Other senior care options in California:

Page 45 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
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jul 2026
We analyzed
648 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: 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: 104The 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 to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

Harrison Villa of Mt. San Antonio Gardens
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Pomona
520
Facility 520
CA AVG 104
Rank #16 / 1646
No 45
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 81
Rank #212 / 1475
14
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #443 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
33
Facility 33
CA AVG 13
Rank #88 / 1504
84.0% -Congregational Homes, IncorporatedStudio
Vi at La Jolla Village
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
San Diego (University City)
783
Facility 783
CA AVG 104
Rank #5 / 1646
No
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 59
Rank #218 / 2058
84
Facility 84
CA AVG 81
Rank #732 / 1475
34
17
Facility 17
CA AVG 13
Rank #1057 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #155 / 1504
69.3% -Ccw La Jolla LLC, Cc La Jolla LLC, And Classic Res MgmtSuite / Penthouse / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Vi at Palo Alto
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Palo Alto
876
Facility 876
CA AVG 104
Rank #1 / 1646
No
80
Facility 80
CA AVG 59
Rank #416 / 2058
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 81
Rank #461 / 1475
24
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #846 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
21
Facility 21
CA AVG 13
Rank #362 / 1504
73.1% -Cc Palo Alto LLC And Classic Res. Mgmt. Ltd. Partner1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
The Reutlinger Community
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Danville
120
Facility 120
CA AVG 104
Rank #560 / 1646
No
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 59
Rank #1717 / 2058
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 81
Rank #649 / 1475
27
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #886 / 1388
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1434
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #155 / 1504
65.0% A+Reutlinger Community, The And Eskaton Properties IncStudio / 1 Bed
Canterbury Woods
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Pacific Grove
190
Facility 190
CA AVG 104
Rank #180 / 1646
Yes
81
Facility 81
CA AVG 59
Rank #383 / 2058
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #408 / 1475
13
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #326 / 1388
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1434
42
Facility 42
CA AVG 13
Rank #33 / 1504
72.6% A+Front Porch Communities And Services1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens a CCRC
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Fresno
652
Facility 652
CA AVG 104
Rank #9 / 1646
Yes 57
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 81
Rank #563 / 1475
20
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #526 / 1388
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #724 / 1434
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 13
Rank #105 / 1504
57.2% A+Humangood & Humangood Norcal & Humangood Fresno-
Webster House
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Palo Alto (Crescent Park)
54
Facility 54
CA AVG 104
Rank #1116 / 1646
Yes
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 59
Rank #171 / 2058
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 81
Rank #212 / 1475
7
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #652 / 1504
90.7% -Front Porch Communities And Services1 Bed / 2 Bed
O‘Connor Woods
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Stockton (Sherwood Manor)
499
Facility 499
CA AVG 104
Rank #23 / 1646
Yes
22
Facility 22
CA AVG 59
Rank #1824 / 2058
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 81
Rank #212 / 1475
13
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #326 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
34
Facility 34
CA AVG 13
Rank #79 / 1504
0-O'connor Woods HousingStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
University Retirement Community
IL
AL
HC
MC
NH
SNF
Davis (West Davis)
500
Facility 500
CA AVG 104
Rank #22 / 1646
No 54
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #408 / 1475
15
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #526 / 1388
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1434
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #155 / 1504
0-Univer Retire Com At Davis/Pacific Retire Services1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
The Vineyards – California Armenian Home
IL
AL
MC
NH
RESC
SNF
Fresno (Roosevelt)
412
Facility 412
CA AVG 104
Rank #27 / 1646
Yes
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 59
Rank #1795 / 2058
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #408 / 1475
18
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 13
Rank #759 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
41
Facility 41
CA AVG 13
Rank #36 / 1504
54.1% -California Home For The Aged IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Spring Lake Village
IL
NH
AL
MC
Santa Rosa (Melita)
679
Facility 679
CA AVG 104
Rank #8 / 1646
Yes
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 59
Rank #1924 / 2058
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 81
Rank #563 / 1475
14
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #652 / 1388
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #724 / 1434
40
Facility 40
CA AVG 13
Rank #42 / 1504
0A+Front Porch Communities And Services1 Bed / 2 Bed
Town & Country
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Santa Ana (East Memory Lane)
328
Facility 328
CA AVG 104
Rank #45 / 1646
Yes 67
60
Facility 60
CA AVG 81
Rank #1332 / 1475
39
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #1237 / 1388
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 3
Rank #1157 / 1434
50
Facility 50
CA AVG 13
Rank #22 / 1504
32.9% A+Christian And Missionary Alliance-
Hillcrest Care
IL
AL
MC
NH
RESC
SNF
Arrowhead Farms
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 104
Rank #1319 / 1646
Yes
29
Facility 29
CA AVG 59
Rank #1732 / 2058
96
Facility 96
CA AVG 81
Rank #1 / 1475
5
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
19
Facility 19
CA AVG 13
Rank #423 / 1504
100.0% -Angelita Perez-
Bayshire Torrey Pines
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
San Diego (Carmel Valley)
125
Facility 125
CA AVG 104
Rank #525 / 1646
Yes
81
Facility 81
CA AVG 59
Rank #383 / 2058
95
Facility 95
CA AVG 81
Rank #123 / 1475
7
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #443 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #1234 / 1504
84.8% A+Hartfield Care LLC-
Ararat Gardens
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Glendale (Somerset)
175
Facility 175
CA AVG 104
Rank #234 / 1646
Yes
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 59
Rank #267 / 2058
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 81
Rank #964 / 1475
22
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 13
Rank #920 / 1388
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #1011 / 1434
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #1234 / 1504
46.3% -Ararat Home Of Los Angeles, IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Cottage
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Overview of Solstice Senior Living at Auburn

