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.

Five Points Seniors

4.1

18561 Florida St, California 92648

Independent Living

Five Points Seniors is a spot for older adults who really want to live on their own, without a lot of daily help or supervision. It’s not fancy, but it’s practical. The apartments have kitchenettes and plenty of storage, so your parent can cook for themselves and keep things organized. There’s a library and a few activity rooms, and people mention social activities (though these slowed down during COVID).

Estimated Pricing

$4,149–$6,188 / mth

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Leisure World Seal Beach

4.1

13533 Seal Beach Blvd, California 90740

Independent Living

Leisure World Seal Beach is a large, gated senior community that focuses on independent living for people 55 and older. It's not a typical assisted living facility—think of it more like a small city just for seniors, with its own security, medical services, and a ton of clubs and activities. Medical support is pretty accessible on-site, with resident doctors, X-rays, a lab, physical therapy, and even optometry, which is unusual for independent living.

Estimated Pricing

$4,348–$7,900 / mth

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Morningside of Fullerton

4.1

800 Morningside Dr, California 92835

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Morningside of Fullerton is a large, well-established retirement community that offers both independent and assisted living on a sprawling 33-acre campus. Residents have access to a wide range of amenities—think heated pools, pickleball courts, walking paths, and even a lake with waterfalls. The campus was recently renovated, so the shared spaces feel modern and inviting, including a performance stage and inlaid dance floor for events and gatherings.

Estimated Pricing

$2,902–$6,324 / mth

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Park Plaza

4.1

620 S Glassell St, California 92866

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Park Plaza in Orange stands out for its flexible, resident-driven approach to senior living. Instead of a one-size-fits-all model, they let residents pick and choose the support they want—whether that's full independence or a little extra help with daily routines. The staff here isn't just present; they're actively trained every month through Kisco's Learning Channel, so they're up to speed on best practices and new ideas.

Estimated Pricing

$2,972–$5,330 / mth

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The Palms La Mirada Senior Living

4.1

13001 La Mirada Blvd, California 90638

Independent Living

The Palms La Mirada Senior Living is one of those places locals tend to hear about by word of mouth, and for good reason. Residents here aren’t just tucked away—they’re out and about, joining in on everything from fitness classes to movie nights and group outings to nearby favorites like Porto’s Bakery. The apartments range from studios to two-bedrooms, all pet-friendly, and families mention that the rooms are bright and easy to navigate.

Estimated Pricing

$2,978–$6,756 / mth

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Otilia's Board and Care

4.1

24251 Bark St, California 92630

Memory Care

Independent Living

Otilia's Board and Care is a small, family-run care home that's been around for over three decades, which is rare in this industry. The owner, Otilia Kovak, is still directly involved, and that personal touch seems to come through in the way residents are treated. The home itself is set up more like a real house than an institution—think cozy common spaces, a backyard garden, and only a handful of residents at a time.

Estimated Pricing

$3,500–$11,033 / mth

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The Willows

4.1

23871 Willows Dr, California 92653

Independent Living

Assisted Living

The Willows stands out because it's not just a senior living community—it's specifically for Christian Scientists who want to stay active, connected, and spiritually engaged. Residents here are mostly 55+ and the place is designed to help them keep growing, both personally and spiritually. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, The Willows offers single-level garden villas with patios, so people have their own space and privacy.

Estimated Pricing

$3,508–$6,183 / mth

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Brookdale Brookhurst

4.1

15302 Brookhurst St, California 92683

Memory Care

Independent Living

Brookdale Brookhurst isn’t just another senior community—it’s a place where routines feel familiar, but there’s always something new to try. The staff here, many of whom have been with Brookdale for years, are known for being approachable and genuinely getting to know each resident. You’ll see caregivers helping with everything from medication reminders to organizing a favorite card game, and there’s always someone on-site around the clock for peace of mind.

Estimated Pricing

$3,200–$11,188 / mth

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Delightful Living Too

4.1

24971 Camberwell St, California 92653

Memory Care

Independent Living

Delightful Living Too is a small, home-style senior care residence tucked away in a quiet Laguna Hills neighborhood. With only six residents at a time, it feels more like a family home than a facility. The staff here are known for being attentive—there’s always someone available, day or night, to help with everything from medication reminders to mobility support. Meals are cooked fresh in the kitchen, and the menu can be adjusted for special diets.

Estimated Pricing

$3,508–$10,766 / mth

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

4.1

24632 Artemia Ave, California 92691

Memory Care

Independent Living

Harbor Care Homes: Port Artemia isn’t your typical big-box senior care place. It’s a smaller, home-like setting where residents and staff really get to know each other. Families often mention how quickly their loved ones feel at ease—one daughter said her mom was treated like family from day one, and even saw her health improve after moving in. The owners, Ryan and Scott, are hands-on and responsive, and caregivers like Sophia and Dionne are praised by name for their warmth and attention.

Estimated Pricing

$3,107–$11,429 / mth

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

4.1

25522 Maximus St, California 92691

Memory Care

Independent Living

Harbor Care Homes: Port Maximus feels more like a real home than a facility. It's a five-bedroom house with both private and shared rooms, so residents can pick what suits them and their budget. The place is small enough that staff actually get to know each person—families mention that caretakers are attentive and genuinely caring, not just going through the motions.

Estimated Pricing

$3,107–$11,429 / mth

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Palm Terrace Healthcare & Rehab Center

4.1

24962 Calle Aragon, California 92637

Memory Care

Independent Living

Palm Terrace Healthcare & Rehab Center is a skilled nursing facility that mainly helps older adults who need either short-term rehabilitation after a hospital stay or longer-term nursing care. They have 99 licensed beds and usually have about 89 residents at a time, so it's a fairly busy place. The staff includes nurses and rehab therapists who work with your doctor to set up a care plan—think physical therapy, wound care, help with daily activities, and medication management.

Estimated Pricing

$3,508–$10,766 / mth

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Westminster City Senior Center

4.1

8200 Westminster Blvd., California 92683

Memory Care

Independent Living

Westminster City Senior Center isn’t a typical senior living facility—it’s more like the community’s living room for older adults. Instead of offering residential care or medical services, this place is all about keeping seniors active, connected, and learning. You’ll find a packed calendar of classes, from fitness and yoga to tech help sessions where someone will patiently walk you through your phone or tablet, one-on-one.

Estimated Pricing

$3,200–$11,188 / mth

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Whittier Glen Assisted Living

4.1

10615 Jordan Rd, California 90603

Memory Care

Independent Living

Whittier Glen Assisted Living is a mid-sized senior care community with space for about 93 residents. They offer help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders, but still encourage folks to stay as independent as possible. There’s an on-call nurse and medical staff available 24/7 for emergencies, which gives some peace of mind if your parent has health issues.

Estimated Pricing

$3,135–$11,208 / 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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