Page 9 of Best Independent Living in California

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 648 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.
648 homes
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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

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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. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
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.
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.
Atria Newport Beach
IL
AL
MC
Newport Beach (Superior Heights)
195
Facility 195
CA AVG 103
Rank #166 / 1,492
Yes
87
Facility 87
CA AVG 57
Rank #226 / 1,887
19
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #716 / 1,387
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #724 / 1,433
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #972 / 1,452
86.2%
Facility 86.2%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #330 / 1,313
-Aslo Gp LLC, Gp Of Newport Beach Opco LP And Atria MgmtStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Brighton Assisted Living
IL
AL
HOS
MC
RC
Roseville (Westpark)
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 103
Rank #1,166 / 1,492
No
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,857 / 1,887
5
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #879 / 1,452
83.3%
Facility 83.3%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #392 / 1,313
A+Brighton Senior Living Inc1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens a CCRC
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Fresno
652
Facility 652
CA AVG 103
Rank #9 / 1,492
Yes
57
Facility 57
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,037 / 1,887
20
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #525 / 1,387
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #724 / 1,433
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 13
Rank #84 / 1,452
57.2%
Facility 57.2%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1,096 / 1,313
A+Humangood & Humangood Norcal & Humangood Fresno-
Acacia Creek – Union City
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Union City
376
Facility 376
CA AVG 103
Rank #32 / 1,492
Yes
63
Facility 63
CA AVG 57
Rank #852 / 1,887
14
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #651 / 1,387
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1,433
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #133 / 1,452
46.5%
Facility 46.5%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1,228 / 1,313
A+Masonic Sen Liv Masonic Homes Cal & Acacia Creek-
Taylor Villa of Mt. San Antonio Gardens
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Pomona
520
Facility 520
CA AVG 103
Rank #16 / 1,492
No
45
Facility 45
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,330 / 1,887
14
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #442 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
33
Facility 33
CA AVG 13
Rank #67 / 1,452
66.3%
Facility 66.3%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #939 / 1,313
-Congregational Homes, Incorporated-
Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton
IL
CCRC
Pleasanton
828
Facility 828
CA AVG 103
Rank #3 / 1,492
No
47
Facility 47
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,283 / 1,887
15
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #651 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 13
Rank #566 / 1,452
90.6%
Facility 90.6%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #257 / 1,313
-Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton Ccrc LLC-
The Covington
IL
AL
MC
Aliso Viejo
343
Facility 343
CA AVG 103
Rank #37 / 1,492
No
36
Facility 36
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,472 / 1,887
9
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #325 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
22
Facility 22
CA AVG 13
Rank #308 / 1,452
63.3%
Facility 63.3%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #996 / 1,313
-Episcopal Communities & Services For Seniors-
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
IL
AL
MC
Santa Maria
330
Facility 330
CA AVG 103
Rank #41 / 1,492
Yes
20
Facility 20
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,679 / 1,887
15
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #651 / 1,387
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1,433
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,081 / 1,452
59.7%
Facility 59.7%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1,065 / 1,313
A+Mg At Santa Maria, LP, Shi-IV Merrill Gp, LLC, And MStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Pinnacles at Burton
IL
AL
MC
Los Angeles (Central La)
200
Facility 200
CA AVG 103
Rank #141 / 1,492
No
93
Facility 93
CA AVG 57
Rank #99 / 1,887
21
14
Facility 14
CA AVG 13
Rank #992 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
27
Facility 27
CA AVG 13
Rank #186 / 1,452
39.5%
Facility 39.5%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1,273 / 1,313
-Beverly Hills Carmel, Inc And Calson Care South LLCPrivate Rooms
MorningStar Senior Living of Mission Viejo
IL
AL
MC
RC
Mission Viejo
198
Facility 198
CA AVG 103
Rank #160 / 1,492
Yes
46
Facility 46
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,305 / 1,887
10
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #442 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,186 / 1,452
71.7%
Facility 71.7%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #760 / 1,313
-Cd-Tt Mission Viejo LLC And Morningstar Snr Mgmt, LLCPrivate Rooms

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every CA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 648 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Atria Newport Beach

Atria Newport Beach is a well-recognized retirement community in Newport Beach, CA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Promoting a warm and home-like environment, the community ensures older adults can feel at ease during their stay. Chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, and 24-hour care are among the exceptional services that aim to help residents maintain their independence with ease. Focusing on residents’ holistic wellness, the community provides individualized care plans. 

