Best Senior Care in California

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 2,083 senior care communities in CA using CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank senior care in CA
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in California our team has analyzed — not a count of every senior care provider in California.
2,083 homes
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: 103The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in California. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Senior Care around California

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 to lowest based on our ranking 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. HC (Home Care): Professional care delivered in the person's own home, from companionship to skilled nursing. SC (Senior Care):
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
A composite 0–100 score combining this facility's inspections, citations, complaints, and enforcement actions relative to the California state average. See the benchmark below for the typical California score; higher is better. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine score.
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.
Harrison Villa of Mt. San Antonio Gardens
SC
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Pomona
520
Facility 520
CA AVG 103
Rank #16 / 1,645
No 45
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 81
Rank #213 / 1,474
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 #88 / 1,505
84.0% -Congregational Homes, IncorporatedStudio
Vi at La Jolla Village
SC
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
San Diego (University City)
783
Facility 783
CA AVG 103
Rank #5 / 1,645
No
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 59
Rank #218 / 2,057
84
Facility 84
CA AVG 81
Rank #731 / 1,474
34
17
Facility 17
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,056 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #156 / 1,505
69.3% -Ccw La Jolla LLC, Cc La Jolla LLC, And Classic Res MgmtSuite / Penthouse / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Carlsbad By The Sea Care Center
SC
NH
SNF
Carlsbad (Carlsbad Village)
224
Facility 224
CA AVG 103
Rank #115 / 1,645
No
96
Facility 96
CA AVG 59
Rank #43 / 2,057
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 81
Rank #213 / 1,474
83-
31
Facility 31
CA AVG 13
Rank #118 / 1,505
84.8% A+Front Porch Communities And Services-
Vi at Palo Alto
SC
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Palo Alto
876
Facility 876
CA AVG 103
Rank #1 / 1,645
No
80
Facility 80
CA AVG 59
Rank #416 / 2,057
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 81
Rank #462 / 1,474
24
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #845 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
21
Facility 21
CA AVG 13
Rank #361 / 1,505
73.1% -Cc Palo Alto LLC And Classic Res. Mgmt. Ltd. Partner1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens a CCRC
SC
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Fresno
652
Facility 652
CA AVG 103
Rank #9 / 1,645
Yes 57
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 81
Rank #562 / 1,474
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 #105 / 1,505
57.2% A+Humangood & Humangood Norcal & Humangood Fresno-
O‘Connor Woods
SC
AL
IL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Stockton (Sherwood Manor)
499
Facility 499
CA AVG 103
Rank #23 / 1,645
Yes
22
Facility 22
CA AVG 59
Rank #1,825 / 2,057
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 81
Rank #213 / 1,474
13
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #325 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
34
Facility 34
CA AVG 13
Rank #79 / 1,505
--O'connor Woods HousingStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
University Retirement Community
SC
AL
HC
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Davis (West Davis)
500
Facility 500
CA AVG 103
Rank #22 / 1,645
No 54
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #409 / 1,474
15
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #525 / 1,387
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1,433
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #156 / 1,505
--Univer Retire Com At Davis/Pacific Retire Services1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
OakView Health Center
SC
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Thousand Oaks (Mountclef Village)
63
Facility 63
CA AVG 103
Rank #1,056 / 1,645
No
20
Facility 20
CA AVG 59
Rank #1,845 / 2,057
89
Facility 89
CA AVG 81
Rank #521 / 1,474
10
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #525 / 1,387
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #724 / 1,433
18
Facility 18
CA AVG 13
Rank #452 / 1,505
79.4% A+Oakview Hc LLCPrivate / Semi-Private Rooms
Canterbury Woods
SC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Pacific Grove
190
Facility 190
CA AVG 103
Rank #179 / 1,645
Yes
81
Facility 81
CA AVG 59
Rank #383 / 2,057
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #409 / 1,474
13
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #325 / 1,387
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1,433
42
Facility 42
CA AVG 13
Rank #33 / 1,505
72.6% A+Front Porch Communities And Services1 Bed / 2 Bed
Spring Lake Village
SC
NH
AL
IL
MC
Santa Rosa (Melita)
679
Facility 679
CA AVG 103
Rank #8 / 1,645
Yes
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 59
Rank #1,923 / 2,057
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 81
Rank #562 / 1,474
14
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #651 / 1,387
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #724 / 1,433
40
Facility 40
CA AVG 13
Rank #39 / 1,505
-A+Front Porch Communities And Services1 Bed / 2 Bed

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every CA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 2,083 on this page.

