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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 Eskaton Granite Bay

Eskaton Granite Bay is a well-regarded retirement community in Granite Bay, CA, that offers comprehensive care options, ranging from independent living to respite care. Focusing on older adults’ comfort and familiarity, the community fosters a sense of belonging with its vibrant and supportive environment. Here, residents also receive high-quality services, including weekly housekeeping, transportation services, and restaurant-style dining. Through a holistic approach, the community ensures residents can live their retirement to the fullest.

A variety of classes, group outings, and educational presentations provide residents with opportunities to explore new interests and have fun. Residents can also relax and interact with friends at some of the community’s beautiful communal spaces, including the game lounge, garden, and courtyard. The area is nestled in the peaceful residential area of Granite Bay, ensuring residents have a stress-free retirement. This independent living community is a great choice for senior living in California, as it has a wide range of care options and extensive amenities.

Contact Eskaton Granite Bay

Overview of Mcauley Meadows Senior Apartments

Mcauley Meadows Senior Apartments is an affordable independent living community in Auburn, CA, that has 59 one-bedroom apartments for those 55+. With its cozy and inviting environment, the community ensures older adults can feel at home during their stay. On-site resident services, parking, and leisure opportunities are also offered to help residents maintain independence with ease. The community is purposely designed to provide those with extremely low incomes, ensuring they can live comfortably in retirement while staying on a budget.

Social gatherings, light exercises, and various recreational opportunities allow residents to live actively and create meaningful connections. A bocce-ball court, a garden, and a library with a gas fireplace are among the top-notch amenities that residents can lounge in. The Auburn City Fire Department Station 3, bus stops, and a market, as well as downtown Auburn, are also easily accessible from the area. With its affordability and exceptional quality, this independent living community is a good option for senior living in California.

Contact McAuley Meadows Senior Apartments

Overview of Ansel Park Independent Living

Ansel Park Independent Living is a luxurious independent living community in Rocklin, CA, that has pet-friendly one- and two-bedroom apartments for older adults. The community promotes lively and inviting environment, ensuring older adults can find a home away from home. Emergency response systems, housekeeping, and meal packages are just some of the extensive services offered to enrich residents’ living experiences. Here, residents experience their later years to the fullest, accompanied by the community’s exceptional services.

Movie matinees, exercise programs, and book club are just some of the activities that residents can participate in to maintain social connections and holistic wellness. A heated outdoor swimming pool, a clubhouse, and a beauty and barber shop ensure residents can spend their days actively. With its ideal location along University Avenue and Orchid Drive in Rocklin, residents have easy access to their necessities and leisure. This independent living community is one of the finest options for senior living in California, as it has high-quality amenities dedicated to older adults’ well-being.

Contact Ansel Park Independent Living

Overview of Auburn Ravine Terrace

Auburn Ravine Terrace is a top-rated 55+ independent living community in Auburn, CA, that has thoughtfully furnished one- and two-bedroom apartments. Prioritizing older adults’ comfort and safety, the community continuously promotes a lively and welcoming environment with its resort-style amenities. With on-site management, maintenance, and concierge services, residents can maintain their independence with ease. The community strives to enrich residents’ living experiences by combining modern convenience and stunning scenery.

Light exercises and themed events provide residents with more opportunities to interact with friends and maintain an active lifestyle. A library, a spacious courtyard, and a business center are among the communal amenities that residents can use for recreation and wellness. Overlooking the majestic Sierra Nevada foothills with bus stops and local amenities nearby, residents can relax and have easy access to their needs. As one of the trusted choices for senior living in California, this independent living community ensures older adults can thrive in retirement.

Contact Auburn Ravine Terrace

Overview of Villa Serena Apartments for Seniors 55+

Villa Serena Apartments for Seniors 55+ is an inviting independent living community in Rocklin, CA, that has thoughtfully designed apartments for older adults. With its accessible and welcoming environment, the community strives to keep older adults comfortable and safe. Maintenance services and safety features are also available, so residents can ease their worries during their stay. The community’s high-quality services aim to help residents live comfortably in their later years while promoting an active lifestyle.

Social events and light exercises ensure residents can make new friends and prevent isolation. Residents can also rest without hassles with its cozy living spaces and lively gathering areas. Surrounded by parks, local dentists, restaurants, and retail stores, residents can easily access their needs and leisure. With its convenient location and exceptional standards, this independent living community is one of the finest options for senior living in California.

