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;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;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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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
Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes
Overview of A Place Called Home – Harlan Ranch

Step into the charm of A Place Called Home – Harlan Ranch in 3041 Serena Ave, Clovis, CA, where compassionate care and top-notch service come together in a warm and welcoming environment. This community offers assisted living, dementia and memory care, alzheimer’s assisted living, parkinson’s care services. Here, residents can enjoy a selection of spacious and beautifully designed accommodations to enhance comfort and relaxation. Having an expert and well-trained team, the community ensures to provide the highest level of care for residents suffering from dementia including Alzheimer’s, mild cognitive disorder (MCD), Parkinson’s, stroke, rehabilitation, fall recovery, or those needing general assistance with activities of daily living.

Beyond healthcare services, the community offers top-tier amenities and services such as nutritious and delicious homemade meals catering to dietary preferences and amazing common spaces for both leisure and socialization. Here, life is celebrated with joy, comfort, and excellence ensuring seniors a worthwhile living experience.

Contact A Place Called Home – Harlan Ranch

Overview of A Place Called Home – Quail Lake

Welcoming seniors with a serene atmosphere, A Place Called Home – Quail Lake is an exceptional senior living community located in 10736 E Mendocino Bay, Clovis, CA that offers a comprehensive ranges of services including assisted living, dementia and memory care, alzheimer’s assisted living, parkinson’s care. The experienced, dedicated, and compassionate team ensures that the needs of every residents are fully met, treating each individual as a valued member of the community family.

The community offers top-of-the-line services for its residents, from providing medication management to delivering the highest level of care for those with cognitive conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive disorder (MCD), Parkinson’s, stroke, rehabilitation, fall recovery, or those needing general assistance with activities on a daily basis. Indulge in delightful and healthy homemade meals to satisfy cravings and meet dietary needs. Equipped with the right tools and people, seniors can never go wrong with A Place Called Home – Quail Lake.

Contact A Place Called Home – Quail Lake

Overview of Holiday Springs of Napa

Nestled in a charming Napa residential area, Holiday Springs of Napa offers an inviting independent living community for seniors. Just a half-mile stroll from markets and cafes, this location allows you to experience the best Napa Valley has to offer. Spacious senior apartments provide a comfortable and convenient living space. Each unit features a full kitchen or kitchenette, refrigerator, private patio or balcony, and individually controlled heating and air conditioning for comfort.

Keep you engaged on attending social gatherings, or simply relaxing with friends, exploring local shops and cafes there’s something for everyone. In-unit washer and dryer options are also available for added convenience. Discover how much more is included at Holiday Springs of Napa compared to living at home. With studios starting at $3,309 per month.

Contact Holiday Springs of Napa

Novelle

3355 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95118
Overview of Novelle

Located in San Jose, CA, Novelle by Merrill Gardens is a retirement community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. With a variety of suites to two-bedroom apartments, the community ensures older adults have options that match their preferences. 24-hour staffing, restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, and transportation services are among the exceptional services offered to improve residents’ well-being. The community also offers month-to-month rentals for residents’ convenience.

Engaging events and philanthropic opportunities are conducted for residents’ leisure and wellness. This pet-friendly community is also equipped with an outdoor courtyard, a Mosaic restaurant, and an adjoining activities space. Located along the road in the lively neighborhood of San Jose, near restaurants and shops, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. With multiple levels of care and upscale amenities, this retirement community is a good option for senior living in California.

Contact Novelle

Overview of Camarillo Senior Living

Camarillo Senior Living is a highly regarded retirement community in Camarillo, CA, that offers a wide range of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. The community’s compassionate and welcoming environment also aims to provide older adults with a home away from home. Personalized meal plans, medication management, and weekly housekeeping also help residents maintain their independence. Through personalized care plans, residents also receive the utmost attention and care for their unique needs.

Card games, holiday parties, and weekly outings are just some of the activities dedicated to residents’ leisure and wellness. A bistro, spacious outdoor courtyards, and a library are also available, so residents can rest and connect with friends. Set in the peaceful residential area of Camarillo, the community guarantees a stress-free retirement. As one of the best options for senior living in California, this retirement community ensures older adults can age comfortably.

Contact Camarillo Senior Living

Overview of Westmont of Chico-The Inn at the Terraces

Westmont of Chico — The Inn at the Terraces is a 99-bed senior living community that provides assisted living and memory care under the management of Westmont Living, Inc. Having operated for eight years, the campus runs on a 24-hour schedule and features an exceptionally walkable layout with a walkability score of 97 out of 100. This central location ensures that surrounding neighborhood shops, dining options, and municipal services are fully accessible on foot for visiting guests and staff.

