Best Independent Living near me in Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana, California, is located in Orange County, about 35 miles south of Los Angeles and roughly ten miles from the Pacific Ocean. It is the second most populous city in Orange County and serves as the county seat. Santa Ana is known for its diverse population, vibrant cultural scene, and being the central hub of Orange County. The city is home to the Bowers Museum, the Santa Ana Zoo, and the Downtown Santa Ana arts district, which features a variety of restaurants, bars, and local shops. It is also the corporate headquarters of several large companies, including Behr Paint and First American Financial Corporation. The city has a rich history, having been explored by the Spaniard Gaspar de Portolá in 1769. It was subsequently developed as a center for cattle grazing and agriculture, and later became a major regional economic and cultural hub for the Orange Coast.

Costs of Independent Living in Santa Ana, CA

Although the pricing data on independent living specifically isn't well documented in Santa Ana, CA, according to the Genworth Cost of Care survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living for Santa Ana is $5,737. Independent living is usually about the same price but slightly less. However, the costs of Independent Living can vary depending on the facility, the level of care needed, and the amenities offered.

Average Income in Santa Ana, CA

The average income in Santa Ana, is around $55,808 which is lower than the state average in California of about $61,751 per year. However, Santa Ana offers a lower cost of living compared to other major cities in the state.

Ranking of Santa Ana among Top Cities in California

Santa Ana is the 14th largest city in California, with a population of 311,379 as of the 2022 American Community Survey. In terms of economic vitality, the Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine area fell 22 spots to No. 78 on the Milken Institute’s 2024 Best-Performing Cities Index, which measures the economic vitality of large metro areas and small cities. Additionally, Santa Ana is ranked 32nd in the Best Places to Live Rankings, based on factors such as crime rates, quality of schools, cost of living, job market, and local amenities. Furthermore, WalletHub ranked Santa Ana as the 62nd best-run city in the United States, based on factors such as financial stability, education, health, safety, the economy, and infrastructure/pollution.

Top Independent Living Facilities in Santa Ana, CA

Some of the top Independent Living facilities in Santa Ana, CA include:

These facilities prioritize the well-being and comfort of their residents, offering various amenities, personalized care services, and engaging activities.

Oakmont of Fullerton

4.9

433 W Bastanchury Rd, California 92835

Memory Care

Independent Living

Oakmont of Fullerton is one of the newer faces in Fullerton’s senior living scene, and it’s quickly become a talking point for families weighing their options. The building itself is striking—lots of natural light, high ceilings, and a layout that feels more like a boutique hotel than an institution. Residents and their families often mention the upscale touches: a movie theater, game room, library, and even a bar for social events.

Estimated Pricing

$2,902–$10,946 / mth

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Carepatrol

4.8

1400 N Kraemer Blvd, California 92871

Independent Living

CarePatrol offers personalized senior care guidance, helping families navigate the complex process of finding the right living options for their loved ones. Their advisors conduct a 'Care Discovery' to match seniors with communities that meet their specific needs and preferences. They provide guided tours—either in-person or virtual—and ensure transparency in pricing and services.

Estimated Pricing

$4,475–$6,675 / mth

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Crescendo Senior Living

4.6

351 E Palm Dr, California 92870

Memory Care

Independent Living

Crescendo Senior Living in Placentia isn’t your typical senior community. Families I’ve spoken with mention the first thing they notice is how clean and well-kept everything is, from the rooms to the grounds. Staff seem to stick around—locals say you’ll see familiar faces year after year, and reviews consistently mention how friendly and attentive the team is.

Estimated Pricing

$3,200–$10,542 / mth

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Fountain Valley Senior Care

4.6

9479 Ellis Ave, California 92708

Memory Care

Independent Living

Fountain Valley Senior Care is one of those places that feels more like a small, friendly neighborhood than a big facility. The team here is made up of experienced nurses and caregivers who get to know each resident personally—I've seen them remember birthdays, favorite snacks, and even little quirks that make someone feel at home. They offer both assisted and independent living, plus memory care and nursing support, so residents can stay even if their needs change.

