Page 41 of Best Independent Living in California

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 640 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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We analyzed These are the facilities in California our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in California.
640 homes
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Overview of Truewood by Merrill, Clovis

Truewood by Merrill, Clovis is a senior living community in Clovis, California, offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care under one roof. That full range means a resident can move in for one level of support and shift to another as needs change, without leaving a familiar setting. The community sits on West Alluvial Avenue, roughly a couple of miles from the center of Clovis, and has been in operation for 41 years, one of the longer track records in the area.

The two-story community offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, each wheelchair accessible with a private bath and kitchenette. A care team is on hand around the clock, and daily support covers medication management along with specialized services such as diabetic care and incontinence care. Meals are prepared to accommodate prescribed diets, which matters for residents managing specific health conditions.

Everyday life is rounded out by grooming services, on-site housekeeping and laundry, and transportation, so residents have help with the practical parts of the week. The community also runs fitness and recreation programming aimed at keeping residents active and engaged, and it welcomes pets. Eric Schuk serves as Executive Director. With a Walk Score of 60, the surrounding neighborhood is moderately walkable, so some errands can be handled on foot while others call for a short drive. Families weighing the three levels of care here may want to ask how the community handles a move between them.

Contact Truewood by Merrill, Clovis

Overview of Las Casitas Retirement Village

Spend your golden years with Las Casitas Retirement Village, an exceptional community in Fresno, CA, that offers independent living. Residents here enjoy the community’s beautifully furnished and spacious on-bedroom accommodations, designed to foster comfort and familiarity. Laundry and maintenance are also available to ensure residents have a worry-free retirement.

Residents are also encouraged to live actively with the community’s recreational amenities and friendly environment. With its convenient location near delightful restaurants, residents have a satisfactory dining experience that meets their dietary needs and preferences. The community is an enticing option for those looking to downsize in their golden years, especially with its fully furnished accommodations and welcoming environment.

Contact Las Casitas Retirement Village

Overview of Courtyard at Venetian Terrace

Experience the best of your golden years at Courtyard at Venetian Terrace, an astounding 55+ community in Stockton, CA, offering independent living. The community has specially designed and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to residents’ comfort and safety. Residents experience hassle-free living with a 24-hour on-call team and laundry spaces.

Exciting trips and engaging events are conducted, so residents can have a change of scenery and live actively. With its proximity to restaurants and local amenities, residents have access to several dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include a clubhouse, a sparkling pool, a library, secure courtyards, an onsite beauty salon, and patios.

Contact Courtyard At Venetian Terrace

Overview of Clearwater at Riverpark

Surrounded by serene green spaces in Oxnard, CA, Clearwater at Riverpark is an idyllic community that offers independent living and respite care. The community has thoughtfully designed and cozy one- and two-bedroom floor plans that aim to keep residents comfortable and safe. Residents enjoy maintenance-free living with weekly housekeeping and a 24-hour concierge.

With the community’s cozy communal spaces and fun recreational amenities, residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. On-site restaurants and gourmet dining are available, promoting a delightful dining experience that caters to residents’ dietary needs and preferences. This pet-friendly community is equipped with a dog park, a fitness center, a multipurpose room, a theater, a putting green, and a dog park, creating the ideal setting for a vibrant lifestyle.

Contact Clearwater at Riverpark

Overview of Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon

Operating for eight years, Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon is a retirement community located in El Cajon, California, that offers independent living. The three-story residence offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments for independent older adults. Its highly walkable location, with a Walk Score of 83, places shopping, dining, banking, and other everyday services within easy reach.

Although the community does not provide medical or personal care assistance, residents have access to rehabilitation services, a wellness program, transportation, housekeeping, and laundry services. Additional support can also be arranged through on-site third-party care providers when needed. Moreover, restaurant-style dining accommodates individual dietary preferences, while the Vibrant Life program, volunteer opportunities, a spa, and a garden encourage an active and socially connected lifestyle.

