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;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;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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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 Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill

Welcoming seniors and guests warmly is the outstanding senior living community of Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill located in the bustling neighborhood of Second Avenue, San Diego, CA, that provides assisted living, independent living, and memory care. With cozy and sophisticated studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, seniors gain a wide selection of comfortable accommodations to choose from as they transition into the community. A competent and highly qualified team delivers top-notch care and support for seniors to lead meaningful lives.

Have a fun time learning new skills and reliving past interests with enjoyable activities and exciting events. With its convenient location near local amenities and attractions, Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill ensures seniors’ needs and aspirations are within a few steps away. Eat well and feel good with delicious and healthy meals catering to dietary needs and preferences. Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill is a friendly abode where seniors can spend their best years without worries and create lasting moments by living as they prefer.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill

Overview of Atria Encino Terrace

Located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, Atria Encino Terrace provides independent living and assisted living options in Encino, CA. The community features a range of spacious studio and one-bedroom apartments equipped with an emergency alert system and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. Atria’s Engage Life program encourages residents to engage in social, physical, and intellectual activities that provide residents with an enriched and meaningful life.

Atria Encino Terrace is dedicated to creating a fulfilling and vibrant living experience for its residents, offering them round-the-clock support, three chef-prepared meals daily with vegetarian dining options, and housekeeping services to make residents’ lives easier. The community provides wonderful amenities, including walking trails, a courtyard, an outdoor grill, off-site pool access, a game room, a salon, a library, and wifi access for entertainment and long-distance communication with their families.

Contact Atria Encino Terrace

Overview of Westmont at San Miguel Ranch

Westmont at San Miguel Ranch is a luxury senior living community offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Chula Vista. It boasts world-class service and hospitality provided by its excellent team of caregivers. It’s a community that provides quality service based on your style and your choice. Westmont is a community dedicated to making a difference in the lives of every senior through its innovative approach to senior living.

Westmont at San Miguel Ranch promotes an active lifestyle for its residents, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. One of the pride and joys of the community is their Live You Way™  and Adult 55+, which essentially provides unique care and service for residents. Everyone is entitled to impressive amenities, such as world-class dining service, a fully-equipped fitness center, and furnished apartments.

Contact Westmont at San Miguel Ranch

Overview of Foothill Retirement

Located on the picturesque landscapes of Esteban Street, Tujunga, CA, Foothill Retirement is an astounding senior living community that provides assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care. Prioritizing seniors’ comfort and wellness, the community features purposely crafted and spacious accommodations. Spend your golden years doing what you love with exceptional care and support from a kind and compassionate team.

Foothill Retirement goes above and beyond to ensure residents have the finest experience, conducting stimulating activities and engaging programs for enjoyment and wellness. Have a delightful dining experience with healthy and delicious meals satisfying dietary requirements and preferences. Foothill Retirement is great for seniors looking to live a well-rounded lifestyle with its serene spaces and scenic views.

Contact Foothill Retirement

Cypress Place

1200 Cypress Point Ln, Ventura, CA 93003
Overview of Cypress Place

An esteemed senior living community residing in the serene neighborhood of Cypress Point Lane, Ventura, CA, Cypress Place offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Experience relaxation and security like no other with the snug and well-designed residences of Cypress Place in a wide selection of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. With a dedicated and highly equipped team, seniors let go of their worries and live their lives to the fullest.

Meet new friends and create lasting memories through fun programs and exciting events. Dedicated to enhancing residents’ well-being, the community serves healthy and tasty meals catering to dietary needs and preferences. Cypress Place is a safe place for seniors to spend a glorious retirement with its beautiful setting.

Contact Cypress Place

Overview of Hallmark Assisted Living

Hallmark Assisted Living envisions a nurturing community in Bakersfield, California, where residents maintain their independence and dignity while receiving personalized care. Their mission focuses on creating a safe, engaging environment where residents can thrive individually. The dedicated team ensures comfort and engagement for residents, emphasizing their unique needs and passions and fostering a fulfilling lifestyle tailored to each individual.

At Hallmark, residents enjoy many luxury amenities, services, and assisted living facilities that promote a healthy lifestyle and ensure a secure future. From full-service dining to weekly housekeeping and linen services, residents experience unparalleled comfort and convenience. The community offers daily fitness activities, planned events, and weekly excursions, providing ample opportunities for socialization and enjoyment. With 24-hour emergency response systems and security monitoring, residents and their families can rest assured of their safety and well-being.

