Page 27 of Best Nursing Homes in California

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 346 nursing homes in CA using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in CA
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We analyzed These are the facilities in California our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in California.
346 homes
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Info below is compiled from CMS reports & 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.

The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
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.
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The California average is: 61.1% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
Southland Living
NH
AL
MC
RC
SNF
Norwalk
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 148
Rank #236 / 328
--
3.96
Facility 3.96
CA AVG 4.22
Rank #151 / 289
-14%-6%
$38.4k
Facility $38.4k
CA AVG $56.5k
Rank #243 / 294
92
Facility 92
CA AVG 50.2
Rank #269 / 290
4.2
Facility 4.2
CA AVG 4.6
Rank #151 / 290
3114-
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 60
Rank #51 / 354
Southland Management LLC
$23.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $23.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
CA AVG $15.7M
Rank #44 / 260
$11.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $11.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
CA AVG $8.9M
Rank #51 / 260
51.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 51.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
CA AVG 61.1%
Rank #156 / 260
555070
Twilight Haven-
NH
AL
SNF
Fresno
166
Facility 166
CA AVG 148
Rank #79 / 328
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2
Facility 2
CA AVG 60
Rank #350 / 354
Raymond Goertzen$6.3M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.$4.8M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.75.9%*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.55658

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each nursing home is ranked against every other CA nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 346 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Oak Tree Lodge of Mt. San Antonio Gardens

Oak Tree Lodge, located inside Mt San Antonio Gardens’ campus in Pomona, CA, is a senior living community that offers assisted living services to its residents. Their accommodations feature attractive studio apartments, each with a private bath. Additionally, the homes are enhanced by welcoming common areas and courtyards with blossoming flowers and shady trees. At Oak Tree Lounge, residents are provided round-the-clock staff availability for assistance as needed. This includes escorting or mobility assistance, as well as assistance with regular daily activities.

The campus features a number of amenities. The picturesque grounds and raised garden beds, provides areas for meditation or relaxation, and the three meals provided daily and are prepared to accommodate personal taste and dietary requirements. Life enrichment activities are also available for residents to participate in, and are designed around shared interests of the residents.

Contact Oak Tree Lodge of Mt. San Antonio Gardens

Overview of Brookdale San Marcos

Brookdale San Marcos, found at 1590 W. San Marcos Blvd in San Marcos, California, delivers luxury assisted living in an elegant coastal setting. The community provides personalized care, genuine relationships, and a focus on helping residents enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle. At the community, residents can expect assistance with daily tasks such as housekeeping, meals, bathing, and dressing, all customized to their specific needs. The community offers a full calendar of events and activities, including shopping trips, art clubs, and fitness classes, allowing residents to explore old hobbies or discover new ones.

The community features vacation-style amenities, including an outdoor pool, fitness center, and transportation services. Apartments are spacious and pet-friendly, with options for studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. Basic utilities and maintenance are typically included in the basic service rate, providing residents with peace of mind and fewer bills to worry about. They aim to meet residents where they are in life’s journey, making Brookdale San Marcos a top choice when looking for a community for your loved one.

Contact Brookdale San Marcos

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

Overview of Sunny View Care Center

Sunny View Care Center is a continuing care retirement community in Cupertino, California, offering skilled nursing and long-term care services within a two-story campus. Operated by Front Porch Communities and Services and administered by Bradley Burgoyne, the community has been serving older adults for 23 years. Accommodations include studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences, with a total capacity of 190 beds.

A range of clinical services supports residents with varying care needs, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Home care services are also available when additional assistance is required. Daily nursing support includes approximately 43 minutes of care from registered nurses and nearly 2 hours and 49 minutes from nurse aides, providing substantial hands-on assistance.

Current occupancy is about 63%, with 120 residents living in the community. Beyond healthcare services, residents can enjoy landscaped outdoor spaces, a spa, and organized activities designed to encourage social connection, engagement, and personal well-being.

Inspection reviews conducted by the California Department of Public Health have focused primarily on medication administration and resident supervision. Corrective actions were implemented in response to identified concerns. Located in the Monta Vista area, the community has a Walk Score of 40, allowing limited access to nearby destinations on foot while most travel remains vehicle-dependent.

Contact Sunny View Care Center

Overview of A Place Called Home – Quail Lake

Residing in the serene neighborhood at 4085 North Newport Bay, Clovis, CA, A Place Called Home – Quail Lake is a one-of-a-kind senior living community providing assisted living, memory care, and Parkinson’s care. The community features snug and sophisticated residences, ensuring seniors experience unparalleled comfort and care. Keep peace of mind with a team of kind and reliable professionals attending to your daily living activities and personal needs.