Contact Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon

Overview of Parkside Senior Apartments

Tucked away in a sunny and lively neighborhood in San Bernardino, CA, Parkside Senior Apartments provides a vibrant setting for those looking to enjoy independent living in the area. They feature an array of bright and sophisticated accommodations with spacious bedrooms and kitchens, as well as practical and safety features for residents’ comfort and convenience. They’re also a pet-friendly community, allowing you to bring your pets with you as you live your best life in an elegant and hotel-like setting.

Excellent dining and shopping options, as well as attractions like the Bernardino County Museum and UC Riverside Botanic Gardens, are also available to ensure residents have easy access to leisure opportunities. Fun and engaging activities are also organized regularly for added fun. With thoughtful amenities, such as a TV room, fitness center, and on-site laundry facilities, residents’ living experience are further enhanced. At Parkside Senior Apartments, you can enjoy your dream retirement away from the common stress and worries of daily living.

Contact Parkside Senior Apartments

Overview of Cogir of Fremont

Cogir of Fremont, located in Fremont CA, is a senior living community dedicated to providing services and amenities for independent living, assisted living, and respite care. Their assisted living program provides residents with 24/7 staff availability for supervision and care, assistance with daily living activities, medication management, as well as care for medical conditions such as diabetes.

These senior living community also offers a rich array of community amenities designed to enhance their residents’ quality of life. This includes physical fitness programs like yoga and taichi, leisure activities like billiards and movies, and learning programs and facilities. The residents are also provided chef-prepared meals, daily, and are nutritionist approved and globally inspired.

Contact Cogir of Fremont

Overview of Coastal Heights Senior Living

Surrounded by thriving local amenities in Costa Mesa, CA, Coastal Heights Senior Living is a blissful retreat that offers independent living. Residents can ease their worries with pet-friendly and spacious one-bedroom floor plans, designed for comfort and familiarity. Light housekeeping and weekly linen services are also available, so residents can enjoy maintenance-free living.

Residents have fun and make new friends with a variety of state-of-the-art amenities, including the game room, arts and crafts center, library, theater, vast courtyard, and beautiful gardens. Delicious and well-balanced dining options are also available to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community is great for those looking to live comfortably in their golden years, especially with its warm and inviting environment.

Contact Coastal Heights Senior Living

Overview of Deer Park Retirement Community

Located in the serene city of Novato, CA, Deer Park Retirement Community combines vibrant living with exceptional care. This community provides options for independent living, aimed at enhancing residents’ quality of life with compassionate and personalized support. Through comprehensive assessments, the dedicated team tailors care to meet each individual’s unique needs, creating a warm and welcoming environment. Residents can also choose from cozy apartments, designed for comfort and personal space.

With amenities like a hair salon and a fully equipped fitness center, Deer Park Retirement Community promotes wellness and an active lifestyle. Well-designed social areas and engaging activities ensure each day is filled with meaningful experiences and joy. Every detail is thoughtfully crafted to uplift, inspire, and celebrate the pleasure of daily living.

Contact Deer Park Retirement Community

Overview of Casa Aldea University City Village

Located across San Diego, CA, Casa Aldea is an exceptional senior living community for people aged 55 and above. Offering active adult living and independent living, the community ensures the health and well-being of its residents. Casa Aldea features a wide range of cozy and spacious floor plans from studio apartments to three-plus bedroom apartments. With a skilled and dedicated team of professionals, the community emphasizes the comfort and safety of the seniors.

Casa Aldea ensures that residents gain meaningful connections and conducts engaging activities for its residents. Valuing the importance of pets as companions, the community allows cats and dogs in the residence and the dog park. Amenities include an arts and crafts studio, billiards, a book club, a clubhouse, gardening areas, and a pool and spa.

Contact Casa Aldea University City Village

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
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Independent Living in California at a glance

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: 168The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in California. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90
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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.