Other senior care options in California:

Best Independent Living in California

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 640 independent living communities in California using California Department of Social Services (CDSS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in CA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jun 2026
We analyzed
640 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: 57/ 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: 103The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in California. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent Living around California

Reata Glen
IL
AL
MC
NH
Mission Viejo
840
Facility 840
CA AVG 103
Rank #2 / 1657
No
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 57
Rank #2044 / 2092
96
Facility 96
CA AVG 81
Rank #1 / 1401
8
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1397
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1164
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 13
Rank #569 / 1487
80.6%
Facility 80.6%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #584 / 1368
B-Reat Glen Orange County Ccrc1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
Villa Lorena Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
San Diego (Black Mountain Ranch Village)
85
Facility 85
CA AVG 103
Rank #884 / 1657
No
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 57
Rank #1693 / 2092
73
Facility 73
CA AVG 81
Rank #1022 / 1401
14
20
Facility 20
CA AVG 13
Rank #1129 / 1397
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #413 / 1164
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #703 / 1487
72.9%
Facility 72.9%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #778 / 1368
-Santaluz Senior Partners,LP And Vlgp Inc(Gen. Partner)-
The Ivy at Wellington
IL
AL
Aliso Viejo
160
Facility 160
CA AVG 103
Rank #288 / 1657
No
29
Facility 29
CA AVG 57
Rank #1735 / 2092
79
Facility 79
CA AVG 81
Rank #881 / 1401
15
17
Facility 17
CA AVG 13
Rank #1061 / 1397
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #600 / 1164
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #1210 / 1487
78.8%
Facility 78.8%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #624 / 1368
-Well Oak Tenant LLC And Oakmont Management Group LLC-
Town & Country
IL
AL
MC
NH
Santa Ana (East Memory Lane)
328
Facility 328
CA AVG 103
Rank #45 / 1657
No
67
Facility 67
CA AVG 57
Rank #830 / 2092
64
Facility 64
CA AVG 81
Rank #1247 / 1401
23
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #1242 / 1397
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #828 / 1164
50
Facility 50
CA AVG 13
Rank #21 / 1487
32.9%
Facility 32.9%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #1355 / 1368
A+Christian And Missionary Alliance-
Cogir of Sonoma
IL
AL
Sonoma (Oregon Street)
82
Facility 82
CA AVG 103
Rank #901 / 1657
Yes
74
Facility 74
CA AVG 57
Rank #598 / 2092
87
Facility 87
CA AVG 81
Rank #568 / 1401
10
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #441 / 1397
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #600 / 1164
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #805 / 1487
34.1%
Facility 34.1%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #1342 / 1368
A+Welltower Cogir Tenant And Cogir Management Usa1 Bed / 2 Bed
Oakmont Gardens
IL
AL
Santa Rosa (Oakmont Village Association)
79
Facility 79
CA AVG 103
Rank #936 / 1657
Yes
34
Facility 34
CA AVG 57
Rank #1663 / 2092
64
Facility 64
CA AVG 81
Rank #1247 / 1401
24
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 13
Rank #1024 / 1397
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 3
Rank #1152 / 1164
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #1100 / 1487
62.0%
Facility 62.0%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #1069 / 1368
-Ffi Oakmont Tenant LLC And Life Care Services LLC1 Bed / 2 Bed
Cogir of North Bay
IL
NH
AL
Vallejo (Harry Floyd Terrace)
83
Facility 83
CA AVG 103
Rank #897 / 1657
Yes
47
Facility 47
CA AVG 57
Rank #1422 / 2092
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 81
Rank #630 / 1401
12
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 13
Rank #762 / 1397
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #600 / 1164
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #805 / 1487
44.6%
Facility 44.6%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #1300 / 1368
A+Welltower Cogir Tenant LLC And Cogir Mngt Usa IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Cogir of Rohnert Park
IL
AL
Rohnert Park
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 103
Rank #956 / 1657
Yes
27
Facility 27
CA AVG 57
Rank #1760 / 2092
76
Facility 76
CA AVG 81
Rank #946 / 1401
13
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 13
Rank #953 / 1397
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #828 / 1164
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #805 / 1487
56.0%
Facility 56.0%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #1160 / 1368
A+Welltower Cogir Tenant LLC And Cogir Mngt Usa IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton
IL
Pleasanton
828
Facility 828
CA AVG 103
Rank #3 / 1657
No
47
Facility 47
CA AVG 57
Rank #1422 / 2092
92
Facility 92
CA AVG 81
Rank #308 / 1401
11
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #654 / 1397
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1164
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 13
Rank #569 / 1487
90.6%
Facility 90.6%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #265 / 1368
-Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton Ccrc LLC-
University Retirement Community
IL
AL
HC
MC
NH
Davis (West Davis)
500
Facility 500
CA AVG 103
Rank #22 / 1657
No
54
Facility 54
CA AVG 57
Rank #1242 / 2092
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #355 / 1401
12
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #529 / 1397
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #413 / 1164
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #158 / 1487
--Univer Retire Com At Davis/Pacific Retire Services1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
Casa de las Campanas
IL
NH
AL
San Diego (Rancho Bernardo)
582
Facility 582
CA AVG 103
Rank #10 / 1657
No
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 57
Rank #1932 / 2092
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 81
Rank #398 / 1401
14
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #814 / 1397
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1164
36
Facility 36
CA AVG 13
Rank #64 / 1487
86.8%
Facility 86.8%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #347 / 1368
A+Casa De Las Campanas/Life Care Service, LLC-
Chino Hills Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
RC
Chino Hills (Butterfield Ranch)
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 103
Rank #827 / 1657
Yes
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 57
Rank #1720 / 2092
63
Facility 63
CA AVG 81
Rank #1261 / 1401
24
21
Facility 21
CA AVG 13
Rank #1147 / 1397
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 3
Rank #953 / 1164
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 13
Rank #492 / 1487
94.7%
Facility 94.7%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #193 / 1368
A+Pacifica Chino Hills LP And Chino Hills Mgr LLCStudio / 1 Bed
The Park at Modesto
IL
Modesto
225
Facility 225
CA AVG 103
Rank #110 / 1657
Yes
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 57
Rank #1963 / 2092
63
Facility 63
CA AVG 81
Rank #1261 / 1401
33
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 13
Rank #1261 / 1397
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 3
Rank #1033 / 1164
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #988 / 1487
82.2%
Facility 82.2%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #547 / 1368
-Wm Milpitas Mgr LP,Gp Of Milpitas Phase I Ops LPStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Cogir of Vallejo Hills
IL
AL
Vallejo (Somerset Highlands)
80
Facility 80
CA AVG 103
Rank #916 / 1657
Yes
20
Facility 20
CA AVG 57
Rank #1846 / 2092
87
Facility 87
CA AVG 81
Rank #568 / 1401
9
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #719 / 1397
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #600 / 1164
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #805 / 1487
58.8%
Facility 58.8%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #1130 / 1368
A+Welltower Cogir Tenant LLC And Cogir Mngt Usa Inc1 Bed / 2 Bed
Carlton Senior Living Pleasant Hill – Martinez
IL
AL
Pleasant Hill
165
Facility 165
CA AVG 103
Rank #275 / 1657
Yes
65
Facility 65
CA AVG 57
Rank #888 / 2092
83
Facility 83
CA AVG 81
Rank #765 / 1401
10
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #654 / 1397
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #600 / 1164
37
Facility 37
CA AVG 13
Rank #55 / 1487
84.2%
Facility 84.2%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #404 / 1368
-Carlton Senior Living, LLCAlove / 1 Bed
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Overview of Hilltop Commons Senior Living

