Best Independent Living near me in Rancho Santa Margarita, California

Rancho Santa Margarita, located in Orange County, California, is a picturesque suburban community known for its scenic views, outdoor recreational opportunities, and...

Rancho Santa Margarita, located in Orange County, California, is a picturesque suburban community known for its scenic views, outdoor recreational opportunities, and family-friendly atmosphere. Established in 2000, the city is characterized by its beautiful parks, well-maintained neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy access to shopping, dining, and various cultural activities, making it an attractive place for families and retirees alike.

Costs of Independent Living in Rancho Santa Margarita

The average cost of independent living in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,500 per month. Pricing can vary based on factors such as the type of accommodation, services offered, and the amenities available within the community.

Average Income in Rancho Santa Margarita

As of the latest data, the average household income in Rancho Santa Margarita is approximately $96,000 per year. This figure reflects the community's diverse economic landscape and is indicative of its affluence compared to other regions.

Ranking of Rancho Santa Margarita among Top Cities in California

Rancho Santa Margarita is consistently ranked among the top cities in California for its quality of life, safety, and access to amenities. While exact rankings can vary by criteria, it often appears in the top 100 cities due to its low crime rate, community services, and overall livability.

Top Independent Living Providers/Facilities in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA:

Cielo at Rancho Santa Margarita
The Grove of Rancho Santa Margarita
Serenity Villa
Bella Terra Rancho Santa Margarita
Oasis Senior Advisors – Rancho Santa Margarita

San Clemente Villas by the Sea

4.2

660 Camino De Los Mares, California 92673

Memory Care

Independent Living

San Clemente Villas by the Sea isn’t your typical senior community. What really stands out is how much people talk about the staff—almost every review mentions how genuinely kind and attentive they are. Residents say the team feels more like extended family, and even visitors notice how welcoming the atmosphere is. The apartments are a good size (about 600 square feet for a one-bedroom), and the place is kept very clean.

Estimated Pricing

$2,933–$10,403 / mth

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Sea Country Senior and Community Center

4.2

24602 Aliso Creek Rd, California 92677

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sea Country Senior and Community Center isn’t your typical senior care facility. It’s more of a community anchor—a place where older adults in Laguna Niguel come together for everything from fitness classes to art workshops and social clubs. The center is spacious, with two ballrooms, a fitness room, and plenty of areas for group activities. Staff here get high marks for being friendly and approachable, and many are known around town for their long-term involvement in local programs.

Estimated Pricing

$4,233–$22,967 / mth

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Capistrano Senior Living

4.2

31741 Rancho Viejo Rd A, California 92675

Memory Care

Independent Living

Capistrano Senior Living stands out for how hands-on and tailored their care feels, especially if your parent needs more than just help with daily tasks. They offer assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, but what’s different is how they build therapy into daily life. When someone moves in for rehab or nursing, the rehab director actually meets with them personally to design a therapy plan—so it’s not just a standard routine.

Estimated Pricing

$4,016–$11,638 / mth

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The Covington Retirement Community

4.2

3 Pursuit, California 92656

Memory Care

Independent Living

The Covington Retirement Community stands out for its blend of independence and support. Residents can choose from independent and assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, so needs are met as they change. What families notice first is how clean and well-kept the place is—this comes up in multiple reviews. The staff gets high marks for being attentive and genuinely friendly.

Estimated Pricing

$3,524–$10,760 / mth

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Sterling Senior Care

4.2

23461 S Pointe Dr, California 92653

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Sterling Senior Care is a smaller, locally run provider that's been around Laguna Hills for over 15 years. They operate out of an office suite, which usually means they focus on home healthcare and care management rather than a big residential facility. Their main offerings include helping seniors with daily activities, arranging in-home care visits, and providing support for families navigating long-term care decisions.

Estimated Pricing

$3,508–$6,183 / mth

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Sunrise of Mission Viejo

4.2

26151 Country Club Dr, California 92691

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sunrise of Mission Viejo is one of those places where the staff really does make a difference. People talk about how the caregivers and nurses know residents by name, and there's a sense that they pay attention to the little things—like remembering favorite foods or checking in when someone seems off. The community sits right next to a golf course, so the views are pretty nice, and the outdoor spaces are well-kept, though some reviewers mention the inside feels a bit dated.

