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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
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.
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 TableAL (Assisted Living):
Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing.
NH (Nursing Home):
24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs.
SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility):
Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness.
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.
CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community):
A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
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.
The ALM Inspection Grade — our own 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. It is not a government rating. A dash means we do not publish a grade for that facility: either its public record is too thin to be fair, or we hold nothing for it at all.
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.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
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.
A-91 / 100 — 8 points above the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)
21
12
Facility12
CA AVG13
Rank#919 / 1,387
0
Facility0
CA AVG3
Rank#1 / 1,433
37
Facility37
CA AVG13
Rank#47 / 1,452
70.0%
Facility70.0%
CA AVG74.6%
Rank#801 / 1,313
-
Wg Covina Sh LP And Atria Management Co LLC
Studio / 1 Bed
Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every CA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 648 on this page. See how we rank facilities
Overview of Fredericka Manor Retirement Community in Chula Vista
Find the care you need at Fredericka Manor Retirement Community, an astounding community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community features cozy and well-maintained studio to two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. With a kind and highly trained team attending to their needs 24/7, residents receive the highest quality of care for a worry-free retirement.
Residents will not feel lonely with a thoughtfully curated calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs that highlight their interests and capabilities. Mealtimes promote social interactions and satisfy dietary needs that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. This pet-friendly community is surrounded by lush natural spaces, creating the ideal setting for residents to spend their golden years happily.
Situated in the charming neighborhood of South Walnut Street, Anaheim, CA, Walnut Village is an extraordinary senior living community providing assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community features specially designed and cozy residences in variations of one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans for seniors to enjoy comfort and security like no other. With its commitment to easing seniors’ worries, Walnut Village takes pride in a team of compassionate and well-trained professionals handling maintenance, housekeeping, and other household responsibilities.
Make the most out of your day with fun activities and enjoyable programs highlighting your interests and strengths. The community utilizes innovative technologies and holistic approaches to ensure individuals with dementia receive the right care and assistance. Walnut Village promotes a bright and friendly environment for seniors to spend their golden years happily.
As San Mateo’s foremost not-for-profit condominium community, The Peninsula Regent is designed for independent seniors aged 60 and beyond. What sets them apart is its unique approach; rather than the customary entrance fee that is often non-refundable, senior residents have the opportunity to invest in their very own homes.
The Peninsula not only secures a valuable asset for seniors and their heirs but also imparts a sense of comfort and peace of mind that comes with being part of this exceptional senior community. Here, an array of concierge services, excellent amenities, delectable dining selections, and daily social engagement await seniors, offering a carefree lifestyle that empowers them to pursue their passions and embrace life to the fullest wholeheartedly.
Burrowed in Campbell, CA, Merrill Gardens at Campbell is an inviting senior living community that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The stunning Spanish-style community is near various stores, entertainment options, and top-notch medical facilities. Seniors will enjoy onsite retail options like a spa, wine shop, and restaurant. The community features spacious apartments with full-size kitchens, washers and dryers, luxurious grounds, and well-appointed common areas.
The community offers a vibrant and supportive environment for seniors. Here, residents relish in an array of amenities, including a library, salon, fitness area, movie theater, and bistro. Additionally, guests can take advantage of complimentary valet parking available seven days a week. Programs and services like 24-hour assistance, scheduled transportation, concierge services, wellness programs, and weekly housekeeping ensure residents have everything they need for a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle.
Belmont Village San Ramon is a retirement community in San Ramon, CA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Here, older adults can find a home away from home, especially with a nurturing and family-like setting. Housekeeping, laundry, restaurant-style dining, and concierge services are also provided, so residents have a maintenance-free lifestyle. Focusing on residents’ holistic well-being, the community develops personalized care plans.