The community also features fall recovery and rehabilitation to ensure residents’ safety. With seniors’ tastes and dietary needs in mind, the community serves healthy and delicious meals for the finest dining experience. A Place Called Home – Quail Lake is a good place for seniors to receive the utmost care and assistance they deserve.

Contact A Place Called Home – Quail Lake

Overview of The Kensington Redondo Beach

Situated in the lively city of Redondo Beach, CA, The Kensington Redondo Beach is a welcoming retirement community offering both assisted living and memory care services. Dedicated to enhancing senior care, this community provides a supportive and nurturing environment with exceptional services. The elegantly designed studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartment come in various floor plans to meet diverse needs, ensuring both comfort and convenience.

The community also offers a range of top-quality and engaging amenities and activities, including a bistro and art classes, all thoughtfully managed by a dedicated team. These amenities are crafted to bring joy, fulfillment, and pleasure, catering to residents’ unique interests and hobbies. With a commitment to outstanding care and quality living, The Kensington Redondo Beach is an excellent choice for seniors.

Contact The Kensington Redondo Beach

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 Brookdale Redwood City

Settling in the tranquil Redwood City, California, Brookdale Redwood City is a welcoming senior living community offering independent living and assisted living. With 24/7 care and assistance from a well-trained and compassionate team, the community ensures the comfort and safety of its residents. Moreover, Brookdale Redwood City offers various floor plans, including spacious studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments designed to give residents a comfortable and welcoming living environment.

Brookdale Redwood City is a luxurious community that delivers person-focused care to ensure its residents are well-respected and receive the proper care they need. The community features resort-style amenities, including hearty meals served in elegant dining spaces and a personal solutions program for personal items delivery. Fostering meaningful connections among the community and its residents, Brookdale Redwood City conducts specialized programs and fulfilling recreational activities for their enjoyment and leisure. Amenities include a well-equipped fitness center, an indoor pool, a well-stocked library, a beauty/barbershop, and cozy guest rooms.

Contact Brookdale Redwood City

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 Epic Assistance Care Home IV

Epic Assistance Care Home IV offers nursing home, memory care, and skilled nursing in El Cajon, California. Nursing home and skilled nursing services provide ongoing support for residents who need nursing care, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. With 15 beds, the home may suit someone who needs a smaller care setting.

Private rooms give residents a single personal room rather than shared accommodation. The area has a Walk Score of 33, so it is dependent on cars and most errands require a car or a ride. Epic Assistance Care Home IV is administered by Liza Mesdjian and operated by Epic Assistance Care Home.

Contact Epic Assistance Care Home IV

Ranking Methodology

How we rank these nursing homes

Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports. Rank badges compare each home against other nursing homes in the same state — never against assisted living, memory care, or independent living communities.

  • CMS data
  • 5 weighted categories
  • Updated quarterly
Full methodology

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Care Quality
  • 20%
    Staffing
  • 20%
    Regulatory
  • 20%
    Operational
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Care Quality 35%

The largest single share of every ranking. CMS star ratings and quality measures that reflect actual care delivered to residents.

  • Includes
  • Overall Rating
  • Health Inspection
  • QM Rating
  • Long-Stay QM
  • Short-Stay QM
02

Staffing Adequacy 20%

The strongest predictor of resident outcomes. Volume and stability of nursing care, drawn from CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

  • Includes
  • Nurse Hrs/Res/Day
  • RN vs State
  • Total Nurse Staff Hrs vs State
  • RN Turnover
03

Regulatory & Safety Record 20%

Inspection patterns that star ratings can mask. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • Citations
  • Citations/Inspection
  • Severe Citations
  • Fines
  • Accreditations
04

Operational & Financial Stability 20%

Stable operations and sound finances are leading indicators of consistent care over time.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy vs State
  • Avg Length of Stay
  • Revenue
  • Payroll %
  • Years in Operation
  • Admin Tenure
05

Environment & Accessibility 5%

Context that matters to families but doesn't directly measure clinical care. Weighted lower for nursing homes than for assisted or independent living.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • BBB Rating
No paid rankings Facilities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a home and you move in, that home may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in California

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in California?

Assisted living in California is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does California Medicaid cover nursing home care?

Yes — California Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.

What is nursing home care?

Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.

How many nursing homes are listed on this page?

This page features 346 nursing homes in California. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home 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 nursing homes 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.

Nursing Homes in California at a glance

Avg Overall CMS Rating: 3.1/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in California. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating: 3.1/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in California. Reflects nursing staff hours per resident per day (including RNs), adjusted for residents' care needs. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.4/ 5
Avg Health Insp. Rating: 2.8/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in California. Based on each facility's recent inspections and complaint investigations, weighing the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.0/ 5