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.

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

3.8

25341 Diana Cir, California 92691

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Harbor Care Homes: Port Alicia feels more like a real home than a big facility. It’s run by two friends, Ryan Roche and Scott Messick, who started the company after years working in healthcare. They’re hands-on and you can tell they care about keeping things personal. The staff is trained to help with everyday things—bathing, dressing, getting around—but they also have experience with more complex needs like dementia, diabetes, and Parkinson’s.

Estimated Pricing

$3,107–$11,429 / mth

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Healing Steps Guest Homes

3.8

8184 Carob St, California 90630

Memory Care

Independent Living

Healing Steps Guest Homes at 8184 Carob St in Cypress is a small, locally run board and care home that stands out for having licensed nurses with over 25 years of experience at the helm. Unlike big facilities, you get a sense that the owners are hands-on and genuinely know their residents. The staff is mostly long-term and live nearby, which helps with consistency and quick responses when something comes up.

Estimated Pricing

$2,775–$11,426 / mth

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Meadowlark Gardens V

3.8

17342 Zeider Ln, California 92647

Memory Care

Independent Living

Meadowlark Gardens V is a small, home-like care home tucked into a quiet Huntington Beach neighborhood. They focus on hands-on support for seniors who need help with daily routines—things like bathing, getting dressed, and making sure medications are taken safely. The staff is present around the clock, and families often mention how attentive and approachable they are. You’ll usually see the same caregivers day to day, which helps residents feel comfortable and known.

Estimated Pricing

$4,149–$9,732 / mth

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Meadowlark Gardens VII

3.8

9401 Nautilus Dr, California 92646

Memory Care

Independent Living

Meadowlark Gardens VII feels more like a cozy home than a big facility, which can be a huge relief if your parent prefers a quieter, more personal setting. The place is small, so staff really get to know each resident—it's not uncommon for caregivers to remember favorite snacks, hobbies, or even little routines that make someone feel at ease.

Estimated Pricing

$4,149–$8,025 / mth

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Respit Manor Senior Living

3.8

23255 Respit Dr, California 92630

Memory Care

Independent Living

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

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Sunshine Home Care

3.8

2428 West Ave, California 92833

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sunshine Home Care feels more like a family home than a facility. When you walk in, you’ll notice vaulted ceilings, a cozy fireplace, and residents gathered around the dining table or chatting in the living room. The staff is there 24/7, not just for medical help but for companionship—many families mention how much it means to have caregivers who take time to really know each resident.

Estimated Pricing

$2,902–$10,946 / mth

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Terrace View Care Center

3.8

201 E Bastanchury Rd, California 92835

Memory Care

Independent Living

Terrace View Care Center is a smaller, locally-known spot with 59 beds, and families in Fullerton often mention how personal the care feels. Residents get a mix of skilled nursing, rehab, and some assisted living options. The therapy department stands out—people talk about occupational and physical therapists helping their parents or grandparents bounce back from strokes or hip fractures. They also have speech therapy, plus on-site vision and dental care, which saves families extra trips.

Estimated Pricing

$2,902–$10,946 / mth

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Golden Way Care

3.8

2825 E Dutch Ave, California 92806

Memory Care

Independent Living

Golden Way Care at 2825 E Dutch Ave in Anaheim stands out because it’s a family-owned operation where personal connection really matters. Unlike larger, impersonal facilities, this home has a warm, home-like atmosphere with staff who know residents individually. Daniel, who you’ll often hear mentioned in reviews, is a key figure—he’s hands-on, knowledgeable, and helps families navigate complex care and county processes, which can be a huge relief during stressful times.

Estimated Pricing

$2,200–$9,030 / mth

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Cypress Pointe Senior Community

3.8

5120 Lincoln Ave, California 90630

Independent Living

Cypress Pointe Senior Community is a senior apartment complex focused on independent living for older adults. Residents here live in their own apartments—mostly one-bedroom layouts—so they can maintain privacy and autonomy, but with the added security of a community designed for seniors. The building is well-kept and the grounds are landscaped, giving it a pleasant, lived-in feel. Residents say the place is clean and quiet, with a friendly vibe among both neighbors and staff.

Estimated Pricing

$3,648–$6,804 / mth

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Huntington Beach Guest Homes

3.8

8382 Crane Cir, California 92646

Memory Care

Independent Living

Huntington Beach Guest Homes on Crane Circle is a smaller, residential-style care home that feels more like a family house than a big facility. The staff there have a reputation for being warm and genuinely attentive, and families often mention how the caregivers really get to know each resident as an individual. They help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders, and they're set up to support people with memory issues too.

Estimated Pricing

$4,149–$9,732 / mth

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Acacia Villas Assisted Living

3.8

1620 E Chapman Ave, California 92831

Memory Care

Independent Living

Acacia Villas Assisted Living offers a range of services, including assisted living and memory care. They provide personalized care with a focus on daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management. The staff is often praised for being friendly and caring, though some reviews mention inconsistencies in cleanliness and organization. Families appreciate the homey atmosphere and the variety of activities available, such as Wii bowling and social groups.

Estimated Pricing

$2,902–$10,946 / mth

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Rose Senior Home

3.8

1301 Rosario St, California 92870

Memory Care

Independent Living

Rose Senior Home isn’t a big, impersonal facility—it’s a small, licensed residential care home tucked into a quiet Placentia neighborhood. What sets them apart is the personal touch: the staff-to-resident ratio is much lower than at larger places, which means residents get real attention. Staff are known locally for being responsive and genuinely caring, and you’ll often see the same faces day after day.

Estimated Pricing

$3,200–$10,542 / mth

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Tricord Senior Care

3.8

2121 W Imperial Hwy, California 90631

Memory Care

Independent Living

Tricord Senior Care isn't a traditional assisted living or nursing home—it's more of a senior care placement and referral service. Instead of running their own facility, they help families in La Habra and nearby areas figure out which local senior living or care option is the best fit. That means if your parent needs assisted living, memory care, or even skilled nursing, Tricord will listen to your family's situation and connect you with vetted providers that match your needs and budget.

Estimated Pricing

$2,458–$11,350 / mth

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Viv's Orange Villa Senior Apartments

3.7

137 N Orange Ave, California 92821

Independent Living

Viv's Orange Villa Senior Apartments stands out as a true local find for independent seniors in Brea. The apartments are designed for folks 55 and up, offering roomy two-bedroom, two-bath units—each with central air, washer/dryer hookups, and fresh updates like granite counters and custom paint. What really makes this place different is the sense of community. Residents mention a beautifully maintained goldfish pond and a rec room where management hosts regular get-togethers.

Estimated Pricing

$4,406–$7,036 / 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

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