Page 5 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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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-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Visits or investigations linked to complaints, as counted in the state record (may differ from routine annual surveys).
Count of California state "Type A" citations — the state's most serious citation category (immediate or serious harm to residents), from California state inspection data.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Name of the licensed owner, operator, or managing entity as filed with the state. Useful for grouping facilities under the same organization.
Housing or bed configuration options (e.g. studio, shared), often from facility-reported amenities and licensing details.
Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood
IL
AL
MC
Los Angeles (Westwood)
240
Facility 240
CA AVG 168
Rank #64 / 409
Yes
50
Facility 50
CA AVG 59
Rank #423 / 638
A19
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 13
Rank #165 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
19
Facility 19
CA AVG 15
Rank #134 / 402
73.3%
Facility 73.3%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #176 / 361
Belmont Village Westwood Tnnt And Belmont Village LPStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Bruceville Point
IL
AL
MC
Elk Grove
200
Facility 200
CA AVG 168
Rank #86 / 409
Yes
68
Facility 68
CA AVG 59
Rank #267 / 638
A+13
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #111 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 15
Rank #212 / 402
67.0%
Facility 67.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #228 / 361
Shi-III Bruceville Point Owner LLC And Tenfold Et AlStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Atria Golden Creek
IL
AL
MC
Irvine (Woodbridge)
155
Facility 155
CA AVG 168
Rank #168 / 409
Yes
70
Facility 70
CA AVG 59
Rank #242 / 638
A18
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #210 / 391
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #185 / 398
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 15
Rank #66 / 402
73.5%
Facility 73.5%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #174 / 361
Wg Golden Creek Sh LP And Atria Management Co LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
MorningStar Senior Living of Mission Viejo
IL
AL
MC
RC
Mission Viejo
198
Facility 198
CA AVG 168
Rank #100 / 409
Yes
46
Facility 46
CA AVG 59
Rank #452 / 638
A+10
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #63 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 15
Rank #338 / 402
71.7%
Facility 71.7%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #195 / 361
Cd-Tt Mission Viejo LLC And Morningstar Snr Mgmt, LLCPrivate Rooms
Palo Alto Commons
IL
AL
MC
Palo Alto (Ventura)
250
Facility 250
CA AVG 168
Rank #58 / 409
Yes
82
Facility 82
CA AVG 59
Rank #122 / 638
A29
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 13
Rank #165 / 391
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #239 / 398
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 15
Rank #291 / 402
76.4%
Facility 76.4%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #150 / 361
Wellquest Palo Alto Tenantco, LLC And Wellquest Et AlStudio / 1 Bed
Atria Grass Valley
IL
AL
MC
RC
Grass Valley
116
Facility 116
CA AVG 168
Rank #264 / 409
Yes
43
Facility 43
CA AVG 59
Rank #474 / 638
A+9
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #87 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 15
Rank #173 / 402
75.0%
Facility 75.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #165 / 361
Wg Quail Ridge LP And Atria Management Co LLCStudio / Suite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Avant
IL
AL
MC
Palo Alto (Ventura)
250
Facility 250
CA AVG 168
Rank #58 / 409
Yes
82
Facility 82
CA AVG 59
Rank #122 / 638
A29
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 13
Rank #165 / 391
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #239 / 398
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 15
Rank #291 / 402
76.4%
Facility 76.4%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #150 / 361
Wellquest Palo Alto Tenantco, LLC And Wellquest Et AlStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Cypress Place
IL
AL
MC
RC
Ventura
89
Facility 89
CA AVG 168
Rank #321 / 409
Yes
81
Facility 81
CA AVG 59
Rank #132 / 638
A+4
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #63 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 15
Rank #387 / 402
76.4%
Facility 76.4%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #150 / 361
Msla Cypress Operating, LLC And Meridian Senior LivingStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Covington
IL
AL
MC
Aliso Viejo
343
Facility 343
CA AVG 168
Rank #30 / 409
No
36
Facility 36
CA AVG 59
Rank #507 / 638
A+9
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #41 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
22
Facility 22
CA AVG 15
Rank #117 / 402
63.3%
Facility 63.3%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #257 / 361
Episcopal Communities & Services For Seniors-
Ocean Hills Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
RC
Oceanside (Ocean Hills)
123
Facility 123
CA AVG 168
Rank #250 / 409
Yes
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 59
Rank #608 / 638
B+26
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #153 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
14
Facility 14
CA AVG 15
Rank #159 / 402
87.8%
Facility 87.8%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #57 / 361
Triton Senior Lvg, LLC And Nortstar Snr Lvg Mgt LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other CA independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 640 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood

