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.

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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Morningside of Fullerton

4.5

800 Morningside Dr, California 92835

Independent Living

Morningside of Fullerton is a large, well-established retirement community that offers both independent and assisted living on a sprawling 33-acre campus. Residents have access to a wide range of amenities—think heated pools, pickleball courts, walking paths, and even a lake with waterfalls. The campus was recently renovated, so the shared spaces feel modern and inviting, including a performance stage and inlaid dance floor for events and gatherings.

Estimated Pricing

$2,902–$6,324 / mth

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Park Regency Retirement Center

4.5

1750 W La Habra Blvd, California 90631

Memory Care

Independent Living

Park Regency Retirement Center is the kind of place where you’ll see a real mix of residents – some are fully independent, others need regular help, and there’s a secured memory care wing for folks with dementia. The staff here are used to handling a wide range of needs, from basic daily help like bathing or getting dressed, to more involved medical support like wound care, oxygen, or diabetes management.

Estimated Pricing

$2,458–$11,350 / mth

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Leisure World Seal Beach

4.4

13533 Seal Beach Blvd, California 90740

Independent Living

Leisure World Seal Beach is a large, gated senior community that focuses on independent living for people 55 and older. It's not a typical assisted living facility—think of it more like a small city just for seniors, with its own security, medical services, and a ton of clubs and activities. Medical support is pretty accessible on-site, with resident doctors, X-rays, a lab, physical therapy, and even optometry, which is unusual for independent living.

Estimated Pricing

$4,348–$7,900 / mth

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Park View Estates Assisted Living & Memory Care

4.3

11360 Warner Ave, California 92708

Memory Care

Independent Living

Park View Estates Assisted Living & Memory Care stands out for its welcoming vibe and practical approach. Families often mention the friendly staff—people who greet residents by name and seem to genuinely care. There's a real sense of community, with residents inviting newcomers to join in activities, from cocktail hours with live music to movie nights and jigsaw puzzles. The building itself is modern, with high ceilings and plenty of natural light, plus two courtyards for outdoor time.

Estimated Pricing

$3,550–$15,856 / mth

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Meridian at Anaheim Hills

4.2

525 S Anaheim Hills Rd, California 92807

Memory Care

Independent Living

Meridian at Anaheim Hills offers both assisted living and memory care, and families say the staff are generally friendly and responsive. Residents get help with daily needs like meals (three per day), laundry, and medication reminders. There’s a range of activities: bingo, movies, outings, and crafts, plus a gym and a beauty salon. The dining room is a highlight for some, with meals delivered to rooms if needed. Apartments have kitchenettes and some even have balconies, which is a nice touch.

Estimated Pricing

$2,200–$7,605 / mth

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Meridian at Laguna Hills

4.2

24552 Paseo De Valencia, California 92653

Memory Care

Independent Living

Meridian at Laguna Hills is the kind of place where the little details matter just as much as the big ones. Families often mention how the staff knows residents by name, and it’s not unusual to see the executive director, Eric Jensen, chatting with folks in the common areas. The community has earned a reputation for its lively atmosphere—thanks in part to Lisa Hayden, the Activities Director, who’s known for keeping things fresh and fun, whether it’s themed parties or creative workshops.

Estimated Pricing

$3,508–$10,766 / mth

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Palmyra, Richlyn & Fern Gardens Senior Apartment Homes

4.1

301 S Glassell St, California 92866

Independent Living

Palmyra, Richlyn & Fern Gardens Senior Apartment Homes is a cluster of three smaller, low-key apartment communities for folks 62 and older. These aren't flashy retirement complexes with endless activities or on-site healthcare. Instead, what you get is a quieter, apartment-style setup with one- and two-bedroom units, all designed for independent seniors who want their own space but appreciate being around others in the same stage of life.

Estimated Pricing

$4,388–$5,330 / mth

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Sunnycrest Senior Living

4.1

1925 Sunny Crest Dr, California 92835

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Sunnycrest Senior Living in Fullerton has a reputation for being friendly and approachable—more like a close-knit neighborhood than a sprawling facility. Residents and families mention the staff by name, and it's common to see the same faces day after day, which says a lot about turnover and trust. The community isn't huge, but that's part of the appeal: it feels manageable, and new residents often say they feel welcomed right away.

Estimated Pricing

$2,902–$10,946 / mth

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Arbor Palms

4.0

3411 W Ball Rd, California 92804

Memory Care

Independent Living

Arbor Palms is the kind of place where staff know the residents by name, and families often mention how welcoming it feels when you walk in. The community offers both assisted and independent living, plus memory care, so you’ll see a mix of folks—some needing daily help, others just wanting a safe, social place to live. People talk a lot about the staff, especially Laurie (the community director) and nurse Heather, who go out of their way to make new residents comfortable.

Estimated Pricing

$2,200–$9,030 / mth

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Atria Golden Creek

4.0

33 Creek Rd, California 92604

Memory Care

Independent Living

Atria Golden Creek is the kind of place where you’ll see residents out in the garden, not just sitting in common rooms. They offer assisted living, memory care, and independent living, but what stands out is how hands-on their support is for daily needs—help with bathing, dressing, meals, and even wound care or oxygen therapy if needed. Nurses are on staff, and there’s always someone awake at night, which isn’t the case everywhere.

Estimated Pricing

$27–$43 / mth

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Azulon at Mesa Verde

4.0

1500 Mesa Verde Dr E, California 92626

Independent Living

Azulon at Mesa Verde is more like a friendly neighborhood than a typical senior living place. It’s a 55+ apartment community, not a full-service assisted living facility, so it’s best for independent seniors who want a low-maintenance lifestyle without giving up their privacy. People who live here mention how clean and well-kept everything is, and there’s a real sense of community—neighbors chat, and staff are usually quick to help out with maintenance or questions.

Estimated Pricing

$3,236–$6,033 / mth

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Carmel Village

4.0

17077 San Mateo St, California 92708

Memory Care

Independent Living

Carmel Village is a senior living community that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care, all under one roof. The staff includes registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, with a nurse on call 24/7, which is a relief for families managing complex health needs. They handle things like diabetes care (including injections), medication management, and support for residents with dementia, including those who wander or have behavioral challenges.

Estimated Pricing

$3,550–$15,856 / mth

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Community Senior Services

4.0

101 W La Habra Blvd, California 90631

Independent Living

Community Senior Services at 101 W La Habra Blvd isn’t your typical senior living provider. Instead of a residential facility, it’s more like a hub right in the heart of La Habra, where older adults can drop in for all sorts of support and activities. The staff there are part of the city’s Social Services Division, and they know the local resources inside and out.

Estimated Pricing

$2,458–$6,890 / mth

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