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
Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes

Atria San Juan

32353 San Juan Creek Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Overview of Atria San Juan

Atria Park of San Juan offers one of the finest assisted living and memory care living communities, prioritizing its inclusive amenities for the welfare of its residents. Their commitment to ensuring that an individual can feel independent while being engaged is one of their utmost priorities for a balanced lifestyle; they ensure that their residents are healthy and active. Atria San Juan has provided a diverse and inclusive environment.

The premier retirement community has boasted an elevated lifestyle through its services for seniors. Their all-inclusive amenities include daily delicious and nutritious meals by a chef, weekly housekeeping and laundry services, daily fitness activities with their finest gym equipment, private apartments with an emergency call system, 24-hour resident nurse and podiatrist present, and a primary care physician who visits weekly.

Contact Atria San Juan

Overview of Cogir of Vacaville

Cogir Of Vacaville is a gorgeous senior living community in Vacaville, California, offering independent living and assisted living experiences where every day feels like a vacation. Featuring various floor plans, including a studio and 1 and 2-bedroom apartments, residents experience a hospitable environment that gives them freedom and flexibility to do things however they want. With their Cadence Life Enrichment Programs, Cogir of Vacaville provides a vibrant, autonomous lifestyle experience that elevates the well-being and all aspects of the life of its residents.

As a devoted senior living community, Cogir Of Vacaville celebrates its residents’ individuality through its hotel-inspired amenities and award-winning services to complement the way of life they choose. Residents can access salons, barbershops, activity rooms, libraries, personalized care, and engaging programs. Meaningful relationships are built in the community because the team genuinely provides excellent care that enriches the lives of seniors. Whether you’re looking for new experiences or dreaming of spending your years relaxing in a lush courtyard, Cogir Of Vacaville will help you achieve the lifestyle your heart desires.

Contact Cogir of Vacaville

Overview of Ramona Park Senior Apartments

Enjoy a better quality of life at Ramona Park Senior Apartments, a distinct 55+ community in Long Beach, CA, offering independent living. The community features spacious and well-designed one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents enjoy a worry-free lifestyle with convenient apartment amenities, including a fully-equipped kitchen and a refrigerator.

Residents can spend their days as they please, especially with the community’s proximity to recreation sites and on-site amenities, including a picnic area, a pool, reading areas, and a computer room. Delightful restaurants are also set nearby, providing residents with a variety of dining options that meet their dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those looking to spend their golden years independently.

Contact Ramona Park Senior Apartments

Ciela

17310 Vereda De La Montura, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Overview of Ciela

A prestigious senior living community residing in the harmonious neighborhood of West Vereda De La Montura, Pacific Palisades, CA, Ciela offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Treat yourself to a vacation for a lifetime with snug and sophisticated residences of Ciela in variations of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. With a compassionate and highly trained team providing top-tier care and assistance, seniors gain more time to enjoy the things they love.

Mingle with the community through engaging activities and fun programs. Moreover, the community prepares delightful and nutritious meals to cater to dietary needs and preferences. Ciela is a haven for seniors aiming to optimize their freedom while receiving exceptional care for their ever-changing needs with its incredible amenities and cozy spaces.

Contact Ciela

Capistrano Senior Living

31741 Rancho Viejo Rd A, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Overview of Capistrano Senior Living

Capistrano Senior Living offers an upscale retirement living. It boasts an exceptionally vibrant assisted living home in San Juan because of the unparalleled standard of care in their accommodations and staff and the overall joy of the residents. Offering continuum care services, seniors can access comprehensive services that deliver a results-driven approach to fast recovery. The picturesque surroundings and top-level senior care are the pillars of their outstanding level of service, inspiring them to live life to the fullest.

With an emphasis on assisted living services, the cozy home provides all-inclusive amenities to help residents stay active and relaxed. From exercising in their cutting-edge wellness programs from their fitness center to a gourmet meal in their grand dining room– the community is a buzzing social community. Specialized services are tailored to the holistic needs of residents of independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing care.

