Many click-bait lists about seniors living in Los Angeles are generated by people who know nothing about the city. Their lists are compiled from internet listings by people living in Arizona, Illinois or Tennessee, many of whom may have never set foot in LA.  The list below of the nine best independent living facilities in the LA area is written by the team at Assisted Living Locators Los Angeles, local experts who live in the city and are in and out of these buildings every day. We’ve got the in-depth, under-the-hood, real knowledge you seek. 

We’re sharing our latest list of some top independent living communities in LA. But don’t rely on this list alone! Los Angeles offers many options, from the San Fernando Valley, down to the South Bay and everywhere in between. When you call us, our local team will help you evaluate them all – sharing pricing, amenities, clientele, strengths and weaknesses – to ensure you’re making the right choice for your family. We’ll make sure you’re pointed in the right direction, all free of charge to you. You don’t have to navigate this important decision alone.

First, What Exactly is Independent Living in Los Angeles?

Independent living senior communities are housing designed for seniors 60 and older who want the amenities of a full senior living facility but do not have care needs. Individuals live in their own apartments and get housekeeping, social activities, dining, transportation, and more. The only thing that differentiates an independent living resident from one considered assisted living is that they do not require any care.

Most independent living communities in the Los Angeles area also are assisted living facilities, sometimes with separate living areas but frequently mixed. Having an RCFE assisted living license allows a senior living community to provide basic care to residents who may be largely independent, but may require minimal assistance like medication management or standby shower assistance – two of the most common early needs. In this way, a person does not need to move as they age if they require additional oversight.

Unlike in other parts of the country or the CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) model, there are very few communities in the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan area that are true “independent living.” Almost all of them, at least the really good ones, are a hybrid, offering both independent living and assisted living. It really is a matter of the type of clientele they are marketing to. 

Independent Living Communities are Different from 55+ Communities

Independent living communities cater to older adults who want to rid themselves of the day-to-day routine of keeping up a house, offering dining, housekeeping, and social activities in support of a hassle-free lifestyle. In contrast, 55+ communities are age-restricted neighborhoods designed for adults aged 55 and older, focusing on leisure activities with amenities like golf courses, fitness centers, and hobby clubs, but without necessarily providing any home-making services. You use a company like ours if you are looking for independent living. A regular realtor can help you find a 55+ community.

Here it is. Our List of the 9 Best in Los Angeles:

San Fernando Valley

The Variel of Woodland Hills– $$$
6233 Variel Ave
Woodland Hills, CA 91367

The Variel in Woodland Hills is LA’s newest and most sophisticated independent, assisted living and memory care community. The one and two-bedroom independent apartments are equipped with full kitchens and washer/dryers. The community offers an array of amenities including a full-size indoor pool, spa and gym, a sit-down dining room, a Starbucks-style cafe, tavern and smoothie bar. Abundant outdoor space and convenient location close to Warner Center shopping make this a serious new contender for LA senior living.

The Village at Northridge – $$$
9222 Corbin Ave,
Northridge, CA 91324, United States

A beautiful property catering to largely independent clientele, The Village at Northridge boasts gracious outdoor and common spaces, a premium in LA senior living. An all-day dining menu includes a wide range of delicious choices including healthy casual options. The Village at Northridge offers studio, one and two-bedroom units, many with full kitchens and washers/dryers. If you are seeking resort-style living in the San Fernando Valley, this community’s full-sized swimming pool, pet-friendly residences, on-site day spa, bistro and internet cafe may be just the ticket.

The Village at Sherman Oaks – $$$
5450 Vesper Ave
Sherman Oaks, CA 91411

Resort-style living is on offer at The Village at Sherman Oaks, one of the Valley’s most upscale residences. What makes The Village at Sherman Oaks unique is the independent living wing where active residents who no longer want to bother with cooking and cleaning can enjoy chore-free days at an exercise class or in the on-site movie theater. The Village is one of the few communities in Los Angeles that offers two-bedroom apartments and a swimming pool. In addition, they have a great exercise room, lively outing schedule, gardening shed, and putting green. An all-day dining menu includes a large and interesting variety of healthy restaurant-style dining options.