Contact Hallmark Assisted Living

Overview of Sierra Vista Independent & Assisted Living

Set in Victorville, California, Sierra Vista Independent and Assisted Living is very commited to providing top-notch assisted living, independent living, and respite care services creates a haven of comfort and support for seniors seeking an elevated lifestyle. The community exudes a luxurious ambiance, offering not just living spaces, but an entire lifestyle experience. Residents can also find themselves surrounded by the convenience of medical facilities, picturesque outdoor recreation, and bustling shopping centers, enhancing their daily experiences.
Their highly trained staff is equipped with modern techniques to provide unparalleled care. Culinary experiences become exquisite affairs, with gourmet meals tailored to various health needs, expertly handled by professionals in dietary management. Amidst this environment, seniors thrive in spacious one-bedroom homes and spectacular penthouse suites, all nestled within beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces that evoke a timeless sense of classic elegance.

Contact Sierra Vista Independent & Assisted Living

Sun City Gardens

28500 Bradley Rd, Menifee, CA 92586
Overview of Sun City Gardens

Nestled amidst the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains, Sun City Gardens offers not just a residence, but an exquisite lifestyle experience. What truly sets it apart is its ability to balance vibrancy with tranquility, making it an ideal haven for both lively activities and serene relaxation. It goes above and beyond in providing unparalleled living options, underscored by a wealth of amenities designed to elevate daily life.

With round-the-clock staff, dedicated volunteer programs, and a full-time Activity Director, residents are enveloped in a supportive environment where their needs and desires are met with utmost care. The community also boasts a full-service salon and spa, outdoor grill, and dining spaces, creating an ambiance of everyday luxury. Additionally, the presence of a library, Wi-Fi connectivity, and common areas further enrich the living experience, making Sun City Gardens a place where every day is marked by comfort, convenience, and contentment.

Contact Sun City Gardens

Overview of Carlton Senior Living Sacramento

Operated by Carlton Senior Living, Carlton Plaza of San Leandro is a 199-bed nursing home in San Leandro, California, LLC under Angela Boucher-Turin’s administration. Serving the area for 26 years, it provides skilled nursing care for residents needing 24-hour medical support and rigorous assistance. Accepted are Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, opening numerous pathways for families managing skilled nursing care costs, with monthly pricing starting at $4,795.

The home sits in a moderately walkable neighborhood where some errands can be done on foot. Visitors will find local transit and nearby services accessible. Such a location works well for families wanting to visit regularly without navigating a car-centric area. Meals here are prepared restaurant-style and tagged as exquisite, reflecting a commitment to making dining an engaging part of daily life, not merely a clinical necessity. Beyond meals, the home offers a full array of amenities designed for comfort and engagement: convenient transportation for outings and appointments, 24/7 safety oversight, events and entertainment programming, and cutting-edge technology throughout the community. The “chore-free living” model means residents can focus on their recovery and social connections instead of household maintenance. The restaurant-style dining and lifestyle amenities cherish residents’ dignity and engagement, not just their care needs.

For families contemplating Carlton Plaza of San Leandro, the blend of long-standing operation, robust 24-hour staffing, and attention to medical care and life quality signals a facility that treats skilled nursing as more than a clinical service.

Contact Carlton Senior Living Sacramento

Overview of Westmont of Morgan Hill

Located in the serene setting of Cochrane Road, Morgan Hill, CA, Westmont of Morgan Hill is a blissful senior living community providing assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community is committed to improving residents’ quality of life with top-tier care and assistance from a compassionate and well-trained team. Residents thrive and live their lives to the fullest within the community’s cozy and pet-friendly amenities.

Celebrate milestones and lead a meaningful life through a variety of enriching events and fun programs. Here, residents enjoy delightful dining with diverse options that satisfy their nutritional needs and tastes. With its ideal location near convenient local amenities and amusing attractions, residents gain easy access to their needs and desires. Westmont of Morgan Hill strives to provide a safe place where residents retain their independence while receiving the utmost support they deserve.

Contact Westmont of Morgan Hill

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.