Best Independent Living in California

Reviewed by

Last updated

Jun 2026

We analyzed

592 homes in California

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and California Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

Other senior care options in California:

Assisted Living Memory Care Nursing Homes

Video Tour: Top-rated Independent Living facilities in California.

Watch this Video to see California's Top-rated Senior Communities

Alameda County Anaheim Antioch Apple Valley Auburn Bakersfield Burbank Camarillo Carlsbad Carmichael Clovis Contra Costa County Covina Cupertino Danville Davis El Cajon El Dorado Hills Elk Grove Escondido Eureka Fair Oaks Folsom Foster City Fresno County Fresno Glendale Granite Bay Grass Valley Hayward Hermosa Beach Huntington Beach Irvine Kern County La Quinta Lafayette Lancaster Lodi Loma Linda Los Angeles County Los Angeles Mission Viejo Modesto Napa Newport Beach Novato Oakland Oceanside Orange County Palm Desert Palmdale Pasadena Placer County Rancho Cucamonga Rancho Mirage Redding Riverside County Riverside Rocklin Roseville Sacramento County Sacramento San Bernardino County San Bernardino San Diego County San Diego San Francisco San Jose San Juan Capistrano San Luis Obispo San Mateo County San Mateo San Ramon Santa Ana Santa Barbara Santa Clara Santa Clarita Santa Rosa Simi Valley Stockton Sunnyvale Temecula Thousand Oaks Torrance Valencia Ventura County Walnut Creek Woodland Hills Yolo County Yorba Linda Yucaipa

Compare Independent Living around California

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GlenBrook Health Center	NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Carlsbad	95 Facility 95 CA AVG 103 Rank #811 / 1658	No	57 Facility 57 CA AVG 57 Rank #1158 / 2093	11	2 Facility 2 CA AVG 13 Rank #324 / 1397	0 Facility 0 CA AVG 3 Rank #1 / 1164	22 Facility 22 CA AVG 13 Rank #313 / 1487	64.2% Facility 64.2% CA AVG 74.8% Rank #1020 / 1368	-	Glenbrook Hc LLC/Life Services LLC	-
Reata Glen	IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).	Mission Viejo	840 Facility 840 CA AVG 103 Rank #2 / 1658	No	2 Facility 2 CA AVG 57 Rank #2045 / 2093	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 Ccrc	1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
Town & Country	NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Santa Ana (East Memory Lane)	328 Facility 328 CA AVG 103 Rank #45 / 1658	No	67 Facility 67 CA AVG 57 Rank #831 / 2093	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	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Sonoma (Oregon Street)	82 Facility 82 CA AVG 103 Rank #902 / 1658	Yes	74 Facility 74 CA AVG 57 Rank #599 / 2093	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 Usa	1 Bed / 2 Bed
Oakmont Gardens	IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Santa Rosa (Oakmont Village Association)	79 Facility 79 CA AVG 103 Rank #937 / 1658	Yes	34 Facility 34 CA AVG 57 Rank #1664 / 2093	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 LLC	1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Watermark at Almaden	IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	San Jose (Erikson)	240 Facility 240 CA AVG 103 Rank #100 / 1658	Yes	82 Facility 82 CA AVG 57 Rank #357 / 2093	25	18 Facility 18 CA AVG 13 Rank #1088 / 1397	4 Facility 4 CA AVG 3 Rank #828 / 1164	5 Facility 5 CA AVG 13 Rank #987 / 1487	80.4% Facility 80.4% CA AVG 74.8% Rank #586 / 1368	-	Us Alliance Holden Of San Jose Tentant;Watermark	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Cogir of North Bay	NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Vallejo (Harry Floyd Terrace)	83 Facility 83 CA AVG 103 Rank #898 / 1658	Yes	47 Facility 47 CA AVG 57 Rank #1423 / 2093	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 Inc	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Cogir of Rohnert Park	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Rohnert Park	75 Facility 75 CA AVG 103 Rank #957 / 1658	Yes	27 Facility 27 CA AVG 57 Rank #1761 / 2093	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 Inc	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton	IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Pleasanton	828 Facility 828 CA AVG 103 Rank #3 / 1658	No	47 Facility 47 CA AVG 57 Rank #1423 / 2093	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	NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Davis (West Davis)	500 Facility 500 CA AVG 103 Rank #22 / 1658	No	54 Facility 54 CA AVG 57 Rank #1243 / 2093	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 Services	1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
Casa de las Campanas	NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	San Diego (Rancho Bernardo)	582 Facility 582 CA AVG 103 Rank #10 / 1658	No	12 Facility 12 CA AVG 57 Rank #1933 / 2093	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	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Chino Hills (Butterfield Ranch)	94 Facility 94 CA AVG 103 Rank #826 / 1658	Yes	30 Facility 30 CA AVG 57 Rank #1721 / 2093	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 LLC	Studio / 1 Bed
The Park at Modesto	IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Modesto	225 Facility 225 CA AVG 103 Rank #110 / 1658	Yes	9 Facility 9 CA AVG 57 Rank #1964 / 2093	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 #987 / 1487	82.2% Facility 82.2% CA AVG 74.8% Rank #547 / 1368	-	Wm Milpitas Mgr LP,Gp Of Milpitas Phase I Ops LP	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Cogir of Vallejo Hills	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Vallejo (Somerset Highlands)	80 Facility 80 CA AVG 103 Rank #917 / 1658	Yes	20 Facility 20 CA AVG 57 Rank #1847 / 2093	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 Inc	1 Bed / 2 Bed
Tuscan Hills	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. RC Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.	Escondido (East Grove)	94 Facility 94 CA AVG 103 Rank #826 / 1658	No	14 Facility 14 CA AVG 57 Rank #1914 / 2093	1	0 Facility 0 CA AVG 13 Rank #1 / 1397	0 Facility 0 CA AVG 3 Rank #1 / 1164	-	-	-	Apollo Senior Care LLC; Northstar Snr Lvg Mgt LLC	Studio / Suite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Overview of Waterford Terrace Retirement Community

