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.

Carmel Village

4.4

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

Go to provider page

Sunny Hills Homes

4.4

25402 Costeau St, California 92653

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Sunny Hills Homes feels more like a real home than an institution. It’s a small, family-run place—Delia and her husband live upstairs, and their adult kids help out too. That means your parent won’t get lost in the shuffle. They only care for about six residents at a time, so everyone gets a lot of personal attention. Families say the staff are genuinely compassionate and treat residents like their own relatives.

Estimated Pricing

$3,887–$10,766 / mth

Go to provider page

Meridian at Laguna Hills

4.4

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

Go to provider page

Park Regency Retirement Center

4.4

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

Go to provider page

Park View Estates Assisted Living & Memory Care

4.4

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

Go to provider page

Newport Senior Living

4.4

425 Riverside Ave, California 92663

Memory Care

Independent Living

Newport Senior Living feels more like a home than a facility. With room for just six residents at a time, each person gets truly personal attention—there’s always two to three caregivers on hand, plus someone awake at night for those who need extra support. The staff, led by Chris and her team, are known in the community for their warmth and genuine care.

Estimated Pricing

$4,152–$10,451 / mth

Go to provider page

Vivante Newport Mesa

4.4

1640 Monrovia Ave, California 92627

Memory Care

Independent Living

Vivante Newport Mesa is one of those places where you quickly notice the energy and attention to detail. The community isn’t just about providing a place to live—it’s about creating a lifestyle that feels active and upscale, but still approachable. Residents have access to a wide range of care, from independent and assisted living to specialized memory support.

Estimated Pricing

$3,236–$15,013 / mth

Go to provider page

Brookdale Irvine

4.4

10 Marquette, California 92612

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Brookdale Irvine stands out for its balance of independence and support. Residents get help with daily tasks if they need it—think medication reminders, bathing, and mobility—but the vibe isn’t clinical. Staff are around 24/7, and families mention that team members are friendly, approachable, and seem to genuinely care.

Estimated Pricing

$27–$53 / mth

Go to provider page

Avalon Guest Manor

4.4

1857 Sheddon St, California 92833

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Avalon Guest Manor feels more like a big family home than a facility, which is something a lot of families notice right away. The owner, Faye, is hands-on and gets mentioned often in reviews for being both professional and genuinely caring. Staff are described as attentive and friendly, and there’s a registered nurse on staff, which can be reassuring if your parent has medical needs.

Estimated Pricing

$2,902–$10,946 / mth

Go to provider page

Huntington Terrace

4.4

18800 Florida St, California 92648

Memory Care

Independent Living

Huntington Terrace really feels like a community where residents can stay active and social, but also get the hands-on help they need. The staff here aren’t just passing through—they tend to stick around, which says a lot about the work culture. You’ll meet caregivers who know the residents by name and remember the little things, whether it’s a favorite breakfast or a family story.

Estimated Pricing

$4,149–$9,732 / mth

Go to provider page

Ivy Park at Huntington Beach

4.4

7401 Yorktown Ave, California 92648

Memory Care

Independent Living

Ivy Park at Huntington Beach feels like the kind of place where the staff actually know the residents by name, not just as room numbers. People talk about the friendly atmosphere and how the team goes out of their way to help residents settle in, especially during tough transitions. The rooms are clean and the building itself is bright and well-kept, with a nice coastal vibe that a lot of families mention appreciating.

Estimated Pricing

$4,149–$9,732 / mth

Go to provider page

Palm Island Senior Apartments

4.4

11300 Warner Ave, California 92708

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Palm Island Senior Apartments stands out for its active, social atmosphere and the independence it offers residents. Unlike many places that feel institutional, this is more of a large, lively apartment community—about 400 units—where people genuinely get to know each other. Residents talk about a real sense of camaraderie and even mention a Sunshine Club that supports neighbors going through tough times with flowers or fruit baskets.

Estimated Pricing

$3,550–$15,856 / mth

Go to provider page

Blessings Senior Care

4.3

724 S Birchleaf Dr, California 92804

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Blessings Senior Care isn’t a big, flashy facility—it’s a cozy, residential home tucked into a quiet Anaheim neighborhood. What sets it apart is the genuinely personal touch. Jennifer, the owner and manager, is often mentioned by families for her hands-on approach and open communication. Staff here don’t just clock in and out; they get to know each resident, learning their routines and quirks.

Estimated Pricing

$2,200–$9,030 / mth

Go to provider page

Kaego's Richman Gardens by SCH

4.3

317 N Richman Ave, California 92832

Memory Care

Independent Living

Kaego's Richman Gardens is a smaller, older senior care community in Fullerton with a focus on memory care and assisted living. The grounds include rose gardens and walking paths, which give residents some outdoor space to enjoy, but the buildings themselves are definitely showing their age. Some families mention the place feels a bit gloomy and the rooms are dated, and you'll find shared rooms are common.

Estimated Pricing

$2,902–$8,149 / 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