Page 9 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. 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.
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.
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.
La Costa Glen
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Carlsbad
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 168
Rank #390 / 409
A+No
25
Facility 25
CA AVG 59
Rank #562 / 638
4
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 15
Rank #167 / 402
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #1 / 361
-Dna Swagerty, Inc-
Atria Park of Lafayette
IL
AL
MC
Lafayette
130
Facility 130
CA AVG 168
Rank #235 / 409
A+Yes
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 59
Rank #623 / 638
21
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #181 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 15
Rank #173 / 402
75.4%
Facility 75.4%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #162 / 361
-Wg Countrywood LP And Atria Management Co LLCStudio / Suite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Meridian at Chino
IL
AL
MC
RC
Chino
156
Facility 156
CA AVG 168
Rank #166 / 409
B+Yes
73
Facility 73
CA AVG 59
Rank #224 / 638
27
18
Facility 18
CA AVG 13
Rank #283 / 391
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #279 / 398
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 15
Rank #265 / 402
76.9%
Facility 76.9%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #143 / 361
A+Hsre Pacifica Hillsborough Trs LLC And HillsboroughStudio / 1 Bed
Monte Vista Village
IL
AL
MC
RC
Lemon Grove
219
Facility 219
CA AVG 168
Rank #75 / 409
B+Yes
41
Facility 41
CA AVG 59
Rank #482 / 638
36
25
Facility 25
CA AVG 13
Rank #332 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
20
Facility 20
CA AVG 15
Rank #129 / 402
50.7%
Facility 50.7%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #317 / 361
A+Pacifica Monte Vista LLC And Monte Vista Mgr LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Cottages at Riverside
IL
AL
MC
RC
Riverside (Pedley)
110
Facility 110
CA AVG 168
Rank #270 / 409
B+Yes
54
Facility 54
CA AVG 59
Rank #392 / 638
46
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #341 / 391
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #185 / 398
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 15
Rank #167 / 402
77.3%
Facility 77.3%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #135 / 361
A+Extended Care Portfolio Ca Tnnt And Riverside Mgr LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Bethel Retirement Community
IL
AL
HOS
MC
Modesto
125
Facility 125
CA AVG 168
Rank #243 / 409
B+Yes
63
Facility 63
CA AVG 59
Rank #305 / 638
26
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #181 / 391
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #279 / 398
37
Facility 37
CA AVG 15
Rank #22 / 402
92.0%
Facility 92.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #37 / 361
-Tm Concare LLC And Northstar Snr Lvg Mgt LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Merrill Gardens at Rockridge
IL
AL
MC
Oakland (Shafter)
150
Facility 150
CA AVG 168
Rank #178 / 409
B+Yes
95
Facility 95
CA AVG 59
Rank #22 / 638
33
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 13
Rank #258 / 391
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #239 / 398
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 15
Rank #265 / 402
89.3%
Facility 89.3%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #50 / 361
-Shi-III Mg Rockridge Gp LLC And Merrill Gardens LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Brookdale Paulin Creek
IL
AL
MC
Santa Rosa
100
Facility 100
CA AVG 168
Rank #286 / 409
A-Yes
76
Facility 76
CA AVG 59
Rank #183 / 638
20
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #195 / 391
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #118 / 398
14
Facility 14
CA AVG 15
Rank #159 / 402
71.0%
Facility 71.0%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #201 / 361
-Blc Lodge At Paulin Inc Gp, Blc Lodge At Paulin LPStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Atria Rancho Mirage
IL
AL
MC
RC
Rancho Mirage
142
Facility 142
CA AVG 168
Rank #209 / 409
A-Yes
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 59
Rank #533 / 638
18
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #181 / 391
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 398
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 15
Rank #265 / 402
80.3%
Facility 80.3%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #113 / 361
-Gp Of Aoc Rancho Mirage And Atria Aoc Ca Opco Gp PtrStudio / 1 Bed
Atria Hacienda
IL
AL
MC
RC
Palm Desert
266
Facility 266
CA AVG 168
Rank #52 / 409
A-Yes
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 59
Rank #196 / 638
49
39
Facility 39
CA AVG 13
Rank #374 / 391
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #185 / 398
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 15
Rank #48 / 402
60.2%
Facility 60.2%
CA AVG 71.7%
Rank #279 / 361
-Wg Hacienda Sh LP And Atria Management Co LLCStudio / Suite / 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 La Costa Glen

Experience senior living to its fullest with La Costa Glen Retirement Community. Situated in coastal Carlsbad, CA, this community offers a premier Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) experience. With a variety of living options, from single-story homes to spacious apartments, each resident is designed to fit diverse preferences while offering comfort, style, and ease of living. Residents can enjoy peace of mind with priority access to a health center located nearby, making it a thoughtful choice for retirement.