Hilltop Commons Senior Living in Grass Valley, CA, is a premier senior living community for seniors, offering elegant independent living with a blend of comfort and sophistication. Residents can choose from spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, each thoughtfully designed with features like a kitchenette, self-controlled HVAC, and scenic views. Set in the beautiful Sierra Foothills, this pet-friendly community combines the charm of Grass Valley with easy access to shopping, dining, and recreation.

This premier community enhances daily living with an array of amenities such as restaurant-style dining, a fitness center, and a vibrant schedule of activities, excursions, and events. The dedicated team fosters a welcoming atmosphere that supports an active, carefree lifestyle. Here, residents can enjoy a seamless blend of community, independence, and relaxation, making every day enjoyable.

Contact Hilltop Commons Senior Living

Overview of Valley Oaks Village 55+ Senior Apartments

Settled in the peaceful and beautiful neighborhood of Santa Clarita, CA, Valley Oaks Village 55+ Senior Apartments is a paradisal senior living community that offers a serene environment for independent living. Residents here are provided with elegant and snug accommodations with spacious kitchens, private patios or balconies, spacious closets, and large windows for plenty of natural light. Designed to make residents’ lives easy as they enjoy their independence, the community features an array of conveniences, such as having on-site laundry facilities and salon services.

The community also encourages residents to participate in its wide array of activities, including classes, trips to local attractions, and other social events. Residents also enjoy convenient access to the vibrant cultural offerings in Los Angeles County, making their retirement experience more vibrant and enjoyable. A wide range of amenities are also offered to give residents spaces for their diverse interests and passions.

Contact Valley Oaks Village 55+ Senior Apartments

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 Graceful Living at Modesto

Burrowed in a tranquil area in Stanislaus County, Modesto, CA, Graceful Living at Modesto is an exceptional senior living community that offers premiere assisted living services, memory care, and residential care. Residents find comfort in knowing that a dedicated and highly-trained care team is available 24 hours a day to offer compassionate care and assistance. As a family-owned and operated community, Graceful Living at Modesto warrants individualized and focused care and attention with a 2:6 ratio caregiver to resident ratio.

The community actively handles meal preparation, housekeeping, and transportation to save residents from the tedious tasks while allowing them more time to spend on more meaningful activities. Residents enjoy participating in various social and recreational activities that foster meaningful experiences and connections. The community closely collaborates with residents and their families in creating care plans that effectively satisfy their care requirements and lifestyle preferences.

