Other senior care options in California:

Page 32 of Best Independent Living in California

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 648 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
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jul 2026
We analyzed
648 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: 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: 104The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in California. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent Living around California

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 to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

Harrison Villa of Mt. San Antonio Gardens
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Pomona
520
Facility 520
CA AVG 104
Rank #16 / 1646
No 45
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 81
Rank #212 / 1475
14
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #443 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
33
Facility 33
CA AVG 13
Rank #88 / 1504
84.0% -Congregational Homes, IncorporatedStudio
Vi at La Jolla Village
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
San Diego (University City)
783
Facility 783
CA AVG 104
Rank #5 / 1646
No
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 59
Rank #218 / 2058
84
Facility 84
CA AVG 81
Rank #732 / 1475
34
17
Facility 17
CA AVG 13
Rank #1057 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #155 / 1504
69.3% -Ccw La Jolla LLC, Cc La Jolla LLC, And Classic Res MgmtSuite / Penthouse / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Vi at Palo Alto
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Palo Alto
876
Facility 876
CA AVG 104
Rank #1 / 1646
No
80
Facility 80
CA AVG 59
Rank #416 / 2058
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 81
Rank #461 / 1475
24
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #846 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
21
Facility 21
CA AVG 13
Rank #362 / 1504
73.1% -Cc Palo Alto LLC And Classic Res. Mgmt. Ltd. Partner1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
The Reutlinger Community
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Danville
120
Facility 120
CA AVG 104
Rank #560 / 1646
No
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 59
Rank #1717 / 2058
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 81
Rank #649 / 1475
27
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #886 / 1388
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1434
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #155 / 1504
65.0% A+Reutlinger Community, The And Eskaton Properties IncStudio / 1 Bed
Canterbury Woods
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Pacific Grove
190
Facility 190
CA AVG 104
Rank #180 / 1646
Yes
81
Facility 81
CA AVG 59
Rank #383 / 2058
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #408 / 1475
13
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #326 / 1388
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1434
42
Facility 42
CA AVG 13
Rank #33 / 1504
72.6% A+Front Porch Communities And Services1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens a CCRC
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Fresno
652
Facility 652
CA AVG 104
Rank #9 / 1646
Yes 57
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 81
Rank #563 / 1475
20
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #526 / 1388
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #724 / 1434
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 13
Rank #105 / 1504
57.2% A+Humangood & Humangood Norcal & Humangood Fresno-
Webster House
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Palo Alto (Crescent Park)
54
Facility 54
CA AVG 104
Rank #1116 / 1646
Yes
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 59
Rank #171 / 2058
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 81
Rank #212 / 1475
7
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #652 / 1504
90.7% -Front Porch Communities And Services1 Bed / 2 Bed
O‘Connor Woods
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Stockton (Sherwood Manor)
499
Facility 499
CA AVG 104
Rank #23 / 1646
Yes
22
Facility 22
CA AVG 59
Rank #1824 / 2058
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 81
Rank #212 / 1475
13
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #326 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
34
Facility 34
CA AVG 13
Rank #79 / 1504
0-O'connor Woods HousingStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
University Retirement Community
IL
AL
HC
MC
NH
SNF
Davis (West Davis)
500
Facility 500
CA AVG 104
Rank #22 / 1646
No 54
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #408 / 1475
15
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #526 / 1388
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1434
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #155 / 1504
0-Univer Retire Com At Davis/Pacific Retire Services1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
The Vineyards – California Armenian Home
IL
AL
MC
NH
RESC
SNF
Fresno (Roosevelt)
412
Facility 412
CA AVG 104
Rank #27 / 1646
Yes
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 59
Rank #1795 / 2058
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #408 / 1475
18
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 13
Rank #759 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
41
Facility 41
CA AVG 13
Rank #36 / 1504
54.1% -California Home For The Aged IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Spring Lake Village
IL
NH
AL
MC
Santa Rosa (Melita)
679
Facility 679
CA AVG 104
Rank #8 / 1646
Yes
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 59
Rank #1924 / 2058
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 81
Rank #563 / 1475
14
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #652 / 1388
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #724 / 1434
40
Facility 40
CA AVG 13
Rank #42 / 1504
0A+Front Porch Communities And Services1 Bed / 2 Bed
Town & Country
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Santa Ana (East Memory Lane)
328
Facility 328
CA AVG 104
Rank #45 / 1646
Yes 67
60
Facility 60
CA AVG 81
Rank #1332 / 1475
39
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #1237 / 1388
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 3
Rank #1157 / 1434
50
Facility 50
CA AVG 13
Rank #22 / 1504
32.9% A+Christian And Missionary Alliance-
Hillcrest Care
IL
AL
MC
NH
RESC
SNF
Arrowhead Farms
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 104
Rank #1319 / 1646
Yes
29
Facility 29
CA AVG 59
Rank #1732 / 2058
96
Facility 96
CA AVG 81
Rank #1 / 1475
5
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
19
Facility 19
CA AVG 13
Rank #423 / 1504
100.0% -Angelita Perez-
Bayshire Torrey Pines
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
San Diego (Carmel Valley)
125
Facility 125
CA AVG 104
Rank #525 / 1646
Yes
81
Facility 81
CA AVG 59
Rank #383 / 2058
95
Facility 95
CA AVG 81
Rank #123 / 1475
7
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #443 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #1234 / 1504
84.8% A+Hartfield Care LLC-
Ararat Gardens
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Glendale (Somerset)
175
Facility 175
CA AVG 104
Rank #234 / 1646
Yes
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 59
Rank #267 / 2058
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 81
Rank #964 / 1475
22
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 13
Rank #920 / 1388
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #1011 / 1434
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #1234 / 1504
46.3% -Ararat Home Of Los Angeles, IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Cottage
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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

Citrus Place

7898 California Ave, Riverside, CA 92504
Overview of Citrus Place

Citrus Place is an outstanding community set in the quiet residential area of California Avenue, Riverside, CA, that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community is dedicated to improving residents’ welfare, providing top-tier care and assistance for their special needs, alongside specially designed studio and one-bedroom accommodations, to optimize comfort and safety. As a member of MBK Senior Living, the community features luxurious and high-quality services for residents to spend their later years without worries.

