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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 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 American Gold Star Manor

Make every moment count at American Gold Star Manor, a distinguished non-profit community in Long Beach, CA, offering independent living. The community’s purposely built and cozy studio to two-bedroom floor plans ensure residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can feel at ease in the community’s bright and friendly environment.

Residents make new friends and have fun with a variety of exciting events and engaging programs. With its ideal location near local amenities and delightful restaurants, residents have access to a variety of dining options that satisfy their dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include a community center, a pool, a spa, a recreation hall, a meditation chapel, and beautifully maintained community gardens.

Contact American Gold Star Manor

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 Truewood by Merrill, Pinole

Enjoy a glorious retirement with the one-of-a-kind senior living community of Truewood by Merrill, Pinole located in the quiet residential area of Appian Way, Pinole, CA, specializing in independent living. Surround yourself with beautifully designed and elegant accommodations to maximize comfort and security. The community aims to provide the highest quality of care and assistance for seniors to gain meaningful experiences.

As an award-winning community, Truewood by Merrill, Pinole continues to provide a warm and welcoming environment for seniors to cherish every moment of their best years. Participate in exciting activities and enjoyable programs to maintain an actively engaged lifestyle. With healthy and tasty meals available throughout the day, residents can rest assured of satisfying dietary needs. Truewood by Merrill, Pinole is a welcoming abode for seniors to spend their golden years doing what they love.

Contact Truewood by Merrill, Pinole

Overview of The Villa at San Mateo Apartments

In the heart of San Mateo, California, The Villa senior apartments offer a unique blend of comfort and luxury, creating an exceptional retirement experience. This 55+ community is brimming with many remarkable amenities that redefine daily life. Every element of this community is carefully crafted to provide residents with an elevated standard of living. This makes it a standout choice for those searching for the finest senior housing in San Mateo. The community’s commitment is distinct: to nurture vibrant connections and offer enduring relaxation to all its esteemed residents. By becoming a part of this apartment community, individuals are selecting a life at The Villa at San Mateo, where each day promises opportunities for fulfillment and contentment.

Within this community, seniors will find a selection of 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom residences thoughtfully designed to elevate the quality of living. These homes boast oversized windows dedicated heating, and air-conditioning units in every room to cater to individual preferences. Some even feature the convenience of walk-in closets and private balconies. Their offerings include free community Wi-Fi, a resource center and library, a heated outdoor pool, a barbeque area, a cozy coffee lounge, a movie lounge for cinematic enjoyment, a fully-equipped fitness center for physical well-being, and an engaging game room for leisure and entertainment. Residents can also anticipate a dynamic schedule of activities.

Contact The Villa at San Mateo Apartments

Overview of Mount Carmel Assisted Living

Tucked within the vibrant San Diego community, Mount Carmel Assisted Living stands as a distinguished senior care provider among assisted living homes. This esteemed establishment is committed to providing services, with a dedicated focus on both physical and mental stimulation to enhance the well-being of its residents. The facility’s meticulous upkeep and evident cleanliness are matched only by the glowing reviews it has garnered, a testament to the exceptional service provided by its dedicated staff.

The home radiates a palpable sense of dedication and excellence, consistently exceeding expectations in its mission to create a nurturing environment for those in their golden years. As an outstanding senior facility, it goes above and beyond to ensure the comfort and happiness of its residents.

Contact Mount Carmel Assisted Living

Overview of New Horizon Village Senior Apartment Homes

Make the most of your independence at New Horizon Village, an idyllic retreat in Anaheim, CA, offering independent living. Those 62+ can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences with a variety of thoughtfully furnished one-bedroom floor plans. 24-hour emergency maintenance and management are also taken care of, ensuring older adults have a hassle-free lifestyle.

Here, residents can interact with their surroundings and live actively with cozy gathering spaces. Shopping, dining, and entertainment are available nearby, providing easy access to their necessities and leisure. Amenities include a gazebo, a library, a BBQ area, a clubhouse, and a putting green, creating the ideal setting for the finest retirement experience.

Contact New Horizon Village Senior Apartment Homes

Overview of Heritage Park at Glendale

Surrounded by delightful local amenities in Glendale, CA, Heritage Park at Glendale is an idyllic retreat that offers independent living. The community features specially furnished and sophisticated one- and two-bedroom floor plans, committed to residents’ comfort and safety. On-site management, maintenance, and laundry spaces are provided, so residents can make the most of their best years with ease.

Engaging activities and enriching programs are conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Several restaurants are also set nearby, providing residents with various dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is great for those looking to downsize in retirement and live comfortably.

Contact Heritage Park at Glendale

Overview of Raincross Senior Village Apartments

Peacefully set in the harmonious neighborhood of Riverside, CA, Raincross Senior Village Apartments is an astounding community that offers independent living. With purposely built and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, residents are guaranteed to live comfortably and safely. Residents are also welcome to bring their pets to accompany them and ease their loneliness.

A carefully curated calendar of fun activities and enriching programs is conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. The community is also located near shopping and restaurants, so residents enjoy dining that caters to their dietary needs and preferences. Other amenities include a billiards room, a clubhouse, a fitness center, a library, a pool, and a theater room, ensuring residents live the best of their golden years.

Contact Raincross Senior Village Apartments

Overview of Heritage Park Senior Apartments

Spend a blissful retirement at Heritage Park Senior Apartments, an idyllic 55+ community that offers independent living. The community features garden-style buildings with beautifully furnished and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences. Residents also enjoy a worry-free lifestyle with the community’s 24- hour emergency maintenance and on-site management.

A thoughtfully curated calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and make new friends. With easy access to shopping and dining venues, Meals-on-Wheels, and feedback programs, residents are guaranteed to enjoy several dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. This pet-friendly community is ideal for those looking to spend their golden years with ease.

Contact Heritage Park Senior Apartments

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.