Contact Graceful Living at Modesto

Overview of Pals Supported Living Services

PALS Assisted Living & Senior Care provides a nurturing and supportive environment for seniors seeking personalized care. The compassionate team at PALS is dedicated to ensuring residents feel at home, offering assistance with daily activities while promoting independence and dignity. With spacious and comfortable accommodations, residents can enjoy a cozy and secure living environment, surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens.

At PALS Assisted Living & Senior Care, residents have access to a range of amenities and activities designed to enhance their overall well-being. Residents can also engage in stimulating activities and social events, building connections and creating a familial atmosphere. With a focus on providing exceptional care and fostering a sense of belonging, PALS Assisted Living & Senior Care is dedicated to ensuring each resident’s comfort and happiness.

Contact PALS Supported Living Services

Overview of Magnolia at 9th

The Magnolia at 9th, located in San Bernardino, CA, is a senior living community offering independent living services and amenities for individuals aged 62 years and above. Their one-to-two bedroom accommodations feature their own living areas, private bathrooms, and kitchen with refrigerator and stove. The community also boasts of being smoke-free and pet-friendly.

Residents of Magnolia at 9th can also breathe easy with the building’s controlled access, providing an extra layer of security in the community. Fitness center and walking paths, as well as a sparkling pool is also accessible for residents to relax in or exercise. Furthermore, the community center and garden is a great place to engage with other residents or participate in social and educational programs and activities.

Contact Magnolia at 9th

Overview of Harmony Bay Apartments

Situated in Clovis, California, Harmony Bay Apartments caters to individuals aged 55 and older, providing a secure, gated community in Fresno County with an elegant ambiance. Offering carefree living, this apartment complex stands out for its commitment to safety and a personalized approach to resident well-being.

Harmony Bay Apartments distinguishes itself with concierge services and reliable transportation options, enhancing the convenience of its residents. The community is enriched with amenities like a beauty salon and fitness center, promoting an active and engaged lifestyle for seniors. With the addition of a swimming pool, Harmony Bay Apartments sets the stage for an ideal home, redefining the experience of independent living for seniors in welcoming and secure surroundings.

Contact Harmony Bay Apartments

Overview of Avila Senior Living at Downtown Slo

Avila Senior Living of the Aura Collection of Communities is an independent living and assisted living home for seniors in SLO. Considered the premier retirement home in the city, the residences provide the best convenience and comfort for seniors who want to stay active and have a quaint lifestyle. The nurturing environment empowers and enhances the quality of life for residents to relax, enjoy, and be engaged in the delightful coastal breeze of SoCal living.
The Aura Senior Living difference is committed to delivering quality care and service for each individual to be enriched and engaged in a warm Mediterranean-like atmosphere. Accommodations comprise delightful amenities and services such as enhanced floor plans, 24-hour care and supervision, gourmet meals at the restaurant-style dining room, and an in-home emergency call pendant.

Contact Avila Senior Living At Downtown SLO

Northridge Valley Senior Living

8700 Lindley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 91325
Overview of Northridge Valley Senior Living

Northridge Valley Senior Living is a 110-bed assisted living and memory care community offering respite care and pet-friendly accommodations at 8700 Lindley Avenue in Northridge, California. Licensed since 2020, the community serves residents in Los Angeles County. It is operated by Pacifica Somerfield LLC and Northridge SL Mgr LLC under administrator Benedict Pak.

Falling below California’s average is the inspection record. Since 2021, Northridge Valley Senior Living totaled 12 citations against a California average of 10, with 19 complaints compared to a state average of 14 and complaint visits at 19 versus a state average of 13. Citations per routine inspection run 0.4 against a 3.3 California average, with citation activity driven primarily by complaint investigations instead of standard inspections. No serious citations are present. The latest inspection was in August 2025. Occupancy is at 66 percent, below the California average of 72.8 percent, indicating current availability across the campus.

Amenities span gardens, concierge services, and a full-service beauty salon. In an elegant dining room, chef-prepared meals are served every day. The activities calendar includes ice cream socials, bingo, art projects, trivia, and happy hour. Northridge Valley Senior Living has received recognition as one of the best assisted living communities in Northridge.

With current availability and a resort-style amenity, the facility suits older adults seeking assisted living or memory care in a larger community in San Fernando Valley, serving residents in Los Angeles County.

Contact Northridge Valley Senior Living

Country Crest Senior Living

55 Concordia Ln, Oroville, CA 95966
Overview of Country Crest Senior Living

Located in Oroville, California, Country Crest Senior Living provides senior residents with an unrivaled experience, boasting pet-friendly Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care apartments and suites, granting access to a diverse array of remarkable amenities. This community offers a chance to come home to luxury senior living, set in the backdrop of the picturesque Sierra Nevada Mountains, ensuring an enriched and fulfilling life for its cherished residents.

Country Crest Senior Living introduces an exceptional, maintenance-free lifestyle. Here, a helping hand is available whenever it’s needed. Residents can enjoy good food and access a rich calendar of daily activities. Country Crest Senior Living is the place to discover it no matter what lifestyle residents seek.

Contact Country Crest 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
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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.