Independent Living in Irvine, California

Independent living in Irvine, CA offers seniors a way to maintain their independence while enjoying a sense of community and...

Independent Living in Irvine, California

Independent living in Irvine, CA offers seniors a way to maintain their independence while enjoying a sense of community and security. Independent living facilities are designed for seniors who are able to live on their own but prefer the convenience of having meals, housekeeping, and social activities provided for them. This is different from assisted living where residents may require assistance with daily activities, and skilled nursing facilities which offer medical care for those with more serious health needs.

Irvine, CA is a great place for independent living. The city is known for its safety, cleanliness, and abundance of parks and recreation areas. The cost of independent living in Irvine is higher than the average in California, but the city’s higher-than-average income level can help offset these costs. Irvine is consistently ranked as one of the top cities in California and is known for its excellent schools and diverse population.

Some of the top independent living facilities in Irvine include Atria Woodbridge, Regents Point, and The Groves of Tustin. These facilities offer a variety of amenities, including fitness centers, swimming pools, and transportation services.

Ivy Park at Tustin

12291 Newport Ave, California 92705
Ivy Park at Tustin stands out for its flexible approach to senior living. They offer assisted living, memory care, and independent living, but what sets them apart is the mix of practical support and a lively social environment. Residents get help with daily tasks if they need it, but there's a clear focus on keeping people active and connected—think wellness programs, arts and crafts, and regular social events.
Estimated Pricing
$3,361–$7,483 / mth

Newport Senior Living

4.4
425 Riverside Ave, California 92663
Newport Senior Living feels more like a home than a facility. With room for just six residents at a time, each person gets truly personal attention—there’s always two to three caregivers on hand, plus someone awake at night for those who need extra support. The staff, led by Chris and her team, are known in the community for their warmth and genuine care.
Estimated Pricing
$4,152–$10,451 / mth

Regents Point

4.5
19191 Harvard Ave, California 92612
Regents Point is a familiar name in Irvine, especially among families connected to UC Irvine. This community has been around for over 30 years and feels more like a small neighborhood than a typical senior facility. Residents here range from retired professors to folks who just love the local parks. The campus offers everything from independent apartments to assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, so people can stay even if their needs change.
Estimated Pricing
$26–$44 / mth

Respit Manor Senior Living

3.8
23255 Respit Dr, California 92630
Respit Manor Senior Living stands out for being a smaller, more intimate community where residents and families say the staff truly pays attention. People mention that the caregivers are not just present—they’re attentive and go out of their way to help, whether it’s with daily routines or just making someone feel at home. The place is known for being all-inclusive, so you don’t get hit with surprise charges for things like help with bathing, medication, or meals.
Estimated Pricing
$3,500–$11,033 / mth

Vivante Newport Center

4.3
850 San Clemente Dr, California 92660
Vivante Newport Center stands out for its focus on luxury and genuinely engaging daily life, not just basic care. Residents talk about the place feeling more like a high-end hotel than a typical senior community—think spacious, modern apartments, chef-prepared meals (including things like filet mignon Fridays), and amenities you rarely see in other places, like a virtual golf simulator and a bowling alley.
Estimated Pricing
$4,152–$10,451 / mth

Aegis Living Laguna Niguel

4.4
32170 Niguel Rd, California 92677
Aegis Living Laguna Niguel stands out in the local senior care scene for its tight-knit, friendly vibe and attention to detail. This isn’t a massive, impersonal complex—families say it feels more like an extended family, with staff who know residents by name and genuinely care about their routines and quirks. The building is circular, which means residents can easily access a protected courtyard—great for fresh air or just a quiet moment with a puzzle book.
Estimated Pricing
$4,233–$22,967 / mth

Coastal Heights Senior Living

4.1
2283 Fairview Rd, California 92627
Coastal Heights Senior Living feels more like a lively neighborhood than a facility. Residents can choose from independent or assisted living, and the community is known for its friendly, approachable staff who are available day and night. Housekeeping, linen service, and laundry are handled for you, so daily chores don’t get in the way of enjoying life.
Estimated Pricing
$3,236–$15,013 / mth

Exclusive Senior Care

4.5
E Valley Glen Ln, California 92867
Exclusive Senior Care on E Valley Glen Ln is a small, residential care home that feels more like a cozy house than a facility. They serve just six residents at a time, so everyone gets plenty of attention. The staff helps with daily tasks—things like bathing, dressing, grooming, and making sure medications are taken on schedule. Meals are home-cooked, and the environment is quiet and relaxed, which families say helps their loved ones feel at ease.
Estimated Pricing
$4,388–$5,330 / mth

Harbor Heights

4.4
525 W La Palma Ave, California 92801
Harbor Heights at 525 W La Palma Ave isn’t flashy, but it’s the kind of place that feels lived-in and welcoming. The building itself is a two-story setup with 105 units, split between assisted living and memory care. It’s managed by Meridian Senior Living, but the day-to-day vibe comes from the staff—many of whom have been with the community for a while and know the residents by name.
Estimated Pricing
$2,200–$9,030 / mth

Kaego's Richman Gardens by SCH

4.3
317 N Richman Ave, California 92832
Kaego's Richman Gardens is a smaller, older senior care community in Fullerton with a focus on memory care and assisted living. The grounds include rose gardens and walking paths, which give residents some outdoor space to enjoy, but the buildings themselves are definitely showing their age. Some families mention the place feels a bit gloomy and the rooms are dated, and you'll find shared rooms are common.
Estimated Pricing
$2,902–$8,149 / mth

Karlton Residential Center

3615 W Ball Rd, California 92804
Karlton Residential Center is a family-run care home that focuses on seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory issues. The owners—Barbara, Jared, and Mathew Weiner—are hands-on and keep an open-door policy, so families often see them around and can talk directly about their loved one’s care. There’s a licensed nurse on-site every day, and the staff gets ongoing training specifically for memory care.
Estimated Pricing
$2,200–$7,605 / mth

Mainplace Senior Living

1800 W Culver Ave, California 92868
Mainplace Senior Living is one of those places that feels a little more relaxed than some of the bigger, flashier senior communities. The staff gets a lot of praise for being friendly and attentive—families mention that people working there actually remember residents’ names and preferences, which makes a difference.
Estimated Pricing
$3,361–$7,483 / mth

Placentia Senior Center

4.0
143 S Bradford Ave, California 92870
Placentia Senior Center is a real community anchor for older adults in the area. It's not a residential facility, but more of a gathering place where seniors can drop in for activities, social events, and practical support. The staff organizes everything from art classes and health screenings to support groups and educational workshops. They also run a free, door-to-door transportation service for folks over 60, which is a huge help if driving is tough or you just want to get out more easily.
Estimated Pricing
$4,475–$8,530 / mth

Seasons at Laguna

4.1
28961 Paseo De Ocaso, California 92677
Seasons at Laguna is a small, residential care home in Laguna Niguel that focuses on providing a more personal touch than the big senior living chains. The staff-to-resident ratio is low, so your loved one isn’t just a number—they actually get to know the people caring for them. Families mention that the caregivers are attentive and seem to genuinely care, with several reviews highlighting how responsive the staff is to changing needs.
Estimated Pricing
$4,233–$22,967 / mth

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Important things to know about Independent Living

Independent Living: A Guide to Choosing Ideal Communities for Seniors

Independent Living: A Guide to Choosing Ideal Communities for Seniors

Added: Jun 1, 2023
4 min read
Last modified: Nov 26, 2023
Seniors in independent living manage their day-to-day lives on their own. There is no staff to help with personal care
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