Ideally situated near the convenient amenities and stunning attractions of Blue Oaks Drive, Auburn, CA, Solstice Senior Living at Auburn is an extraordinary senior living community that focuses on independent living. Fostering comfort and familiarity, the community strives to provide safe and senior-friendly accommodations in a wide selection of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. Solstice Senior Living at Auburn ensures residents feel at home within its vibrant and welcoming community for an enhanced quality of life.

Explore new interests and meet new friends through enjoyable activities and stimulating programs. Eat well and feel your best with well-balanced meals that satisfy cravings and dietary needs. Solstice Senior Living at Auburn is a haven for seniors who want to live their best years without worries and receive extra help from a genuinely caring community.

Contact Solstice Senior Living at Auburn

Overview of Mt Rubidoux Manor

Surrounded by convenient local amenities in Riverside, CA, Mt. Rubidoux Manor is a one-of-a-kind 55+ community that offers independent living. Featuring 188 purposely designed and snug accommodations, the community promises residents comfort and convenience like no other. The accommodations also feature emergency call systems, kitchens, and safety handles to ensure safety. Here, residents enjoy the community’s vibrant and welcoming environment, ensuring they have the finest retirement experience.

With a variety of enriching activities and engaging events, residents are encouraged to live actively and remain socially engaged. Health seminars, transportation services, and a service coordinator are available to meet residents’ healthcare needs. Amenities include a library, a pool table, an outdoor patio, and computer stations for residents to live comfortably in their golden years.

Contact Mt Rubidoux Manor

Overview of Village Park Senior Apartments

Surrounded by thriving amenities in Bakersfield, CA, Village Park Senior Apartments is a distinguished community that offers independent living. The community features cozy and well-thought-out one- and two-bedroom floor plans that aim to keep residents comfortable and safe. Residents can rest their worries with the community’s convenient amenities, allowing them to enjoy maintenance-free living.

With the community’s proximity to recreation sites, residents can easily access activities for leisure and wellness. Several restaurants are also set nearby, providing residents with a variety of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community’s purposely built amenities, including a game room, a fitness center, and a courtyard, create the ideal setting for residents to spend their golden years without worries.

Contact Village Park Senior Apartments

Overview of Vintage Park Senior Apartments

Enjoy a better quality of life at Vintage Park Senior Apartments, a beautifully designed 55+ community in Santa Rosa, CA, offering independent living. With purposely built and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, residents can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences. The community ensures residents experience maintenance-free living, handling the chores and housekeeping.

Residents have easy access to shopping and recreation sites with the community’s proximity to thriving local amenities and delightful restaurants. Pets are also welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. Amenities include a spa, a pool, a TV lounge, and covered parking to ensure residents’ convenience and safety.

Contact Vintage Park Senior Apartments

Overview of Independence Plaza

Beautifully located near Jean Sweeney Open Space Park in Alameda, CA, Independence Plaza is a distinguished community that offers independent living. With 186 cozy and beautifully designed accommodations, residents’ comfort and convenience are guaranteed. The community also promises safety like no other, with emergency pull cords in each unit and age-friendly amenities.

With an on-site resident manager available, residents receive assistance whenever necessary. The community is also equipped with beautifully-manicured courtyards, and a community room with a kitchen for residents to freely interact with their surroundings. Here, residents can downsize in retirement with ease with the community’s specially designed amenities dedicated to retaining their independence.

Contact Independence Plaza

Ararat Home of Los Angeles

15105 Mission Hills Road, Mission Hills, CA 91345
Overview of Ararat Home of Los Angeles

Serving the Los Angeles community for 33 years, Ararat Home of Los Angeles is a skilled nursing home operated by Ararat Home of Los Angeles, Inc. It welcomes residents requiring long-term nursing care and short-term rehabilitation, supporting individuals healing from hospitalizations, surgeries, and other acute medical events. Operating for three decades, the home is situated in an area with a Walk Score of 27, indicating that while some nearby services may be walkable, most trips necessitate transportation. This quieter neighborhood setting is typical for many nursing facilities that prioritize a calm, residential environment for occupants.

