Page 8 of Best Independent Living in California

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 640 independent living communities in CA using CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in CA
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We analyzed These are the facilities in California our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in California.
640 homes
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Info below is compiled from the CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Visits or investigations linked to complaints, as counted in the state record (may differ from routine annual surveys).
Count of California state "Type A" citations — the state's most serious citation category (immediate or serious harm to residents), from California state inspection data.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
Name of the licensed owner, operator, or managing entity as filed with the state. Useful for grouping facilities under the same organization.
Housing or bed configuration options (e.g. studio, shared), often from facility-reported amenities and licensing details.
Westmont of Encinitas
IL
AL
Encinitas (South El Camino Real)
101
Facility 101
CA AVG 168
Rank #284 / 409
Yes
27
Facility 27
CA AVG 59
Rank #550 / 638
A16
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #63 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 15
Rank #291 / 402
92.1%
Facility 92.1%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #36 / 361
-Westmont Mgr Gp Of Encinitas Op And Westmont LivingStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Atria Tamalpais Creek
IL
AL
MC
RC
Novato
180
Facility 180
CA AVG 168
Rank #118 / 409
Yes
47
Facility 47
CA AVG 59
Rank #444 / 638
A-21
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #63 / 391
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #239 / 398
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 15
Rank #50 / 402
62.2%
Facility 62.2%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #266 / 361
-Wg Tamalpais Creek Sh LP And Atria Management Co LLCStudio / Suite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Carlton Senior Living San Jose
IL
AL
MC
San Jose
183
Facility 183
CA AVG 168
Rank #115 / 409
Yes
35
Facility 35
CA AVG 59
Rank #517 / 638
A-21
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #195 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
26
Facility 26
CA AVG 15
Rank #97 / 402
74.9%
Facility 74.9%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #167 / 361
-Carlton Senior Living, LLCAlcove / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Courtyard Terrace
IL
Expressway Sacramento
40
Facility 40
CA AVG 168
Rank #374 / 409
No
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 59
Rank #196 / 638
A+9
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #63 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 15
Rank #66 / 402
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #1 / 361
-Cimino Care Mangement, Inc-
Heritage on the Marina, a CCRC
IL
San Francisco (Marina District)
109
Facility 109
CA AVG 168
Rank #277 / 409
Yes
96
Facility 96
CA AVG 59
Rank #15 / 638
A-13
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #87 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
51
Facility 51
CA AVG 15
Rank #5 / 402
62.4%
Facility 62.4%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #265 / 361
-R-
Belmont Village Senior Living Albany
IL
AL
MC
Albany
225
Facility 225
CA AVG 168
Rank #68 / 409
Yes
93
Facility 93
CA AVG 59
Rank #41 / 638
C+29
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 13
Rank #258 / 391
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #279 / 398
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 15
Rank #212 / 402
78.2%
Facility 78.2%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #131 / 361
A+Belmont Village Berkeley LLC And Belmont Three LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Carlton Senior Living Fremont
IL
AL
Fremont (Central District)
128
Facility 128
CA AVG 168
Rank #239 / 409
Yes
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 59
Rank #61 / 638
C29
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #124 / 391
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 3
Rank #302 / 398
34
Facility 34
CA AVG 15
Rank #33 / 402
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #1 / 361
A+Carlton Senior Living, LLCAlcove / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Fairwinds – Woodwark Park
IL
AL
Fresno
270
Facility 270
CA AVG 168
Rank #50 / 409
Yes
63
Facility 63
CA AVG 59
Rank #305 / 638
C25
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #210 / 391
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 3
Rank #302 / 398
25
Facility 25
CA AVG 15
Rank #103 / 402
93.0%
Facility 93.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #32 / 361
A+Fresn LLC And Leisure Care LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Carlton Senior Living Pleasant Hill – Martinez
IL
AL
Pleasant Hill
165
Facility 165
CA AVG 168
Rank #146 / 409
Yes
65
Facility 65
CA AVG 59
Rank #286 / 638
C+14
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #124 / 391
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #185 / 398
37
Facility 37
CA AVG 15
Rank #22 / 402
84.2%
Facility 84.2%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #81 / 361
-Carlton Senior Living, LLCAlove / 1 Bed
Casa De Modesto
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Modesto
160
Facility 160
CA AVG 168
Rank #154 / 409
Yes
60
Facility 60
CA AVG 59
Rank #334 / 638
A+8
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #87 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 15
Rank #367 / 402
55.0%
Facility 55.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #298 / 361
-Noble Healthcare At Home IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other CA independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 640 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Westmont of Encinitas

Ideally situated in a quiet neighborhood of Encinitas, California, Westmont of Encinitas is a blissful retreat that offers assisted living and independent living. With its commitment to improving residents’ welfare, the community provides various one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans designed to foster comfort and familiarity. The community boasts its exclusive Inspired Retirement Living to provide the highest quality of care and support for residents to flourish and live to their potential.

