Making the choice to move into a senior living community is not easy. If it is for yourself, giving up your independence can be tough. If it is for a loved one, having this discussion can be somewhat uncomfortable. California has hundreds of communities for every level of care and budget. While this is helpful, it can be difficult to know where to start. Independent living is great, but doesn’t offer any care. Residential care homes have a small and cozy environment, but your loved one may need a larger facility with more resources.
We created this list of top communities for California to help you narrow down your search for the right senior living. There are 13 detailed profiles on the highest rated facilities throughout the state as well as 13 other honorable mentions. Even if you don’t see a community near you, there are still lots of quality living and care options. Visit our senior living directory for more choices or contact us for help.
Tip for Budgeting for a California Senior Living Community
One of the most frequent mistakes when putting together a budget to eventually move into a senior living community is not considering current spending behavior. Detailing regular monthly expenses is a good start, but try and zero in on actual spending in a given week to gain a better understanding.
Ranking The Best Senior Living Facilities in California
Ranking the best senior living facilities in California was no easy feat. It’s a large, diverse state with a lot of providers. We combined user reviews from Facebook, Google, alongside reviews from our own users. Reviews don’t tell the whole story, so our team looked through The Care Management Provider Bureau (CMPB) for care violations and health hazards.
Affordability is a big issue when it comes to a senior living community. Prices fluctuate greatly, but the median price in California is $2,900 per month for assisted living. Most of these quotes include meals, services, and amenities, but it is recommended to read the fine print to fully understand what’s included. Independent Living is cheaper, but doesn’t provide any care. Nursing homes and memory care provide the highest level of care, but can be thousands more.
Top Rated California Senior Living Facilities
4.8/5 Average Rating of Facilities
676 Total Reviews
Westmont of Riverside
17050 Arnold Dr
Riverside, CA 92518
Living Types Available: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Nursing Home
4.6/5 Average Rating
89 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Westmont of Riverside:
Dominique was so helpful – going above and beyond to answer all of our questions. Her own grandpa lives here so she knew all the questions we would have – because she’s had them too. She helped my husband and I and his parents to realize that the best time for a move is NOW – when we are organized and in control. We don’t want to wait until a health crisis hits and forces a change. The food is great the grounds are beautiful and the staff are so friendly.
-Elizabeth Culver
Westmont of Fresno
7442 N Millbrook Ave
Fresno, CA 93720
Living Types Available: Assisted Living, Memory Care
4.8/5 Average Rating
79 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Westmont of Fresno:
Westmont Senior Living is a wonderful facility that I highly recommend. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is bright, open, and welcoming. The grounds are beautifully maintained, creating a peaceful and inviting environment. The facility itself is exceptionally clean, which is always reassuring. The staff at Westmont is outstanding—responsive, accommodating, and genuinely caring. I especially appreciate working with Hannah, who has been incredibly helpful throughout the process. We moved our mother to Westmont about a month ago after she had been living alone in her home. After just a couple of days of adjustment, she expressed how happy she is there. She’s engaged in many of the activities, with a particular love for the morning walks, exercise classes, and socializing with friends during meals and events. It’s been wonderful to see her thrive in such a supportive and engaging community. If you’re looking for a senior living facility that offers a positive atmosphere, excellent care, and a strong sense of community, Westmont is a fantastic choice!
-Rebecca Hall
Westmont Living of Brentwood
450 John Muir Pky
Brentwood, CA 94513
Living Types Available: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
4.7/5 Average Rating
34 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Westmont Living of Brentwood:
Westmont of Brentwood was the best choice I could have made for the care of my mother’s needs. She has been at Westmont, in Memory Care, for almost 2 years now. The Staff is amazing, professional and caring. She is treated with dignity and respect. In the beginning of her stay it was a little rough around the edges. It was just her getting use to living somewhere else and the staff getting to know her and exactly what her needs were. Also building personal relationship. The staff keeps her room clean, does her laundry, makes sure her bed is fresh and clean. They have a schedule that all the residents are kept on. Her hygene and grooming are #1. They also have a awsome activity program. Everyday is different. Blanca, who is in charge of all activities, is amazing, caring, and treats the residents as if they were her own parents. I know my mother is in good hands. I also want to give a big shout out to the Med Techs. Again they are very professional, knowledgeable, caring and are always there to help with all your personal concerns. The caregivers I give them my utmost respect. From the time my Mother has been there I would say they are the backbone of memory Care. Most of their jobs go unseen. Its an extremely difficult job and they all do it with professionalism and a smile. I want to give Maria a special thanks. She has been there from the beginning and has always treated my mother like her own. Thank you Westmont of Brentwood. In my eyes #1
-Claudia McDaniel
The Oaks at Paso Robles
526 S River Rd
Paso Robles, CA 93446
Living Types Available: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
5.0/5 Average Rating
27 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about The Oaks at Paso Robles:
My mother has had great care at The Oaks at Paso Robles. From day 1 she has had individualized attention and care. The staff have treated her very well and they are attentive to family as well. They are advocates for their residents and families with professional medical staff providing on site visits and keeping family up to date on changes in their loved ones status. Last week my mom said ” I’m happy here, what’s not to love, and the food is so good! Check out the photo of her with the crown they gave her for Mother’s Day. That made the day so very special!