At La Costa Glen, an active and fulfilling lifestyle is at the heart of every day. The community provides an impressive array of resort-style amenities, including lush gardens, elegant dining spaces, and a wellness center. Residents can immerse themselves in endless activities such as cultural outings and social events, all thoughtfully arranged to enhance connection and enrich daily living. Embrace a retirement where everything is in place for relaxation, adventure, and lasting memories.

Contact La Costa Glen

Overview of Atria Park of Lafayette

Remain connected and engage with Atria Park of Lafayette located at Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette, CA. The blissful senior living community offers a spectrum of living options including assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Providing cozy and spacious floor plans including studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom apartments, and shared suites, the community ensures comfort and safety, With 24/7 care and assistance from a kind, compassionate, and well-trained team of professionals and licensed nurses, residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle.

Atria Park of Lafayette focuses on the wellness of its residents, orchestrating educational, social, cultural, and fitness programs daily. Enjoy healthy and delicious chef-prepared meals with various options including vegetarian options three times every day privately or with friends at the community’s scenic dining room. Amenities include a library, a fitness center, a salon and spa, a movie theater, a physical therapy center, a courtyard, peaceful walking paths, and a sunlit patio.

Contact Atria Park of Lafayette

Meridian at Chino

11918 Central Ave, Chino, CA 91710
Overview of Meridian at Chino

Serving older adults in Chino, California, Meridian at Chino is a senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care. The 156-bed community has operated for 6 years. Its current occupancy is about 77%.

The community is operated by HSRE Pacifica Hillsborough TRS LLC and Hillsborough. Isabel Enriquez serves as the administrator.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 73, which is very walkable. Most everyday errands can be completed on foot, and many shops and services are close by. This can be convenient for family members who want to visit and do some errands in the area.

Having independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care in one community gives families flexibility as care needs change over time. Respite care also provides a short-term option for families who want to try the community or need temporary support while a caregiver is away.

Contact Meridian at Chino

Monte Vista Village

2211 Massachusetts Ave, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Overview of Monte Vista Village

In Lemon Grove, CA, Monte Vista Village brings together independent living, memory care, assisted living, and respite care. Care can change here without a change of address.

Independent living covers community services but not care. Assisted living leaves the apartment in the resident’s hands and brings staff in for bathing, dressing, and medication. Memory care adds a secured setting and staff supervision, and respite care allows brief stays as well.

Adrian Guillen administers a community of 219 beds. Among the amenities are a swimming pool and walking paths. The activity calendar includes Tai-Chi, Technology 101, and outings, and residents can keep pets.
Walkability around the community is limited. Its Walk Score of 41 is car-dependent, so most errands take a car.

Contact Monte Vista Village

Cottages at Riverside

6280 Clay St, Riverside, CA 92509
Overview of Cottages at Riverside

Tailored to provide help with daily living needs, Cottages at Riverside is a 110-bed residential senior living community in California. It offers a moderately walkable location where some errands can be done on foot, making it convenient for residents with partial independence in their mobility.

The home spotlights personalized care via its 24-hour staffing and nursing services, complemented by rehabilitation and respite care options. A full-time activity director coordinates engaging activities tailored to individual interests and needs, ensuring residents spend their time purposefully. Financial planning support exists to help residents manage their resources and long-term care decisions. Daily life centers around chef-prepared meals served in an inviting dining room, with an in-room dining option available. The community welcomes pets, recognizing that companionship is crucial to many occupants’ well-being. To support overall wellness, amenities include a full-service salon and spa, fitness classes, and routine health assessments. Transportation services help residents attend appointments and social outings, while weekly housekeeping and a concierge team handle practical daily needs. From 24-hour emergency maintenance to volunteer programs that build opportunities for community engagement, the property is focused on comfort and accessibility.

Whether occupants seek short-term respite, rehabilitation post-hospital stay, or active assisted living, Cottages at Riverside delivers comprehensive support in a community-oriented setting.