Elevate your retirement experience with a jam-packed calendar of fun activities and engaging programs tailored to your leisure and wellness. Have a delightful dining experience with healthy and delicious meals, catering to your dietary needs and tastes. Amenities include a swimming pool, a movie theater, a salon, a game room, and community gardens, perfect for recreation and socialization.

Contact Citrus Place

Overview of AvantGarde of La Jolla

Avant Garde is a gorgeous facility that offers gorgeous views, making this community unlike any other. This facility makes sure to offer a personalized experience for their residents. The staff are also professionals that have been trained to take care of the seniors in the community, making sure that their needs are met.

There are several amenities that are unique to Avant Garde. They offer various services, specifically assistance and support on daily tasks. In addition to this, they also have activities and events made for everyone ensuring that all the residents will enjoy their time here.

Contact AvantGarde of La Jolla

Overview of Serenity Villas

Operated by Serenity Villa, Serenity Villas is an independent living community on East Bonita Avenue in Pomona, California. Aida Reznik serves as the administrator and oversees the community’s daily operations. The community has been serving residents for 10 years.

Residents can choose from one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment-style homes. Each unit has a private bathroom and a kitchen with air conditioning, a dishwasher, a gas range, and a refrigerator. Some apartments have larger kitchens and living rooms, along with a patio or balcony, depending on the floor plan. These features give residents a private, home-like place to live.

Shared amenities on-site include barbecue areas, laundry facilities, a clubhouse, and spas. Residents can also join regular group activities that encourage physical activity and social connection. Serenity Villas has 25 units. About half are currently occupied, creating a quieter and more intimate setting than many larger senior communities. The area has a Walk Score of 55. Some errands can be completed on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.

State inspections have reviewed areas such as medication procedures, how quickly staff respond to residents’ care needs, care plan records, and general property upkeep. These topics have come up during inspections over time rather than from one single event. Families touring Serenity Villas may want to ask how these areas are being managed.

Contact Serenity Villas

Overview of River‘s Edge

River’s Edge is an assisted living community situated in the heart of Sacramento, CA. Enveloped by the scenic beauty of the American River, this community provides a serene and inviting campus-style retirement setting. Embracing the splendor of nature, the community is enveloped by verdant landscapes and enjoys close proximity to charming walking paths, nearby parks, golf courses, and premier shopping destinations.

With a variety of dining options and cultural delights, including the renowned Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, River’s Edge ensures that its residents savor a vibrant and enriching lifestyle. River’s Edge takes pride in offering a range of upscale amenities and personalized care services, designed to cater to the unique needs and preferences of each senior resident. With a focus on community, comfort, and well-being, River’s Edge provides an exquisite living experience that celebrates the golden years with grace and joy.

Contact River‘s Edge

WellQuest of Elk Grove

Sheldon Pacific, 8871 E Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95624
Overview of WellQuest of Elk Grove

WellQuest of Elk Grove provides a comfortable community for its assisted living with memory care and independent living housing options. The luxurious retirement home creates a lifestyle that aims to provide an enjoyable lifestyle that cultivates individuality and growth. In a community focused on a continuum of care, the senior living experience of its residents is enhanced through its innovative and technologically advanced person-centered approach.

WellQuest aims to modernize senior living by focusing on the convenience and comfort of senior wellness by designing a lifestyle that caters to their needs.  Luxury accommodations extend to personalized care plans, scheduled housekeeping, specialized memory care activities, and ADLs.

Contact WellQuest of Elk Grove

Overview of The Park at Modesto

The Park at Modesto is a luxury senior living community in Modesto, CA, providing exquisite independent living experience to its residents. The community boasts of its accommodation offerings from studio, and on-to-two bedroom units featuring their own kitchen, living area, private bathrooms, and ample closet space.

The Park at Modesto, as a part of Koelsch Communities also has the same quality amenities and services to offer. Their full services; from their chef-prepared meals, housekeeping and laundry, home repairs, and concierge services, best defines what maintenance-free living feels like. Furthermore, their lifelong learning, travel club, and fitness coaching ensures the residents entertainment, leisure and overall well being.

Contact The Park at Modesto

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

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

Overview of The Concord Pasadena

The Concord Pasadena is a 62+ senior living community offering independent living amenities and services to its residents. Located in the vibrant city of Pasadena, CA, this smoke-free community boasts of its affordable private studio-style and one bedroom apartments featuring bathrooms with safety features, full sized kitchen, emergency call systems, and individual thermostat controls.

Residents also enjoy taking advantage of the community amenities The Concord has to offer, from community rooms for socialization, to resident parking and laundry facilities. Staff are also available 24/7 for supervision or assistance with unit maintenance.

Contact The Concord Pasadena

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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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 648 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.