The home’s culturally informed dining program is a defining feature. Rather than generic institutional food, residents enjoy continental cuisine honoring the Armenian heritage of the community it serves. The menus include traditional Armenian dishes like herisseh, dolma, kufte, and beoreg, alongside homemade soups and pastries prepared on-site. This attention to culturally familiar and comforting meals mirrors the facility’s knowledge of its resident population. Beyond medical care, the facility offers an array of amenities and services designed to support resident well-being and community engagement. For residents wishing to uphold spiritual practices, a chapel provides religious services. The home maintains a library for residents wanting to read and engage in quiet activities. Housekeeping and laundry services handle daily operational needs, and a volunteer program brings community members and visitors into the home to enhance residents’ daily lives and social connections. Operating for three decades, the community provides continuity and experience in nursing care and facility management within Los Angeles.

Contact Ararat Home of Los Angeles

Overview of The Pinnacles at Burton
The Pinnacles at Burton is a senior living community located in Beverly Hills, offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care services. The community features spacious apartments, delicious dining, and a variety of activities for residents. Family-owned and managed for over 50 years, it provides high-quality care in a luxurious setting.

Contact The Pinnacles at Burton

Overview of The Gables of Ojai

Accepting Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, The Gables of Ojai is a family-owned 118-bed skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care community in Ojai, Ventura County, California. It’s operated by Gables of Ojai, LLC and Parsons Family Mgmt, LLC under administrator Deedee L Heninger. Operating since 2000, the community earned a Best of the Ojai Valley award.

CMS grades The Gables of Ojai 4 stars overall, with quality measures performing above California’s average. Nurse hours run 3h 48m per resident day, about 13 percent below California’s 4h 23m average, reflecting the staffing sub-rating. Occupancy sits at 93.1 percent, above the 84.7 percent state average, and no federal fines in the past three years. The RCFE inspection scorecard since 2021 shows citations running above the state average, with complaints aligned with California’s norm.

The community has a fitness center, pools, spa services, and gourmet dining using fresh local ingredients. The Respite Care – Short Term Stay program serves families who require short-term coverage, long-term assisted living, and memory care programs.

Situated in a family-owned, amenity-rich community in Ojai, the facility suits residents in Ventura County who need skilled nursing or assisted living. The community carries a mix of short-stay Medicare rehabilitation and longer-term private-pay placements.

Contact The Gables of Ojai

Overview of Autumn Ridge Assisted Living

Serving the community for 16 years, Autumn Ridge Assisted Living is a 54-bed skilled nursing home in Kerman, California, in the Central Valley region. Operated by Pathway Assisted Living Autumn Ridge LLC and administrated by Karen Dhaliwal, the facility’s location on West Stanislaus Avenue puts it in a highly walkable area with a Walk Score of 71, so residents and visiting families can do most errands on foot.

Built to provide extensive nursing care alongside rehabilitation services, the home is well-suited for short-term recovery and longer-term residents. It offers respite care for families seeking temporary support, and its residential care program highlights individualized attention and community-based living. A key focus is on active engagement: residents have access to a detailed activities calendar tailored to unique interests, helping maintain social connection and mental stimulation. Meanwhile, daily life is centered on comfort and amenities. The kitchen serves three chef-inspired meals per day, with housekeeping and linen services provided weekly. Residents and their families can enjoy the on-site beauty and barber shop for personal grooming, benefit from the cutting-edge fitness center to maintain activity levels, and use scheduled transportation for appointments or outings. The grounds span over 7 acres with a beautiful garden, creating plenty of outdoor space for recreation and respite. Staffing has registered nurses, nurses aides, and licensed practical nurses providing hands-on care 24/7. As part of its nursing program, the facility also gives therapy and rehabilitation services.

An in-person tour by families is a superb way to experience Autumn Ridge Assisted Living, meet its staff, and understand how daily routines and care are handled on-site.

Contact Autumn Ridge Assisted Living

Overview of Real Care

Real Care Living is a nurturing assisted living and memory care community in Bakersfield, CA, that offers compassionate support for older adults’ daily living activities and those with memory loss. Here, residents are treated like family amidst the community’s safe and nurturing environment. Medication management, 24-hour care, and emergency call systems are also offered to help residents live comfortably in retirement. The community strives to meet residents’ personal and healthcare needs, creating personalized care plans to help them live to their potential.

Music and art therapy, mind-stimulating activities, and social gatherings are among the recreational programs that residents can participate in to ensure their holistic wellness. The community also features spacious outdoors, serene communal spaces, and thoughtfully furnished rooms, ensuring residents can rest and interact with their friends with ease. Surrounded by restaurants, shops, and other local amenities, residents have convenient access to their necessities and leisure. As one of the best options for senior living in California, this assisted living and memory care community strives to help older adults thrive in their later years.

Contact Real Care

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.