Contact Villa Serena Apartments for Seniors 55+

Overview of Parkwood at Polo Grounds

Parkwood at Polo Grounds is an upscale independent living community in Indio, CA, that offers thoughtfully designed apartments for those 55+. With its lively and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults can live comfortably in retirement while maintaining an active lifestyle. Every unit is wheelchair-accessible and is equipped with a kitchen and dishwasher, ensuring residents’ comfort and convenience. The community’s luxurious setting allows residents to thrive in their later years.

Light exercises, social events, and plenty of leisure activities provide residents with more opportunities to learn and interact with friends. A fitness center, on-site laundry, a heated swimming pool and spa, and a serene walking trail are just some of the top-notch amenities provided for residents’ relaxation and wellness. John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, as well as various resorts and parks, are also located nearby, providing residents with convenient access to leisure and their healthcare needs. This independent living community is one of the best options for senior living in California, as it has top-notch amenities.

Contact Parkwood at Polo Grounds

Overview of Hadley Villas

Hadley Villas is an affordable 62+ independent living community in La Quinta, CA, that has 79 accessible apartments. With its vibrant and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults can feel at ease during their stay. Building maintenance, service coordinators, and apartment repairs are among the top-notch services offered to help residents maintain their independence with ease. The community strives to help low-income older adults downsize in their later years, with its well-maintained amenities and dedicated services.

Social events and plenty of recreational opportunities allow residents to live actively and explore new interests. Residents are also encouraged to use top-notch amenities, like the pool, spa, library, and beautifully landscaped grounds, for their relaxation and wellness. The area is also surrounded by shops, like Walmart, and restaurants, making it easier for residents to access their needs. As one of the finest options for senior living in California, this independent living community maintains affordability and high quality.

Contact Hadley Villas

Overview of Pinewood Glen Retirement Community

Pinewood Glen Retirement Community in Bakersfield, CA, is a pet-friendly independent living community that has 99 affordable private apartments for those 55+. Promoting a lively and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults can live comfortably during their stay. Residents can also keep their peace of mind, as nutritious meals are served three times daily, alongside housekeeping services and transportation to appointments. The community strives to provide residents with a maintenance-free lifestyle, with its dedicated services and top-notch amenities.

With plenty of leisure opportunities, wellness programs, and social gatherings, residents can connect with friends and explore new interests. A game room, an on-site beauty salon, and cozy lounge areas also ensure residents can rest without hassles. With its ideal location in the peaceful neighborhood of Bakersfield, the community is easily accessible for families and visitors. This independent living community is one of the best options for senior living in California, especially with its top-notch services and well-maintained amenities.

Contact Pinewood Glen Retirement Community

Overview of Mountain View Villas Apartments

Mountain View Villas Apartments is a top-tier independent living community in Indian Wells, CA, that offers one- and two-bedroom apartments for older adults. Promoting a warm and inviting environment, the community ensures older adults can find a home away from home. A property manager is also available on-site, alongside a breakfast and coffee concierge, and a shuttle to the train, helping residents maintain their independence with ease. The community also strives to keep residents comfortable and safe with its accessible amenities and thoughtfully designed spaces.

With a variety of recreational opportunities, social events, and fitness programs, residents can explore new interests and gain meaningful experiences. A clubhouse, a fitness center, a spa, and a cabana are among the state-of-the-art amenities that the community offers for residents’ leisure and wellness. A bus stop, restaurants, and shops also surround the area, providing residents with easy access to their needs. This independent living community has plenty of top-notch amenities and services dedicated to older adults’ welfare, making it an ideal option for senior living in California.

Contact Mountain View Villas Apartments

Overview of Florence Gardens

Florence Gardens is a top-rated independent living community in Bakersfield, CA, that has specially designed one- and two-bedroom apartments for older adults. The community promotes a warm and inviting environment, ensuring older adults feel at home during their stay. Laundry spaces, utilities, and recreational opportunities are also provided for residents’ convenience. Here, residents have a maintenance-free living, accompanied by the community’s top-notch services.

With planned social activities, residents have more opportunities for leisure and interactions with friends. A clubhouse, a pond, and a gameroom are also available, so residents can explore new interests and rest comfortably. The Central California Rehabilitation Hospital is also located nearby, ensuring residents have easy access to their healthcare needs. As one of the affordable options for senior living in California, this independent living community ensures residents can live comfortably in retirement.

Contact Florence Gardens

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.