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.

Age Well Senior Services

4.2

23101 Lake Center Dr #325, California 92630

Independent Living

Age Well Senior Services isn’t a typical senior living facility—they’re more of a support hub for older adults in Orange County. Instead of offering housing, they focus on helping seniors stay independent at home by providing practical services like meal delivery, transportation to medical appointments, and wellness programs. Families often turn to them when a parent wants to age in place but needs a little extra help day-to-day.

Estimated Pricing

$3,500–$7,254 / mth

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Merrill Gardens at Huntington Beach

4.2

17200 Goldenwest St, California 92647

Memory Care

Independent Living

Merrill Gardens at Huntington Beach feels more like a modern apartment community than a typical senior home. The building is newer and always gets compliments for being clean and bright. Residents can choose from studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom apartments, and some even have patios or mini kitchens. The staff gets a lot of positive mentions—people describe them as friendly, upbeat, and attentive.

Estimated Pricing

$4,149–$9,732 / mth

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Spring Pointe

4.2

910 N Harbor Blvd, California 90631

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Spring Pointe at 910 N Harbor Blvd isn’t your typical senior living spot—it’s more like a real neighborhood for folks 55 and up who want both independence and a sense of community. What stands out right away is the social energy: there’s always something happening, whether it’s arts and crafts, wellness classes, or just neighbors gathering in the clubhouse for a game of billiards or a movie night.

Estimated Pricing

$2,458–$6,890 / mth

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West Glen Manor

4.2

7242 Westminster Blvd., California 92683

Memory Care

Independent Living

West Glen Manor stands out for its hands-on, practical approach to senior living. Residents here get real support with daily needs—things like bathing, dressing, and managing medications are handled by staff who are present throughout the day and night. There’s a nurse on site up to 16 hours a day and a 24-hour call system, so help is never far away. The community isn’t just about care, though.

Estimated Pricing

$3,200–$11,188 / mth

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Westminster Senior Apartments

4.2

7632 21st St, California 92683

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Westminster Senior Apartments is a newer, budget-friendly option for seniors 62 and up who want their own space without a lot of extra frills. The apartments are one-bedroom units with updated interiors—think new carpet, blinds, and granite countertops. All the basics are covered: each apartment includes a fridge, stove, and utilities in the rent, which is a big help for folks on a fixed income.

Estimated Pricing

$3,200–$11,188 / mth

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Cielo Vista Senior Living

4.2

7571 Wyoming St, California 92683

Memory Care

Independent Living

Cielo Vista Senior Living is one of those places that can be a bit of a mixed bag, depending on who you ask. It's a 122-bed community offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care, so they can handle a range of needs as your loved one ages. The building itself is fairly modern, with both private and semi-private rooms that families can personalize. Each room has its own bathroom and big closets, which is a plus if your loved one likes having their own space and keepsakes around.

Estimated Pricing

$3,200–$11,188 / mth

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Assisted Living Locators Beach Cities

4.2

2901 West Coast Hwy #200, California 92663

Memory Care

Independent Living

Assisted Living Locators Beach Cities isn’t a care facility itself—it’s a local placement and advisory service run by Negar Lencioni. Negar’s background is a bit different from most: she’s an attorney with 15 years of experience, and she brings that strategic, detail-oriented mindset to helping families find the right senior living fit. Families in Newport Beach and nearby cities work directly with her, not a call center.

Estimated Pricing

$4,152–$7,833 / mth

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Assisted Living Locators Of Orange County

4.2

260 Newport Center Dr, California 92660

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Assisted Living Locators Of Orange County isn’t a care home—they’re local advisors who help families navigate the maze of senior living options in Newport Beach and beyond. The owner, Negar Lencioni, brings a unique background as an attorney with 15 years of experience, which shows in her strategic, detail-oriented approach.

Estimated Pricing

$4,152–$6,881 / mth

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Azulon at Mesa Verde

4.2

1500 Mesa Verde Dr E, California 92626

Independent Living

Assisted 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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Somerset Glen Senior Apartments

4.2

13380 Hillsborough Dr, California 90638

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Somerset Glen Senior Apartments is a 161-unit community designed for adults 55 and older who want independent living with a few helpful touches. The apartments are one- and two-bedroom garden-style units, each with a private balcony or patio, modern kitchen (including refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher), and central heating and air. The grounds have a pool, hot tub, clubhouse with a fireplace, barbecue area, and a small fitness room.

Estimated Pricing

$2,978–$6,756 / mth

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NS Care

4.2

10431 Avenida Cinco De Mayo, California 92708

Memory Care

Independent Living

NS Care feels more like a small, close-knit home than a big facility. Residents get their own rooms—some with private bathrooms and showers—which families say makes a big difference for comfort and dignity. The staff is hands-on and attentive, helping with everything from bathing and dressing to medication reminders and doctor appointments. One family mentioned they visited a lot of places before choosing NS Care and felt welcomed right away, like they were joining a family.

Estimated Pricing

$3,550–$15,856 / mth

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Sterling Senior Care

4.2

23461 S Pointe Dr, California 92653

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Sterling Senior Care is a smaller, locally run provider that's been around Laguna Hills for over 15 years. They operate out of an office suite, which usually means they focus on home healthcare and care management rather than a big residential facility. Their main offerings include helping seniors with daily activities, arranging in-home care visits, and providing support for families navigating long-term care decisions.

Estimated Pricing

$3,508–$6,183 / mth

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Pacifica Senior Living Newport Mesa

4.2

2891 Bear St, California 92626

Memory Care

Independent Living

Pacifica Senior Living Newport Mesa is known for its strong focus on memory care and assisted living, with a reputation for attentive, hands-on staff who know their residents well. The community isn’t huge, which means staff and residents often know each other by name, and you’ll see the same caregivers day-to-day.

Estimated Pricing

$3,236–$15,013 / mth

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Select Senior Care

4.2

1221 N Big Spring St, California 92807

Memory Care

Independent Living

Select Senior Care in Anaheim isn’t one of those big, impersonal facilities. It’s run by Daniel and Carmen, who are there day-to-day, making sure each resident is truly seen and supported. You’ll notice right away it feels more like a home than an institution—family members mention how the staff cook real meals, help with everything from medication to personal care, and keep everyone updated.

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

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