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.

Vintage Newport East

4.2

4000 Hilaria Way, California 92663

Memory Care

Independent Living

Vintage Newport East is a senior living community that offers both independent living and memory care, right off Hilaria Way in Newport Beach. What stands out here is the practical setup: residents have access to underground parking with plenty of reserved spots for both themselves and visiting family, which makes coming and going less of a hassle.

Estimated Pricing

$5,250–$7,833 / mth

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Freedom Village Retirement Community

4.1

23442 El Toro Rd Building 1, California 92630

Memory Care

Independent Living

Freedom Village Retirement Community is one of those places that gets people talking—mostly in a good way, but not without some honest critiques. Families say the staff are genuinely friendly and seem to know the residents by name, which helps it feel less like an institution and more like a neighborhood. The food is a big highlight; people rave about the meals and the dining area, and there’s even an on-site chef who gets mentioned in reviews.

Estimated Pricing

$3,500–$11,033 / mth

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Sacred Heart Senior Care - Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Retirement Home

4.1

25602 Willow Bend, California 92630

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sacred Heart Senior Care on Willow Bend is a smaller, residential-style assisted living and memory care home tucked into a quiet Lake Forest neighborhood. It’s not a big facility—think more of a board and care home, where a handful of residents get more hands-on help from staff who really get to know them. Anna runs the place, and several online reviews mention her by name, describing her as attentive and genuinely caring.

Estimated Pricing

$3,500–$11,033 / mth

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Westmont of Cypress

4.1

4889 Katella Ave, California 90720

Memory Care

Independent Living

Westmont of Cypress feels more like a modern apartment community than a typical senior residence. The first thing families notice is how new everything looks—bright, clean, and thoughtfully designed. Many of the apartments come with full kitchens and in-unit washer/dryers, which is a big deal for folks who still want some independence. Residents can choose from studios, one-bedrooms, or two-bedrooms, so there's a good range of options.

Estimated Pricing

$2,775–$7,165 / mth

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Brea Woods Senior Apartments

4.1

195 W Central Ave, California 92821

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Brea Woods Senior Apartments has a bit of a split reputation, depending on who you ask. Some residents absolutely love the sense of community—they mention friendly neighbors who look out for each other and a staff that tries to keep things upbeat with social activities like bingo nights and potlucks. Others have had less positive experiences, pointing out that maintenance can be hit or miss and that some apartments haven't seen updates in years.

Estimated Pricing

$3,302–$7,036 / mth

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Ivy Park at Fullerton

4.1

2226 N Euclid St, California 92835

Memory Care

Independent Living

Ivy Park at Fullerton isn’t your standard senior community—it’s a place where routines feel personal and staff know the residents well enough to notice the little things. The care team includes registered nurses and licensed practical nurses on site, so residents with complex needs—like advanced dementia, wound care, or diabetes—don’t have to leave for every medical issue[1].

Estimated Pricing

$2,902–$10,946 / mth

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Creekview Senior Community Apartments

4.1

353 S Tustin St, California 92866

Independent Living

Creekview Senior Community Apartments feels more like a friendly neighborhood than a typical senior complex. Residents here are all 62 or older, and many say it’s the kind of place where people know each other’s names and management actually listens. The building itself stands out with its Normandy-inspired architecture and a courtyard that’s perfect for a morning stroll or sitting under the gazebo with a cup of coffee.

Estimated Pricing

$4,388–$5,330 / mth

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Adriana Elderly Care Homes

4.1

25342 Adriana St, California 92691

Memory Care

Independent Living

Adriana Elderly Care Homes feels more like a real home than a facility. It’s a small, residential setup—usually around six residents—so everyone gets a lot of personal attention. Families mention the place is always clean, comfortable, and has a warm, welcoming feel. Richard, the owner, is often mentioned by name in reviews for being professional and responsive, with a solid background in medical care. His wife, Adriana, is hands-on too, known for being patient and genuinely caring.

Estimated Pricing

$3,107–$11,429 / mth

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

4.1

24572 Artemia Ave, California 92691

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Harbor Care Homes: Port Viejo stands out in Mission Viejo for its home-like approach and hands-on leadership. This isn't a big, impersonal facility—it's a small, residential setting where residents get a lot of personal attention. Co-founders Ryan Roche and Scott Messick are longtime friends with deep experience in healthcare, and they're often directly involved, which families say makes a real difference.

Estimated Pricing

$3,107–$11,429 / mth

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Casa El Centro Apartments

4.1

101 N Cypress St # 101, California 90631

Independent Living

Casa El Centro Apartments is a low-key independent living spot in La Habra, mostly known for its quiet atmosphere and practical approach. It’s not a flashy senior community, but more of a straightforward apartment setup for older adults who want to keep their independence without the frills. The building offers basics like air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a tub/shower in each unit, which is honestly what many folks are looking for if they’re not after high-touch care[1].

Estimated Pricing

$3,989–$6,890 / mth

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Coastal Heights Senior Living

4.1

2283 Fairview Rd, California 92627

Memory Care

Independent Living

Coastal Heights Senior Living feels more like a lively neighborhood than a facility. Residents can choose from independent or assisted living, and the community is known for its friendly, approachable staff who are available day and night. Housekeeping, linen service, and laundry are handled for you, so daily chores don’t get in the way of enjoying life.

Estimated Pricing

$3,236–$15,013 / mth

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Korean Senior Care

4.1

20621 Seine Ave, California 90715

Memory Care

Independent Living

Korean Senior Care on Seine Ave is a small, family-run board and care home that stands out for its personal touch. The Han family—David, Rosemary, and Phyllis—are hands-on with residents, and you’ll often see them chatting with families or helping out around the house. It’s not a big facility, so everyone gets to know each other, and staff can really tune in to each person’s needs. They handle the basics like help with bathing, getting dressed, and making sure medications are taken on time.

Estimated Pricing

$3,525–$11,989 / mth

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Whittier Place

4.1

12315 Burgess Ave, California 90604

Memory Care

Independent Living

Whittier Place isn’t the kind of senior community that feels stuffy or impersonal. Families often mention how approachable the staff are—folks here know residents by name and pay attention to the little things, like remembering a favorite breakfast or helping with a hobby. The staff includes trained caregivers on-site 24/7, and there’s a strong focus on both assisted living and memory care. You’ll find a mix of residents: some are still quite independent, while others need more hands-on help.

Estimated Pricing

$3,135–$11,208 / mth

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Coventry Heights Senior Apartments

4.1

7521 Wyoming St, California 92683

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Coventry Heights Senior Apartments is a 62+ community that focuses on independent living rather than hands-on care. Residents get their own one- or two-bedroom apartments, each with a private patio or balcony, air conditioning, and full kitchens—so you can cook your own meals if you want. There’s a small exercise room (though it’s locked on weekends) and a community room where neighbors gather for activities, lunches, and dinners.

Estimated Pricing

$3,200–$11,188 / 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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