Contact Capistrano Senior Living

Overview of Carlton Senior Living Fremont

Carlton Senior Living is a senior living community located in Fremont, CA, and offering a number of services such as assisted living, independent living, and memory care. This senior living community aims to provide residents an active social life, handling daily living chores and tasks, to give them more time and energy to enjoy their golden years. Their individually tailored services may include assistance with daily living activities by dedicated partners and on-site medical professionals.

Other conveniences offered when living in Carlton also include restaurant style dining from breakfast to dinner, apartment maintenance and utilities, cable and Wi-Fi availability, and transportation services for outings, shopping, and local appointments.

Contact Carlton Senior Living Fremont

Escondido Senior Living

1351 E Washington Ave, Escondido, CA 92027
Overview of Escondido Senior Living

Situated in the welcoming community of Escondido, California, Escondido Senior Living is a distinguished senior living community. Their mission is to inspire senior residents to lead active, engaged lifestyles while considering this senior living community as their cherished home. Specializing in providing both assisted living and memory care services, they take pride in offering an extensive array of amenities and limitless opportunities for life enrichment.

With a steadfast commitment to round-the-clock care and maintaining an ideal staff-to-resident ratio, Escondido Senior Living ensures that each resident receives the care they need, tailored to their unique service plan. Their personalized approach is fundamental to their goal of enhancing the well-being and quality of life of every resident they serve.

Contact Escondido Senior Living

Overview of Linda Valley Assisted Living

When it comes to exceptional care, Linda Valley Assisted Living stands out from the rest. Nestled in scenic Loma Linda, enjoy the clean Californian air confident in the fact that you’re taken care of by highly trained caretakers and state-of-the-art amenities. Whether you need minimal help with certain tasks or comprehensive care with memory issues, Linda Valley Assisted Living ensures you receive the attention you deserve without compromising on your freedom and independence.

Their beautifully designed studio and one-bedroom apartment offer both privacy and a sense of community, allowing you to foster meaningful connections among residents. They also prioritize safety and well-being, ensuring round-the-clock monitoring and access to medical services with three major hospitals nearby. Residents can also expect delicious cuisine, high-class amenities, and a plethora of engaging activities and wellness programs to enrich daily life, encouraging them to stay active and pursue their interests. At Linda Valley Assisted Living, you can live your golden years with help and expert attention always at hand.

Contact Linda Valley Assisted Living

Overview of Canyon Villas

Canyon Villas, located in San Diego, CA, is a senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, respite care and hospice care. Their accommodation options range from studio and one bedroom apartment units featuring kitchenettes, self controlled heating and air-conditioning, and carpeted floors. Additionally, emergency pull cord system can also be found inside each accommodation, as an added layer of security.
As part of the basic services included in their monthly fee, residents receive three daily meals, weekly housekeeping services, and diversified activity program. The community also features a nursing station staffed 24/7, an elegant dining facility, and a beauty and barber shop for beauty and grooming services.

Contact Canyon Villas

WellQuest of Granite Bay

9747 Sierra College Blvd, Granite Bay, CA 95746
Overview of Wellquest of Granite Bay

Nestled along Sierra College Boulevard near Folsom Lake in Granite Bay, CL, Wellquest of Granite Bay is a community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care to an upscale senior living experience. A wide array of well-appointed and spacious accommodations with several floor plans ranging from studios and one-or-two bedroom apartments that include kitchenettes, private baths, and more. In terms of memory care, WellQuest provides a collaborative team approach that includes input from family members that will be used as a personalized plan for each resident.

With its top-of-the-line amenities and services, residents can enjoy restaurant-style dining, group fitness classes, community calendars and organized activities, in-room dining, personal care services for activities of daily living, and many more. At Wellquest of Granite Bay, seniors can truly enjoy a secure and pleasant living experience.

Contact WellQuest of Granite Bay

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
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today

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.