Page 26 of Best Independent Living in California

Overview of Carlton Plaza of San Leandro

Licensed since 1999, Carlton Plaza of San Leandro is a 199-bed senior living community in San Leandro, California, under administrator Angela Boucher-Turin. Prices start at $4,795 monthly. The community operated by Carlton Senior Living, LLC, offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care to residents in Alameda County.

The inspection record is below California average. Since 2021, the facility has logged 23 total citations, 130 percent above California’s average of 10, with 21 complaint visits over the same period against a state average of 13. Citations per routine inspection run 0.7, well below California’s 3.3 average, meaning the citation volume is driven by complaint activity rather than standard inspections. No serious citations are on record. The latest inspection was April 2026

Respite stays are available. Amenities contain restaurant-style dining, scheduled transportation, a robust events calendar, and a pet-friendly environment.

An established, amenity-rich setting near San Leandro’s services, Carlton Plaza suits older adults seeking a large, full-continuum community in East Bay, especially those needing independent or assisted living.

Overview of Merced Senior Living

Merced Senior Living is an esteemed senior community in the picturesque city of Merced, California. The services provided by Merced Senior Living encompass both assisted living and memory care. The community’s prime location is just minutes away from an array of enticing dining establishments, shopping malls, and essential medical centers.

In the stunning San Joaquin Valley, Merced Senior Living offers tailored retirement options and luxurious senior housing apartments. This makes it an ideal location for seniors who want to live a comfortable life during their golden years. Experience their exceptional services and the warm and welcoming staff of their community.

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.

Overview of MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at West San Jose

A proud MorningStar Senior Living Group member, MorningStar at West San Jose provides exceptional assisted living and memory care services tailored to each individual’s needs. The community prides itself on providing the best services; striving to be the top-ranked assisted living community near Cupertino. An elegant community that is built on its contemporary design and styling, allowing for a more luxurious environment while providing resort-like service. Residents of MorningStar of San Jose can rest assured that they can feel like they’re a home away from home.

The community boasts elegant designs and upscale amenities such as its dining room, brightly-lit lounge areas, spacious apartments, courtyard, and arts and crafts studio. MorningStar promotes a stress-free lifestyle for their residents, providing essential services– housekeeping, social and recreational events, and transportation events. Management encourages residents to participate in activities and maximize the amenities to socialize and promote a warm and welcoming environment.

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.

Camarillo Senior Living is a highly regarded retirement community in Camarillo, CA, that offers a wide range of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. The community’s compassionate and welcoming environment also aims to provide older adults with a home away from home. Personalized meal plans, medication management, and weekly housekeeping also help residents maintain their independence. Through personalized care plans, residents also receive the utmost attention and care for their unique needs.

Card games, holiday parties, and weekly outings are just some of the activities dedicated to residents’ leisure and wellness. A bistro, spacious outdoor courtyards, and a library are also available, so residents can rest and connect with friends. Set in the peaceful residential area of Camarillo, the community guarantees a stress-free retirement. As one of the best options for senior living in California, this retirement community ensures older adults can age comfortably.

Overview of Villa Scalabrini Retirement Center

Villa Scalabrini Retirement Center in Sun Valley offers independent living, assisted living, nursing home care, and skilled nursing. Independent living gives residents a private place to live without daily care, while assisted living includes help with everyday tasks and skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care is available through the Safe Care Center and Special Care Unit. The range of care can suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since multiple care levels are available in one community. Respite care offers short stays when a family caregiver is traveling or recovering and needs temporary coverage.

The center has 130 beds, with private and semi-private rooms. Starting prices range from $2,500 to $3,000 for a private room and are $2,000 per person for a semi-private room. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families public coverage options alongside direct payment.

Residents can exercise daily, use the on-site library, arrange barber and beautician services, and shop at the small store and gift shop. Rehabilitation services provide therapy within the community, while transportation is available for medical appointments. Two meals are prepared daily in the Lounge by a classically trained chef.

Total nurse staffing is 4 hours 14 minutes per resident per day, representing the nursing time allocated to each resident daily. Adilso Luiz Balen serves as administrator, and Fathers Of St. Charles operates the center.

Overview of Brookdale Riverwalk

Focusing on seniors’ wellness, Brookdale Riverwalk located at Calloway Drive, Bakersfield, CA is an extraordinary continuing care retirement community offering a wide range of living options. These include assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled care. The community provides a selection of spacious and well-designed floor plans including studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, and private, and companion suites.

Experience a better quality of life with Brookdale Riverwalk’s dedicated and compassionate community. The community promotes an active and engaged lifestyle, conducting fun activities and wellness programs. Brookdale Riverwalk promises to deliver the highest quality of life that befits its residents, providing them with an environment where they can thrive confidently. Delight with delectable and nutritious meals served to satisfy the resident’s dietary needs and to promote socialization. Brookdale Riverwalk provides fabulous amenities including a library, a game room, a therapy room, a greenhouse, a beauty and barbershop, an outdoor pool, and walking paths, for its residents’ leisure and wellness.

Overview of Brookdale Tracy

Welcoming residents and guests warmly, Brookdale Tracy located at West Grant Line Road, Tracy, CA, is an exceptional senior living community providing assisted living and memory care. The community offers a variety of floor plans including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Brookdale Tracy nurtures the individuality and growth of seniors, providing them with a care plan that best suits their specific needs and preferences. Brookdale Tracy promotes meaningful connections, encouraging residents to stay active and interact with others. The community orchestrates fun and exciting activities to keep its residents learning and hone their interests.

With its signature Clare Bridge Training, memory care residents experience hands-on care and assistance from activities to dining. Delightful dining awaits the seniors and their peers at the community dining room; memory care residents are provided with scheduled meal times to avoid confusion. The community includes a cafe, a game room, a fireside living room, a community kitchen, a piano, a beauty and barbershop, a courtyard and garden, and peaceful walking paths.