Gain easy access to local shopping areas and recreation sites while enjoying various onsite activities, promoting a sense of belongingness, and retaining an active lifestyle. Meals can be enjoyed at your pace in different dining venues like the bistro. Medication management, incontinence care, and therapy services are also provided, ensuring convenience like no other. Amenities include an indoor heated pool, a fitness center, a library, and plenty of pet-friendly spaces.

Contact Westmont of Encinitas

Overview of Atria Tamalpais Creek

Live comfortably and safely with Atria Tamalpais Creek located in Tamalpais Avenue, Novato, CA. The community offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. With homey and spacious floor plans including studio and one-bedroom apartments equipped with kitchens or kitchenettes and individual thermostat controls, the community ensures relaxation and security. Focusing on the seniors’ independence and individuality, Atria Tamalpais Creek ensures that they receive proper care and assistance that perfectly matches their needs and preferences.

Atria Tamalpais Creek is committed to giving its residents a better quality of life, encouraging them to remain active and connected. The community serves three chef-prepared healthy and delicious meals daily to ensure that residents’ dietary needs are satisfied. With pet-friendly amenities including a courtyard, an outdoor dining space, grill, and fireplace, a library, a media room, a movie theater, a fitness center, a salon and spa, a game room, computers, a resident garden, a peaceful patio, and serene walking paths, the community ensures the enjoyment and wellness of its residents.

Contact Atria Tamalpais Creek

Overview of Carlton Senior Living San Jose

Carlton Senior Living San Jose is an extraordinary community nestled next to the serene Martial Cottle Park, offering a harmonious blend of memory care and residential assisted living. Enjoy the convenience of transportation services, housekeeping assistance, and apartment maintenance, while utilities are taken care of, allowing you to fully embrace the joys of retirement.
Discover thoughtfully designed floor plans, from cozy studios to spacious one-bedroom and two-bedroom senior living bedrooms.

With an emphasis on family values, this community ensures unparalleled safety and security while fostering a vibrant and engaging social life. Step into its enchanting courtyard, a serene oasis where you can relax and reconnect with nature. Indulge in delicious meals, lovingly prepared to nourish your body and delight your taste buds. Every aspect of life at Carlton Senior Living San Jose has been meticulously crafted to provide an exceptional experience that exceeds expectations.

Contact Carlton Senior Living San Jose

Courtyard Terrace

3408 Alta Arden Expressway, Sacramento, CA 95825
Overview of Courtyard Terrace

Courtyard Terrace is an independent living community in Sacramento, California. Independent living provides private living with community services rather than daily care, so it suits adults who can manage personal care without routine assistance. With 40 beds, the community has a smaller setting where staff and residents get to know each other.

Residents can choose one bedroom or two bedroom apartments, with the larger layout suiting a couple moving together. A recreation room provides an indoor space for activities, while the private courtyard offers outdoor space within the community. The area has a Walk Score of 75, making it very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Magda Luis serves as administrator, and Cimino Care Mangement operates the community.

Contact Courtyard Terrace

Overview of Heritage on the Marina, a CCRC

Heritage on the Marina is considerably one of the most extended senior living communities in San Francisco. The beautiful Heritage on the Marina promotes an elegant ambiance with a welcoming community. Heritage on the Marina ensures that residents can experience an exceptional quality of service that is a testament to their commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all of their residents.

Its location nestles in a vibrant neighborhood filled with farmers’ markets, yacht clubs, and art galleries, all ready for you to explore. At Heritage on the Marina, there are a variety of activities and programs, with one priority being the health and wellness of the residents; therefore allowing fitness activities and programs to enhance seniors’ health. Residents are also uniquely given specific personalized attention that will cater to each individual’s needs. 

