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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 Summerset Lincoln: Memory & Adaptive Care

Summerset Lincoln: Memory & Adaptive Care is a specially designed memory care community in Lincoln, CA, that focuses on caring for those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory-related conditions. Promoting a structured and supportive environment, the community ensures older adults are comfortable and safe. With a specially trained team available around the clock, chef-prepared meals, and purposeful activities, residents receive the utmost attention and care to maintain their independence with ease. Through a family-centered approach, the community works closely with families to ensure residents are well-cared for.

Walking groups, memory games, and reminiscence therapy help enhance residents’ cognition and maintain holistic wellness. Residents can also keep their peace of mind and move around without hassles, with its cozy living spaces and secure communal areas. Surrounded by various dining options, McBean Stadium, and public transportation, the community guarantees convenient access to leisure and necessities. This memory care community is a good option for senior living in California, with its exceptional services that aim to improve the quality of life of those with memory-related conditions.

Contact Summerset Lincoln: Memory & Adaptive Care

Overview of Bella Vista at Promontory Point

Bella Vista at Promontory Point is an active 55+ independent living community in Ventura, CA, that features spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments. Promoting a lively and inviting environment, the community ensures older adults’ comfort and sense of belonging. Each apartment also features a fully equipped kitchen, a washer and a dryer, and a fireplace, ensuring residents’ convenience. Here, residents can maintain their independence with ease, accompanied by its exceptional services.

Social gatherings, light exercises, and various recreational activities provide residents with more options to spend their every day actively and happily. A spa, a clubhouse, and a pool are among the communal spaces that residents can use for relaxation and wellness. With its beautiful setting along California coast, the community ensures residents experience the lively beach-town feel while having easy access to city amenities. This independent living community is one of the best choices for senior living in California, as it has top-notch amenities that can help older adults live comfortably in retirement.

Contact Bella Vista at Promontory Point

Overview of Silvercrest Residences

Silvercrest Residences is a welcoming independent living community in Ventura, CA, that has a variety of thoughtfully designed accommodations for older adults. Here, older adults can feel at home, accompanied by the community’s warm and nurturing environment. Maintenance services, high-quality apartment features, and recreational opportunities are also offered to enrich residents’ living experiences. The community is dedicated to helping residents live independently in retirement with its accessible amenities.

Residents can explore new interests and have fun through various activities and social events. Cozy living spaces and lively communal areas allow residents to rest and interact with friends comfortably. With its ideal setting in the peaceful residential area of Ventura, near serene parks and grocery stores, residents have easy access to their leisure and necessities. Providing exceptional services and well-maintained amenities, this independent living community is undeniably one of the finest options for senior living in California.

Contact Silvercrest Residences

Overview of Johnson Gardens Apartments

Johnson Gardens Apartments is an inviting independent living community in Ventura, CA, that offers spacious accommodations for older adults. The community promotes a home-like atmosphere for residents’ comfort and convenience. With a variety of apartment features and maintenance services, residents are guaranteed a maintenance-free living. Here, residents can live comfortably in retirement with the community’s exceptional services.

Fun gatherings and light exercises also allow residents to interact with friends and stay active. Thoughtfully furnished living spaces and welcoming gathering areas ensure residents can rest without hassles. Residents can also easily access various entertainment options and their necessities in the community’s ideal setting in the quiet residential area of Ventura. As a trusted choice for senior living in California, this independent living community continuously helps older adults maintain their independence in retirement.

Contact Johnson Gardens Apartments

Overview of Versailles Senior Condominium Community

Versailles Senior Condominium Community is an upscale independent living community in San Mateo, CA, that features 61 beautifully designed condominiums for those 55+. Here, older adults can feel at home during their stay, accompanied by its luxurious and welcoming environment. Weekly housekeeping, chef-prepared meals, and concierge services are among the exceptional services offered to enrich residents’ living experiences. The community’s extensive amenities and outstanding services ensure residents have the finest retirement experience.

Fitness programs, social events, and plenty of recreational opportunities provide residents with more opportunities to interact with friends and have fun. The community also features a heated indoor pool, a whirlpool spa, and a rooftop view terrace, perfect for residents’ recreation and wellness. Ideally set next to downtown San Mateo and surrounded by restaurants, leisure sites, and bus stops, residents can easily access entertainment options and necessities. As one of the new senior living options in California, this independent living community ensures older adults can maintain their independence with ease.