Oversight files from the California Department of Social Services and the California Department of Public Health indicate a minimal history of regulatory interference. Multi-year public monitoring records report zero serious citations or severe enforcement actions against the property. The overall volume of filed complaints and standard inspection deficiencies tracks at low levels, with past health and safety findings corrected by the administration following state reviews.

Families researching local assisted living options or specialized memory care units can use these state regulatory logs to check out the operator’s background. The public documentation details a highly accessible senior community that maintains an unpunished regulatory track record and a very low historical citation rate.

Contact Westmont of Chico-The Inn at the Terraces

Overview of Westhaven Assisted Living

WestHaven Assisted Living is a 42-bed residential care community that opened its doors in 2025 under the management of Westhaven Senior Living. The property has a starting price of $795 per month, making it an accessible option within the California market for adults needing everyday personal care or short-term respite stays. Built right at the center of town, the property sits in a walkable neighborhood with a walkability score of 77 out of 100, which means visiting guests and staff can easily run errands on foot without needing a vehicle.

Records from the California Department of Social Services show a clean operating baseline since the property’s recent opening. Regular monitoring logs document zero citations and zero formal complaints against the home. On-site staff members provide 24-hour observation, medication management, mobility assistance, and basic care coordination for chronic health conditions. Everyday services also include house meals, routine snacks, laundry assistance, housekeeping, and organized recreational activities.

Interested individuals looking over local assisted living costs or a temporary respite placement can use these early state reports to gauge the building’s track record. The public documentation shows a new, budget-friendly care home that maintains an unblemished regulatory record alongside 24-hour supervisor coverage in a highly central neighborhood.

Contact Westhaven Assisted Living

Overview of Western Assemblies Home

Western Assemblies Home is a 36-bed faith-based residential care home that has been operating for 32 years under Western Assemblies Home, Inc. The community specifically serves older adults who have been part of a Plymouth Brethren assembly, creating a small, communal environment where spiritual practices and daily care are integrated. Financially and operationally structured for residential support, the facility provides around-the-clock staffing, three daily meals, housekeeping, and local transportation. The property sits in a residential neighborhood about five miles from the downtown core, where the surrounding layout is mostly car-dependent for everyday travel and errands.

Routine personal assistance is paired with on-site church services from a local assembly to shape the everyday calendar. When checking the California Department of Social Services files, state regulatory records reveal an exceptionally quiet and stable history across the past four years. Inspectors have logged minimal activity during this timeframe, meaning the property holds a clean record with zero severe violations or state enforcement interventions.

Families seeking an established Plymouth Brethren care environment in the region can use these state reports to verify the home’s long-term history. The public records point to a small, low-stress building that offers consistent religious programming and a solid safety record, lacking the institutional atmosphere of a giant healthcare facility.

Contact Western Assemblies Home

Overview of Summerset Lincoln Assisted Living and Memory Care

Summerset Lincoln Assisted Living and Memory Care is a 132-bed assisted living and memory care community licensed since 2017 at 567 3rd Street in Lincoln, California. Operated by Lincoln Summerset ALMC LLC and Care Senior Management under administrator Megan Gallagher, the community serves residents in Placer County with 24-hour staffing, rehabilitation services, and respite care.

The inspection record falls below the California average. Since 2021, the facility has totaled 36 complaints against a California average of 14, 7.2 per year compared to 2.8 state average, resulting in 37 complaint visits over the same period. Total citations stand at 19 versus a California average of 10. Citations per routine inspection run 0.4, well below the 3.3 state average, meaning standard inspections have not been the citation driver. No serious citations appear on record. The latest inspection was January 2026.

The facility includes a physical therapy room, exercise gym, spa room, and all-day dining, with a walk score of 84 reflecting a highly walkable location in central Lincoln. The Adaptive Care program is present for residents with specialized needs.

The community is built for assisted living and memory care in Lincoln, with a 132-bed campus and on-site therapy amenities oriented toward Placer County residents with moderate to higher care needs.

Contact Summerset Lincoln Assisted Living and Memory Care

Overview of Lantern Crest

Lantern Crest is a 180-bed independent living, assisted living, and memory care community operated by LCM, LLC at 800 Lantern Crest Way in Santee, California. Licensed by the California Department of Social Services since May 2012, the community has been operating for 13 years in San Diego County.

Five years of California DSS data show 2 citations across 16 oversight visits, 80 percent below the state average of 10, with 4 complaints over the period, well below California’s norm. The composite inspection score is above the state benchmark of 70. Routine inspection frequency ran slightly above California’s average, meaning the clean record reflects genuine regulatory attention.

The community offers a continuum from independent to memory care living with 24-hour staffing and respite care. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool, onsite restaurant, salon and spa, and a pet-friendly environment with scheduled transportation throughout Santee.

For older adults seeking an amenity-rich setting across the care continuum, from independent living to memory care, Lantern Crest in East San Diego County is suitable.

Contact Lantern Crest

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
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today

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.