Waterford Terrace Retirement Community located in Aztec Drive, La Mesa, CA, is an exceptional senior living community that provides independent living. Bask in the sunlight with the community’s different floor plans, either with a patio or balcony. Waterford Terrace Retirement Community ensures a comfortable and safe residence for seniors.

The community emphasizes the health and wellness of its residents, hence, orchestrating several different activities and exercises such as tai chi, movie nights, weekly bingo, and day trips. Chef-prepared meals are prepared round-the-clock daily to cater to the residents’ schedules. The amenities include a fitness and wellness center, movie theater, card and billiards table, hair salon, library, and community center.

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Overview of Valencia Terrace

A proud member of the Kisco Community, Valencia Terrace offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care, where comfort and convenience are the heart of their mission. Known as an elegant and sophisticated senior living community, Valencia Terrace provides endless opportunities in harmony with each resident’s goals in a beautiful resort-like environment.

As a renowned community member, residential living prides itself on delivering a valuable service for its senior residents. A few of the services provided include the care staff, such as the nurse who is available on-call; the exquisite dining area and the casual dining at the cafe for the residents to eat delicious meals with an elegant ambiance; and the engaging health and fitness classes to strengthen wellness.

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Ranking Methodology

How we rank these independent living communities

Every community above is evaluated across six weighted categories using public data including state inspection records, review platforms, BBB profiles, and operator-published materials.

Public data
6 weighted categories
Updated quarterly

Full methodology

Weighting overview

35%
Resident Experience
25%
Regulatory
15%
Visual Media
10%
Website
10%
Stability
5%
Environment

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

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

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

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

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

Includes
Occupancy Rate
Bed Options

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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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.

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 592 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.

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Waterford Terrace Retirement Community

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Valencia Terrace