Contact Versailles Senior Condominium Community

Overview of Chapel Lane Senior Apartments

Chapel Lane Senior Apartments is an affordable independent living community in Ventura, CA, that offers spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments for those 62+. With its warm and home-like environment, the community ensures older adults can feel at ease during their stay. Laundry rooms, social opportunities, and maintenance services are also available for residents’ comfort and convenience. The community also maintains affordability with income-based rents to ease financial challenges.

Residents can try new hobbies and explore the locality for recreation and wellness. The community’s thoughtfully designed living spaces and lively gathering areas allow residents to relax and connect with friends. Set in the peaceful residential area of Ventura, the community provides residents with easy access to leisure and necessities. As one of the top-rated choices for senior living in California, this independent living community ensures older adults can thrive in their later years.

Contact Chapel Lane Senior Apartments

Overview of The Trousdale

The Trousdale is a highly regarded retirement community in Burlingame, CA, that offers comprehensive care options, ranging from independent living to memory care. Promoting a comfortable and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults can find a home away from home in their later years. Restaurant-style dining, life-enrichment programs, and maintenance services are among the high-quality services offered to improve residents’ quality of life. With its relationship-driven environment, the community ensures residents gain meaningful connections while receiving the utmost attention for their needs through personalized services.

Exercise classes, like Tai Chi and yoga, as well as art activities and social gatherings, provide residents with more opportunities to explore new hobbies and remain active. Pet-friendly spaces, a wellness center, and a cafe bistro ensure residents can relax and freely interact with their surroundings. Located near the San Francisco International Airport, scenic beaches, and state parks, the community has easy access to various local amenities. As one of the finest options for senior living in California, this retirement community ensures older adults have convenient access to higher levels of care.

Contact The Trousdale

Overview of The Orchards

The Orchard is an upscale independent living community in Ventura, CA, that features newly renovated apartments for older adults. The community fosters a sense of belonging with its home-like environment. Housekeeping, personalized home health care, and restaurant-style dining are among the high-quality services offered, so residents can maintain their independence with ease. With its well thought out amenities, the community ensures residents can live their later years to the fullest.

Light exercises, therapy services, and recreational opportunities also provide residents with plenty of options to spend their days actively and happily. Private walking trails, a fitness center, and a reflection room can also be used for residents’ leisure and wellness. Cafes, dental clinics, and local amenities also surround the area, ensuring easy access to entertainment options and needs. This independent living community is a great choice for senior living in California, as it has a wide range of services and amenities that aim to help older adults live comfortably during their stay.

Contact The Orchards

Overview of Lesley Towers

Lesley Towers is an affordable independent living community in San Mateo, CA, that offers accessible accommodations for older adults. With its warm and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults can feel a sense of belonging. Laundry rooms, maintenance services, and convenient apartment features are also available to ensure residents’ comfort and convenience. To ease financial challenges, the community also offers income and rent restrictions.

Residents can spend their days happily by participating in local community events and exploring the neighborhood. Spacious living areas and lively communal spaces ensure residents can rest and connect with friends without hassles. San Mateo Central Park, restaurants, and public transportation also surround the area, providing residents with quick access to their leisure and necessities. This independent living community is a good option for senior living in California, ensuring older adults can maintain their independence in retirement.

Contact Lesley Towers

Overview of Edgewater Isle Senior Apartments

Edgewater Isle Senior Apartments is a top-rated independent living community in San Mateo, CA, that offers affordable apartments for those 62+. The community ensures older adults feel at ease during their stay, accompanied by its cozy and welcoming environment. Convenient apartment features, laundry spaces, and maintenance services are also available to help residents maintain their independence without hassles. Dedicated to low-income older adults, the community strives to maintain affordability while maintaining quality.

Here, residents can live actively and create meaningful connections through a variety of engaging social events and accessible amenities. Cozy living spaces and lively gathering areas also ensure residents can relax and freely interact with their surroundings. Grocery stores, serene parks, and public transportation are also located nearby, providing more options for residents to explore and experience. This independent living community is one of the trusted options for senior living in California, ensuring older adults can live comfortably in their later years.

Contact Edgewater Isle Senior Apartments

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.