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
Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes
Overview of The Lake Merritt Apartments

Beautifully nestled near Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA, the Lake Merritt Apartments is a blissful retreat that offers independent living. The community has purposely built and spacious one-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Utilities are also taken care of, easing residents’ financial burdens.

Here, residents can spend their days as they please with the community’s proximity to recreation sites and natural spaces. Many restaurants are also set nearby, providing residents with a variety of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is great for those looking to live independently in their golden years.

Contact The Lake Merritt Apartments

Overview of Brookside Senior Apartments

Live a vibrant lifestyle at Brookside Senior Apartments, a distinct community in Bakersfield, CA, offering independent living. The community has spacious and well-designed one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can keep their peace of mind with on-call maintenance and convenient amenities.

Encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections, a thoughtfully curated calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted. A breakfast bar is available for residents’ convenience, alongside fully furnished kitchens to allow them to prepare meals that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. With state-of-the-art amenities, including a clubhouse, an on-site beauty salon, a pool, and a fitness center, residents can rest assured of having the finest retirement experience.

Contact Brookside Senior Apartments

Overview of The Garden Cottages

The Garden Cottages is a blissful 55+ community in Fresno, CA, that offers independent living. Featuring spacious and beautifully designed two-bedroom apartments, the community ensures residents have plenty of options to choose from to find the right accommodation based on their preferences. Residents can feel at ease with the community’s vibrant and inviting environment, perfect for those looking to downsize in retirement.

With its convenient location near recreation sites, residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and are guaranteed to spend their days as they prefer. Residents also utilize fully equipped kitchens to prepare meals according to their preferences. Maintain your independence with the community’s purposely designed amenities and inviting setting.

Contact The Garden Cottages

Overview of Lakemont Apartments

Enjoy the best of your golden years with Lakemont Apartments, a blissful retreat set in the thriving neighborhood of Oakland, CA, focusing on independent living. The community has 66 beautifully designed and snug accommodations, perfect for those looking to downsize in retirement. With nearby local amenities, residents keep peace of mind and have easy access to recreational opportunities and necessities.

Here, residents enjoy plenty of activities with stunning natural landscapes and waterfront scenery. The community also offers a relatively affordable housing rate, ensuring residents can stay on their budgets while retaining their independence. Live a worry-free retirement within the community’s purposely built amenities, and have easy access to top-notch local amenities that the neighborhood has in store.

Contact Lakemont Apartments

Overview of Redlands Healthcare Center

Ideally situated near Redlands Community Hospital on West Fern Avenue, Redlands, CA, Redlands Healthcare Center is a distinct community that offers therapy and restorative nursing programs. Committed to improving residents’ well-being, the community provides exceptional care and support 24/7 for their comfort and convenience. Alongside a cozy and nurturing environment, beautifully designed and spacious accommodations are also provided so residents can easily adapt to their surroundings.

Fun activities and enriching programs are also conducted to keep residents active and socially engaged. Healthy meals are important for residents’ wellness, so delightful and nutritious meals are served to satisfy dietary needs and preferences. Find the care you need for a worry-free retirement with the community’s top-notch care and state-of-the-art amenities.

Contact Redlands Healthcare Center

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 Mayflower Gardens Residential Living

Enjoy a blissful lifestyle with Mayflower Gardens Residential Living, an outstanding senior living community located in the serene neighborhood of Lancaster, CA, providing independent living. With the needs and interests of adults 55 and better, the community provides snug and sophisticated one-bedroom and two-bedroom residences for their comfort and convenience. Seniors thrive and live their lives to the fullest with a compassionate and well-trained team attending to their daily living activities.

Featuring extensive amenities and various activities, residents do not run out of things to do to keep an active and well-engaged retirement. Mayflower Gardens Residential Living is ideal for seniors looking to downsize in their golden years and enjoy the various amenities that the community has to offer.

Contact Mayflower Gardens Residential Living

Overview of Solstice Senior Living at Bakersfield

Experience the retirement of your dreams with the outstanding senior living community of Solstice Senior Living at Bakersfield set in the peaceful Westwood Drive, Bakersfield, CA, that specializes in independent living. With meticulously designed and sophisticated accommodations ranging from studio to two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensure seniors enjoy unrivaled comfort and convenience. Solstice Senior Living at Bakersfield prides itself on a kind and compassionate team that delivers top-notch care and assistance for seniors to thrive and live to their potential.

Mingle with friends and enrich your golden years through enjoyable activities and engaging programs. Feel your best with delightful and healthy meals that satisfy dietary requirements and tastes. Solstice Senior Living at Bakersfield is great for relaxation and safety with its beautiful campus filled with incredible amenities and friendly spaces.

Contact Solstice Senior Living at Bakersfield

Overview of Evergreen Haven Assisted Living

Tucked away in the neighborhood of Torrance, CA, Evergreen Haven Assisted Living is a quaint and intimate senior living community, offering assisted living and memory care options, as well as hospice care for residents’ end of life needs. With a capacity for 6 residents, the community allows for one on one and truly personal care and attention that ensures all of residents’ needs are met. Residents are free to choose from a private room to a semi-private room and indulge in the convenience of services like assistance with daily living activities and medication management.

Thanks to the community’s premiere location, residents have easy access to several parks, restaurants, and hospitals, fostering convenience and encouraging them to go out more and explore their neighborhood. Three delicious meals are made fresh daily, along with nourishing snacks to ensure residents get the nourishment they need to stay healthy. Here, residents are guaranteed a fulfilling and comfortable retirement life surrounded with compassionate care and a tight-knit atmosphere.

Contact Evergreen Haven Assisted Living

Overview of Santa Rosa Hills Senior Living

Santa Rosa Hills Senior Living, situated in California, offers a warm and inviting community with a dedicated staff committed to enhancing the senior living experience. Providing unparalleled service for both assisted living and memory care, residents have access to 4 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens. The community boasts premier amenities and convenient proximity to the best Santa Rosa has to offer, including world-class medical facilities, fine dining, and renowned wineries, ensuring a classy and tranquil atmosphere while receiving attentive care.

With a focus on accessibility, Santa Rosa Hills Senior Living welcomes pets, offers complimentary transportation, and features both indoor and outdoor common areas. The community is equipped with facilities like a fitness center, movie room, game room, and arts and crafts center, tailored to accommodate various interests. Specifically designed to support those with memory loss, the secure and stimulating environment allows residents to enjoy their stay. The multilingual staff, fluent in both English and Spanish, ensures a welcoming atmosphere for individuals who speak either language, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.

Contact Santa Rosa Hills 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
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today

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.