Page 44 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 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

Novelle

3355 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95118
Overview of Novelle

Located in San Jose, CA, Novelle by Merrill Gardens is a retirement community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. With a variety of suites to two-bedroom apartments, the community ensures older adults have options that match their preferences. 24-hour staffing, restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, and transportation services are among the exceptional services offered to improve residents’ well-being. The community also offers month-to-month rentals for residents’ convenience.

Engaging events and philanthropic opportunities are conducted for residents’ leisure and wellness. This pet-friendly community is also equipped with an outdoor courtyard, a Mosaic restaurant, and an adjoining activities space. Located along the road in the lively neighborhood of San Jose, near restaurants and shops, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. With multiple levels of care and upscale amenities, this retirement community is a good option for senior living in California.

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Overview of Notre Dame Plaza

Ideally situated near Mission Dolores Park in San Francisco, CA, Notre Dame Plaza is an idyllic retreat that offers independent living. Featuring cozy and specially designed studio and one-bedroom floor plans, the community strives to keep residents comfortable and safe. Residents can rest their worries in the community’s nurturing and welcoming environment.

Recreation sites and plenty of local amenities are located nearby, providing residents with leisure and dining options. With fully furnished apartments, residents enjoy the utmost convenience they deserve. The community is great for those seeking independence in their golden years, especially with its convenient and state-of-the-art amenities.

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Overview of Casa De La Paloma

Conveniently located in the harmonious neighborhood of Glendale, CA, Casa De La Paloma is a dedicated 62+ community that offers independent living. This 167-bed community features a specialized community, which is a home that aims to provide features at home. Residents can keep their peace of minds with the community’s dedicated services and on-site maintenance.

Here, residents are encouraged to live actively and make new friends with a thoughtfully curated calendar of exciting events and engaging programs. The community also features top-notch kitchens, so residents can prepare meals according to their nutritional needs and preferences. With its exceptional services and top-notch amenities, residents enjoy the best of their golden years.

Contact Casa De La Paloma

Overview of St. Marks

St. Marks is an outstanding community located in the bustling downtown of Oakland, CA, that offers independent living. Featuring snug and specially designed one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents find the accommodation that best matches their needs and preferences. Here, residents can easily adapt to their surroundings with the community’s warm and welcoming environment.

With its convenient location near Chinatown and San Francisco Bay, residents have easy access to plenty of recreational activities and their necessities. Residents also enjoy convenient transportation with nearby public transportation systems for easier travel. The community is great for those looking to retain their independence while staying on a budget with its relatively affordable rates.

Contact St. Marks

Overview of Parkview Terrace Senior Community

Parkview Terrace Senior Community is an astounding community in San Francisco, CA, offering independent living. Prioritizing residents’ comfort and safety, the community has cozy and wheelchair-accessible studio and one-bedroom floor plans. Residents feel a sense of belonging during their stay in the community’s warm and welcoming environment.

Fun recreational activities and enriching programs are conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. With several delightful restaurants nearby, residents find plenty of dining options to satisfy their dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those looking to live comfortably in their golden years, especially with its purposely built amenities and friendly setting.

Contact Parkview Terrace Senior Community

Overview of Franco Center Apartments

Surrounded by convenient local amenities in Stockton, CA, Franco Center Apartments is an outstanding 62+ community that offers independent living. Featuring beautifully designed and spacious studio to two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Residents enjoy worry-free retirement with on-site maintenance and laundry spaces.

With income restrictions, the community ensures that eligible older adults can downsize in retirement. Delightful restaurants are also set nearby, providing residents with a variety of dining options to satisfy their dietary needs and preferences. The community is great for those aiming to live independently in retirement, especially with its warm and welcoming environment.

Contact Franco Center Apartments

Overview of Versailles Senior Condominium Community

Versailles Senior Condominium Community is an upscale independent living community in San Mateo, CA, that features 61 beautifully designed condominiums for those 55+. Here, older adults can feel at home during their stay, accompanied by its luxurious and welcoming environment. Weekly housekeeping, chef-prepared meals, and concierge services are among the exceptional services offered to enrich residents’ living experiences. The community’s extensive amenities and outstanding services ensure residents have the finest retirement experience.

Fitness programs, social events, and plenty of recreational opportunities provide residents with more opportunities to interact with friends and have fun. The community also features a heated indoor pool, a whirlpool spa, and a rooftop view terrace, perfect for residents’ recreation and wellness. Ideally set next to downtown San Mateo and surrounded by restaurants, leisure sites, and bus stops, residents can easily access entertainment options and necessities. As one of the new senior living options in California, this independent living community ensures older adults can maintain their independence with ease.

Contact Versailles Senior Condominium Community

Overview of Lesley Towers

Lesley Towers is an affordable independent living community in San Mateo, CA, that offers accessible accommodations for older adults. With its warm and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults can feel a sense of belonging. Laundry rooms, maintenance services, and convenient apartment features are also available to ensure residents’ comfort and convenience. To ease financial challenges, the community also offers income and rent restrictions.

Residents can spend their days happily by participating in local community events and exploring the neighborhood. Spacious living areas and lively communal spaces ensure residents can rest and connect with friends without hassles. San Mateo Central Park, restaurants, and public transportation also surround the area, providing residents with quick access to their leisure and necessities. This independent living community is a good option for senior living in California, ensuring older adults can maintain their independence in retirement.

Contact Lesley Towers

Overview of Palm Court by Cogir

Focusing on independent living, Palm Court by Cogir is an eminent senior living community located in Overland Avenue, Culver City, CA. Enjoy a happy and cozy life within the community with a variety of studio, one-, and two-bedroom floor plans to choose from. Maintain an active and well-engaged lifestyle with a kind and dedicated team handling the maintenance and mundane chores.

Explore new interests and meet people with different perspectives with fun activities and enjoyable learning programs. The community strives to provide seniors with opportunities to flourish and reach their full potential while tending to their special needs. With healthy and tasty meals served, the community meets dietary needs and preferences. Palm Court by Cogir is a great place for seniors looking for an active life without the hassle of maintenance and housekeeping.

Contact Palm Court by Cogir

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.