Best Independent Living near me in Lake Forest, California

Lake Forest, located in Orange County, California, is a vibrant city known for its picturesque landscapes, thriving community, and excellent amenities. With a population that appreciates its natural beauty, Lake Forest offers a balance of suburban tranquility...

Costs of Independent Living in Lake Forest:

Independent living costs in Lake Forest vary depending on factors such as the type of accommodation, amenities offered, and location within the city. Generally, residents can expect to find a range of options to fit different budgets, including affordable housing solutions and upscale retirement communities.

Average Income in Lake Forest:

The average income in Lake Forest, CA, reflects the city's affluent demographics and strong economy. With a diverse range of industries contributing to its prosperity, residents enjoy a comfortable standard of living, supported by competitive wages and ample employment opportunities.

Ranking of Lake Forest among Top Cities in California:

Lake Forest consistently ranks among the top cities in California for its high quality of life, excellent schools, low crime rates, and well-maintained neighborhoods. Its desirable location in Orange County, coupled with a strong sense of community and access to amenities, further enhances its reputation as a premier place to live in the state.

Top Independent Living Providers/Facilities in Lake Forest, CA:

Lake Forest Senior Living
Regency Park Oak Knoll
Vintage Mission Viejo
Irvine Cottages
Freedom Village
Atria Del Sol
Sunrise of Mission Viejo
Kirkwood Orange
Pacifica Senior Living Forest Trace
Ivy Glenn Terrace

Park Plaza

4.1

620 S Glassell St, California 92866

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Park Plaza in Orange stands out for its flexible, resident-driven approach to senior living. Instead of a one-size-fits-all model, they let residents pick and choose the support they want—whether that's full independence or a little extra help with daily routines. The staff here isn't just present; they're actively trained every month through Kisco's Learning Channel, so they're up to speed on best practices and new ideas.

Estimated Pricing

$2,972–$5,330 / mth

Go to provider page

Otilia's Board and Care

4.1

24251 Bark St, California 92630

Memory Care

Independent Living

Otilia's Board and Care is a small, family-run care home that's been around for over three decades, which is rare in this industry. The owner, Otilia Kovak, is still directly involved, and that personal touch seems to come through in the way residents are treated. The home itself is set up more like a real house than an institution—think cozy common spaces, a backyard garden, and only a handful of residents at a time.

Estimated Pricing

$3,500–$11,033 / mth

Go to provider page

The Willows

4.1

23871 Willows Dr, California 92653

Independent Living

Assisted Living

The Willows stands out because it's not just a senior living community—it's specifically for Christian Scientists who want to stay active, connected, and spiritually engaged. Residents here are mostly 55+ and the place is designed to help them keep growing, both personally and spiritually. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, The Willows offers single-level garden villas with patios, so people have their own space and privacy.

Estimated Pricing

$3,508–$6,183 / mth

Go to provider page

Assisted Coastal Living

4.1

25011 Monte Verde Dr, California 92677

Memory Care

Independent Living

Assisted Coastal Living is a smaller, residential-style care home that offers a range of support for older adults, from assisted living to memory care. The team there is known for being hands-on and attentive, with staff who get to know each resident personally. While I couldn't find the names of the owners or administrators, reviews mention that the caregivers work hard and genuinely care about the people living there.

Estimated Pricing

$4,233–$22,967 / mth

Go to provider page

Delightful Living Too

4.1

24971 Camberwell St, California 92653

Memory Care

Independent Living

Delightful Living Too is a small, home-style senior care residence tucked away in a quiet Laguna Hills neighborhood. With only six residents at a time, it feels more like a family home than a facility. The staff here are known for being attentive—there’s always someone available, day or night, to help with everything from medication reminders to mobility support. Meals are cooked fresh in the kitchen, and the menu can be adjusted for special diets.

Estimated Pricing

$3,508–$10,766 / mth

Go to provider page

Harbor Care Homes: Port Artemia | Senior Living in Mission Viejo

4.1

24632 Artemia Ave, California 92691

Memory Care

Independent Living

Harbor Care Homes: Port Artemia isn’t your typical big-box senior care place. It’s a smaller, home-like setting where residents and staff really get to know each other. Families often mention how quickly their loved ones feel at ease—one daughter said her mom was treated like family from day one, and even saw her health improve after moving in. The owners, Ryan and Scott, are hands-on and responsive, and caregivers like Sophia and Dionne are praised by name for their warmth and attention.