Contact Cottages at Riverside

Overview of Bethel Retirement Community

Bethel Retirement Community’s care list in Modesto, CA, runs from assisted living to hospice care, independent living, and memory care. Assisted living apartments stay private, while bathing, dressing, and medication duties shift to staff. Independent residents get housing and the community’s services, and daily care is left out.

Hospice here is comfort-focused support once an illness is terminal. For a wandering risk, memory care supplies secured space and supervision. Since the four levels share a community, a later need for memory care or hospice doesn’t require leaving.

The 125 beds are spread across three floor plans, from a studio up through one- and two-bedroom units. One person has a private place in a studio, while two bedrooms let spouses move together or a resident keep a companion. Pets can live there as well.

A swimming pool is on the grounds, and community outings take residents past the property line. Bethel scores 63 on Walk Score, somewhat walkable, which puts select errands within reach on foot even after someone stops driving.

Melissa Orello holds the administrator role. The operators are Northstar Snr Lvg Mgt LLC and Tm Concare LLC.

Contact Bethel Retirement Community

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Rockridge

Merrill Gardens at Rockridge offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Oakland, California’s Shafter neighborhood. The community has 150 beds and opened in 2020, giving residents the option to remain in the same community if their care needs grow over time.

Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication, while memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Merrill Gardens at Rockridge may be a good fit for a resident whose care needs could change over time.

Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences are available, including a two-bedroom option for a couple moving together. Pets are allowed, and the spa and garden provide on-site spaces for personal care and outdoor time. A Walk Score of 95 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. Niare Dawn Feaster serves as administrator, and the community is operated by Shi-Iii Mg Rockridge Gp and Merrill Gardens.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Rockridge

Overview of Brookdale Paulin Creek

Experience comfort and security like no other in the one-of-a-kind senior living community of Brookdale Paulin Creek at Range Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA. Offering a diverse selection of living options including assisted living, independent living, and memory care, the community provides high-quality care and assistance 24/7. With cozy and meticulously-designed floor plans including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, residents enjoy a vibrant and friendly residence. Brookdale Paulin Creek focuses on the uniqueness and freedom of seniors, providing them with care and assistance that best suits their specific needs.

The community conducts fun activities and engaging programs to ensure residents experience a fulfilled life with joy and inspiration. Catering to the seniors’ dietary needs and preferences, the community serves healthy and delicious meals. Moreover, the community prepares scheduled meals for memory care residents to foster familiarity. The pet-friendly community provides wonderful amenities including an outdoor pool, an arts and crafts studio, a theater, a whirlpool, a therapy pool, a salon, a fitness center, a courtyard, a library, a garden, a game room, a therapy room, a porch, meeting rooms, a fireside living room, a piano, and tranquil landscaped grounds.

$5,420/Month

Contact Brookdale Paulin Creek

Overview of Atria Rancho Mirage

Atria Rancho Mirage is an extraordinary senior living community situated on Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA, that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Featuring spacious floor plans including a studio, one-bedroom, and shared suite, the community ensures the comfort and safety of its residents. With a team of compassionate and highly skilled professionals, Atria Rancho Mirage provides personalized care and assistance around the clock.

The community fosters a warm and welcoming environment, employing a whole-person approach to ensure that residents remain joyful and inspired. Focusing on dementia care, the Life Guidance program of the community provides seniors with opportunities to remain engaged physically, cognitively, and socially. Three chef-prepared meals are served daily to satisfy the seniors’ dietary needs and preferences. Atria Rancho Mirage is equipped with a hot tub, an outdoor swimming pool, a library, a fitness center, a salon, a sunlit patio, and serene walking paths.

Contact Atria Rancho Mirage

Atria Hacienda

44-600 Monterey Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Overview of Atria Hacienda

Atria Hacienda offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care in Palm Desert, California. Assisted living includes help with dressing, bathing, and medication while the resident keeps an apartment. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care. Memory care is secured and includes supervision for someone at risk of wandering, while respite care gives a family a short stay when the usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

The community has 266 beds, with studios, suites, one bedroom residences, and two bedroom residences. A studio provides one private space, while a two bedroom layout can work for a couple moving together or for someone who wants a companion. Having several care levels in one community may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since moving between care settings can happen without leaving the community.

A Walk Score of 75 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot. A resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Pets are allowed, so a resident can bring a pet when moving in.

Monique Moreira serves as the administrator. Wg Hacienda Sh LP and Atria Management Co operate the community.

Starting Price $5,095/Month

Contact Atria Hacienda

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.