Page 4 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
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in California our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in California.
648 homes
Other senior care options in California:

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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

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-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
The ALM Inspection Grade — our own 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. It is not a government rating. A dash means we do not publish a grade for that facility: either its public record is too thin to be fair, or we hold nothing for it at all.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Visits or investigations linked to complaints, as counted in the state record (may differ from routine annual surveys).
Count of California state "Type A" citations — the state's most serious citation category (immediate or serious harm to residents), from California state inspection data.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
Name of the licensed owner, operator, or managing entity as filed with the state. Useful for grouping facilities under the same organization.
Housing or bed configuration options (e.g. studio, shared), often from facility-reported amenities and licensing details.
Hollenbeck Palms
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Los Angeles (Central La)
185
Facility 185
CA AVG 103
Rank #181 / 1,492
No
62
Facility 62
CA AVG 57
Rank #876 / 1,887
-14
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #525 / 1,387
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #724 / 1,433
33
Facility 33
CA AVG 13
Rank #67 / 1,452
85.4%
Facility 85.4%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #341 / 1,313
-Hollenbeck PalmsStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Casa de las Campanas
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
San Diego (Rancho Bernardo)
582
Facility 582
CA AVG 103
Rank #10 / 1,492
No
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,762 / 1,887
-21
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #809 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
37
Facility 37
CA AVG 13
Rank #37 / 1,452
86.8%
Facility 86.8%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #321 / 1,313
A+Casa De Las Campanas/Life Care Service, LLC-
Cypress Court
IL
AL
Escondido (Central Escondido)
293
Facility 293
CA AVG 103
Rank #58 / 1,492
No
72
Facility 72
CA AVG 57
Rank #611 / 1,887
B83 / 100 — in line with the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)13
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #589 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 13
Rank #106 / 1,452
51.2%
Facility 51.2%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1,161 / 1,313
-Krc Escondido, LP And Northstar Senior Living, IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Westmont of Escondido
IL
AL
MC
Escondido (Central Escondido)
200
Facility 200
CA AVG 103
Rank #141 / 1,492
Yes
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 57
Rank #197 / 1,887
B+88 / 100 — 5 points above the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)23
14
Facility 14
CA AVG 13
Rank #992 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 13
Rank #566 / 1,452
84.5%
Facility 84.5%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #366 / 1,313
-Escondido Operations LP And Westmont Living IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Private Suite
Atria San Juan
IL
AL
MC
San Juan Capistrano
140
Facility 140
CA AVG 103
Rank #381 / 1,492
Yes
36
Facility 36
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,472 / 1,887
A+97 / 100 — 14 points above the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)11
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #589 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 13
Rank #106 / 1,452
75.0%
Facility 75.0%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #682 / 1,313
-Wg Chateau San Juan Sh LP And Atria Management Co LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Sunrise of Sunnyvale
IL
AL
MC
Sunnyvale
103
Facility 103
CA AVG 103
Rank #627 / 1,492
Yes
80
Facility 80
CA AVG 57
Rank #383 / 1,887
A95 / 100 — 12 points above the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)9
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #525 / 1,387
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1,433
26
Facility 26
CA AVG 13
Rank #214 / 1,452
78.6%
Facility 78.6%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #591 / 1,313
-Sunrise Senior Lvg Mgt And Al III Invest LLCStudio / Suite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Merrill Gardens at Huntington Beach
IL
AL
MC
Huntington Beach
150
Facility 150
CA AVG 103
Rank #312 / 1,492
Yes
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 57
Rank #511 / 1,887
A+97 / 100 — 14 points above the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)11
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #716 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 13
Rank #734 / 1,452
76.7%
Facility 76.7%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #639 / 1,313
-Shi-III Mg Gp Of Shi-III Huntington Bch And Merrill GStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Meridian At Lake San Marcos
IL
AL
MC
RC
San Marcos
170
Facility 170
CA AVG 103
Rank #236 / 1,492
Yes
51
Facility 51
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,195 / 1,887
A-90 / 100 — 7 points above the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)22
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,020 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 13
Rank #479 / 1,452
77.1%
Facility 77.1%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #625 / 1,313
B-Pacifica L 24 LLC And San Marcos Mgr LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Fairwinds – Woodwark Park
IL
AL
Fresno
270
Facility 270
CA AVG 103
Rank #66 / 1,492
Yes
63
Facility 63
CA AVG 57
Rank #852 / 1,887
C75 / 100 — 8 points below the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)25
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #885 / 1,387
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 3
Rank #1,094 / 1,433
25
Facility 25
CA AVG 13
Rank #235 / 1,452
93.0%
Facility 93.0%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #220 / 1,313
A+Fresn LLC And Leisure Care LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Freedom Village Retirement Community
IL
AL
CCRC
NH
RC
SNF
Lake Forest
533
Facility 533
CA AVG 103
Rank #15 / 1,492
Yes
61
Facility 61
CA AVG 57
Rank #903 / 1,887
A-90 / 100 — 7 points above the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)15
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #325 / 1,387
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1,433
39
Facility 39
CA AVG 13
Rank #30 / 1,452
71.5%
Facility 71.5%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #763 / 1,313
-Murphy, N., Sheam, G., Kubicka, C., Kubicka, L., Fpw, LLC1 Bed / 2 Bed

