Page 31 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. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
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.
Carlton Senior Living Sacramento
IL
AL
MC
RESC
Sacramento
99
Facility 99
CA AVG 168
Rank #296 / 409
Yes
72
Facility 72
CA AVG 59
Rank #230 / 638
A-17
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #195 / 391
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #185 / 398
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 15
Rank #338 / 402
--Carlton Crown Plaza/Sac LP And Carlton Sr. Lvg LLC-
Rose Arbor Village
IL
AL
MC
Sacramento
108
Facility 108
CA AVG 168
Rank #278 / 409
Yes
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 59
Rank #626 / 638
A+21
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #111 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 15
Rank #387 / 402
--Station III, LLC And Alta Senior Living, Inc-
Summerset Assisted Living
IL
AL
MC
RC
Rancho Cordova
135
Facility 135
CA AVG 168
Rank #224 / 409
No
69
Facility 69
CA AVG 59
Rank #253 / 638
C35
19
Facility 19
CA AVG 13
Rank #290 / 391
18
Facility 18
CA AVG 3
Rank #388 / 398
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 15
Rank #173 / 402
65.9%
Facility 65.9%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #240 / 361
-Summerset Assisted Living LLC-
Villa Lorena Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
San Diego (Black Mountain Ranch Village)
85
Facility 85
CA AVG 168
Rank #323 / 409
No
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 59
Rank #533 / 638
C30
20
Facility 20
CA AVG 13
Rank #300 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 15
Rank #212 / 402
72.9%
Facility 72.9%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #182 / 361
-Santaluz Senior Partners, LP And Vlgp Inc(Gen. Partner)-
Silvergate San Marcos Retirement
IL
AL
MC
San Marcos
160
Facility 160
CA AVG 168
Rank #154 / 409
No
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 59
Rank #196 / 638
B+14
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #124 / 391
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #185 / 398
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 15
Rank #42 / 402
--Americare Health & Retirement, Inc. A Calif. Corp-
Burlingame Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
RC
Burlingame
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 168
Rank #319 / 409
Yes
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 59
Rank #630 / 638
D39
14
Facility 14
CA AVG 13
Rank #247 / 391
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 3
Rank #397 / 398
29
Facility 29
CA AVG 15
Rank #60 / 402
61.1%
Facility 61.1%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #276 / 361
A+Pacifica Burlingame LP And Burlingame Mgr LLCStudio / 1 Bed
The Oaks at Nipomo
IL
AL
MC
Nipomo
122
Facility 122
CA AVG 168
Rank #251 / 409
Yes
43
Facility 43
CA AVG 59
Rank #474 / 638
C-46
34
Facility 34
CA AVG 13
Rank #360 / 391
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 3
Rank #359 / 398
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 15
Rank #225 / 402
78.7%
Facility 78.7%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #129 / 361
-Nipomo Oaks, Gp Of Nipomo Oaks Ops LP And Westmont LvngStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Golden Pond Retirement Community
IL
AL
HOS
MC
RC
Sacramento (La Riviera)
175
Facility 175
CA AVG 168
Rank #129 / 409
Yes
38
Facility 38
CA AVG 59
Rank #493 / 638
C-67
37
Facility 37
CA AVG 13
Rank #369 / 391
22
Facility 22
CA AVG 3
Rank #396 / 398
27
Facility 27
CA AVG 15
Rank #84 / 402
49.1%
Facility 49.1%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #324 / 361
-Walgenbach, Brian & Gill, DougStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Pacifica Senior Living Union City
IL
AL
MC
RC
Union City
110
Facility 110
CA AVG 168
Rank #270 / 409
Yes
73
Facility 73
CA AVG 59
Rank #224 / 638
D54
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 13
Rank #356 / 391
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 3
Rank #385 / 398
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 15
Rank #173 / 402
49.1%
Facility 49.1%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #324 / 361
A+Pacifica Union City LLC And Union City Mgr LLC1 Bed / 2 Bed
Milan Villa Senior Living
IL
AL
HOS
MC
Livermore
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 168
Rank #387 / 409
No
74
Facility 74
CA AVG 59
Rank #207 / 638
D-13
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #111 / 391
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 3
Rank #359 / 398
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 15
Rank #291 / 402
83.3%
Facility 83.3%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #87 / 361
-La Jolla Cove Holdings, LLCStudio / Semi-Private Rooms

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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Overview of Carlton Senior Living Sacramento

Carlton Senior Living Sacramento offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and residential care in Sacramento, CA. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication.

Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision, and the range of care types may suit a resident whose support needs change over time without leaving the community. There are 99 beds here, with a starting price of $4,995 that gives families an initial cost figure when considering the available care options.

Kasie Wimmer serves as the administrator, and Carlton Crown Plaza/Sac LP and Carlton Sr Lvg operates the community. Pets are allowed, so residents may bring a pet with them. A Walk Score of 72 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby services independently. Transportation is available for appointments and outings, while restaurant-style dining provides meals in a restaurant-style setting; fitness classes, live music, educational seminars, and rehabilitation services add structured activities and support within the community.

Contact Carlton Senior Living Sacramento

Overview of Rose Arbor Village

Rose Arbor Village offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Sacramento, CA. Independent living provides a private residence with community services and no daily care, while assisted living adds help with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.

Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone who may be at risk of wandering. Having all three care types in one community can suit a resident whose needs may grow over time, since moving to a different care level may not require leaving Rose Arbor Village.

The community has 108 beds. Its cottages, studios, and one and two bedroom apartments include options for single residents, couples, or someone who wants a larger living space.

Chef prepared, restaurant style dining gives residents meals served in a social dining setting, while the fitness center and wellness center support on site exercise and wellness activities. Walking paths and private patios provide outdoor areas, and the beauty and barber shop allows residents to receive grooming services within the community.

Pets are allowed, so residents may continue living with a pet. Respite care offers a short term stay for someone whose usual caregiver is traveling or recovering.

Greg Klick serves as the administrator. Rose Arbor Village is operated by Station III and Alta Senior Living.

Contact Rose Arbor Village

Overview of Summerset Assisted Living

Summerset Assisted Living offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care in Rancho Cordova, CA. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident keeps their own living space. Independent living is for residents who do not need daily care and instead use community services. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone living with dementia who may be at risk of wandering.

Respite care offers a short stay for a family whose usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. Having these care levels in one community can suit a resident whose needs grow over time without requiring a move to a different community. Respite care may also fit a family seeking temporary support rather than a permanent placement.

The community has 135 beds, and Danielle Barry serves as its administrator. Chef-cooked meals are provided, giving residents prepared dining on site. Courtyards, gardens, walkways, a fountain, and a goldfish pond create several outdoor places to spend time outside.

A Walk Score of 69 makes the area somewhat walkable, so some errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives may be able to manage some nearby errands independently.

Contact Summerset Assisted Living

Overview of Villa Lorena Senior Living

A boutique-style community in North San Diego is the Villa Lorena Senior Living which offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The elegant community in San Diego gives off a homelike atmosphere for residents to feel a sense of belonging. Villa Lorena Senior Living offers endless opportunities for seniors to discover. The staff at Villa Lorena is committed to providing the highest quality of senior living care. Villa Lorena is a vibrant community that provides exceptional service while maintaining a safe and secure environment that residents can call home. 
Independent living encourages an active lifestyle providing activities that include outings and programs while experiencing state-of-the-art amenities. Assisted living prioritizes that residents can still be free while receiving assistance from day-to-day activities. Memory care strives to provide a well-trained nurse staff that is guaranteed to help the resident’s wellness, safety, and security. Regardless of what background the resident comes from or where they used to live, residents are treated like family– which is why many families choose to entrust their loved ones at Villa Lorena Senior Living and hurry because there’s only a ten-percent vacancy rate! 

Contact Villa Lorena Senior Living

Overview of Silvergate San Marcos Retirement

Silvergate San Marcos Retirement offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care in San Marcos, CA. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Having these care levels in one community can suit a resident whose support needs grow over time, since changing care levels may allow the resident to remain in the same community. Respite care is available for a short stay when a family caregiver needs time away or time to recover. Short-term rehabilitation and rehabilitation services provide care during a temporary recovery period.

