Other senior care options in California:

Page 35 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
Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes
Overview of Garnsey Garden

Settled with a residential neighborhood in Bakersfield, CA, Garnsey Garden is a blissful senior living community that offers a safe and secure environment for residents who live with Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss. Residents here are provided with compassionate memory care services to help them maintain their current cognitive skills and keep on living the lifestyle they want for as long as possible. The community designed their accommodations to cater to its residents’ unique safety and care needs, allowing them to safely and confidently enjoy their retirement years.

Apart from extensive support with daily living activities, residents are also offered a vibrant schedule of daily activities to keep them engaged and stimulated. Meals are prepared with utmost care and attention to detail to ensure residents are getting the proper nutrition. Featuring security gates, monitored alarm system, and locked perimeters, the community warrants a safe living environment where residents can freely enjoy their surroundings and golden years.

Contact Garnsey Garden

Overview of Cedar Creek Retirement

Cedar Creek Retirement, situated in Madera, California, provides exceptional services, including independent living, assisted living, and specialized care for Alzheimer’s and dementia. The community exudes a vibrant and genuine atmosphere, creating a warm and welcoming environment. Spacious apartments and a plethora of activities offer residents ample opportunities for engagement.

The dining experience is elevated, and a variety of amenities such as a library, fitness center, lounge area, heated swimming pool, dog park, and beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces enhance the living experience. Cedar Creek Retirement goes beyond the basics, fostering a vibrant culture that encourages the development of mind, body, and spirit. With a commitment to residents’ well-being and a wide range of offerings, this community provides a holistic and enriching lifestyle for individuals seeking a retirement experience that’s one for the books.

Contact Cedar Creek Retirement

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Gilroy

Enjoy a cozy retirement experience at Merrill Gardens at Gilroy, a classic senior living community at Gilroy, California with options for independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Residents can enjoy cozy living areas, private apartments, and an elegant dining room, along with plenty of sunshine and peaceful views. With nearby art and food festivals, dining, golf, and shopping, seniors have plenty to explore and enjoy, while gardening enthusiasts can take advantage of raised beds in the courtyard.

Merrill Gardens aims to enhance the lives of its residents through a busy calendar of enriching activities tailored to their desires. Led by an Active Living Director, the community offers a variety of programs and social outings. The community welcomes small pets and features garage parking for family visits. The Anytime Dining program allows residents to enjoy made-to-order meals at their convenience, ensuring a fulfilling and enjoyable living experience.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Gilroy

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Rancho Cucamonga

Overlooking the picturesque scenery of Highland Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Merrill Gardens at Rancho Cucamonga is a unique senior living community providing assisted living, independent living, and memory care. With its luxurious and well-designed residences including a wide array of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, seniors experience unrivaled comfort and security. The community goes above and beyond to deliver world-class care and assistance for seniors living without worries.

Spend your golden years in the vibrant and inviting environment of Merrill Gardens at Rancho Cucamonga. Participate in a jam-packed calendar of activities and engage in fun programs to maintain an actively engaged lifestyle. Delight with healthy and tasty meals catering to dietary needs and preferences. With its stunning amenities and scenic views, Merrill Gardens at Rancho Cucamonga strives to provide a safe place for seniors to thrive and enjoy every moment of their retirement.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Rancho Cucamonga

Overview of Belmare Senior Living

Spend your golden years surrounded by kind and genuine people in Belmare Senior Living, a warm and inviting community in Oakdale, CA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. They ensure residents are given personalized care that best aligns with their needs and preferences, allowing them to receive the proper amount of care to maintain their independence. Those needing extra love and care have access to a 24/7 care team trained to assist them with their daily living activities, personal hygiene, medication reminders and more.

Their memory care unit is always ready to welcome residents with memory conditions in a safe and secure environment with specialized care and programming. A full calendar of activities provides residents with plenty of opportunities to make enriching experiences and social connections. Whether you’re seeking comfort, independence, or convenience, Belmare Senior Living is committed to delivering everything you need for a fulfilling living experience.

