Page 3 of Best Independent Living in California

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 640 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.
640 homes
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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. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. 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.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
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.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
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.
Avocet Playa Vista
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
Los Angeles (Playa Vista)
286
Facility 286
CA AVG 168
Rank #45 / 409
Yes
69
Facility 69
CA AVG 59
Rank #253 / 638
A+8
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #41 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 15
Rank #387 / 402
74.5%
Facility 74.5%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #170 / 361
-Hsh Playa Management Ca LLC And Srg Playa Mgmt LLC1 Bed / 2 Bed
Merrill Gardens at Huntington Beach
IL
AL
MC
Huntington Beach
150
Facility 150
CA AVG 168
Rank #178 / 409
Yes
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 59
Rank #196 / 638
A+11
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #153 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 15
Rank #225 / 402
76.7%
Facility 76.7%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #146 / 361
-Shi-III Mg Gp Of Shi-III Huntington Bch And Merrill GStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Silvergate Rancho Bernardo
IL
AL
MC
San Diego (Rancho Bernardo)
285
Facility 285
CA AVG 168
Rank #46 / 409
No
23
Facility 23
CA AVG 59
Rank #569 / 638
A+13
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #63 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 15
Rank #265 / 402
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #1 / 361
A+Americare Health & Retirement, Inc-
Segovia
IL
AL
Palm Desert
182
Facility 182
CA AVG 168
Rank #117 / 409
Yes
59
Facility 59
CA AVG 59
Rank #346 / 638
A+7
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #41 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 15
Rank #338 / 402
79.1%
Facility 79.1%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #121 / 361
-Well Oak Ccrc Tenant LLC And Oakmont Management GroupStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Atria San Juan
IL
AL
MC
San Juan Capistrano
140
Facility 140
CA AVG 168
Rank #211 / 409
Yes
36
Facility 36
CA AVG 59
Rank #507 / 638
A+11
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #111 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 15
Rank #50 / 402
75.0%
Facility 75.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #165 / 361
-Wg Chateau San Juan Sh LP And Atria Management Co LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Atria Hillcrest
IL
AL
MC
Thousand Oaks (Greenwich Village)
207
Facility 207
CA AVG 168
Rank #82 / 409
Yes
72
Facility 72
CA AVG 59
Rank #230 / 638
B+36
19
Facility 19
CA AVG 13
Rank #290 / 391
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #185 / 398
40
Facility 40
CA AVG 15
Rank #17 / 402
67.1%
Facility 67.1%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #227 / 361
A+Wg Hillcrest Inn Sh LP And Atria Management Co LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Meridian At Lake San Marcos
IL
AL
MC
RC
San Marcos
170
Facility 170
CA AVG 168
Rank #140 / 409
Yes
51
Facility 51
CA AVG 59
Rank #415 / 638
A-22
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 13
Rank #258 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 15
Rank #154 / 402
77.1%
Facility 77.1%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #140 / 361
B-Pacifica L 24 LLC And San Marcos Mgr LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Westmont of Escondido
IL
AL
MC
Escondido (Central Escondido)
200
Facility 200
CA AVG 168
Rank #86 / 409
Yes
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 59
Rank #82 / 638
B+23
14
Facility 14
CA AVG 13
Rank #247 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 15
Rank #173 / 402
84.5%
Facility 84.5%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #79 / 361
-Escondido Operations LP And Westmont Living IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Private Suite
Merrill Gardens at Lafayette
IL
AL
MC
Lafayette
100
Facility 100
CA AVG 168
Rank #286 / 409
Yes
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 59
Rank #82 / 638
A-10
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #87 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 15
Rank #212 / 402
87.0%
Facility 87.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #61 / 361
-Shi-III Lafayette And Merrill Gardens Shi-III Mg GpStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Fredericka Manor Retirement Community in Chula Vista
IL
AL
MC
Chula Vista
560
Facility 560
CA AVG 168
Rank #12 / 409
Yes
83
Facility 83
CA AVG 59
Rank #114 / 638
A26
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #111 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 15
Rank #192 / 402
51.1%
Facility 51.1%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #316 / 361
-Front Porch Communities And ServicesStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Semi-Suite Apartment