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Overview of Harrison Villa of Mt. San Antonio Gardens

Harrison Villa of Mt. San Antonio Gardens offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing in Pomona, California. Having several care levels in one community may suit someone whose needs increase over time, because moving to another level could be possible without leaving the community, subject to assessment, availability, and community policies. Assisted living supports daily activities, memory care provides supervision for residents with dementia related needs, and nursing home or skilled nursing care addresses more intensive nursing needs.

Rehabilitation services and short term rehabilitation give someone recovering from an illness, injury, hospitalization, or procedure a temporary setting focused on regaining function. Respite care offers a temporary stay when a usual caregiver needs relief or is unavailable. High Acuity Assisted Living may suit residents who need more help or have greater care complexity than standard assisted living, and the community also has a Wellness Center.

Staffing is available around the clock, including overnight. Total nurse staffing is 6 hours and 37 minutes per resident per day, including 2 hours and 28 minutes from licensed nurses; this describes average nursing staff time rather than one nurse being assigned continuously to one resident. Medicare and private pay are accepted. Medicare applies when services meet Medicare eligibility and coverage rules, while private pay allows families to use their own funds.

A Walk Score of 45 is classified as car dependent, so someone who no longer drives will generally need a family member or another ride for most errands. Joyce Frempong is the administrator, and Congregational Homes, Incorporated operates the community. The range of care may be a good fit for someone whose needs could increase over time, particularly when remaining in the same community matters and the needed level has availability.

Contact Harrison Villa of Mt. San Antonio Gardens

Overview of VI at La Jolla Village

VI at La Jolla Village is a senior living community located at 8515 Costa Verde Boulevard in the University City neighborhood of San Diego, California. Operated by Classic Residence Management and administered by Stephanie Boudreau, the high-rise continuing care retirement community (CCRC) provides a full continuum of care, incorporating independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing.

The campus contains 783 beds across a range of housing configurations, including suites, standard apartments, and penthouses. The community holds a 69 percent occupancy rate, with skilled nursing residents staying an average of 79 days during rehabilitation. Nursing care levels average roughly 5 hours and 16 minutes per resident daily.

Lifestyle amenities include a salt-filtered pool, movie theater, library, salon, private gardens, and an active resident council. The property is pet-friendly and sits near the VA Medical Center-San Diego in a highly walkable neighborhood with a walk score of 88.

Family representatives can contact the Costa Verde Boulevard office to schedule an in-person tour or check apartment floor plan availability.

Contact Vi at La Jolla Village

Overview of Carlsbad by the Sea Care Center

Between the serene sea and the charm of Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad by the Sea Care Center offers a distinctive care experience, specializing in rehabilitation and skilled nursing services. The center provides 33 accommodations, some featuring captivating ocean views, consistently earning recognition from My InnerView and the National Research Corporation as one of the top 10 percent of skilled nursing centers nationwide. With a dedicated and welcoming staff committed to recuperation and rehabilitation, this San Diego County location ensures residents’ peace of mind.

As an integral part of the award-winning oceanfront Carlsbad By The Sea, this care center prioritizes resident needs, emphasizing personal attention and fostering a genuine sense of family. Round-the-clock professional nursing ensures the well-being of residents, complemented by rehabilitative physical, occupational, and speech therapies for comprehensive medical care. Carlsbad by the Sea Care Center encourages exploration, questions, and personalized guided tours, extending an invitation for individuals, friends, or loved ones. Accepting Medicare A and B along with private payments, the center offers flexible solutions tailored to each individual. The resident-centric approach allows individuals to live on their terms, with gourmet dining choices, complimentary Wi-Fi, and more. A level of care and human connection unfolds best through firsthand experience.

Contact Carlsbad By The Sea Care Center

Overview of VI at Palo Alto

Enjoy the picturesque scenery of Sand Hill Road, Palo Alto, CA, with the astounding senior living community of VI at Palo Alto offering assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing. The community features cozy and purposely built residences in variations of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom floor plans, ensuring relaxation and security at its finest. A kind and highly trained team lends extra hands for seniors to live their golden years doing what they love.

With the seniors’ well-being in mind, the community conducts engaging activities and enjoyable programs to ensure they maintain an active and happy lifestyle. Have an unforgettable dining experience with delectable and healthy meals catering to nutritional needs and preferences. VI at Palo Alto is a safe place for seniors seeking solace in their golden years with its serene spaces and friendly community guiding you every step of the way.

