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We rank communities on objective measures like inspection records, quality scores, and care data, so you can find trusted options without the guesswork.
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Every community above is evaluated across six weighted categories using public data including state inspection records, review platforms, BBB profiles, and operator-published materials.
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 rankingsCommunities 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
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.
If you move into a community through us, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never changes your cost or which options we recommend. Learn more
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