Settled in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, CA, Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood is a thriving senior living community, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. The community provides inviting accommodations, ranging from studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Featuring their enriching memory care programs, the community ensures residents in various stages of memory loss are given the right care and support with dynamic programming and mental training.

At Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood, residents are invested in and catered to with a professionally managed fitness center offering on-site therapy services, a licensed nurse and well-trained team on-site 24/7. Residents also enjoy carefully crafted menus featuring fresh ingredients and homestyle meals. With planned social activities, a wide array of amenities, and a compassionate care team, the community guarantees residents a thrilling retirement experience.

Contact Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood

Overview of Bruceville Point

Bruceville Point is a luxury assisted living community in Elk Grove with independent living and memory care services that delivers unmatched hospitality. Placing importance on creating a welcoming environment where residents can feel a sense of belonging, the staff ensures a cozy and home-like atmosphere in a condominium-style setting. The retirement community presents a rich and supportive environment that prioritizes a lifestyle built for the holistic development of its residents.

Bruceville Point boasts individualized care plans that inspire residents to live the lifestyle they deserve. The beautiful community has premier amenities that residents can use, such as a game room, a recreational area, a fitness center, common areas, lounges, and outdoor spaces. Essential services include specialized services, wellness activities and clubs, housekeeping services, 24/7 care staff, and ADLs.

Contact Bruceville Point

Overview of Atria Golden Creek

Experience a convenient senior living experience in the welcoming senior living community of Atria Golden Creek, nestled along the serene banks of San Diego Creek in Irvine, CA. The community offers vibrant senior living options, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. Atria’s collaboration with EmpowerMe provides residents with access to physical, occupational, and speech therapies, ensuring that they have the ability to do the things they love.

Atria Golden Creek’s mission is to provide residents with a fulfilling lifestyle through all-inclusive amenities and engaging daily activities. From a restaurant offering table service to a cozy lounge, movie theater, fitness center, and more, residents enjoy a variety of options to inspire a meaningful life. The community boasts relaxing outdoor spaces, including an expansive deck overlooking the creek, a dining courtyard, and walking paths. LEED Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, Atria Golden Creek combines luxury with eco-friendly design and practices, ensuring a comfortable and sustainable environment for its residents.

Contact Atria Golden Creek

Overview of MorningStar Senior Living of Mission Viejo

A proud MorningStar Senior Living Group member, MorningStar Senior Living of Mission Viejo provides exceptional assisted living and memory care services tailored to each individual’s needs. The community prides itself on providing the best services, striving to be the city’s top-ranked assisted living place. Residents of MorningStar Senior Living of Mission Viejo can rest assured that they can feel like a home away from home.

An elegant community built on its contemporary design and styling, allowing for a more luxurious environment while providing resort-like services: elegant designs and upscale amenities such as its dining room, brightly-lit lounge areas, spacious apartments, courtyard, and arts and crafts studio. MorningStar promotes a stress-free lifestyle for their residents, providing essential services– housekeeping, social and recreational events, and transportation events. Management encourages residents to participate in activities and maximize the amenities to socialize and promote a warm and welcoming environment.

Contact MorningStar Senior Living of Mission Viejo

Overview of Palo Alto Commons

Situated in the neighborhood of Palo Alto, CA, Palo Alto Commons is a blissful senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. A 24-hour care team and licensed nurses are always on standby to attend to residents’ individual needs, including assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and personal care assistance. Residents are provided with a spacious studio, one, and two bedroom apartment for a comfortable living space that fosters a relaxing and restful environment.

The community helps residents live their retirement life to the fullest through its broad array of activities and an abundance of delightful amenities. Residents here benefit from life enrichment programs and various convenient services, including housekeeping, linen services, and scheduled transportation. Amenities, include a fitness center, card room, library, salon, and a fireside lounge that provides relaxing space for gathering with friends or spending some precious time alone.