Estimated Pricing

$3,550–$15,856 / mth

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Ivy Park At Bradford

4.5

1180 Bradford Ave, California 92870

Memory Care

Independent Living

Ivy Park at Bradford stands out for its genuinely warm atmosphere and the way staff go above and beyond for residents. Families talk less about the building (though it's bright and recently upgraded) and more about the people—like Shannon, who calmly handled a resident's diabetic episode, or Cindy Trott, who patiently answers every question.

Estimated Pricing

$3,200–$10,542 / mth

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Rowntree Gardens

4.5

12151 Dale St, California 90680

Memory Care

Independent Living

Rowntree Gardens isn’t your typical senior community. It’s one of the few faith-based, licensed continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) in the area, which means residents can move between independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing without leaving the campus. There’s a real sense of continuity here—people don’t have to uproot their lives as their needs change.

Estimated Pricing

$3,200–$8,950 / mth

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CarePatrol of Beach Cities

4.5

19051 Goldenwest St Suite 106, California 92648

Memory Care

Independent Living

CarePatrol of Beach Cities isn’t a care home or facility—they’re a local advisory service that helps families figure out which senior living or care option will actually work for their loved one. Instead of handing you a generic list, they take time to learn about your family’s needs, health concerns, and budget. Then, one of their certified senior care advisors meets with you (in person or virtually), helps narrow down choices, and even goes with you on tours of recommended communities.

Estimated Pricing

$4,149–$9,732 / mth

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Atria Newport Plaza

4.5

1455 Superior Ave, California 92663

Memory Care

Independent Living

Atria Newport Plaza is a lively community that feels more like a boutique hotel than a traditional senior residence. The staff includes registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, with a nurse on call 24/7, so residents get real medical support—not just basic help with daily needs. They’re known for handling more advanced needs, like diabetes management, wound care, and even memory care for folks with dementia or wandering concerns.

Estimated Pricing

$4,152–$10,451 / mth

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Exclusive Senior Care

4.5

E Valley Glen Ln, California 92867

Independent Living

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

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Fountain Valley Senior Homes 2

4.5

17690 San Vicente St, California 92708

Memory Care

Independent Living

Fountain Valley Senior Homes 2 feels more like a real home than a big facility. It’s a small, close-knit place, so your parent won’t get lost in the shuffle. The staff is known for treating residents like family—people mention that caregivers are warm and attentive, not just going through the motions. They help with everyday things like bathing, dressing, and making sure medications are taken on time.

Estimated Pricing

$3,550–$15,856 / mth

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Regents Point

4.5

19191 Harvard Ave, California 92612

Memory Care

Independent Living

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

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Oakmont of Huntington Beach

4.5

18922 Delaware St, California 92648

Memory Care

Independent Living

Oakmont of Huntington Beach stands out for its hands-on approach and the way it blends upscale amenities with real, day-to-day support for older adults. Residents get more than just a room—they have access to a full-time nurse and a wellness center, so help is always nearby for things like medication, mobility, or health monitoring. The staff includes caregivers, culinary professionals, and a management team with decades of experience in senior living.

Estimated Pricing

$4,149–$9,732 / mth

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Atria Newport Beach

4.4

393 Hospital Rd, California 92663

Memory Care

Independent Living

Atria Newport Beach stands out in the local senior care scene for its genuinely warm atmosphere and the way staff connect with both residents and their families. People often mention how the team goes out of their way to get to know each resident personally, making new arrivals feel right at home. The building itself is modern and thoughtfully designed, but what really matters is the vibe inside—lots of smiles, attentive staff, and a sense that everyone is looking out for each other.

Estimated Pricing

$4,152–$10,451 / mth

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Harbor Heights

4.4

525 W La Palma Ave, California 92801

Memory Care

Independent Living

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

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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