Other senior care options in California:

Page 5 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 Westmont of Escondido

Beautifully set in Escondido, CA, Westmont of Escondido is a blissful senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. Designed to encourage independence and overall well-being, the community provides just the right amount of assistance to its residents. Compassionate and specialized care is provided by a specially-trained team to those living with memory loss, ensuring they are able to continue their desired lifestyle despite their condition.

The community’s convenient location offers easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, making it ideal for a vibrant retirement experience. Residents are also free to participate in the community’s wide array of activities and explore its amenities, including the heated pool, bistro, theater, and therapy services. At Westmont of Escondido, residents have access to various services, programs, and features that make their lives more enjoyable.

Contact Westmont of Escondido

Overview of A Place Called Home – Quail Lake

Residing in the serene neighborhood at 4085 North Newport Bay, Clovis, CA, A Place Called Home – Quail Lake is a one-of-a-kind senior living community providing assisted living, memory care, and Parkinson’s care. The community features snug and sophisticated residences, ensuring seniors experience unparalleled comfort and care. Keep peace of mind with a team of kind and reliable professionals attending to your daily living activities and personal needs.

The community also features fall recovery and rehabilitation to ensure residents’ safety. With seniors’ tastes and dietary needs in mind, the community serves healthy and delicious meals for the finest dining experience. A Place Called Home – Quail Lake is a good place for seniors to receive the utmost care and assistance they deserve.

Contact A Place Called Home – Quail Lake

Overview of The Watermark at Napa Valley

The Watermark at Napa Valley stands as an exquisite oasis of luxurious senior living amidst the renowned beauty of Napa, California. This esteemed community offers a spectrum of upscale living options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, ensuring a tailored approach to meet the diverse needs of residents.

The team of caregivers and staff fosters an environment where residents flourish through personalized care and a rich array of cultural, wellness, and social programs. From wine tastings to educational seminars and artistic pursuits, residents indulge in experiences that nurture the mind, body, and spirit, fostering connections and a sense of camaraderie.

Contact The Watermark at Napa Valley

Overview of Rowntree Gardens

Find all the care you need with the distinguished life plan community of Rowntree Gardens in Dale Street, Stanton, CA offers a wide array of living options including assisted living, independent living, memory care, skilled nursing, and therapy services. The community takes pride in a team of reliable and highly trained professionals helping seniors with their personal needs and daily living activities around the clock. With specialized programs, Rowntree Gardens works hard to meet seniors’ special needs and aspirations.

As a faith-based community, Rowntree Gardens conducts enriching activities and engaging programs to strengthen seniors’ faith and keep them happy. Anticipate mealtimes with healthy and delicious meals provided to satisfy cravings and nutritional requirements. Rowntree Gardens is a good place for seniors to spend their golden years receiving the utmost care and support they deserve.

Contact Rowntree Gardens

Overview of Bayshire Carlsbad

Bayshire Carlsbad is a cozy, comfortable, and oasis-like home with quality service. Offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing rehabilitation services– with a memory care program soon– residents continue to maintain their individuality. It boasts a resident-focused approach that encourages residents to live on their terms. The continuing care retirement community is praised for cultivating a senior lifestyle dedicated to achieving holistic wellness in all forms.

As a member of the Front Porch group, a not-for-profit organization, Bayshire Carlsbad provides philanthropic support for its seniors to gain a wonderful experience during their stay. They also offer their exclusive Humanly Possible® program that focuses on the holistic wellness of its residents in a positive, person-centered approach to individual growth. Seniors will discover an elevated lifestyle in its elegant and gracious approach to modern-day senior living.

Contact Bayshire Carlsbad

Carmel Valley Manor

8545 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
Overview of Carmel Valley Manor

Basking in the scenic views of Carmel, CA, Carmel Valley Manor is an exceptional life-plan community offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. As the only life-plan community in Monterey County, Carmel Valley Manor offers a Life Care Contract which includes three levels of healthcare and residence; and a Monthly Fee Agreement that provides housing and necessary medical services. With a 28-acre picture-perfect view of the mountains and nature, Carmel Valley Manor features a spectrum of floor plans ranging from studios to 2-bedroom cottages that can be decorated based on the resident’s preference.

