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 Priya Living

Priya Living Warm Springs Fremont is a vibrant independent living community in Fremont, CA, that has well-thought-out one- and two-bedroom accommodations. With its lively and welcoming environment, the community strives to help residents live actively. Daily housekeeping, concierge services, and nutritious meals are among the top-notch services provided for residents’ convenience. The community continuously provides a world-class hospitality to ensure residents thrive during their stay. 

Rooftop yoga, workshops, and film screenings ensure residents can freely interact with their peers and explore new interests. A picnic area for outdoor grilling, a fitness center, and a spark-like landscape provide residents with places to relax. Fast-food chains, groceries, banks, cafes, and bus stops also surround the area, ensuring convenient access to leisure and necessities. With its high-quality services and beautiful amenities, this independent living community is one of the best options for senior living in California.

Contact Priya Living

Overview of Truewood by Merrill, Clovis

Truewood by Merrill, is a senior living community nestled in the vibrant city of Clovis, CA. This remarkable facility  prides itself on providing unparalleled independent living, assisted living, and memory care services to its residents. The community boasts wheelchair-accessible apartments, each equipped with a private bath and kitchenette, and a dedicated team available 24/7 to provide assistance, ensuring both comfort and independence for its residents. They also provide specialized care services, including diet-approved meal provisions, diabetic care, incontinence care, and medication management.

Truewood by Merrill goes above and beyond by offering a comprehensive list of amenities to their residents, such as grooming services, and housekeeping and laundry facilities. In addition to these essential services, Truewood by Merrill promotes holistic well-being by organizing a variety of physical activities aimed at fostering fitness and vitality among its residents. Embracing a person-centered approach, this community strives to create a warm, supportive environment where seniors can thrive.

Contact Truewood by Merrill, Clovis

Overview of Casa Salazar Senior Housing

Casa Salazar Apartments in Los Angeles is a non-profit residential community that opened its doors in 2017. Every aspect of the home is thoughtfully designed to create a homey ambiance that provides residents with a sense of serenity. Being a smoke-free community, residents can enjoy clean and fresh air while they engage in various activities. 

The community boasts fully furnished spaces, including a cozy community room, lounges, and a library that promote a warm and inviting environment. In addition, Casa Salazar features a medical center, yoga studio, and fitness room that cater to residents’ health and wellness needs. Indeed, Casa Salazar Apartments is a sanctuary that renders all the good things one needs for a fulfilling life.

Contact Casa Salazar Senior Housing

Overview of Fountainglen Terra Vista

Spend your golden years at Fountainglen Terra Vista, a purposely built 55+ community in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, offering independent living. With residents’ comfort and safety in mind, the community features a variety of cozy and sophisticated one- and two-bedroom floor plans. Residents can keep their peace of mind with 24-hour emergency maintenance and laundry spaces.

Residents have fun and make new friends with plenty of state-of-the-art amenities and inviting communal spaces, including the business center, game room, library, pool, spa, and fitness center. With delightful restaurants and thriving local amenities, residents enjoy a variety of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those aiming to downsize in retirement without hassles.

Contact FountainGlen Terra Vista

Overview of Houser Glen Senior Apartments

Peacefully set near Mark Twain Park in Modesto, CA, House Glen Senior Apartments is an astounding community that offers independent living. This 76-unit community ensures residents’ comfort and safety with specially designed and cozy floor plans. With safety features throughout the community, residents can keep their peace of mind and live safely.

Residents will not run out of things to do with fun games and exciting events conducted for their leisure. Several restaurants are also available nearby, providing residents with plenty of dining options that satisfy their dietary needs and preferences. The community’s wheelchair-accessible amenities and friendly setting create the ideal setting for a worry-free retirement.

Contact Houser Glen Senior Apartments

Overview of Ahepa 302 Apartments

Live the best of your golden years at AHEPA 302 Apartments, an idyllic retreat in San Bernardino, CA, offering independent living. Accessible and fully furnished accommodations are available in a bright and friendly environment, ensuring residents live comfortably and safely. On-site management and maintenance are also provided to maintain residents’ independence without hassles.

Residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness, with a thoughtfully curated calendar of fun recreational activities and enriching programs. The community’s proximity to local amenities and restaurants ensures residents enjoy dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include the computer room, library, fitness center, arts and crafts rooms, and beautifully landscaped grounds.

Contact Ahepa 302 Apartments

Overview of Vintage at Bouquet Canyon Senior Apartments

Ideally located in the serene neighborhood of Santa Clarita, CA, Vintage at Bouquet Canyon Senior Apartments is a blissful 55+ community that offers independent living. The community features beautifully designed and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents can keep their peace of mind with on-site maintenance and laundry spaces, promoting a worry-free lifestyle.

Here, pets are welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. With delightful restaurants nearby, residents have quick access to a variety of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is equipped with a billiards room, a business center, a clubhouse, a fitness center, a spa, a swimming pool, a TV lounge, and beautiful garden plots, creating the ideal setting for the finest retirement experience.

Contact Vintage at Bouquet Canyon Senior Apartments

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 Long Beach Senior Housing

Surrounded by delightful local amenities in Long Beach, CA, Long Beach Senior Housing is an astounding community that offers independent living. The community features 65 cozy and well-thought-out one-bedroom apartments, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. An emergency call system, an on-site manager, and service coordinators are provided, so residents have a maintenance-free lifestyle.

With a thoughtfully curated calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs, residents are encouraged to live actively and maintain social connections. The community’s proximity to fast-food chains and delightful restaurants provides residents with plenty of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. Residents will surely thrive in retirement with the community’s beautifully landscaped grounds, gardens, and a community room.

Contact Long Beach Senior Housing

Overview of El Sombroso Oaks

Situated in Los Gatos, California, El Sombroso Oaks offers a captivating retirement experience for seniors looking to spend their golden years in comfort and leisure. This independent living community prioritizes a safe and carefree life, providing residents with spacious one, two, and even three-bedroom rental homes, each featuring a private deck and detached garage, instilling a sense of familiarity and personal space with its single-story, duplex-style residences.

Relish the beauty of nature with mature oak trees lining the serene walking paths while enjoying the convenience of professionally managed maintenance, both inside and out. El Sombroso Oaks caters to a worry-free lifestyle, allowing residents to focus on what truly matters. Its proximity to bustling downtown Los Gatos offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and exciting activities, while the surrounding area boasts lush parks and breathtaking coastal getaways.

Contact El Sombroso Oaks

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.