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every CA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 648 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Hollenbeck Palms

Hollenbeck Palms is a senior living community dedicated to making each resident happy and comfortable in their new home. Hollenbeck boasts a serene environment that gives off an oasis-like atmosphere. It’s an independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing community that are all designed to enhance the quality of life for residents of each home. They boast a lifelong learning program that is committed to providing all-inclusive programs that satisfy the education, arts, and cultural activities of the community. Management and staff of Hollenbeck encourage residents to get involved in the community and practice holistic wellness.

Hollenbeck Palms is an upscale community that aims to enrich the lives of their residents; with comfort and security, the senior living allows for a unique sense of individuality to be shared among their peers and residents. 
The vibrant community is an assisted living facility that provides an all-inclusive amenities such as wheelchair accessible showers, private patios, private dining room, computer center, meeting room, and a TV lounge area; as for their services that include scheduled transportation, day trips and outings, wellness programs, therapy, and religious services to name a few. Their amenities and services are to ensure that residents’ mental, physical, and cultural needs are met. Each resident is given personalized care that is designed to make each individual’s lives easier. The community also prides itself with their staff that cares for residents with compassion and kindness. At Hollenbeck Palms have been trusted by families for many years. 

Contact Hollenbeck Palms

Casa de las Campanas

18655 W Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA 92127
Overview of Casa De Las Campanas

Situated in San Diego, California, Casa De Las Campanas envisions a vibrant community where residents thrive in a maintenance-free, independent senior living lifestyle. They prioritize individual choice and freedom, fostering an environment where residents can pursue their passions and interests without worry. With a commitment to a complete continuum of care, including assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitation, Casa ensures residents’ health needs are met seamlessly as they age.

Casa De Las Campanas boasts a range of senior living amenities and facilities to enhance residents’ quality of life. From stylish floor plans with patios or balconies to modern amenities, a residence suits every preference. Additionally, 24/7 nursing supervision, social services, daily activities, routine housekeeping, and salon services keep residents occupied and pampered while maintaining independence. With resources for independent living, senior care services, and community events, Casa provides a supportive and engaging environment where residents thrive.

Contact Casa de las Campanas

Overview of Cypress Court

Discover an extraordinary stay with the Cypress Court located in Escondido, CA. This multi-awarded senior living community provides independent living and assisted living. Apart from having a pleasant climate, this community is accessible to nearby places for shopping, entertainment, theaters, and many more. This community values the trust of its customers the most which they treat as a day-to-day honor and reminder to render their best services. Spacious and comfortable accommodations with full kitchens and a patio or balcony are available for its residents. With its highly skilled and dedicated team, the community offers a holistic approach to its fully packed social activities wherein residents can find a balance along the way.

The community is committed to providing exceptional amenities and services including intimate and lovely dining with delightful meals, regular housekeeping and linen services, and transportation and personal chauffeur services. Meet new friends and build lasting relationships in this beautiful place. At the Cypress Court, seniors are assured of a retirement worth remembering.

Contact Cypress Court

Overview of Westmont of Escondido

Beautifully set in Escondido, CA, Westmont of Escondido is a blissful senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. Designed to encourage independence and overall well-being, the community provides just the right amount of assistance to its residents. Compassionate and specialized care is provided by a specially-trained team to those living with memory loss, ensuring they are able to continue their desired lifestyle despite their condition.

The community’s convenient location offers easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, making it ideal for a vibrant retirement experience. Residents are also free to participate in the community’s wide array of activities and explore its amenities, including the heated pool, bistro, theater, and therapy services. At Westmont of Escondido, residents have access to various services, programs, and features that make their lives more enjoyable.

Contact Westmont of Escondido

Atria San Juan

32353 San Juan Creek Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Overview of Atria San Juan

Atria Park of San Juan offers one of the finest assisted living and memory care living communities, prioritizing its inclusive amenities for the welfare of its residents. Their commitment to ensuring that an individual can feel independent while being engaged is one of their utmost priorities for a balanced lifestyle; they ensure that their residents are healthy and active. Atria San Juan has provided a diverse and inclusive environment.