Carmel Valley Manor is an extraordinary community that emphasizes wellness and satisfaction. The culinary team prepares luxurious meals six days a week, with wonderful breakfast gourmet brunch provided on Sundays and Holidays. Amenities include an on-site clinic, fitness center, pool, scenic trail, computer center, craft rooms, and more. In collaboration with Blue Zones Project Monterey County (BZMPC), Carmel Valley Manor promotes a quality, comfortable, and sustainable life for seniors. This community is truly one of a kind and a gift to the seniors of Monterey County.

Contact Carmel Valley Manor

Overview of Bridgepoint at Los Altos

Embark on an extraordinary journey at Bridgepoint at Los Altos, an unparalleled destination offering a harmonious blend of independent living, assisted senior living, and the epitome of luxury in assisted living homes. Just minutes away from downtown Los Altos and the prestigious Stanford University, the location couldn’t be more perfect.

Discover an array of meticulously designed floorplans where every detail has been thoughtfully considered to provide the utmost comfort and convenience. Choose from a variety of options, each offering private patios or balconies that invite you to bask in the beauty of the surroundings. The kitchens are a culinary dream, and the spacious walk-in closets ensure that every cherished belonging finds its place. Step into a world of serenity as you wander through the future beautiful courtyards, meandering gardens, and hear the tranquil sounds of a flowing fountain. Unwind in the cozy fireside lounge, nourish your mind in the wellness center, and indulge in literary adventures in the library’s tech area.

Contact Bridgepoint at Los Altos

Atria San Juan

32353 San Juan Creek Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Overview of Atria San Juan

Atria Park of San Juan offers one of the finest assisted living and memory care living communities, prioritizing its inclusive amenities for the welfare of its residents. Their commitment to ensuring that an individual can feel independent while being engaged is one of their utmost priorities for a balanced lifestyle; they ensure that their residents are healthy and active. Atria San Juan has provided a diverse and inclusive environment.

The premier retirement community has boasted an elevated lifestyle through its services for seniors. Their all-inclusive amenities include daily delicious and nutritious meals by a chef, weekly housekeeping and laundry services, daily fitness activities with their finest gym equipment, private apartments with an emergency call system, 24-hour resident nurse and podiatrist present, and a primary care physician who visits weekly.

Contact Atria San Juan

Segovia

39905 Via Scena, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Overview of Segovia

Tucked away in the heart of Palm Desert, CA, Segovia is a luxury senior living community that offers independent living and assisted living. Residents enjoy the warmth and comfort of Segovia’s carefully designed apartments, ranging from studio units to spacious two-bedroom residences. A full-time nurse and compassionate team is available 24/7, to provide assistance and support tailored to the unique needs of each resident.

The community takes immense pride in creating inviting environments that exude elegance and sophistication, which is also evident in their wide array of amenities. Residents can take a dip in the heated swimming pool, bask in the sun at the beautiful courtyard, or appreciate the blooming flowers by the garden’s twisting paths. An excellent culinary team brings their exceptional expertise to every meal, ensuring residents are nourished with carefully prepared dishes made from the freshest ingredients.

Contact Segovia

Overview of Carlton Senior Living Fremont

Carlton Senior Living is a senior living community located in Fremont, CA, and offering a number of services such as assisted living, independent living, and memory care. This senior living community aims to provide residents an active social life, handling daily living chores and tasks, to give them more time and energy to enjoy their golden years. Their individually tailored services may include assistance with daily living activities by dedicated partners and on-site medical professionals.

Other conveniences offered when living in Carlton also include restaurant style dining from breakfast to dinner, apartment maintenance and utilities, cable and Wi-Fi availability, and transportation services for outings, shopping, and local appointments.

Contact Carlton Senior Living Fremont

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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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.