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
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Overview of California Mission Inn
California Mission Inn is a senior living community located in Rosemead, California. It offers a range of services including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Respite Care. The community is designed to provide a supportive environment with a focus on comfort and well-being.

Contact California Mission Inn

Overview of Valley View Retirement Center
Valley View Rehab & Nursing Center is an attractive, modern facility set among rolling hills on the outskirts of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It offers skilled nursing care for 163 residents at various levels of medical need. The facility provides a range of services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and specialized dementia care.

Contact Valley View Retirement Center

Overview of The British Home in California LTD
The British Home in California is a senior living community blending traditional British culture with American warmth. It offers a unique and elegant lifestyle for residents in a caring community. The facility is located in Sierra Madre, surrounded by beautiful gardens and views.

Contact The British Home in California Ltd

Overview of Ararat Home of Los Angeles
Ararat Home of Los Angeles, Inc. exists to provide senior living care, regardless of individuals’ financial status, and to promote Armenian heritage and culture in the United States. Founded in 1949, Ararat Home operates life plan communities providing independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. The organization strives to provide high-quality care with dignity and compassion.

Contact Ararat Home of Los Angeles

Overview of Villa Scalabrini Retirement Center

Fathers of St. operates Villa Scalabrini Retirement Center, a 130-bed nursing and senior living property owned by Ardeshir Afshar in Sun Valley, California. The location runs at roughly 56 percent occupancy, leaving several open units across its three specialized residential hubs: the Safe Care Center, La Piazza, and the Special Care Unit. Stays average about 18 months, indicating a steady population of intermediate and long-term residents who cover their housing fees using private funds, traditional Medicare, or state Medicaid.

Residents receive roughly 4 hours and 11 minutes of direct, hands-on attention every day from an on-site team of nurses and aides. This round-the-clock staffing handles physical rehabilitation programs, runs specialized respite care, and coordinates a social schedule complete with an on-site library, barber services, and fresh meals prepared daily by a chef. The surrounding neighborhood is car-dependent, so visiting families will generally need to drive when coming to the property or taking residents out.

Prospective residents can check out the floor plans and request info on open rooms by calling the front office, where they can also ask about specialized memory care placements or pick a day to visit the grounds. This admissions desk can provide the latest reports from government health inspectors, who check the property through routine compliance reviews to verify that medical logs and building safety records meet code requirements.

Contact Villa Scalabrini Retirement Center

Overview of Bethel Senior Living

Bethel Lutheran Home owns Bethel Senior Living, a small 33-bed nursing community on Dockery Avenue in Selma, California, operated by Bethel Assisted Living LLC and Bayshire Central Valley LLC. The building houses 23 residents, running at a 71 percent occupancy rate under administrator Benjamin Carter. Stays average 385 days, meaning the daily workload centers mostly on permanent residential care rather than temporary post-hospital therapy.

The surrounding neighborhood provides good pedestrian access, earning a walk score of 83 out of 100, so visitors can easily take care of errands on foot. Inside, the floor crew logs an average of 4 hours and 36 minutes of direct care per resident each day, with nurse aides handling 3 hours and 46 minutes of that total.

This round-the-clock staff runs physical rehabilitation programs, provides adult day health treatments, and coordinates on-site home care services for the residents. Government health inspectors monitor the property through routine compliance audits to ensure medical records and staffing ratios meet local health codes.

Families can contact the intake desk to verify current room openings or ask how the admission process works. The office staff can also arrange a convenient weekday morning to walk through the grounds and view the communal spaces.

Contact Bethel Senior Living

Baywood Court

21966 Dolores Street, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Overview of Baywood Court

Manjot Kaur manages Baywood Court, a 72-bed nursing home on Dolores Street in Castro Valley, California. The building has been open for 35 years and stays filled to about 72 percent capacity, so they usually have open rooms. Stays average around 79 days, a timeline that shows the daily schedule splits its time between temporary post-hospital rehab and intermediate residential care. For payments, the billing department handles accounts through private funds and standard Medicare.

The surrounding neighborhood relies heavily on cars, scoring just 25 out of 100 for walkability, so visitors will almost always need to drive to the property. On the floor, the nursing crew delivers an average of 5 hours and 35 minutes of hands-on care to each resident daily. This round-the-clock staffing includes registered nurses, vocational nurses, and aides who run physical therapy routines and respite stays. For daily life, the campus offers restaurant-style dining, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and vegetable gardens, alongside structured social hours and exercise sessions.

Older adults looking into local care options can call the front office to ask how the admissions process works or to check on current openings. The intake coordinator can also set up a time for visitors to walk through the therapy building and check out the outdoor gardens.

Contact Baywood Court

Overview of Acacia Creek – Union City

Masonic Homes Cal & Acacia Creek operates Acacia Creek – Union City, a senior living campus located at 34400 Mission Blvd in Union City, California. The property is owned by Larry Adamson, administered by Chuck Major, and has been in business for 20 years. While the broader campus houses 376 residents across independent and assisted living options, the skilled nursing section includes 96 beds. Residents stay for an average of 87 days, showing that the nursing team balances short-term post-hospital rehab with intermediate care.

The surrounding neighborhood has a walk score of 63, meaning visitors can handle a few quick errands on foot but will generally need a car to get around. On the floor, the nursing crew delivers an average of 5 hours of hands-on care per resident each day. This round-the-clock staffing handles physical rehabilitation, memory care programs, and temporary respite stays. For day-to-day life, the campus features an indoor pool, a fitness center, a library, a hair salon, and restaurant-style dining with made-to-order breakfast options.

Interested families exploring regional recovery or memory care programs can call the intake department to check on current bed availability and ask about the admissions process. The front office can also arrange a convenient time to tour the campus, view the dining rooms, and see the therapy spaces.

Contact Acacia Creek – Union City

Overview of Freedom Village Health Care Center

Freedom Village Health Care Center is a top-rated nursing home in Lake Forest, CA, offering rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Featuring private and semi-private rooms in a clean and welcoming setting, the community ensures older adults’ comfort and safety. 24-hour care, chef-prepared meals, transportation to medical appointments, and therapies are among the exceptional services provided, so residents can focus on rehabilitation and recovery. Through a comprehensive coordinated care, the community strives to provide the best possible care tailored to their needs and preferences.

Social events, light physical activities, and a variety of recreational programs encourage residents to live actively and make friends. A beauty salon & barber shop, and a beautiful outdoor fountain patio are also available for residents’ relaxation and wellness. Set near restaurants, shops, and bus stops in Lake Forest, the community guarantees quick access to necessities and leisure. As one of the trusted options for senior living in California, this nursing home ensures older adults can live to their potential.

Contact Freedom Village Health Care Center

Overview of Alta Healthcare Center of Camarillo

Alta Healthcare Center of Camarillo is a top-rated nursing home in Camarillo, CA, offering dementia care, hospice care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. The community promotes a nurturing and welcoming environment, striving to keep older adults comfortable and safe. With 24-hour assistance, transportation, and a nutrition program, residents receive exceptional services to live comfortably. Through individualized care plans, the community ensures residents can recover without hassles.

Light exercises, social gatherings, and recreational activities provide residents with more opportunities to interact with friends and have fun. With thoughtfully furnished rooms and lively gathering areas, residents can rest and focus on their well-being. Set in the quiet residential area of Camarillo, the community ensures a stress-free retirement. This nursing home is a great choice for senior living in California, as it has excellent services and top-notch amenities.

Contact Alta Healthcare Center of Camarillo

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.