Social events, fitness exercises, and a variety of activities provide residents with more opportunities to interact with friends and have fun. A yoga studio, a fitness center, and beautiful outdoor spaces also ensure residents can rest without worries. Set along Hospital Road, near Hoag Memorial Hospital and public transportation, the community ensures convenient access to healthcare and travel. This retirement community is one of the finest options for senior living in California, especially with its top-notch care and well-maintained amenities. 

Contact Atria Newport Beach

Overview of Brighton Assisted Living

Brighton Assisted Living, located in Roseville CA, is a close-knit senior living facility offering assisted living services and amenities to its residents. This intimate board and care home offers spacious bedrooms and common areas for socialization and activities, ensuring that the residents stay physically and mentally active and stimulated. As part of the care they provide, the residents receive 24/7 supervision, medication management, as well as staff availability for assistance with daily living activities as needed.

Additionally, the residents are also provided regular meals and snacks, prepared with consideration to their dietary needs and restrictions. The facility also helps in coordinating with healthcare providers, to ensure that the residents receive the proper quality healthcare services they need that complements the support they provide.

Contact Brighton Assisted Living

Overview of The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens a CCRC

The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens has been a pioneer in making residents feel welcomed and comfortable for its independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing residents. Seniors live a vibrant lifestyle where they can pursue individual goals and needs with additional support. The Terraces is a safe and secure continuing retirement community that ensures seniors and their families the best senior care.

The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens maintain an active lifestyle for its residents to take advantage of– a dining experience that provides delicious meals created by an executive chef, wellness programs planned for those who want to stay active with social, intellectual, and cultural opportunities found in their yoga and dance classes. 

Contact The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens a CCRC

Overview of Acacia Creek – Union City

Masonic Homes Cal & Acacia Creek operates Acacia Creek – Union City, a senior living campus located at 34400 Mission Blvd in Union City, California. The property is owned by Larry Adamson, administered by Chuck Major, and has been in business for 20 years. While the broader campus houses 376 residents across independent and assisted living options, the skilled nursing section includes 96 beds. Residents stay for an average of 87 days, showing that the nursing team balances short-term post-hospital rehab with intermediate care.

The surrounding neighborhood has a walk score of 63, meaning visitors can handle a few quick errands on foot but will generally need a car to get around. On the floor, the nursing crew delivers an average of 5 hours of hands-on care per resident each day. This round-the-clock staffing handles physical rehabilitation, memory care programs, and temporary respite stays. For day-to-day life, the campus features an indoor pool, a fitness center, a library, a hair salon, and restaurant-style dining with made-to-order breakfast options.

Interested families exploring regional recovery or memory care programs can call the intake department to check on current bed availability and ask about the admissions process. The front office can also arrange a convenient time to tour the campus, view the dining rooms, and see the therapy spaces.

Contact Acacia Creek – Union City

Overview of Taylor Villa of Mt. San Antonio Gardens

Taylor Villa, located within Mt San Antonio Gardens in Pomona, CA, is a senior living community dedicated to providing quality memory care services to its residents. This senior care home located within the same campus as Harrison Villa and Oak Tree Lodge, is a special unit that provides assisted living services for residents living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. And as part of those services, they receive round the clock supervision, and life enrichment programs that help the cognitive, creative, physical and psycho-social needs of residents.