Off-site trips, creative programs, and educational activities encourage residents to live actively and explore interests. Residents can also relax and focus on wellness with first-class amenities, including a full-service salon, a fitness center, and a bistro. Located in the thriving neighborhood of San Ramon, near the Marketplace Shopping Center, a variety of dining options, and parks, the community ensures residents have easy access to necessities and leisure. This retirement community has comprehensive care options dedicated to older adults’ welfare, making it a good option for senior living in California.
Carlton Senior Living Fremont offers independent living and assisted living in Fremont, CA. Independent living provides a private home with community services and no daily care, while assisted living adds help with dressing, bathing, medication, and other daily tasks while the resident keeps a private apartment.
Having both levels in one community may suit someone whose needs could grow over time and who wants to remain in the same community. The community has 128 beds, with alcove, one bedroom, and two bedroom layouts; a two bedroom arrangement can work for a couple moving together.
The starting price is $4,495, although the care level connected to that rate is not specified. Carlton Senior Living operates the community, and Gianni Amari serves as administrator.
Located in the Central District, the community has a Walk Score of 90 out of 100, in the walker’s paradise band, so daily errands do not require a car and a resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby shops and services on foot. Pets are allowed, and restaurant style dining provides healthy and delicious meals, while available transportation offers another way to get to activities and errands.
Events and Entertainment and Health & Wellness programs give residents organized activities to join. Respite care supports a short stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover, and short term rehabilitation provides a temporary, recovery focused stay.
Uncover a world of extraordinary living at The Forum at Rancho San Antonio, where breathtaking Northern California landscapes meet exceptional assisted living and unparalleled memory care services for seniors. With a prestigious five-star Medicare rating for skilled nursing care, you can trust that seniors in need of assistance will receive the highest level of support and attention. The community’s dedication extends to specialized memory care living, where compassionate caregivers and top-notch technology come together in a beautiful and nurturing setting.
Rejuvenate your body and mind in the state-of-the-art fitness center, escape into a world of imagination in the art studio, engage in friendly competition in the game room, and immerse yourself in the wisdom of literature in the inviting library. Your furry companions will find joy in the dedicated dog park, while the salon services ensure you always look and feel your best. Every facet of life in this community has been thoughtfully designed to enrich and elevate your experience. With spacious layouts and luxurious touches, each residence becomes a sanctuary of comfort and style. Whether you seek relaxation or entertainment, the living spaces cater to your every need, creating an environment that is both inviting and sophisticated.
Situated in the welcoming community of Escondido, California, Escondido Senior Living is a distinguished senior living community. Their mission is to inspire senior residents to lead active, engaged lifestyles while considering this senior living community as their cherished home. Specializing in providing both assisted living and memory care services, they take pride in offering an extensive array of amenities and limitless opportunities for life enrichment.
With a steadfast commitment to round-the-clock care and maintaining an ideal staff-to-resident ratio, Escondido Senior Living ensures that each resident receives the care they need, tailored to their unique service plan. Their personalized approach is fundamental to their goal of enhancing the well-being and quality of life of every resident they serve.
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.
Situated in a quiet residential neighborhood in Covina, California, inside Los Angeles County, Atria Covina is a premier senior living community that accommodates different levels of care needs by providing active independent living and assisted living options. Atria Covina offers its residents a wide range of amenities, including housekeeping, chef-prepared meals, and concierge support, all of which are provided by a committed team of people who work around the clock.
Atria Covina strives to improve residents’ quality of life by providing caring assistance and interesting amenities. The neighborhood has walking trails, a patio, outdoor grilling, a private dining area, off-site pool access, a library, a salon, and a game room. Atria Covina is pet-friendly, has Wi-Fi in open spaces, and offers daily opportunities for social, cultural, educational, and physical fitness, making it a perfect senior living community for those wishing to live a vibrant and fulfilling retirement.
Every community above is evaluated across six weighted categories using public data including state inspection records, review platforms, BBB profiles, and operator-published materials.
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 rankingsCommunities 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
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.
If you move into a community through us, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never changes your cost or which options we recommend. Learn more
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