The premier retirement community has boasted an elevated lifestyle through its services for seniors. Their all-inclusive amenities include daily delicious and nutritious meals by a chef, weekly housekeeping and laundry services, daily fitness activities with their finest gym equipment, private apartments with an emergency call system, 24-hour resident nurse and podiatrist present, and a primary care physician who visits weekly.

Contact Atria San Juan

Overview of Sunrise of Sunnyvale

With accommodations for 103 residents, Sunrise of Sunnyvale is an assisted living community in Sunnyvale, California, that offers personal care. It has served older adults for 25 years and is operated by Sunrise Senior Living Management and Al III Invest LLC under the administration of Alberto Golia. Currently housing 81 residents, reflecting a 79% occupancy rate, the community has studio, suite, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom accommodations.

Additionally, its location along South Knickerbocker Drive is highly walkable, with a Walk Score of 80, allowing older adults and visiting families to reach many nearby shops, restaurants, and services on foot. The community is also pet-friendly, welcoming small animal companions.

State inspections have consistently reviewed medication management and resident safety practices, demonstrating ongoing regulatory oversight and reinforcing confidence in the community’s quality of care. Its 25-year operating history reflects long-term stability. Meanwhile, the range of housing options allows residents to choose a living arrangement that best suits their mobility, personal preferences, and space requirements.

Contact Sunrise of Sunnyvale

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Huntington Beach

Nestled in the sunny beach town of Huntington Beach, CA, Merrill Gardens at Huntington Beach offers a welcoming atmosphere for seniors seeking independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents can enjoy the classic beachy design, beautifully landscaped courtyards with BBQ areas, and spacious apartments equipped with modern amenities like washers and dryers. The community is conveniently located near shopping, dining, and outdoor activities, making it easy for seniors to embrace the vibrant Huntington Beach lifestyle.

Merrill Gardens provides a comfortable and supportive environment with a range of amenities and programs, including anytime dining, wellness programs, and scheduled transportation services. Residents can relax in inviting common areas, enjoy a movie in the theater, or unwind in the salon. With a focus on community engagement and individual care, Merrill Gardens ensures a fulfilling experience for all its residents.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Huntington Beach

Meridian At Lake San Marcos

1177 San Marino Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078
Overview of Meridian at Lake San Marcos

Meridian at San Marcos Senior Living offers a luxurious environment that creates a lifestyle filled with endless possibilities for seniors to discover. As a member of the Aura Collection of communities, the luxury retirement home strives to deliver quality care and service for each individual to be enriched and engaged during their stay. Meridian at San Marcos is a vibrant community that encourages residents to thrive independently, flourish actively, and live purposefully.
The premier independent living, assisted living, and memory care home provides a list of amenities and services that make a comfortable and secure environment for residents. Accommodations comprise delightful amenities and services such as housekeeping, laundry, engaging programs, social events, recreational activities, fitness classes, gourmet meals at the restaurant-style dining hall, beautifully furnished apartments, and an in-home emergency call pendant.

Contact Meridian At Lake San Marcos

Overview of Fairwinds – Woodwark Park

Fairwinds Woodward Park is an independent living and assisted living community where both options are guaranteed to be comfortable for residents to maintain their individuality and freedom. Residents in the community are cared for by ensuring that the holistic wellness of each resident is met. The community gives off an engaging and enriching environment where the professional care staff is attentive and ready to go above and beyond for the residents. Fairwinds has celebrated and understood the importance of growth by ensuring seniors get the best possible care and limitless opportunities during their stay. 

The lifestyle at Fairwinds is inspired by resort-style stay– leisure is the center of senior wellness. Community features include restaurant-style dining experiences curated by an in-house chef to take PrimeFit Wellness classes, a cafe, a private dining room, a salon and barbershop, transportation, guest parking, and a courtyard with outdoor seating. 

Contact Fairwinds – Woodwark Park

Overview of Freedom Village Retirement Community

Experience a better quality of life at Freedom Village Retirement Community, a dedicated life plan community in Lake Forest, CA, offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. A kind and highly trained team provides top-notch care tailored to residents’ unique needs around the clock to ensure their comfort and safety. Beautifully furnished and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans are provided in a nurturing and welcoming environment, ensuring residents can feel a sense of belonging during their stay.

Here, residents will not feel lonely with a thoughtfully curated calendar of engaging events and enriching programs that highlight their interests and capabilities. Mealtimes foster comfort and satisfy dietary needs with delightful and healthy dining options. The community’s wide range of care and state-of-the-art amenities create the perfect setting for a blissful retirement.

Contact Freedom Village Retirement Community

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.
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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 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.