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 Seasons at La Quinta

Seasons at La Quinta is a highly recognized independent living community in La Quinta, CA, that offers affordable apartments for those 62+. The community has an inclusive and supportive environment that aims to provide older adults with a home-like feel during their stay. Laundry spaces, planned activities, and garbage disposal are also offered to enrich residents’ living experiences. Utilities are also paid for to maintain affordability, ensuring residents can live a worry-free retirement.

Social events, light exercises, and various recreational opportunities allow residents to explore new interests and connect with friends. A clubhouse with a fireplace, a community library, and patios can also be used for relaxation and wellness. Civic Center Campus, restaurants, and public transportation are also conveniently located nearby, providing residents with easy access to their needs and leisure. As one of the affordable options for senior living in California, this independent living community continuously provides exceptional services for older adults’ well-being.

Contact Seasons At La Quinta

Overview of The Villas at Scenic River

The Villas at Scenic River is an inviting 55+ independent living community in Bakersfield, CA, that has beautifully designed apartments. The community also features resort-style amenities, ensuring older adults can live actively and experience the best of their golden years. 24-hour emergency maintenance, chef-quality kitchens, and planned social activities are also offered to enrich residents’ living experiences. With its dedication to helping residents thrive in retirement, the community doubles its efforts to provide top-notch services for their comfort and convenience.

Social gatherings, leisure activities, and wellness opportunities allow residents to interact with their surroundings and try out new hobbies. A clubhouse, a fitness center, and a swimming pool with a sun deck are among the top-notch amenities dedicated to residents’ enjoyment and wellness. Ideally situated near restaurants, shops, and public transportation in Bakersfield, the community ensures residents have easy access to their needs and leisure. This independent living community is a good option for senior living in California, as it has high-quality services that can help older adults thrive in their later years.

Contact The Villas at Scenic River

Overview of Harmony Court

Harmony Court is a welcoming independent living community in Bakersfield, CA, that has spacious apartments for older adults. Featuring thoughtfully furnished one- and two-bedroom units in a lively and supportive environment, the community ensures older adults can feel at home during their stay. Every unit is also equipped with a kitchen, air conditioning, and is pet-friendly. The community also boasts a professional and responsive management that aims to help residents live without hassles in retirement.

With plenty of recreational opportunities, residents can spend their days as they please and learn new hobbies. Cozy living spaces and accessible gathering areas also allow residents to rest comfortably. Surrounded by restaurants, shops, and bus stops, the community is conveniently located near residents’ necessities and leisure. This independent living community is a great choice for senior living in California, as it has well-maintained amenities dedicated to older adults’ welfare.

Contact Harmony Court

Overview of California Avenue Senior Housing

California Avenue Senior Housing is an affordable independent living community in Bakersfield, CA, that has a variety of thoughtfully furnished accommodations for older adults. Promoting a warm and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults can feel at home during their stay. Each apartment is equipped with heating, air conditioning, and a kitchen, ensuring residents’ comfort and convenience. With its commitment to residents’ welfare, the community doubles its efforts to help them maintain their independence in retirement without hassles.

Residents can explore new interests and spend their days as they please, through social gatherings and leisure activities. Spacious rooms and cozy communal spaces also allow residents to connect with friends and rest comfortably. The community’s ideal location in a quiet residential area of Bakersfield provides residents with a stress-free retirement. As one of the finest options for senior living in California, this independent living community strives to provide older adults with a home away from home in their later years.

Contact California Avenue Senior Housing

Overview of Villas on the Green

Villas on the Green is a pet-friendly independent living community in Palm Desert, CA, that has a variety of spacious one-bedroom apartments for those 55+. Promoting a vibrant and welcoming environment, the community strives to keep older adults comfortable and safe. Recreational opportunities, wellness programs, and accessible amenities are also offered, so residents can live actively during their stay. The community also helps residents maintain their independence with ease, through its thoughtfully designed spaces.

Social gatherings, light exercises, and various activities allow residents to interact with same-age peers and try new hobbies. A resort-style pool, a fitness center, and a private clubhouse are among the state-of-the-art amenities that residents can utilize for their leisure and wellness. Surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, and recreation sites, the community ensures residents have easy access to their necessities and entertainment. This independent living community is one of the best options for senior living in California, as it has top-notch amenities dedicated to older adults’ comfort.

