety of specially designed amenities, including a clubhouse, a fitness center, a media room, a spa, a hot tub, a library, and beautifully designed community gardens. The community is ideal for those looking to downsize in retirement without hassles.

Contact Huntington Terrace North Senior Apartments

Overview of Alder Bay Assisted Living

Situated on the peaceful grounds of Myrtle Avenue, Eureka, CA, Alder Bay Assisted Living is a distinguished senior living community providing assisted living, independent living, and respite care. The community features cozy and sophisticated residences in a wide selection of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans to ensure seniors live comfortably within its premises. A trustworthy and well-trained team strives to deliver the highest quality of care and support for seniors to thrive and optimize their freedom.

Explore new hobbies and rekindle passions with engaging activities and exciting programs conducted for leisure and wellness. Feel good with healthy and tasty meals that satisfy nutritional needs and preferences. Alder Bay Assisted Living is a haven for seniors seeking solace in their golden years with its signature programs and pet-friendly spaces.

Contact Alder Bay Assisted Living

Overview of Rowntree Gardens

Find all the care you need with the distinguished life plan community of Rowntree Gardens in Dale Street, Stanton, CA offers a wide array of living options including assisted living, independent living, memory care, skilled nursing, and therapy services. The community takes pride in a team of reliable and highly trained professionals helping seniors with their personal needs and daily living activities around the clock. With specialized programs, Rowntree Gardens works hard to meet seniors’ special needs and aspirations.

As a faith-based community, Rowntree Gardens conducts enriching activities and engaging programs to strengthen seniors’ faith and keep them happy. Anticipate mealtimes with healthy and delicious meals provided to satisfy cravings and nutritional requirements. Rowntree Gardens is a good place for seniors to spend their golden years receiving the utmost care and support they deserve.

Contact Rowntree Gardens

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.