Contact Palo Alto Commons

Overview of Atria Grass Valley

Nestled amid the serene Sierra Nevada Mountains in Grass Valley, CA, Atria Grass Valley provides exceptional Assisted Living and Memory Care options for seniors in Northeast California. The community features spacious studio, 1 and 2-bedroom senior apartment homes, or a two-bedroom cottage equipped with modern conveniences designed for residents’ comfort. Each living option includes an emergency alert system, housekeeping, and linen services so residents can spend their time enjoying the things they love to do.

Atria Grass Valley is dedicated to fostering an active and fulfilling lifestyle for its residents., providing residents plenty of opportunities for engagement and socialization, including planned transportation for local activities, a full-service hairdresser, and a media room. With amenities like resident gardens, fitness centers, and private dining, the community ensures its residents maintain an enriching lifestyle. Atria Grass Valley strives to offer a warm and encouraging community where members can thrive physically, emotionally, and socially.

Contact Atria Grass Valley

The Avant

4075 El Camino Way, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Overview of The Avant

Set in the serene neighborhood of Palo Alto, CA, The Avant is an inviting senior living community that offers independent living for active and dynamic residents who wish to continue their independent lifestyle. This pet-friendly community offers 44 luxury apartments with a luxurious resort-style atmosphere, inviting common spaces, and top-notch services. Residents enjoy an unmatched living experience with no maintenance or chores to worry about.

In addition to a variety of convenient services such as housekeeping, laundry, and transportation, the community provides residents with a 24/7 emergency call system for a safe and carefree living environment. A talented culinary team is available to provide residents with delicious and nutritious meals. Residents also enjoy access to a plethora of amenities, including a full calendar of vibrant activities, a heated pool, therapeutic spa, a solarium, media room, cozy lounge, a fitness center, Bocce Ball court, and Table Tennis for an active yet relaxing lifestyle.

Contact The Avant

Cypress Place

1200 Cypress Point Ln, Ventura, CA 93003
Overview of Cypress Place

An esteemed senior living community residing in the serene neighborhood of Cypress Point Lane, Ventura, CA, Cypress Place offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Experience relaxation and security like no other with the snug and well-designed residences of Cypress Place in a wide selection of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. With a dedicated and highly equipped team, seniors let go of their worries and live their lives to the fullest.

Meet new friends and create lasting memories through fun programs and exciting events. Dedicated to enhancing residents’ well-being, the community serves healthy and tasty meals catering to dietary needs and preferences. Cypress Place is a safe place for seniors to spend a glorious retirement with its beautiful setting.

Contact Cypress Place

Overview of The Covington

The Covington offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Aliso Viejo, California. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living adds help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for a resident who may be at risk of wandering. Needs can change without another move, since all three care levels are available within the same community.

With 343 beds, The Covington is a larger setting with more residents, staff, and usually more programming. Its dining program includes snacks, shareable plates, mains, and desserts, giving residents several types of menu items to choose from while emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. A Walk Score of 36 places the area in a car-dependent setting, so most errands require a car or a ride rather than a short walk. Donald Cash Benton serves as administrator, and Episcopal Communities & Services For Seniors operates the community.

Contact The Covington

Overview of Ocean Hills Senior Living

Nestled in the quiet neighborhood of Oceanside, CA, the Ocean Hills is a dedicated senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Luxurious resort-style accommodations with a variety of floor plans are available and tailored to the needs of its residents. Apart from physical needs, this community also puts a premium on psychological, social, and intellectual needs towards a holistic approach to service delivery. In terms of memory care, it utilizes a peace of mind that is powered by state-of-the-art engagement technology. The community also offers short-term stays for respite care services.

The community is committed to providing exceptional amenities and services wherein residents can enjoy the following: pickle ball, sports bar or restaurant, bistro, alfresco dining, theater, 6-hole putting green, convenience store, pool and spa, fitness center, and many more. At the Ocean Hills, seniors are guaranteed a retirement with utmost care and support.

Contact Ocean Hills Senior Living

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.