Contact Villas on the Green

Overview of Riverstone Terrace Senior Living

Riverstone Terrace Senior Living is a trusted retirement community in Bakersfield, CA, that offers assistance with daily living activities and memory care. With thoughtfully furnished rooms in a warm and nurturing environment, residents can feel at home during their stay. The community also offers high-quality services, including 24-hour care, weekly housekeeping, and transportation to maintain residents’ independence with ease. Here, residents are treated with the utmost respect they deserve, ensuring they can keep their peace of mind in retirement.

Themed events, light exercises, and plenty of games provide residents with more opportunities for leisure and social interaction. Outdoor gardens, a spacious dining room, and lively common areas are also available, ensuring residents can spend their days actively. Garden Park, bus stops, and other local amenities are also available nearby, ensuring accessibility and convenience. This retirement community is a great choice for senior living in California, especially with its wide range of care options that aim to help older adults age in place.

Contact Riverstone Terrace Senior Living

Overview of Real Care

Real Care Living is a nurturing assisted living and memory care community in Bakersfield, CA, that offers compassionate support for older adults’ daily living activities and those with memory loss. Here, residents are treated like family amidst the community’s safe and nurturing environment. Medication management, 24-hour care, and emergency call systems are also offered to help residents live comfortably in retirement. The community strives to meet residents’ personal and healthcare needs, creating personalized care plans to help them live to their potential.

Music and art therapy, mind-stimulating activities, and social gatherings are among the recreational programs that residents can participate in to ensure their holistic wellness. The community also features spacious outdoors, serene communal spaces, and thoughtfully furnished rooms, ensuring residents can rest and interact with their friends with ease. Surrounded by restaurants, shops, and other local amenities, residents have convenient access to their necessities and leisure. As one of the best options for senior living in California, this assisted living and memory care community strives to help older adults thrive in their later years.

Contact Real Care

Overview of Hallmark of Bakersfield

Hallmark of Bakersfield is a high-standard independent living and assisted living in Bakersfield, CA, that offers luxury amenities and exceptional personal care. With its nurturing and welcoming environment, the community strives to keep residents comfortable and safe. Residents can also maintain their independence with ease, with top-notch services including weekly housekeeping, full-service dining, and concierge services. The community also utilizes a holistic approach to care, striving to help residents thrive in their later years.

Weekly trips, daily fitness exercises, and scheduled live entertainment programs are just some of the activities dedicated to residents’ happiness and wellness. A barber and beauty salon, a 24-hour security and monitoring system, and lively gathering areas are also available, ensuring residents’ relaxation. Public transportation, shops, banks, and restaurants are also located nearby, ensuring accessibility and convenience. This retirement community is one of the finest options for senior living in California, especially with its exceptional standards of care.

Contact Hallmark Of Bakersfield

Overview of Acaciawood Village Senior Apartment Homes

Create meaningful moments in retirement at Acaciawood Village, a blissful 62+ community in Anaheim, CA, offering independent living. The community features purposely built and secure studio and one-bedroom floor plans, designed for residents’ comfort and safety. 24-hour emergency maintenance and a compassionate management team are provided, so residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle.

Residents can spend their days as they please with a thoughtfully curated calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs. Shopping, dining, and entertainment are also easily accessible, ensuring residents’ convenience. The community is ideal for those seeking independence in retirement, especially with its warm and welcoming environment.

Contact Acaciawood Village Senior Apartment Homes

Overview of Vintage at Laguna I Apartments

Have fun in retirement at Vintage at Laguna I Apartments, a vibrant community in Elk Grove, CA, offering independent living. Residents can ease their worries in the community’s fully furnished and spacious apartments. A property manager and laundry rooms also allow residents to experience a worry-free lifestyle.

With a carefully curated calendar of fun recreational activities and enriching programs, residents live actively and make new friends. The community’s proximity to markets and restaurants also provides residents with several dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. Residents also enjoy various amenities like the business center, clubhouse, fitness center, and spa for leisure and wellness.

Contact Vintage at Laguna I 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.