Other senior care options in California:

Best Independent Living in California

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 642 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
642 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 Independence Plaza

Beautifully located near Jean Sweeney Open Space Park in Alameda, CA, Independence Plaza is a distinguished community that offers independent living. With 186 cozy and beautifully designed accommodations, residents’ comfort and convenience are guaranteed. The community also promises safety like no other, with emergency pull cords in each unit and age-friendly amenities.

With an on-site resident manager available, residents receive assistance whenever necessary. The community is also equipped with beautifully-manicured courtyards, and a community room with a kitchen for residents to freely interact with their surroundings. Here, residents can downsize in retirement with ease with the community’s specially designed amenities dedicated to retaining their independence.

Contact Independence Plaza

Overview of Mt Rubidoux Manor

Surrounded by convenient local amenities in Riverside, CA, Mt. Rubidoux Manor is a one-of-a-kind 55+ community that offers independent living. Featuring 188 purposely designed and snug accommodations, the community promises residents comfort and convenience like no other. The accommodations also feature emergency call systems, kitchens, and safety handles to ensure safety. Here, residents enjoy the community’s vibrant and welcoming environment, ensuring they have the finest retirement experience.

With a variety of enriching activities and engaging events, residents are encouraged to live actively and remain socially engaged. Health seminars, transportation services, and a service coordinator are available to meet residents’ healthcare needs. Amenities include a library, a pool table, an outdoor patio, and computer stations for residents to live comfortably in their golden years.

Contact Mt Rubidoux Manor

Overview of Overture Riverwalk

An outstanding community located in the peaceful residential area of Sierra Vista Avenue, Riverside, CA, Overture Riverwalk offers independent living. Catering to 55+ residents, the community provides beautifully designed and cozy one-bedroom and two-bedroom accommodations to ensure their comfort and safety. Residents ease their worries and live a vibrant lifestyle with the community’s resort-style and state-of-the-art amenities.

Here, residents enjoy fun-filled activities and enriching programs tailored to their leisure and wellness. Have hassle-free dining with delightful and healthy meals that cater to dietary needs and preferences. The community is equipped with a pool, a jacuzzi, a putting green, a fitness center, a coffee bar, and outdoor courtyard, among other things, ensuring residents do not run out of things to do as they spend their golden years within its relaxing and welcoming spaces.

Contact Overture Riverwalk

Overview of Vintage at Snowberry

Peacefully nestled in Riverside, CA, Vintage at Snowberry is an idyllic 55+ community that offers independent living. Here, residents will surely enjoy their later years with the community’s snug and state-of-the-art amenities designed for comfort and safety. Interact with different people and make their retirement more meaningful.

Residents will not run out of things to do with a carefully curated calendar of fun activities and enriching programs tailored to their leisure and wellness. With top-notch safety precautions, residents can rest assured of enjoying a safe and convenient lifestyle. Amenities include a pool, a clubhouse, a business center, a fitness center, and laundry, creating the ideal setting for a blissful retirement.

Contact Vintage at Snowberry

Overview of The Woods Senior Living

Enjoy your golden years with The Woods Senior Living in Palm Avenue, Riverside, CA, a dedicated 55+ community that offers independent living. Cozy and purposely designed accommodations in variations of one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans are also provided for residents’ comfort and convenience. The community also promotes a bright and welcoming environment for residents to have more avenues to interact with their surroundings.

There’s always something fun to do with a jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and stimulating programs tailored to residents’ enjoyment and wellness. Anticipate mealtimes for a satisfactory dining experience with delicious and healthy meals that cater to dietary needs and preferences. Spend your later years without worries with a trusted community by your side.

Contact The Woods Senior Living

Overview of Deer Park Retirement Community

Located in the serene city of Novato, CA, Deer Park Retirement Community combines vibrant living with exceptional care. This community provides options for independent living, aimed at enhancing residents’ quality of life with compassionate and personalized support. Through comprehensive assessments, the dedicated team tailors care to meet each individual’s unique needs, creating a warm and welcoming environment. Residents can also choose from cozy apartments, designed for comfort and personal space.