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other CA independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 640 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Avocet Playa Vista

12490 W Fielding Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90094
Overview of Avocet Playa Vista

Create unforgettable moments at Avocet Playa Vista, an idyllic retreat in Los Angeles, CA, that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Featuring beautifully furnished and secure one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Residents also receive top-tier care tailored to their unique needs from a kind and highly skilled team available around the clock.

A thoughtfully curated calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Delicious and healthy meals are also served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. With its extensive amenities and dedicated services, the community creates the ideal setting where residents can thrive in retirement.

Contact Avocet Playa Vista

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Huntington Beach

Nestled in the sunny beach town of Huntington Beach, CA, Merrill Gardens at Huntington Beach offers a welcoming atmosphere for seniors seeking independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents can enjoy the classic beachy design, beautifully landscaped courtyards with BBQ areas, and spacious apartments equipped with modern amenities like washers and dryers. The community is conveniently located near shopping, dining, and outdoor activities, making it easy for seniors to embrace the vibrant Huntington Beach lifestyle.

Merrill Gardens provides a comfortable and supportive environment with a range of amenities and programs, including anytime dining, wellness programs, and scheduled transportation services. Residents can relax in inviting common areas, enjoy a movie in the theater, or unwind in the salon. With a focus on community engagement and individual care, Merrill Gardens ensures a fulfilling experience for all its residents.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Huntington Beach

Overview of Silvergate Rancho Bernardo

Silvergate Rancho Bernardo is a magnificent senior living community settling at Avenida Venusto, San Diego, CA. The community provides various living options including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. As a locally owned and operated community, Silvergate boasts a team of well-trained and dedicated caregivers and spacious living areas. 

Proving its top-tier care, Silvergate have won several awards including the Southern California Association of Activity Professionals, San Diego Reader’s Favorite, and Zero Net Water Citation Award, among others. The community fosters a warm environment for its residents, hence, conducting social activities and a maintenance-free lifestyle. Amenities include a sparkling pool, a theater, a game lounge, a card room, an art studio, a fitness center, a yoga studio, and a spa.

 

Contact Silvergate Rancho Bernardo

Segovia

39905 Via Scena, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Overview of Segovia

Tucked away in the heart of Palm Desert, CA, Segovia is a luxury senior living community that offers independent living and assisted living. Residents enjoy the warmth and comfort of Segovia’s carefully designed apartments, ranging from studio units to spacious two-bedroom residences. A full-time nurse and compassionate team is available 24/7, to provide assistance and support tailored to the unique needs of each resident.

The community takes immense pride in creating inviting environments that exude elegance and sophistication, which is also evident in their wide array of amenities. Residents can take a dip in the heated swimming pool, bask in the sun at the beautiful courtyard, or appreciate the blooming flowers by the garden’s twisting paths. An excellent culinary team brings their exceptional expertise to every meal, ensuring residents are nourished with carefully prepared dishes made from the freshest ingredients.

Contact Segovia

Atria San Juan

32353 San Juan Creek Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Overview of Atria San Juan

Atria Park of San Juan offers one of the finest assisted living and memory care living communities, prioritizing its inclusive amenities for the welfare of its residents. Their commitment to ensuring that an individual can feel independent while being engaged is one of their utmost priorities for a balanced lifestyle; they ensure that their residents are healthy and active. Atria San Juan has provided a diverse and inclusive environment.

The premier retirement community has boasted an elevated lifestyle through its services for seniors. Their all-inclusive amenities include daily delicious and nutritious meals by a chef, weekly housekeeping and laundry services, daily fitness activities with their finest gym equipment, private apartments with an emergency call system, 24-hour resident nurse and podiatrist present, and a primary care physician who visits weekly.