Contact Heritage on the Marina, a CCRC

Overview of Belmont Village Senior Living Albany

Belmont Village Senior Living in Albany is an upscale residential assisted living and forward-thinking memory care community. The luxurious home near Berkeley boasts an innovative approach to senior care that strives to balance professionalism and make one feel at home. The first-class community is exceptionally thriving when it comes to its patients, creating an unparalleled level of care not found in many luxury retirement homes in Albany.

As a Belmont Village community, management excels in meeting the holistic needs of its residents with world-class hospitality and resort-style accommodations. Seniors maintain an active and comfortable lifestyle through wellness activities at the fitness center and indoor pool, stay creative at the arts and crafts studio, get together with friends and families at outdoor common areas, relax in fully furnished assisted living and memory care apartments, and maintain a healthy lifestyle through specialized, enriching programs.

Contact Belmont Village Senior Living Albany

Overview of Carlton Senior Living Fremont

Carlton Senior Living Fremont offers independent living and assisted living in Fremont, CA. Independent living provides a private home with community services and no daily care, while assisted living adds help with dressing, bathing, medication, and other daily tasks while the resident keeps a private apartment.

Having both levels in one community may suit someone whose needs could grow over time and who wants to remain in the same community. The community has 128 beds, with alcove, one bedroom, and two bedroom layouts; a two bedroom arrangement can work for a couple moving together.

The starting price is $4,495, although the care level connected to that rate is not specified. Carlton Senior Living operates the community, and Gianni Amari serves as administrator.

Located in the Central District, the community has a Walk Score of 90 out of 100, in the walker’s paradise band, so daily errands do not require a car and a resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby shops and services on foot. Pets are allowed, and restaurant style dining provides healthy and delicious meals, while available transportation offers another way to get to activities and errands.

Events and Entertainment and Health & Wellness programs give residents organized activities to join. Respite care supports a short stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover, and short term rehabilitation provides a temporary, recovery focused stay.

Contact Carlton Senior Living Fremont

Overview of Fairwinds – Woodwark Park

Fairwinds Woodward Park is an independent living and assisted living community where both options are guaranteed to be comfortable for residents to maintain their individuality and freedom. Residents in the community are cared for by ensuring that the holistic wellness of each resident is met. The community gives off an engaging and enriching environment where the professional care staff is attentive and ready to go above and beyond for the residents. Fairwinds has celebrated and understood the importance of growth by ensuring seniors get the best possible care and limitless opportunities during their stay. 

The lifestyle at Fairwinds is inspired by resort-style stay– leisure is the center of senior wellness. Community features include restaurant-style dining experiences curated by an in-house chef to take PrimeFit Wellness classes, a cafe, a private dining room, a salon and barbershop, transportation, guest parking, and a courtyard with outdoor seating. 

Contact Fairwinds – Woodwark Park

Overview of Carlton Senior Living Pleasant Hill – Martinez

Carlton Senior Living Pleasant Hill – Martinez is an outstanding senior living community in Contra Costa County, Pleasant Hill, CA. offering independent living and assisted living. The community guarantees residents’ safety and security with 24-hour team members availability and emergency call system. Residents are free from the common worries of daily living with housekeeping, cleaning, laundry, maintenance, and utilities handled by a dedicated team within the community.

There’s always something going on with fitness classes, live music, and educational seminars, regularly conducted by the community. Convenient access to onsite physical therapy and invigorating fitness programs for all abilities, ensure residents are always on top of their health and wellness. Exquisite restaurant-style dining is made possible by a culinary team that carefully prepares delicious and health conscious meals.

Contact Carlton Senior Living Pleasant Hill – Martinez

Casa De Modesto

1745 Eldena Way, Modesto, CA 95350
Overview of Casa De Modesto

Casa De Modesto is a pet-friendly senior living community located in Modesto, CA, providing assisted living and memory care services. This exemplary senior living community offers studio-type, and one-to-two bedroom accommodations that are handicap accessible, and features wheelchair accessible showers. Part of the services they provide in their different levels of care include incontinence care and diabetic care, as well as round-the-clock availability of staff for supervision as well as assistance.

Casa De Modesto boasts of their well thought amenities, designed specifically to promote physical and mental activity, contributing to the residents overall health and well being. Some of their amenities include indoor and outdoor common areas and walking paths, grooming services, fitness center, and game room. The community also employs wander guards, providing an additional layer of security to the already enclosed premises.

Contact Casa De Modesto

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
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Independent Living in California at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 59/ 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: 168The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in California. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90
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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.