Contact Belmare Senior Living

Overview of MorningStar Memory Care at San Tomas

A distinguished senior living community situated on Williams Road, San Jose, CA, MorningStar Memory Care at San Tomas specializes in memory care. With a peaceful environment, the community offers spacious and well-designed private and companion suites to optimize comfort and safety. With its exclusive memory care approach, Lavender Sky, the community ensures the highest quality of care and support for their unique needs. Cherish every moment and thrive with dignity supported by a kind and dedicated team.

The community aims to provide seniors with carefully curated activities for seniors’ cognition and enjoyment. Ease your worries and live a wonderful retirement surrounded by welcoming people. Satisfying seniors’ dietary needs and tastes, the community serves healthy and delicious meals. MorningStar Memory Care at San Tomas is a safe place for seniors living with dementia to maximize their independence and live a wonderful retirement.

Contact MorningStar Memory Care at San Tomas

Overview of The Villa at San Mateo Apartments

Located in the Sugarloaf neighborhood of San Mateo, California, The Villa at San Mateo Apartments is an independent living community less than half a mile from San Mateo Medical Center. Residents live independently in private apartments, and they have access to on-site amenities, dining, and social activities. The community is designed for adults aged 55 and older who want a maintenance-free lifestyle without giving up their independence.

The two-story community offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Every residence includes oversized windows along with individual heating and air conditioning. Select apartments also feature walk-in closets or a private balcony, giving residents additional storage or outdoor space. The community welcomes pets, so residents can move in with a companion animal.

Shared amenities include a heated outdoor pool, barbecue area, coffee lounge, movie lounge, fitness center, and game room. There’s also a regular schedule of activities. There’s free community Wi-Fi, an on-site resource center, and a library for residents who want to relax or stay connected. Transportation services are also available for residents who no longer drive.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 81, which is very walkable. Many errands can be reached on foot. Families considering The Villa at San Mateo Apartments should ask about the current activities calendar to see how it matches a loved one’s interests and lifestyle.

Contact The Villa at San Mateo Apartments

Overview of Coastal Heights

Dedicated to providing the finest experience for seniors, Coastal Heights is a prestigious senior living community located in the serene grounds of Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA, that focuses on independent living. Live in comfort and style with various one-bedroom floor plans, meticulously designed to foster familiarity. Coastal Heights boasts a kind and compassionate team that lends extra hands for seniors to flourish and achieve their full potential.

With a jam-packed calendar of carefully curated activities and engaging programs, residents explore new interests and rekindle passions for leisure and wellness. The community strives not only to meet dietary needs but also to foster comfort with its delightful and healthy meals. With its luxurious spaces and lively environment, Coastal Heights ensures seniors live their best years without worries.

Contact Coastal Heights

Overview of Atria La Jolla

Greeting seniors and guests with an aesthetic facade, Atria La Jolla is a paradisal senior living community situated in Puliter Place San Diego, CA that provides independent living. The community offers a variety of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments inclusive of walk-in closets, fully-equipped kitchens, and many more. Enjoy independence and a maintenance-free lifestyle with Atria La Jolla.

The community fosters meaningful connections, collaborating with trusted partners to provide quality care including physical, occupational, and speech therapies. With residents’ dietary needs and preferences in mind, the community serves three chef-prepared meals every day. Atria La Jolla ensures that seniors remain active and connected with the Engage Life program that provides daily events and activities, alongside its wonderful amenities including a hot tub, an outdoor swimming pool a courtyard, an outdoor dining space and grill, a library, a fitness center, computers, and a beautiful resident garden.

Contact Atria La Jolla

Overview of Metro East Senior Park

Make the most of your independence at Metro East Senior Park, a distinguished 62+ community in Santa Ana, CA, offering independent living. The community has purposely built and well-maintained studio to two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can feel a sense of belonging in the community’s vibrant and friendly environment.

With its proximity to serene recreation sites and delightful restaurants, residents have easy access to leisure and necessities. The community also features a gourmet kitchen to prepare meals that satisfy residents’ nutritional needs and preferences. Residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience with the community’s state-of-the-art amenities and inviting setting.

Contact Metro East Senior Park

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
Submit a correction
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today

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.