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 15 detailed profiles on the highest rated facilities throughout the state as well as 10 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 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
4.76/5 Average Rating of Facilities
632 Total Reviews
The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens a CCRC
5555 N Fresno St
Fresno, CA 93710
Living Types Available: Memory Care, Nursing Home
4.8/5 Average Rating
32 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens a CCRC:
We love living at The terraces! We are so glad we moved here when we did– almost 4 years ago. Great food, wonderful activities, the people are interesting and very friendly, and the Staff is exceptional! It is a beautiful campus, and we all love the gardens and landscaping. Sometimes we feel like we are living at a Resort. We appreciate the spiritual emphasis here too, and all the classes available for a fuller, more productive life!! Come & join us here! Joyce Smith
-Joyce Smith
Vivante on the Coast
1640 Monrovia Ave
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Living Types Available: Assisted Living, Memory Care
4.8/5 Average Rating
42 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Vivante on the Coast:
My father has lived in a Senior Living facilites for the past 10 years. This is by far the nicest facility I have ever visited. The food is outstanding. The clam chowder was the best I have ever tasted. The staff are kind and really helpful. Needless to say I moved him here and I am delighted.
-Bob Rojas
Los Angeles Jewish Home
7150 Tampa Ave
Reseda CA 91335
Living Types Available: Assisted Living
4.9/5 Average Rating
47 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Los Angeles Jewish Home:
I thought Jewish Home (Grancell Village) was the best one my husband had ever been in. We were not Jewish, but it was one of the best. The care there was unbelievable. They had entertainment and they had excellent food. Most of them were regular food, but they were very good. The whole thing was great. You could go outside. They had a beautiful garden area, you could sit on one of the tables, and they had several picnic tables there. They actually had a store for the visitors to be able to buy sandwiches or something for themselves.
-Sandy
Southland Care Center
11701 Studebaker Rd
Norwalk CA 90650
Living Types Available: Assisted Living
5.0/5 Average Rating
12 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Southland Care Center:
Thank you Southland Living for taking care of me and the therapist to they really help me. The therapist came twice a day to help me and get me starting walking again after surgery. The nurse were all nice if I wanted a sandwich they would bring to me. The food there is great three meals a day. Your friend Lina.
-Lina Carroll
Villas At San Bernardino
2985 North G Street
San Bernardino CA 92405
Living Types Available: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
5.0/5 Average Rating
25 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Villas At San Bernardino:
The Villas has always been a nice place for my mom to live, but your organization has truly shined during this Coronavirus lockdown. You and your staff have provided a safe and healthy environment for San Bernardino’s most vulnerable citizens. My mother has been receiving special attention that has lead to a clean and fun life for her. All of this extra effort has been publicized in social media with pictures of happy faces. I could not be happier that she is thriving at the Villas. Larry Dickenson
-Larry Dickenson
Bella Villaggio
40-235 Portola Ave
Palm Desert CA 92260
Living Types Available: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
4.6/5 Average Rating
14 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Bella Villaggio:
Amazing staff. They treat you better than family. Couldn’t have been more helpful when our grandfather passed.
-Jared
Royal Vista Care Center
909 W Santa Anita St
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Living Types Available: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Nursing Home
4.9/5 Average Rating
12 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Royal Vista Care Center:
I would like to express my gratitude to the management, and to all staff of Royal Vista Memory Care Unit for the excellent care they gave to my brother in-law. The place is quiet, looks festive for the holiday, and very clean. Their staff are very helpful and polite
-Maria Brown
Heritage Park Nursing Center
275 Garnet Way
Upland CA 91786
Living Types Available: Nursing Home
4.2/5 Average Rating
23 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Heritage Park Nursing Center:
9 months and counting. My mother has been at this place for nine months now. I continually write reviews because I want others to know that this skilled nursing facility is one that sets the pace and standards that others should notice. Micayla the Activity director and her staff makes the patients feel that they are an extended family member. From the dining area with table class to scheduled activities during the day and let’s add there once a Month outings . It is nice to know that your love one is not going to be bored. The staff at Heritage have a great way of including staff and patient interaction. I definitely recommend this place.
-Sharon Perez
Paradise Valley Manor and Health Care Center
2575 E 8th St
National City CA 91950
Living Types Available: Assisted Living, Nursing Home
5.0/5 Average Rating
20 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Paradise Valley Manor and Health Care Center:
I been here over a week & the care here is definitely a 5 stars. I am so happy I am here. The nurses are so sweet & they treat everyone with such love & respect. I have really bad pain & they make sure I am in no pain. I am only 50 years old & I hope I come back here when I can’t take care if myself. All my love & respect for the nurses & all staff, keep up the excellent care you give to us.
-Martha Garcia
Cogir of Vallejo Hills
350 Locust Dr
Vallejo CA 94591
Living Types Available: Independent Living, Assisted Living
4.7/5 Average Rating
18 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Cogir of Vallejo Hills:
I visited for a tour with Sally Schultz for my mother. Very impressed with the location, facility and staff. Very clean and beautiful with outside gardens, fountains and flowers. Plenty of parking for visitors. Rooms are spacious, clean, bright and cheery. Great services are available to make the golden years golden! I look forward to placing my mom here
-Andrea Rodoni
Royal Oaks
1763 Royal Oaks Dr
Duarte, CA 91010
Living Types Available: Assisted Living
5.0/5 Average Rating
12 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Royal Oaks:
My husband and I have lived at Royal Oaks for two and a half yeas. When we were researching the senior communities in our area, we had decided on a particular one. Doing due diligence, we made a trip to Royal Oaks and loved it from first sight. We have been thrilled with the fabulous food, wonderful new family of supportive friends and the offerings of any kind of activity one could possibly want. We felt so well cared for during the pandemic and our family is delighted to know that we can have our medical needs all handled right here.
-Amy Macklin
The Meridian at Anaheim Hills
525 S Anaheim Hills Rd
Anaheim CA 92807
Living Types Available: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
4.7/5 Average Rating
36 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about The Meridian at Anaheim Hills:
This community has been so on top of things during COVID-19. I am able to Face time with my parents, they update me weekly with pictures of my parents doing activities and the love -care they provide them is unbelievable. I was scared to move them in but i am so glad i made the decision to move them in this last weekend. Thank you to the Staff for making my decision easy.
-Jennifer Heldoorn
Oakmont of Novato
1465 South Novato Blvd
Novato CA 94947
Living Types Available: Assisted Living, Memory Care
4.9/5 Average Rating
7 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Oakmont of Novato:
Wonderful facility in a good location! Large rooms, high ceilings, lots of big windows provide more space & light than competing communities. Tour was thoroughly informative – Vanessa is extremely knowledgeable, patient, kind & friendly. When its time, here we come!
-Jane Wiborg
More Highly Rated CA Senior Living & Care Facilities
Vista Blue Mountain Assisted & Memory Care
White Sands La Jolla Assisted Living
Smith Ranch Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Silverado Newport Mesa Memory Care Community