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 Flower Park Plaza

Make every moment of your later years count with Flower Park Plaza, an astounding community set in the vibrant neighborhood of Santa Ana, CA, offering independent living. Here, residents find the accommodation that best suits their lifestyle with the community’s 198 cozy and specially designed studio and cozy one-bedroom floor plans. Equipped with full kitchens and individually controlled heating and air conditioning, residents can rest assured of enjoying comfort and convenience to its finest.

As a CCH owned- and operated community, the community offers a relatively affordable cost of living while providing the highest quality of life. Residents are also free to explore nearby attractions for leisure and have easy access to their needs with convenient public transportation. Community amenities also include a television lounge with library, a large community room, and an on-site laundry room, ensuring residents gain meaningful interactions and easily handle their chores.

Contact Flower Park Plaza

Overview of Silvercrest Retirement Residence

Silvercrest Retirement Residence is a dedicated community in Fresno, CA, that offers independent living. The community features cozy and purposely built studio and one-bedroom accommodations for low-income older adults who are looking to downsize in their later years. Developed and operated by Federal housing financing, residents can rest assured of enjoying comfort like no other while staying on their budget.

There’s no dull moment in the community with a robust calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs that promote social belongingness and an active lifestyle. The community also offers weekly van rides, making it easier for residents to accomplish their errands, especially grocery shopping. The community is ideal for those looking for an alternative option for residents to enjoy their golden years.

Contact Silvercrest Retirement Residence

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 Glen Agnes Elderly Housing

Make the most of your independence at Glen Agnes Elderly Housing, a blissful retreat in Fresno, CA, offering independent living. The community prioritizes the comfort and safety of those low-income and physically disabled, providing affordable and well-designed floor plans. Residents can maintain their independence in the community’s vibrant and welcoming environment.

With natural spaces and convenient local amenities nearby, residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. Residents also delight in a variety of dining options with several restaurants available. The community is ideal for those looking to live comfortably in their golden years, especially with its state-of-the-art amenities.

Contact Glen Agnes Elderly Housing

Overview of The Orchards Post-Acute

Burrowed within a charming area in Bakersfield, CA, The Orchards Post-Acute is a dependable senior care provider, offering short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. This care community features 150 units of thoughtfully designed accommodations tailored to accommodate its residents’ unique needs. Featuring a reliable team of care experts, the community ensures residents are provided with the services they need to recover quickly from their conditions or hospitalization.

Individualized care plans are made based on residents’ care requirements and preferences to make sure they receive the appropriate care and support throughout their healing journey. Skilled nurses are available day and night to provide immediate attention should residents need them, giving them ease and peace of mind. Here, everyone is provided with an all-encompassing care so they can get back to doing the things they love as soon as possible.

Contact The Orchards Post-Acute

Overview of Rio Las Palmas

Discover a resort-style retirement experience at Rio Las Palmas, a charming senior living community located in the heart of Stockton, CA. Offering both Independent Living and Assisted Living, this welcoming space features elegant and warm living areas. Residents can enjoy a variety of activities, with easy access to dining, shopping, and cultural attractions nearby, making it an ideal place for seniors to connect with family and friends.

Rio Las Palmas is dedicated to offering a vibrant lifestyle for its residents, filled with comfort and support. With amenities like restaurant-style dining, a spacious activity center, and numerous social events, there’s always something happening. Additional services include housekeeping, transportation, and even a full-service barber and beauty salon, ensuring residents have everything they need to thrive.

Contact Rio Las Palmas

Overview of El Monte Convalescent Hospital

Nestled in El Monte, California, El Monte Convalescent Hospital is a compassionate, family-owned, and operated establishment that provides senior citizens with nursing, hospice programs, and healthcare services. This facility, boasting 93 beds, is dedicated to delivering skilled medical care 24/7 within a comfortable environment. Embracing diversity, El Monte Convalescent Hospital provides services without regard to religion, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Actively engaged, El Monte Convalescent Hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, a Wound Care Program, 24-hour RN Nursing Care, and a Hospice Program. Their multi-lingual staff, proficient in Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog, ensures effective communication and understanding, fostering an environment where every resident receives personalized and culturally sensitive care. With a commitment to inclusivity, the facility maintains an open-door policy, encouraging family participation to achieve their goal of delivering the highest quality, compassionate healthcare to the communities they serve.

Contact El Monte Convalescent Hospital

Overview of The Windham by Cogir

Residing in the stunning 10 acres of land in East Spruce Avenue, Fresno, CA, The Windham by Cogir is a remarkable senior living community that offers assisted living and independent living. Live comfortably and safely with cozy and well-thought-of floor plans including, studio, one-, and two-bedroom cottages and apartments. Seniors and their loved ones may let go of their worries knowing a respectful and well-trained team attends to their needs and aspirations.

With several exclusive programs the ARIA Arts Program, IN-TUNE Fitness, Furtissimo, and the Cadence Life Enrichment Program, the community encourages residents to maintain an active lifestyle. Form meaningful connections and explore new ideas through interactions with fellow residents and the team. Committed to ensuring seniors’ well-being, the community also prepares healthy and delicious meals that satisfy their dietary needs and tastes. Spend your golden years fabulously surrounded by ethereal landscapes and peaceful walking paths in The Windham by Cogir.

Contact The Windham by Cogir

Overview of Piedmont Gardens

Experience award-winning care and support from Piedmont Gardens, which is ideally located in the charming neighborhood of Oakland, CA, offering a continuum of care services, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and short-stay rehabilitation. The community works hard to meet seniors’ needs and preferences with round-the-clock care from a compassionate care team. Piedmont Gardens was awarded the Best Continuing Care Community in 2024 by U.S. News, proving its exceptional quality.

With its dedication to improving seniors’ quality of life, the community conducts a lot of fun activities and exciting events. Piedmont Gardens perfectly fuses the city bustle with its serene campus, ensuring residents can easily access their needs and desires.

Contact Piedmont Gardens

Overview of Eureka Rehabilitation & Wellness Center

Elevate your retirement with the astounding senior living community of Eureka Rehabilitation and Wellness Center on 23rd Street, Eureka, CA, specializing in long- and short-term care including occupational, speech, physical, and respiratory therapy. With the community helping with daily living activities and personal needs, seniors have more time to focus on the things they want. A team of kind and responsible professionals is available 24/7 to ensure seniors are well-cared for.

The community also provides a local hospice agency to support residents and their families to ensure their well-being at a difficult stage in their lives. Fostering a vibrant and friendly environment, Eureka Rehabilitation and Wellness Center strives to provide a safe place for seniors to spend retirement while receiving top-tier care and assistance.

Contact Eureka Rehabilitation & Wellness Center

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.