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.

The Clubhouse / Lake Forest Senior Center

4.3

100 Civic Center Dr, California 92630

Independent Living

If you’re looking for a place where your parent can stay active and connected, The Clubhouse at Lake Forest Senior Center is worth checking out. It’s not a care home—think of it more as a lively community hub for folks 50 and up. They offer a packed calendar of activities: everything from karaoke and ping pong to craft groups, plus occasional special events. Some activities are free, others have a small fee.

Estimated Pricing

$3,500–$7,254 / mth

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Newport Beach Memory Care

4.3

1000 Halyard, California 92663

Memory Care

Independent Living

Newport Beach Memory Care has built a reputation in the local community for its hands-on approach with residents living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Families talk about the staff here like they’re extended family—many mention that caregivers act more like daughters and sons than employees.

Estimated Pricing

$4,152–$10,451 / mth

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Casa Dolce Home

4.3

1601 Skyline Dr, California 92831

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Casa Dolce Home at 1601 Skyline Dr isn’t one of those big, impersonal facilities—it’s a smaller, residential-style place where seniors get hands-on help with daily routines. Most residents need some support, whether it’s with bathing, getting dressed, or managing medications. The staff is there around the clock and help coordinate with doctors or outside healthcare providers, which is a relief for families juggling appointments.

Estimated Pricing

$2,902–$10,946 / mth

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The Augustin Gardens

4.3

24361 Augustin St, California 92691

Memory Care

Independent Living

Augustin Gardens stands out in Mission Viejo for its intimate, home-like setting—this is not a big facility, but a six-bed residential home where residents are known by name and routines feel personal. Families often mention the warm, inviting atmosphere; one reviewer called it 'nothing short of fabulous' and praised how quickly their relatives felt at home. The grounds are well-kept, and rooms are always clean, which matters when you're visiting loved ones regularly.

Estimated Pricing

$3,107–$11,429 / mth

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Brookdale Brea

4.3

285 W Central Ave, California 92821

Memory Care

Independent Living

Brookdale Brea offers a supportive environment where seniors can enjoy independence while receiving personalized care. The community provides assisted living services, including medication management and assistance with daily tasks like showers. Residents rave about the friendly and attentive staff, who make everyone feel safe and well cared for. The community is known for its varied menu and beautiful dining room, as well as activities like exercise classes and walking exercises.

Estimated Pricing

$3,302–$9,000 / mth

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Lotus Senior Care

4.3

25422 Marina Cir, California 92691

Memory Care

Independent Living

Lotus Senior Care at Marina Circle stands out for its genuinely home-like atmosphere and small scale. Unlike larger facilities, they only care for up to six residents at a time, which means your loved one gets a lot of personal attention. Families often mention how spotless the place is—one reviewer described it as 'immaculate' and said the yards and home are always well-kept.

Estimated Pricing

$3,107–$11,429 / mth

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Sunnycrest Senior Living

4.3

1925 Sunny Crest Dr, California 92835

Memory Care

Independent 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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Vivante Newport Center

4.3

850 San Clemente Dr, California 92660

Memory Care

Independent Living

Vivante Newport Center stands out for its focus on luxury and genuinely engaging daily life, not just basic care. Residents talk about the place feeling more like a high-end hotel than a typical senior community—think spacious, modern apartments, chef-prepared meals (including things like filet mignon Fridays), and amenities you rarely see in other places, like a virtual golf simulator and a bowling alley.

Estimated Pricing

$4,152–$10,451 / mth

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Atria Golden Creek

4.3

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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Capriana Retirement Living & Assisted Living

4.3

460 La Floresta Dr, California 92823

Memory Care

Independent Living

Capriana in Brea feels more like a high-end apartment community than a typical senior home. The place is bright, modern, and really well-kept—families mention how clean everything is, from the rooms to the grounds. There’s a koi pond, a pool, and even a barbershop, which is a nice touch if your parent likes to keep up their routines. The apartments are surprisingly spacious, with full kitchens and laundry in the units, so it doesn’t feel institutional at all.

Estimated Pricing

$3,302–$9,000 / mth

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The Inn At Woodbridge

4.3

11 Osborn, California 92604

Independent Living

Assisted Living

The Inn At Woodbridge is a senior apartment community for adults 62 and older, offering both independent and assisted living options. What stands out here is the focus on apartment-style living—residents get their own kitchens, living rooms, and balconies or patios, which gives a real sense of privacy and independence. The grounds are garden-style and walkable, with a pool and personal garden spaces for those who enjoy being outdoors.

Estimated Pricing

$17–$45 / mth

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Bayview Landing Senior Apt

4.3

1121 Back Bay Dr, California 92660

Memory Care

Independent Living

Bayview Landing Senior Apartments stands out because it's one of the few affordable senior housing options in Newport Beach, which is a big deal for families worried about high rents in this area. The building was designed specifically for people 62 and older, with 120 apartments—mostly one-bedrooms, plus a handful of two-bedrooms.

Estimated Pricing

$4,152–$7,833 / mth

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Fullerton Rosewood Assisted

4.3

411 E Commonwealth Ave, California 92832

Memory Care

Independent Living

Fullerton Rosewood Assisted stands out in Fullerton because of its practical, resident-focused approach. Instead of a one-size-fits-all routine, they actually build a care plan around each person’s needs—so someone who’s mostly independent can still get help with things like medication or bathing, while others with more complex needs have extra support. They offer both assisted and independent living, plus memory care, so residents can stay even as their needs change.

Estimated Pricing

$2,902–$10,946 / mth

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Huntington Landmark Senior Adult Community

4.3

20880 Oakridge Ln, California 92646

Independent Living

Huntington Landmark Senior Adult Community stands out for its genuinely active lifestyle and the sheer variety of things to do. This isn’t a place where residents just watch the world go by—there’s a real sense of energy here. You’ll find people heading to the tennis courts, relaxing in the resort-style pool, or joining one of the many clubs (arts and crafts, book groups, fitness classes—you name it).

Estimated Pricing

$4,149–$6,188 / 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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