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;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;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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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 The Village at Sherman Oaks

Experience an exceptional stay with the Village at Sherman Oaks, located in Sherman Oaks, California. This elegant senior living community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. The community is dedicated to elevating a next level of senior living. Spacious, cozy, and pet-friendly accommodations are available for a resort-style stay. In terms of memory care, it offers the Enliven Memory Care which is built on the foundation of love and is patient-centered providing creative and engaging experiences.

With its top-tier amenities and services, residents can enjoy zestfit group classes, book and walking clubs, wine tastings, ping pong instruments, chef-led interactive cooking demos, lifelong learning seminars, concerts and social happy hours, gardening classes, and philanthropic opportunities. At the Village of Sherman Oaks, seniors are guaranteed an experience worth remembering.

Contact The Village At Sherman Oaks

Overview of Westmont of Encinitas

Ideally situated in a quiet neighborhood of Encinitas, California, Westmont of Encinitas is a blissful retreat that offers assisted living and independent living. With its commitment to improving residents’ welfare, the community provides various one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans designed to foster comfort and familiarity. The community boasts its exclusive Inspired Retirement Living to provide the highest quality of care and support for residents to flourish and live to their potential.

Gain easy access to local shopping areas and recreation sites while enjoying various onsite activities, promoting a sense of belongingness, and retaining an active lifestyle. Meals can be enjoyed at your pace in different dining venues like the bistro. Medication management, incontinence care, and therapy services are also provided, ensuring convenience like no other. Amenities include an indoor heated pool, a fitness center, a library, and plenty of pet-friendly spaces.

Contact Westmont of Encinitas

Overview of Avantgarde Senior Living | Tarzana

Reach your full potential with the venerable senior living community of AvantGarde Senior Living Tarzana set in the peaceful neighborhood of Lindley Avenue, Tarzana, CA, that offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care. Featuring newly refurbished residences with various floor plans, the community ensures seniors enjoy a comfortable and safe retirement. The community takes pride in a team of respectful and specially trained professionals delivering top-notch care and assistance

AvantGarde Senior Living Tarzana promotes a vibrant and inviting environment, utilizing innovative and holistic approaches seniors are taken care of in every aspect. Maintain an active and well-engaged lifestyle with social and cultural activities conducted all year round. Have the finest dining experience with well-balanced meals catering to nutritional needs and preferences. With its incredible amenities and well-lit grounds, AvantGarde Senior Living Tarzana is great for seniors looking to live an independent lifestyle without worries.

Contact AvantGarde Senior Living | Tarzana

Bonita Villa Senior Living

3434 Bonita Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Overview of Bonita Villa Senior Living

Providing specialized respite and long-term care services is a 145-bed residential community, Bonita Villa Senior Living. Found in a somewhat walkable neighborhood where some services are done on foot but most trips need driving, the facility draws residents and family members seeking warmth and community focus. The home maintains 24-hour staffing to support occupants’ daily needs and offers financial planning assistance to help families navigate care costs.

The community enhances daily life through an active program of fitness classes, group outings, arts and crafts workshops, and musical performances. Residents can access a movie theater, library, billiards table, and an on-site salon and barbershop. An emergency call system ensures immediate support when needed, and outdoor living spaces offer opportunities for fresh air and relaxation. A social and culinary highlight is dining. Occupants enjoy chef-prepared meals in an elegant dining room, with gourmet offerings reflecting care for nutrition and the dining experience. This meal approach brings a sense of grace and community to a vital part of daily life.

Contact Bonita Villa Senior Living

Overview of Brookdale Riverwalk

Focusing on seniors’ wellness, Brookdale Riverwalk located at Calloway Drive, Bakersfield, CA is an extraordinary continuing care retirement community offering a wide range of living options. These include assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled care. The community provides a selection of spacious and well-designed floor plans including studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, and private, and companion suites.

Experience a better quality of life with Brookdale Riverwalk’s dedicated and compassionate community. The community promotes an active and engaged lifestyle, conducting fun activities and wellness programs. Brookdale Riverwalk promises to deliver the highest quality of life that befits its residents, providing them with an environment where they can thrive confidently. Delight with delectable and nutritious meals served to satisfy the resident’s dietary needs and to promote socialization. Brookdale Riverwalk provides fabulous amenities including a library, a game room, a therapy room, a greenhouse, a beauty and barbershop, an outdoor pool, and walking paths, for its residents’ leisure and wellness.

