Other senior care options in California:

Page 33 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 Gardens at Sierra

Gardens at Sierra is a one-of-a-kind community in Fontana, CA, offering independent living. The community features beautifully furnished and cozy one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents also enjoy maintenance-free living in the community’s cozy and friendly environment.

A well-thought-out calendar of fun recreational activities and exciting events is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and make new friends. Residents can rest assured of enjoying a hassle-free living with on-site maintenance and laundry. The community is ideal for those looking to live independently in retirement.

Contact Gardens at Sierra

Overview of Hazelridge

Live the retirement of your dreams at Hazelridge, a blissful retreat in Anaheim, CA, offering independent living. Prioritizing residents’ comfort and convenience, the community features cozy and specially designed one- and two-bedroom floor plans. This pet-friendly community promotes a vibrant and welcoming environment, ensuring residents feel at ease during their stay.

Residents have fun and make new friends with a variety of exciting events and engaging programs that highlight their interests and capabilities. The community is also conveniently located near restaurants and local amenities, providing residents with a variety of dining options to satisfy their dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include a hot tub, a clubhouse, BBQ grills, and a pool, creating the ideal setting for residents to experience the best of their golden years.

Contact Hazelridge

Overview of New Horizon Village Senior Apartment Homes

Make the most of your independence at New Horizon Village, an idyllic retreat in Anaheim, CA, offering independent living. Those 62+ can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences with a variety of thoughtfully furnished one-bedroom floor plans. 24-hour emergency maintenance and management are also taken care of, ensuring older adults have a hassle-free lifestyle.

Here, residents can interact with their surroundings and live actively with cozy gathering spaces. Shopping, dining, and entertainment are available nearby, providing easy access to their necessities and leisure. Amenities include a gazebo, a library, a BBQ area, a clubhouse, and a putting green, creating the ideal setting for the finest retirement experience.

Contact New Horizon Village Senior Apartment Homes

Overview of The Village at Heritage Park

The Village at Heritage Park is a distinguished member of the Frontier Management network, encompassing over 100 retirement communities in nearly 20 states across the U.S. This exceptional assisted living community in Sacramento, California, offers both assisted living services and specialized memory care for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
At the heart of their approach lies Frontier’s acclaimed Spark™ Lifestyle Program, drawing inspiration from Montessori principles to enhance the lives of individuals with memory impairment. Residents at The Village at Heritage Park enjoy a comprehensive array of amenities, including delectable restaurant-style dining, spacious living accommodations, invigorating wellness classes, and a diverse range of engaging activities.

Contact The Village at Heritage Park

Overview of The Grove Senior Apartments

Ideally located near Garden Grove Hospital and Medical Center in Garden Grove, CA, The Grove Senior Apartments is an outstanding pet-friendly community that offers independent living. Residents can ease their worries with on-site management and maintenance, ensuring they enjoy hassle-free living.

A thoughtfully curated calendar of fun recreational activities and exciting events is also conducted, encouraging residents to make new friends and live actively. Residents have easy access to healthcare and leisure with the community’s proximity to recreation sites and public transportation. The community has cozy communal spaces and a friendly environment, including a clubhouse with a kitchen, a fitness center, a library, and a beautifully landscaped courtyard.

Contact The Grove Senior Apartments

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

Kokoro Assisted Living

1881 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Overview of Kokoro Assisted Living

Kokoro Assisted Living is a wonderful senior living community that embraces both Japanese and American heritage and culture. The community’s emphasis on cultural activities, celebrations, and cuisine is a great way to foster a sense of community and create a unique experience for its residents. Kokoro offers a variety of independent and assisted living apartment styles to fit the needs of its residents. The availability of one-bedroom apartments and some studio apartments for double occupancy is especially convenient.

The community’s peaceful sanctuary, outdoor courtyard, and library offer a relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere. The focus on staying active through exercise, strength, and spiritual wellness programs is important for maintaining physical and mental health in older adults.

Contact Kokoro Assisted Living

Bay Towers at Bixby Knolls

3737 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807
Overview of Bay Towers at Bixby Knolls

Bixby Towers at Bixby Knolls is ranked one of Long Beach’s best retirement communities, entrusted by many to have their loved ones or themselves live in. The active adult apartment-style environment offers independent living and assisted living services, allowing residents to feel like family and feel comfortable thriving in a community that puts their needs first. At Bixby Knolls, individuals are guaranteed an individualized approach to care that helps create a rich and fulfilling lifestyle.

The active adult community is built on the seamless blend of independence and support, allowing its residents to take advantage of the wonderful Southern California living offered by its luxurious community features. These include an expansive courtyard, hotel-like apartments with breathtaking views, 24-hour care with an emergency call system, a grand restaurant-style dining room, a private dining room, a library, a wellness center, a patio, and an outdoor grill.

Contact Bay Towers at Bixby Knolls

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

Overview of The Hampshire – a Provincial Senior Living Community

Promising a retirement filled with fun and warmth, The Hampshire is a distinguished senior living community located in the serene residential area of R Street, Merced, CA, that offers independent living. Have a cozy and safe retirement with purposely built residences in a variety of suites, cottages, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. The community prides itself in a kind and compassionate team helping seniors with their daily chores and housekeeping.

A robust calendar of enrichment activities and enjoyable programs accompany seniors as they make the most out of their days. Indulge in healthy and tasty meals catering to nutritional requirements and preferences. Stroll with your pets in the scenic walking paths and relax in the gardens. Filled with incredible amenities and serene spaces, The Hampshire is ideal for seniors aiming to make their golden years more meaningful.

Contact The Hampshire – A Provincial Senior Living Community

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.