With amenities like a hair salon and a fully equipped fitness center, Deer Park Retirement Community promotes wellness and an active lifestyle. Well-designed social areas and engaging activities ensure each day is filled with meaningful experiences and joy. Every detail is thoughtfully crafted to uplift, inspire, and celebrate the pleasure of daily living.

Contact Deer Park Retirement Community

Overview of Caleo Bay Assisted Living and Memory Care

Caleo Bay Assisted Living and Memory Care is a highly recognized assisted living and memory care community in La Quinta, CA, that offers compassionate care for older adults. The community’s clean and nurturing setting ensures older adults can feel at home during their stay. With a dementia-trained team, as well as chef-prepared meals and 24-hour assistance, residents can ease their worries and have a maintenance-free lifestyle. Following a person-centered care approach, the community strives to understand residents’ routines and needs to help them thrive in retirement.

Chair yoga, puzzles, and live concerts are just some of the activities curated to enhance residents’ memory and encourage physical activity. With its wheelchair-accessible spaces and sensory spa, residents are guaranteed the utmost comfort and safety. Residents also have easy access to their healthcare needs and leisure, as the Bone and Joint Institute at Memorial Hospital and Walgreens are also located nearby. As one of the best options for memory care in California, this senior living community continuously provides excellent services for older adults’ welfare.

Contact Caleo Bay Assisted Living and Memory Care

Overview of Truewood by Merrill, Modesto

Focusing on independent living, Truewood by Merrill, Modesto is a reliable senior living community set in the peaceful neighborhood of Shawnee Drive, Modesto, CA. The community features pet-friendly and sophisticated accommodations in a wide selection of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, ensuring unmatched comfort and safety. A dedicated and highly trained team aims to ease seniors’ worries by delivering top-notch care and support for their special needs and interests.

Create unforgettable moments and lead a fulfilled life within the vibrant and friendly environment of Truewood by Merrill, Modesto. Enjoy fun activities and exciting programs for leisure and wellness. With healthy and tasty meals catering to dietary needs and preferences, Truewood by Merrill, Modesto is ideal for seniors wanting to live their freedom to its fullest.

Contact Truewood by Merrill, Modesto

Overview of Truewood by Merrill, Fig Garden

Truewood by Merrill, Fig Garden is a charming independent living community located in Fresno, CA, near the beautiful Yosemite Park. Nestled in the quiet Fig Garden loop, it offers a variety of apartments, including studios and one or two-bedroom units. Residents can enjoy engaging amenities such as a theater room, billiards lounge, fitness area, and landscaped gardens, providing plenty of options for leisure and relaxation.

Truewood by Merrill supports seniors in living their lives to the fullest with features such as flexible dining with chef-prepared meals, transportation options, and housekeeping services to enhance daily living. With a warm atmosphere and welcoming staff, residents can participate in social events and enjoy the comforts of a community that feels like home, all while having their pets by their side.

Contact Truewood by Merrill, Fig Garden

Overview of Truewood by Merrill, Clovis

Serving the Clovis and Fresno communities since 1998, Truewood by Merrill, Clovis is a welcoming senior living community located in Clovis, CA, offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community features 113 apartments, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, providing a welcoming environment with a rich heritage of small-town warmth and hospitality. With a full calendar of activities, seniors can enjoy new and fun experiences every day.

Truewood by Merrill, Clovis puts residents at the center of everything they do, promoting a fulfilling and active lifestyle. The community offers a range of amenities, including a cozy fireplace, private mailboxes, basic cable TV, a beauty salon, TV rooms, lounges, landscaped gardens, a library, and laundry facilities. Residents enjoy access to 24-hour support, on-call specialists, flexible dining with chef-prepared meals, on-site maintenance, weekly housekeeping, creative social programs, pet therapy, and on-site RNs/LPNs to support their wellness needs.

Contact Truewood by Merrill, Clovis

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 642 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.