Contact Brookdale Riverwalk

Overview of Atria Grass Valley

Nestled amid the serene Sierra Nevada Mountains in Grass Valley, CA, Atria Grass Valley provides exceptional Assisted Living and Memory Care options for seniors in Northeast California. The community features spacious studio, 1 and 2-bedroom senior apartment homes, or a two-bedroom cottage equipped with modern conveniences designed for residents’ comfort. Each living option includes an emergency alert system, housekeeping, and linen services so residents can spend their time enjoying the things they love to do.

Atria Grass Valley is dedicated to fostering an active and fulfilling lifestyle for its residents., providing residents plenty of opportunities for engagement and socialization, including planned transportation for local activities, a full-service hairdresser, and a media room. With amenities like resident gardens, fitness centers, and private dining, the community ensures its residents maintain an enriching lifestyle. Atria Grass Valley strives to offer a warm and encouraging community where members can thrive physically, emotionally, and socially.

Contact Atria Grass Valley

Overview of Sequoia Springs Senior Living

Committed to improving seniors’ quality of life, Sequoia Springs Senior Living in Redwood Way, Fortuna, CA, is a trusted senior living community providing assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care. Seniors can rest assured of receiving the utmost care and assistance that best matches their needs and preferences with personalized care plans. Moreover, the community features a beautifully manicured campus and a serene environment to ensure seniors’ relaxation.

Alongside incredible amenities, the community conducts a lot of engaging activities and fun programs to keep residents happy and moving. With delightful and healthy meals served daily, residents enjoy hassle-free dining that caters to their nutritional needs and tastes. Sequoia Springs Senior Living strives to create a haven for seniors to live a worry-free retirement in its tranquil grounds.

Contact Sequoia Springs Senior Living

Pacifica Senior Living Union City

33883 Alvarado-Niles Rd, Union City, CA 94587
Overview of Pacifica Senior Living Union City

Pacifica Senior Living Union City is a nurturing sanctuary in Union City, California, offering seniors and their families a trustworthy hand. The community boasts an array of common spaces, amenities, and activities meticulously designed to enhance daily living. It specializes in assisted living and memory care, providing a unique and compassionate environment. The facility’s dedicated staff members are highly skilled and experienced, ensuring personalized care tailored to each resident’s needs.
Apartment features include pet-friendly designs, individually controlled thermostats, smoke-free environments, beautiful views, and state-of-the-art security systems in every room. In addition to assisted living and memory care, Pacifica Senior Living Union City also provides respite care and independent living options. Its amenities are thoughtfully curated, including concierge services, a cozy fireplace lounge, an inviting ice cream parlor party room, a clubhouse, a theater, a salon, a barbershop, and spacious outdoor gardens.

Contact Pacifica Senior Living Union City

Cottages at Palm Springs

1780 E Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Overview of Cottages at Palm Springs

Cottages at Palm Springs is a premier care facility where its residents can have it all. They offer memory care, independent living, respite care, and assisted living services tailored to seniors’ needs and preferences. The community provides a wide range of engaging activities and programs, creating a beautiful and serene environment for residents to enjoy with a comprehensive array of services and amenities, including round-the-clock staff support, housekeeping, and laundry services.

The community prioritizes the independence and well-being of its residents, ensuring that their unique care needs are met with personalized attention—the elegant and inviting atmosphere that promotes self-care and encourages residents to engage in physical activity. The beautiful outdoor courtyard offers residents a peaceful place to stroll and connect with nature. Combined with exceptional services and world-class amenities, Cottages at Palm Springs provides peace of mind to families in the community.

Contact Cottages at Palm Springs

Overview of Merced Senior Living

Merced Senior Living is an esteemed senior community in the picturesque city of Merced, California. The services provided by Merced Senior Living encompass both assisted living and memory care. The community’s prime location is just minutes away from an array of enticing dining establishments, shopping malls, and essential medical centers.

In the stunning San Joaquin Valley, Merced Senior Living offers tailored retirement options and luxurious senior housing apartments. This makes it an ideal location for seniors who want to live a comfortable life during their golden years. Experience their exceptional services and the warm and welcoming staff of their community.

Contact Merced 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.