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
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Overview of Park Place Apartments

Beautifully nestled near California State Capitol Park in Sacramento, CA, Park Place Apartments is an idyllic retreat that offers independent living. Residents can ease their worries in the community’s cozy studios, equipped with emergency pull cords for safety. The community also strives to maintain affordability through a subsidized housing program.

Residents have fun and make new friends with a thoughtfully curated calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs. Delightful and healthy meals are also served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. With its cozy amenities and friendly setting, residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience.

Contact Park Place Apartments

Overview of Jack London Gateway Senior Housing

Surrounded by convenient local amenities in Oakland, CA, Jack London Gateway Senior Housing is an esteemed community that offers independent living. Residents can choose from the community’s 61 fully equipped and snug one-bedroom and two-bedroom accommodations, designed to promote comfort and convenience. The community also promotes a bright and friendly environment, ensuring residents can easily adapt to their surroundings.

With its ideal location near recreation sites and various opportunities, residents enjoy their leisure and wellness. Residents also enjoy the neighborhoods’ scenic views at the comforts of their home with its bay windows. The community is equipped with a business center, a clubhouse, and a courtyard, perfect for recreation and socialization. Here, residents are guaranteed to retain their independence surrounded by the community’s specially designed amenities.

Contact Jack London Gateway Senior Housing

Hillcrest Care

4280 Cypress Dr, Arrowhead Farms, CA 92407
Overview of Hillcrest Care

Maintain your independence while receiving compassionate care from Hillcrest Care, a warm and inviting community in Arrowhead Farms, CA, offering top-tier assisted living services. Residents here have access to 24/7 daily living assistance and skilled nursing care depending on their care needs. With medication management assistance, housekeeping, and laundry services, residents have fewer worries and can focus more of their time doing the things they enjoy.

Accommodations here are beautifully decorated to foster a cozy and residential-like environment with telephone service and satellite television for their comfort. Residents can also participate in an array of fun and engaging activities to keep them active, entertained, and stimulated. With fresh and nutritious meals served every day, residents can easily maintain their health and nutrition. At Hillcrest Care, residents can enjoy their peace of mind knowing that the conveniences they need are within easy reach.

Contact Hillcrest Care

Overview of Sycamore Terrace

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Upland, CA, Sycamore Terrace provides a safe and relaxing environment for those seeking independent living. They feature 100 cozy accommodations, each with its own heating and air conditioning, safety features, and a full kitchen for residents’ convenience. The community is also conveniently close to local amenities and a senior center, giving residents quick access to leisure and recreational opportunities.

They also have an attentive services coordinator to help residents access community and medical services. Residents are also provided with the convenience of having building maintenance and apartment repair services available to them. The living experience here is further enhanced by an array of fun and enriching activities, complemented by local amenities such as a game room, exercise room, and library for residents’ enjoyment. Whether you’re seeking comfort, privacy, or fun, Sycamore Terrace has the ideal environment for you.

Contact Sycamore Terrace

Overview of North La Costa Assisted Living

Conveniently located in the heart of Carlsbad, CA, North La Costa Assisted Living is a welcoming senior living community that offers a blend of elegance and personalized care for seniors. The community provides a comprehensive range of care options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care, all within beautifully designed living spaces. Residents can choose from a variety of thoughtfully designed accommodations with several floor plans, ensuring a comfortable living space tailored to individual needs.

The community is committed to holistic well-being, providing enriching activites such as music sessions and recreational outings. A dedicated team coordinates personalized healthcare services, from medication management to in-home medical visits. Moreover, residents can enjoy top-tier amenities such as pet therapy and wellness visits from stylists, creating a vibrant atmosphere where they can thrive. North La Costa Assisted Living is committed to fostering an engaging community focused on comfort, dignity enjoy for every resident.

Contact North La Costa Assisted Living

Overview of The Concord Pasadena

The Concord Pasadena is a 62+ senior living community offering independent living amenities and services to its residents. Located in the vibrant city of Pasadena, CA, this smoke-free community boasts of its affordable private studio-style and one bedroom apartments featuring bathrooms with safety features, full sized kitchen, emergency call systems, and individual thermostat controls.

Residents also enjoy taking advantage of the community amenities The Concord has to offer, from community rooms for socialization, to resident parking and laundry facilities. Staff are also available 24/7 for supervision or assistance with unit maintenance.

Contact The Concord Pasadena

Overview of Brier Oak on Sunset

Situated on the renowned Sunset Boulevard, Brier Oak on Sunset is recognized for its expertise in offering both short-term and long-term care to its patients. It recently underwent a complete renovation, resulting in an interior that is cozy and welcoming, providing patients with a homely atmosphere. Their staff is committed to utilizing the most effective methods to accelerate the recovery of their patients. They also feature exceptional psycho-social support, and a recreation specialist is available to develop and implement meaningful programs that can benefit the patients in a multitude of ways.

Brier Oak on Sunset offers a range of top-class amenities to ensure that the patients’ needs are met. Fully air-conditioned rooms, lounge areas, private dining rooms for family events, a garden, courtyard, salon, and barber services, housekeeping and laundry facilities, and pharmaceutical delivery services are all available on-site. At Brier Oak on Sunset, patients can expect to receive the highest level of care from the dedicated healthcare professionals on staff. They are passionate about providing an environment that promotes healing and encourages patients to engage in their recovery actively. 

Contact Brier Oak on Sunset

Overview of Congregational Tower

Congregational Tower is a distinguished community in Chula Vista, CA, offering independent living. The community has accessible and purposely built studio and one-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents can find the accommodation that best suits their preferences. Residents enjoy a convenient lifestyle with on-site management and maintenance.

Here, residents have quick access to leisure and necessities, with the community’s proximity to recreation sites and local amenities. Several restaurants are also set nearby, providing residents with a variety of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those looking to downsize in retirement, especially with its warm and welcoming environment.

Contact Congregational Tower

Overview of Sterling Court Senior Apartments

Live a worry-free lifestyle at Sterling Court Senior Apartments, a distinguished 62+ community that offers independent living. Residents can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences with purposely built and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans. The community also provides on-site management and laundry rooms, so residents can enjoy maintenance-free living.

With a variety of fun recreational programs and enriching activities, residents can make new friends and gain meaningful experiences. Residents have easy access to public transportation and shopping centers for their leisure and necessities. This pet-friendly community has beautifully maintained gardens and a friendly environment, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe.

Contact Sterling Court Senior Apartments

Overview of Del Amo Gardens

Ideally situated in the thriving neighborhood of Long Beach, CA, Del Amo Gardens is a distinct 62+ community that offers independent living. The community strives to maintain affordability with well-maintained and cozy one-bedroom apartments. Residents are also welcome to bring their pets according to the community’s pet policy.

With an Adult Day Health Care Center nearby, residents are encouraged to join activities and make new friends for leisure and wellness. Residents also have quick access to plenty of shopping and dining options with the Lakewood Mall and other restaurants nearby. The community is ideal for those seeking independence in their golden years, especially with its friendly setting and convenient location.

Contact Del Amo Gardens

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.