As residents of Mt San Antonio Gardens, they also receive the same access to their rich array of amenities. This includes the deliciously prepared meals and snacks, created to cater to the residents’ taste and dietary needs. Their beautifully landscaped courtyard and garden provides relaxing spaces for residents to relax and breathe in fresh air.

Contact Taylor Villa of Mt. San Antonio Gardens

Overview of Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton

Burrowed in the quiet area of Contra Costa County, Pleasanton, CA, Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton is a distinctive senior living community that offers independent living and long-term care. Beautiful and spacious accommodations await residents, providing them utmost comfort and privacy. Residents enjoy a hassle-free living with housekeeping, linen, maintenance, and transportation handled by a dedicated team.

The community warrants quick assistance during times of needs or emergencies with 24-hour emergency call systems installed within the community. A variety of regularly conducted activities make residents’ lives more enjoyable and interesting, complemented with plenty of delightful amenities. Residents enjoy access to a woodworking shop, movie theater, pickleball & tennis, garden center, and art studio for exploration, entertainment, or picking up new skills.

Contact Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton

Overview of The Covington

The Covington offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Aliso Viejo, California. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living adds help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for a resident who may be at risk of wandering. Needs can change without another move, since all three care levels are available within the same community.

With 343 beds, The Covington is a larger setting with more residents, staff, and usually more programming. Its dining program includes snacks, shareable plates, mains, and desserts, giving residents several types of menu items to choose from while emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. A Walk Score of 36 places the area in a car-dependent setting, so most errands require a car or a ride rather than a short walk. Donald Cash Benton serves as administrator, and Episcopal Communities & Services For Seniors operates the community.

Contact The Covington

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

Highlighting seniors’ needs and aspirations, Merril Gardens at Santa Maria is a respected senior living community situated on the serene grounds of Suey Road, Santa Maria, CA, that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community features over 200 snug and sophisticated accommodations in various studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring seniors experience unmatched comfort and convenience. With a dedicated and highly qualified team delivering top-tier care and assistance, seniors ease their minds and experience a glorious retirement.

Mingle with people from different backgrounds and learn new things through enjoyable events and exciting activities. Treat yourself to a lifetime vacation with the luxurious spaces of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria. Available at every time of the day, seniors enjoy delicious and healthy meals for dietary satisfaction. Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is ideal for seniors aiming to optimize their independence while keeping their peace of mind.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

The Pinnacles at Burton

8750 Burton Way, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Overview of The Pinnacles at Burton

The Pinnacles at Burton offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Los Angeles, CA, in the Central LA neighborhood. Independent living supports private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living adds help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication; memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. The combination may be a good fit for a resident whose needs grow over time and who may be able to move between care levels without leaving the community.

The community has 200 beds and offers private rooms, giving each resident a single private living space. The community opened in 1999. Robin Culver serves as administrator, and Beverly Hills Carmel and Calson Care South operate the community.

A Walk Score of 93 out of 100 places the area in the walker’s paradise band, meaning daily errands do not require a car and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. An on-site spa gives residents a place for personal care without leaving the community.

Contact The Pinnacles at Burton

Overview of MorningStar Senior Living of Mission Viejo

A proud MorningStar Senior Living Group member, MorningStar Senior Living of Mission Viejo provides exceptional assisted living and memory care services tailored to each individual’s needs. The community prides itself on providing the best services, striving to be the city’s top-ranked assisted living place. Residents of MorningStar Senior Living of Mission Viejo can rest assured that they can feel like a home away from home.

An elegant community built on its contemporary design and styling, allowing for a more luxurious environment while providing resort-like services: elegant designs and upscale amenities such as its dining room, brightly-lit lounge areas, spacious apartments, courtyard, and arts and crafts studio. MorningStar promotes a stress-free lifestyle for their residents, providing essential services– housekeeping, social and recreational events, and transportation events. Management encourages residents to participate in activities and maximize the amenities to socialize and promote a warm and welcoming environment.

Contact MorningStar Senior Living of Mission Viejo

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.
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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 648 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.