Estimated Pricing

$3,107–$11,429 / mth

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55+ FountainGlen Laguna Niguel

4.1

25501 Camino Los Padres, California 92677

Independent Living

Assisted Living

FountainGlen Laguna Niguel isn’t a traditional assisted living or nursing home—it’s more like an apartment community designed for folks 55 and older who want to stay independent but also enjoy a social, active environment. The apartments are modern, with features like stainless steel appliances, in-unit laundry hookups, and private patios or balconies.

Estimated Pricing

$4,233–$22,967 / mth

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Freedom Village Retirement Community

4.1

23442 El Toro Rd Building 1, California 92630

Memory Care

Independent Living

Freedom Village Retirement Community is one of those places that gets people talking—mostly in a good way, but not without some honest critiques. Families say the staff are genuinely friendly and seem to know the residents by name, which helps it feel less like an institution and more like a neighborhood. The food is a big highlight; people rave about the meals and the dining area, and there’s even an on-site chef who gets mentioned in reviews.

Estimated Pricing

$3,500–$11,033 / mth

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Ivy Park at Mission Viejo

4.1

27783 Center Dr, California 92692

Memory Care

Independent Living

Ivy Park at Mission Viejo is a senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care, with some options for independent residents. The staff gets a lot of praise from families for being friendly, attentive, and genuinely engaged with residents. Activities are a big part of daily life—think arts and crafts, games, music events, and even field trips or shopping outings a couple times a week.

Estimated Pricing

$3,107–$11,429 / mth

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Ivy Park at San Juan Capistrano

4.1

32200 Del Obispo St, California 92675

Memory Care

Independent Living

Ivy Park at San Juan Capistrano is the kind of place locals describe as lively and genuinely connected to the community. You’ll find it just a couple miles from the coast, but what stands out more is the energy inside: residents are often out in the gardens, joining book clubs, or chatting over coffee in the on-site café. The staff includes licensed nurses and care aides who handle everything from daily medication management to specialized support for diabetes and mild dementia.

Estimated Pricing

$4,016–$11,638 / mth

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Sacred Heart Senior Care - Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Retirement Home

4.1

25602 Willow Bend, California 92630

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sacred Heart Senior Care on Willow Bend is a smaller, residential-style assisted living and memory care home tucked into a quiet Lake Forest neighborhood. It’s not a big facility—think more of a board and care home, where a handful of residents get more hands-on help from staff who really get to know them. Anna runs the place, and several online reviews mention her by name, describing her as attentive and genuinely caring.

Estimated Pricing

$3,500–$11,033 / mth

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Hillside Senior Living

4.1

4162 Isabella Cir, California 92530

Memory Care

Independent Living

Hillside Senior Living is run by Jennifer and Michael McCrimmon, who together have over 20 years of nursing experience. They’re hands-on, and you’ll often see them checking in with residents themselves. The home is in a quiet residential neighborhood, and it’s small enough that staff really get to know each resident’s routines and preferences.

Estimated Pricing

$3,576–$6,949 / mth

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Adriana Elderly Care Homes

4.1

25342 Adriana St, California 92691

Memory Care

Independent Living

Adriana Elderly Care Homes feels more like a real home than a facility. It’s a small, residential setup—usually around six residents—so everyone gets a lot of personal attention. Families mention the place is always clean, comfortable, and has a warm, welcoming feel. Richard, the owner, is often mentioned by name in reviews for being professional and responsive, with a solid background in medical care. His wife, Adriana, is hands-on too, known for being patient and genuinely caring.

Estimated Pricing

$3,107–$11,429 / mth

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

4.1

24572 Artemia Ave, California 92691

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Harbor Care Homes: Port Viejo stands out in Mission Viejo for its home-like approach and hands-on leadership. This isn't a big, impersonal facility—it's a small, residential setting where residents get a lot of personal attention. Co-founders Ryan Roche and Scott Messick are longtime friends with deep experience in healthcare, and they're often directly involved, which families say makes a real difference.

Estimated Pricing

$3,107–$11,429 / mth

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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