Contact Vi at Palo Alto

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

O‘Connor Woods

3400 Wagner Heights Rd, Stockton, CA 95209
Overview of O‘connor Woods

Situated in the vibrant Stockton, CA, O’Connor Woods provides a safe and supportive environment where independence and personal choice are celebrated. Their mission centers on providing holistic care that enriches the lives of residents, addressing their diverse needs and preferences through independent living and assisted living. Compassion, respect, and dignity guide their approach to senior living, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported.

O’Connor Woods boasts resort-style amenities, including restaurant-style dining with locally sourced cuisine and social engagement opportunities. With pet-friendly residences and 24-hour staffing, residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle while receiving constant support. The community offers innovative educational, cultural, and social programs alongside spiritual care options, promoting overall well-being. Additionally, top-notch exercise classes and personalized assistance with daily activities ensure residents lead fulfilling lives tailored to their unique needs and desires through excellent assisted living.

Contact O‘Connor Woods

Overview of University Retirement Community

Located in the heart of Davis, CA, University Retirement Community is a luxury senior living community that offers its residents an extravagant independent living environment. The community provides its residents with stunning and snug accommodations with home maintenance and other household chores taken care of for a carefree living experience. Each residence is equipped with private decks, large windows, full kitchens, and large living and dining areas that foster a comfortable and convenient living environment.

Designed to nurture residents’ overall aspect of well-being, the community also offers an array of wellness initiatives and enriching activities. Residents keep their minds sharp with the community’s excellent range of lifelong learning opportunities that help stimulate their minds and cognitive abilities. Here at University Retirement Community, residents spend less time worrying about the small things, and more time pursuing the things they love.

Contact University Retirement Community

Overview of OakView Health Center

Ideally located in the beautiful setting of Thousand Oaks, CA, OakView Health Center is a trusted community that offers assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. A kind and highly trained team strives to provide the highest quality of care and support 24/7 for residents’ needs. With a cozy and nurturing environment, residents ease their worries and feel a sense of belonging.

A carefully curated calendar of life enrichment programs is also conducted to keep residents active and socially engaged. There’s no need to worry about mealtimes with delicious and healthy meals catering to residents’ dietary needs and preferences served three times daily. The community received a five-star rating from the Center for Medicare Services, proving its exceptional quality.

Contact OakView Health Center

Overview of Canterbury Woods

Canterbury Woods is a 190 bed community in Pacific Grove, CA, offering independent living, assisted living, nursing home care, and skilled nursing. The range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs could become more intensive over time, because moving among levels may allow the resident to remain in the community, subject to availability and clinical fit. Nursing home and skilled nursing care serve residents who need ongoing nursing or clinical care beyond independent or assisted living, while assisted living provides help with daily personal care tasks and independent living is intended for residents who can manage personal care without routine hands on assistance.

With 190 beds, Canterbury Woods is sized for many residents rather than a small household setting. Its 73% occupancy indicates that the community was below full capacity when measured, but that does not establish availability in the care level a resident needs.

Medicare and private pay are accepted, so payment may involve Medicare coverage for eligible services or direct payment by the resident or family for selected care and related charges. An 81 Walk Score places the area in the very walkable band, meaning most errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Total nurse staffing is 6 hours 18 minutes per resident per day, including 1 hour 58 minutes per resident per day from licensed nurses such as RNs and LPNs; these are facility level staffing figures and do not guarantee individual nursing time. Pets are allowed, so residents may be able to keep a pet at the community. Ryan Banner is the administrator, and Front Porch Communities And Services operates Canterbury Woods.

Contact Canterbury Woods

Overview of Spring Lake Village

Spring Lake Village is a natural retreat and life plan community in the vibrant setting of Santa Rosa, CA, embodying the essence of a beautiful place to call home. Rooted in the values of active living and positive aging, the community nestled in beautiful Sonoma County offers a dynamic lifestyle surrounded by parks, vineyards, and the tranquility of Santa Rosa Creek. Residents appreciate the diverse array of activities, classes, and intellectual pursuits, fostering a sense of community engagement since 2014.

The community boasts a range of amenities and facilities, creating an enriching environment for residents. From the expansive fitness center, indoor pool, and art studios to the theatre, library, and Creekside Lounge, Spring Lake Village offers a comprehensive array of spaces for residents to explore and enjoy. The commitment to well-being extends to services that cater to varying healthcare needs, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, memory care, and outpatient rehabilitation. The dining experience is a delight, featuring locally sourced meals served in friendly dining rooms or the Village Bistro, accommodating special diets, and offering personalized nutrition consultation. With an award-winning wellness program encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual fitness, Spring Lake Village ensures residents have abundant opportunities for holistic well-being.

Contact Spring Lake Village

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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