Westside Los Angeles

Westmont – Culver City – $$$
11141 Washington Blvd,
Culver City, CA 90232

Westmont Culver City is a brand-new community right in the heart of Culver City providing independent living, assisted living and memory care options. Catering to a more independent clientele who want the convenience of community living without the hassle of home ownership, Westmont is a serious new contender for those seeking an independent living space on the Westside. This senior living community offers studio, one and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and washers/dryers. All-day dining and an array of activities combined with competitive prices make this an attractive, much-needed option for the Westside of LA.

The Watermark at Westwood Village – $$$$
947 Tiverton Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90024

The Watermark at Westwood Village is an elegant independent and assisted living property just steps from Westwood Village and UCLA. The apartments offer floor-to-ceiling windows, some with spectacular views from the hills to the ocean, others with views of Westwood Village. The property boasts an architecturally stunning dining venue, a fitness and wellness center, a salon, dog park, and a large, inviting outdoor courtyard complete with a fireplace. Independent living and assisted living apartments have numerous floor plans to choose from for their one and two-bedroom units. This luxury community is best suited to residents who want to live in a walkable environment, enjoying the entertainment venues, shops and restaurants that Westwood offers. Every apartment comes with a stovetop and washer/dryer.

Belmont Village Senior Living – Westwood – $$$$
10475 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90024

Belmont Village in Westwood is the premier luxury independent living, assisted living and memory care community in Los Angeles. On the Wilshire Corridor steps from Westwood Village, UCLA and the UCLA Medical Center, the accomplished clientele who inhabit Belmont are an active bunch. You’ll find them enjoying the community’s cafe, movie theater, comfortable outdoor patio or gourmet dining room. Belmont is affiliated with UCLA and brings in professors regularly to lecture on a broad range of topics from current affairs to art history. Latest hit movie screenings and talks from the hottest directors and writers can often be found since many of the families are associated with the entertainment industry. Studio, one and two-bedroom apartments are available with a full range of care services, including 24/7 nursing staff. The go-to location for LA’s most discerning seniors.

Eastside Los Angeles

Kingsley Manor – $$
1055 N Kingsley Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90029

In a nondescript neighborhood is one of the gems of Los Angeles. Behind the entrance to Kingsley Manor you’ll find a large four-acre historical campus with graceful gardens, and multiple buildings catering to independent and assisted living residents. We particularly like Kingsley for independent residents who are looking to make new friends and no longer want the hassle of cooking, cleaning and day-to-day home maintenance. Catering to a diverse population of ages, ethnicities, country of origin, and sexual orientation, Kingsley is probably the most eclectic community in LA and their resident-initiated activities show it. Kingsley Manor has dozens of different floor plans ranging from semi-private studios to two-bedroom units. One of the few non-profit senior care communities in Los Angeles, their pricing is among the best deals in the city.

Hollenbeck Palms – Arts District, Los Angeles – $$$
573 South Boyle Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90033

Serving the Greater Los Angeles area for more than 130 years, Hollenbeck Palms is an eight-acre campus offering a variety of living options to meet every need. Residents can live there month to month or they can pay an “entry fee” and buy down the monthly cost. On-site RN means medical issues such as diabetes mgmt and blood level monitoring are available, Amenities include kitchens in many units, both a grand dining room and casual cafe, 9-hole putting green, shuffleboard and a sports lounge. 

Ararat Gardens – Glendale – $$
1230 E Windsor Rd,
Glendale, CA 91205

On 4 ½ acres, Ararat Gardens in Glendale is a great retirement community for older adults who are looking for care-free independent living with a little bit of support. A continuing care retirement community (CCRC), Ararat Gardens offers 73 independent apartments, 28 assisted living units and 23 skilled nursing beds on its campus. Beautiful and abundant outdoor space in a quiet, residential neighborhood combined with airy apartments and competitive pricing makes this a very attractive alternative for those considering independent living in the LA area. Residents run the on-site convenience store and a very well-stocked library of resident-donated books.

About Assisted Living Locators

Since 2003, thousands of families have been helped by Assisted Living Locators, one of the nation’s leading free senior living placement services. The Los Angeles office is operated by Sarah Ordover, owner of Assisted Living Locators Los Angeles. Her team services clients from Glendale and Burbank to Santa Monica, including West Hollywood, Century City, Westwood, and everything in between. The office also represents clients looking for senior living south of Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley in neighborhoods such as Sherman Oaks, Encino, and Studio City. The Los Angeles office can be reached at www.assistedlivinglocatorsla.com or by calling 310-853-8282.