Contact Atria San Juan

Atria Hillcrest

405 Hodencamp Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Overview of Atria Hillcrest

Overlooking the beautiful scenery located on Hodencamp Road, Thousand Oaks, CA, Atria Hillcrest is an idyllic senior living community offering various care options including assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community features cozy and warm floor plans including a studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and shared suite. With a team of dedicated and highly skilled professionals, Atria Hillcrest delivers round-the-clock care and assistance.

Atria Hillcrest is a serene senior living community that provides safe and comfortable accommodations to its residents. Here, they ensure the quality of life of the seniors through the community’s exclusive Engage Life program which allows the seniors to participate in tai chi, discussions of current events, and enjoy the company of other residents. Healthy meals are provided three times every day in the bistro or private dining rooms. Basking in the serenity of the community, Atria Hillcrest ensures relaxing and secure residences.

Contact Atria Hillcrest

Meridian At Lake San Marcos

1177 San Marino Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078
Overview of Meridian at Lake San Marcos

Meridian at San Marcos Senior Living offers a luxurious environment that creates a lifestyle filled with endless possibilities for seniors to discover. As a member of the Aura Collection of communities, the luxury retirement home strives to deliver quality care and service for each individual to be enriched and engaged during their stay. Meridian at San Marcos is a vibrant community that encourages residents to thrive independently, flourish actively, and live purposefully.
The premier independent living, assisted living, and memory care home provides a list of amenities and services that make a comfortable and secure environment for residents. Accommodations comprise delightful amenities and services such as housekeeping, laundry, engaging programs, social events, recreational activities, fitness classes, gourmet meals at the restaurant-style dining hall, beautifully furnished apartments, and an in-home emergency call pendant.

Contact Meridian At Lake San Marcos

Overview of Westmont of Escondido

Beautifully set in Escondido, CA, Westmont of Escondido is a blissful senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. Designed to encourage independence and overall well-being, the community provides just the right amount of assistance to its residents. Compassionate and specialized care is provided by a specially-trained team to those living with memory loss, ensuring they are able to continue their desired lifestyle despite their condition.

The community’s convenient location offers easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, making it ideal for a vibrant retirement experience. Residents are also free to participate in the community’s wide array of activities and explore its amenities, including the heated pool, bistro, theater, and therapy services. At Westmont of Escondido, residents have access to various services, programs, and features that make their lives more enjoyable.

Contact Westmont of Escondido

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Lafayette

Soak in the sun with the idyllic senior living community of Merrill Gardens at Lafayette situated in the tranquil grounds of Second Street, Lafayette, CA, offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Cherish personal time within the meticulously crafted and sophisticated residences of Merrill Gardens at Lafayette in variations of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. With care plans tailored to seniors’ needs and aspirations, the community strives to deliver top-tier care and support for them to gain meaningful experiences.

Fostering a bright and friendly environment, Merrill Gardens at Lafayette ensures seniors live an active and blissful lifestyle through engaging activities and exciting programs. Have intimate moments with friends and pamper yourself with the fabulous amenities and serene spaces of the community. Eat well and feel good with well-balanced meals available throughout the day to cater to nutritional needs and preferences. Merrill Gardens at Lafayette is a haven for seniors seeking a peaceful retirement in its beautiful campus.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Lafayette

Overview of Fredericka Manor Retirement Community in Chula Vista

Find the care you need at Fredericka Manor Retirement Community, an astounding community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community features cozy and well-maintained studio to two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. With a kind and highly trained team attending to their needs 24/7, residents receive the highest quality of care for a worry-free retirement.

Residents will not feel lonely with a thoughtfully curated calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs that highlight their interests and capabilities. Mealtimes promote social interactions and satisfy dietary needs that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. This pet-friendly community is surrounded by lush natural spaces, creating the ideal setting for residents to spend their golden years happily.

Contact Fredericka Manor Retirement Community in Chula Vista

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.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Independent Living in California at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 59/ 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: 168The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in California. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90
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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.