-Diane Donalies
Westmont of Santa Barbara
2985 North G Street
San Bernardino CA 92405
Living Types Available: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
4.9/5 Average Rating
73 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Westmont of Santa Barbara:
EJ the new Director has turned Mariposa/Westmount around for the better. He has brought a new and refreshing energy to Mariposa. He is proactive and understands and cares for the needs of his residents. The residents and staff are highly appreciative of his joyous and high energy approach to making SB Westmont/Mariposa a great place to live for my parents and all the residents. Thank you EJ
-Teresa Fortuna
Citrus Place
7898 California Ave
Riverside, CA 92504
Living Types Available: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
4.9/5 Average Rating
99 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Citrus Place:
The entire process has been smooth……From the tour, to move-in day! My mother-in-law loves it there. She said everyone is so nice to her. The staff & residents have been so welcoming!
-Veronica Cruz
Encinitas Senior Living
504 S El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
Living Types Available: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Nursing Home
5/5 Average Rating
50 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Encinitas Senior Living:
My dad lives here and it is a wonderful place. The staff are energetic and really care for the residents. It is a nice mix of assisted and independent living. Residents who are able can come and go as they please. My dad who still thinks he can drive (but can’t safely), really struggled with his prior residence, where he felt like a prisoner. He is very happy here and thanked me for finding it. And it costs far less than where he lived in Florida. It is far better without factoring the costs, but even more amazing when you do. It is also wonderful to see that you can still find a great value in CA. And the remodel is very nice!
-Kevin MacDonald
Grossmont Post Acute
8787 Center Dr
La Mesa, CA 91942
Living Types Available: Nursing Care
4.9/5 Average Rating
20 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Grossmont Post Acute:
The whole staff at Grossmont Post Acute Care were always kind and helpful. They went above and beyond to take care of my father. They have a great physical therapy team, my dad felt motivated and confident thanks to their help. Thank you Grossmont Post Acute Care for helping my family go through this difficult challenge. My dad and mom send thousands of gratitude thoughts to all the staff.
-Bertha Mayorga (BO)
Westmont of Morgan Hill
1160 Cochrane Rd
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Living Types Available: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
4.9/5 Average Rating
71 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Westmont of Morgan Hill:
My mom has been living at Westmont for over a year. We are so pleased with the facility and staff. They are attentive and take a personal interest in the residents. We appreciate the caring they show to be sure mom eats daily and takes medications. If there are ever any issues the staff reaches out to resolve timely and are also receptive with any concerns we have. I would highly recommend the facility to anyone looking for an assisted living facility.
-soccer gramma
The Carlotta, Ivy Signature Living
41505 Carlotta Dr
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Living Types Available: Assisted Living, Nursing Care
4.6/5 Average Rating
35 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about The Carlotta, Ivy Signature Living:
Our Mother has been a resident here for the last 12 years. Recently she fell and had to move from her independent living apartment to receive care in the skilled nursing section of Carlotta.She loved her community here! They show genuine care for their residents and guests. Even through covid, they were careful and compassionate about being able to see our loved ones.I could list probably 15-20 names of exemplary managers and staff who not only did their jobs well, but cared for our Mom and became her friends. Dora at the hair salon. Charles, the kindest gentleman CNA. Manny, always smiling and offering help in any area of maintenance. Donna and Lisa, who can juggle more tasks at one time than anyone.Mom passed away last week in Skilled nursing. While she didn’t stay in Skilled Nursing for very long, the care she received was excellent. The team of nurses and CNA’s and therapists is competent and professional. We are very grateful for these years and this place.
-Julia Rodin
BridgePoint at Los Altos
1174 Los Altos Ave
Los Altos, CA 94022
Living Types Available: Independent Living, Assisted Living
4.9/5 Average Rating
33 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about BridgePoint at Los Altos:
We have been with Bridgepoint for 3 or 4 years, and we still love it!! The employees are wonderful, and management is awesome. Everyone goes above and beyond to meet all my mother’s needs. Bridgepoint has truly become family. I don’t know how we would handle this time in my mother’s life without the loving support of Bridgepoint as a whole. I have nothing but good things to say about Bridgepoint.
-Susan Hoffmeister
Lantern Crest Senior Living
800 Lantern Crest Way
Santee, CA 92071
Living Types Available: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
4.7/5 Average Rating
27 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Lantern Crest Senior Living:
Lantern crest has been part of my parents journey into retirement the year of 2019. Started in the villas (awesome) moved to independent living apartments. Now to memory care. The sales staff, the operations staff, the restaurant. All 100% too notch. Everyone is sooo nice and cares about residents. They truly care.
-Richard C
Corona Post Acute
2600 S Main St
Corona, CA 92882
Living Types Available: Nursing Care
4.5/5 Average Rating
39 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Corona Post Acute:
I’ve been a resident in this facility for over 3 months and I can say it’s one of the best facilities I been to. Great services good rehab, activities staff is great, The office staff very helpful but the Admissions department the two ladies name Iris Are one of the best amazing people very funny with a beautiful soul very helpful. The building it self is beautiful. I will recommend this facility to anybody that needs rehab. I will do this all over again.
-Humberto Lozano
More Highly Rated CA Senior Living & Care Facilities
Grant Cuesta Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Center
Villas At San Bernardino Assisted Living & Memory Care