Estimated Pricing

$3,107–$11,429 / mth

Go to provider page

Harbor Care Homes: Port Maximus | Senior Living in Mission Viejo

4.1

25522 Maximus St, California 92691

Memory Care

Independent Living

Harbor Care Homes: Port Maximus feels more like a real home than a facility. It's a five-bedroom house with both private and shared rooms, so residents can pick what suits them and their budget. The place is small enough that staff actually get to know each person—families mention that caretakers are attentive and genuinely caring, not just going through the motions.

Estimated Pricing

$3,107–$11,429 / mth

Go to provider page

Palm Terrace Healthcare & Rehab Center

4.1

24962 Calle Aragon, California 92637

Memory Care

Independent Living

Palm Terrace Healthcare & Rehab Center is a skilled nursing facility that mainly helps older adults who need either short-term rehabilitation after a hospital stay or longer-term nursing care. They have 99 licensed beds and usually have about 89 residents at a time, so it's a fairly busy place. The staff includes nurses and rehab therapists who work with your doctor to set up a care plan—think physical therapy, wound care, help with daily activities, and medication management.

Estimated Pricing

$3,508–$10,766 / mth

Go to provider page

Watermark Laguna Niguel

4.1

27762 Forbes Rd, California 92677

Memory Care

Independent Living

Watermark Laguna Niguel feels more like a boutique hotel than a typical senior residence. It's a newer community with 78 assisted living apartments and 32 memory care suites, all with modern touches—think quartz countertops, big windows, and kitchenettes. Their care is flexible: residents get help with daily tasks, medication, and health checks, but can plan their own schedules instead of being locked into rigid routines.

Estimated Pricing

$4,233–$22,967 / mth

Go to provider page

Grand View Villa

4.0

26701 Granvia Dr, California 92691

Memory Care

Independent Living

Grand View Villa stands out because it feels more like a real home than an institution. With only six residents at a time, everyone gets a lot of personal attention—something you just don't see in bigger places. The owner, Rozy, is often mentioned by families as being genuinely kind and hands-on. Staff are present and engaged, not just sitting at the sidelines. The house itself is clean and inviting, with a sunroom that looks out over a bluff—families notice the view and the natural light.

Estimated Pricing

$3,107–$11,429 / mth

Go to provider page

Senior Living Mobile Home Community

4.0

24001 Muirlands Blvd, California 92630

Memory Care

Independent Living

Senior Living Mobile Home Community offers a range of services including assisted living, independent living, memory care, and nursing home care. They provide a supportive environment for seniors needing various levels of assistance. However, specific details about the staff or management team are not readily available. Families should consider reaching out directly to learn more about their team and approach.

Estimated Pricing

$3,500–$11,033 / mth

Go to provider page

Pacifica Senior Living South Coast

4.0

2619 Orange Ave, California 92627

Memory Care

Independent Living

Pacifica Senior Living South Coast feels like a smaller, tight-knit community where staff know residents by name and families notice the difference. They offer assisted living, independent living, memory care, and short-term respite stays. The staff gets a lot of praise for being genuinely warm and attentive—several families mention how smoothly their loved ones settled in, thanks to welcoming staff and management.

Estimated Pricing

$3,236–$15,013 / mth

Go to provider page

Woodbridge Terrace

4.0

1 Witherspoon, California 92604

Memory Care

Independent Living

Woodbridge Terrace in Irvine stands out for its blend of practical support and a genuinely social atmosphere. The community is known for its wide range of living options—assisted living, memory care, and independent living—so residents can find a good fit even if their needs change over time. The grounds are well-kept, with walking paths, gardens, and even a koi pond, making it easy for residents to spend time outdoors.

Estimated Pricing

$36–$61 / mth

Go to provider page

Clearwater Living Corporate Office

4.0

5000 Birch St # 400, California 92660

Independent Living

Clearwater Living’s corporate office at 5000 Birch Street isn’t a care home itself, but it’s the nerve center for a network of senior living communities in California and nearby states. The company oversees several properties, including Clearwater Newport Beach, which is just a few miles away and actually provides the day-to-day care.

Estimated Pricing

$5,250–$6,083 / mth

Go to provider page

Talk to an advisor

Need help caring for an elder loved one? We've got you covered.

Free consultation with a Senior Advisor
Compare pricing for senior services
Comprehensive planning for you loved one

or call us directly at 1-800-22-OLERA

Important things to know about Independent Living

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

Learn more