The community opened in 1994 and has 160 beds. Monthly pricing starts at $3,995. Joan Rink-Carroll serves as the administrator, and Americare Health & Retirement operates the community.

Restaurant-style dining includes seasonal menus and chef-crafted meals, with residents served in a restaurant-style setting. A fitness center and wellness programs support exercise, while salon and spa services provide on-site personal care. Outdoor areas include a central courtyard, seating, and shady gazebos for time outside. Transportation is available, giving residents a way to travel without driving themselves.

With a Walk Score of 75, the area is very walkable. Most errands can be done on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may still reach nearby shops, a pharmacy, or cafes independently. This community is a good fit for someone who wants independent living, assisted living, or memory care, including a resident whose needs may change or a family caregiver who needs short-term respite.

Contact Silvergate San Marcos Retirement

Burlingame Senior Living

250 Myrtle Rd, Burlingame, CA 94010
Overview of Burlingame Senior Living

Burlingame Senior Living is a senior living community located in the serene enclave of Burlingame, California. This distinguished retirement community specializes in offering Assisted Living and Memory Care options, ensuring a well-rounded approach to senior resident care tailored to individual needs.

Each day presents a fresh opportunity for residents to engage in diverse and exciting life enrichment programs, connect with friends, and make the most of their time on campus. Residents at Burlingame Senior Living enjoy access to an array of amenities, including housekeeping services and chef-prepared dining, aimed at fostering an environment where they can lead fulfilling lives in comfort and tranquility. This community is designed to elevate the quality of life for each cherished resident.

Contact Burlingame Senior Living

The Oaks at Nipomo

177 Mary Ave, Nipomo, CA 93444
Overview of The Oaks at Nipomo

Ideally situated in the harmonious neighborhood of Nipomo, CA, is the idyllic senior living community of The Oaks at Nipomo that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. The community goes above and beyond to provide top-tier care and assistance with a kind and specially trained team attending to their needs and preferences. Residents have a relaxing and safe retirement surrounded by the scenic views and vineyards of Nipomo.

With a meticulously curated calendar of fun recreation and exciting events, residents have more opportunities to learn and do the things they love. Here, residents have the finest dining experience with delicious and healthy meals that satisfy their nutritional needs and tastes. The Oaks at Nipomo is ideal for those seeking solace in their golden years living in a stress-free environment.

Contact The Oaks at Nipomo

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

Pacifica Senior Living Union City

33883 Alvarado-Niles Rd, Union City, CA 94587
Overview of Pacifica Senior Living Union City

Pacifica Senior Living Union City is a nurturing sanctuary in Union City, California, offering seniors and their families a trustworthy hand. The community boasts an array of common spaces, amenities, and activities meticulously designed to enhance daily living. It specializes in assisted living and memory care, providing a unique and compassionate environment. The facility’s dedicated staff members are highly skilled and experienced, ensuring personalized care tailored to each resident’s needs.
Apartment features include pet-friendly designs, individually controlled thermostats, smoke-free environments, beautiful views, and state-of-the-art security systems in every room. In addition to assisted living and memory care, Pacifica Senior Living Union City also provides respite care and independent living options. Its amenities are thoughtfully curated, including concierge services, a cozy fireplace lounge, an inviting ice cream parlor party room, a clubhouse, a theater, a salon, a barbershop, and spacious outdoor gardens.

Contact Pacifica Senior Living Union City

Overview of Milan Villa Senior Living

Live a fulfilling retirement lifestyle in Milan Villa Senior Living, a warm and welcoming community in Livermore, CA dedicated to offering various levels of care. They provide residents the convenience of having independent living, assisted living, memory care, and hospice care for their ever-changing needs. The community ensures residents feel safe and cared for by offering them 24-hour care and assistance with their daily routines, personal care, and medication management.

Milan Villa consistently makes an effort to help residents live a vibrant and enriched lifestyle through its wide array of fun activities and events. Residents can savor family-style meals and snacks that are prepared to be healthy and accommodating to special dietary needs. With the convenience of transportation, housekeeping, and maintenance services, residents can freely enjoy their passions and focus on living their best lives amidst the community’s nurturing setting.

Contact Milan Villa Senior Living

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.