Luxury Senior Living Communities in California
California, known for its picturesque landscapes and opulent lifestyle, is also home to some of the most prestigious [luxury senior living communities](https://seniorsite.org/resource/uncovering-the-best-luxury-senior-living-communities-in-california/) in the nation. These establishments redefine retirement living, offering a blend of comfort, elegance, and unparalleled service that caters to the holistic needs of their residents.
If you are picturing retirement in California with the daily hassles handled for you, the state has no shortage of high-end senior living communities built around exactly that. Most bundle concierge service, dining, wellness programs, fitness centers, and maintenance into a single address, and they cluster heavily in places like Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Los Angeles.
How we compiled this profile: this overview is put together from public sources, including state licensing and inspection records and the community's own published information. It reflects the most recent data available and is not based on a personal visit. Confirm current pricing, availability, and care details with the community before making a decision.
The communities profiled here span the state, from Carlsbad in the south to Palo Alto in the Bay Area, and all of them cover the essentials: housekeeping, laundry, medical care, and a full slate of recreational activities. Three stand out as a good place to start: La Costa Glen in Carlsbad, Vi at Palo Alto, and Stoneridge Creek in Pleasanton.
La Costa Glen Carlsbad, Carlsbad
Overview
La Costa Glen is a continuing care retirement community in Carlsbad that offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care on-site. Residents get a full range of care options as their needs change.
Amenities
La Costa Glen has multiple dining venues, a fitness center, and an aquatic center. The community includes art studios, a woodshop, and health spas. Outdoor options include pickleball and tennis courts, plus walking paths.
Pricing and Availability
Entrance fees start in the $400,000s and reach over $1,000,000 for larger units. The monthly fee covers meals, housekeeping, and entertainment.
Location
La Costa Glen is near Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas and close to shopping, restaurants, and other local services.
Resident Experience
Retirement here comes with support that scales up as a resident's needs change.
Vi at Palo Alto, Palo Alto
Overview
Vi at Palo Alto is a continuing care retirement community in Silicon Valley. It offers independent living with access to assisted living and skilled nursing care if needed.
Amenities
Amenities include a heated indoor pool, therapeutic whirlpool, and a fitness center with personal training and group classes. The community has walking and cycling paths, art studios, and a rose garden.
Pricing and Availability
Vi at Palo Alto uses a Type A CCRC model. Entrance fees and monthly fees vary widely by floor plan and contract. Fees include housing, meals, housekeeping, and transportation. Contact the community for current pricing.
Location
The community is located at 620 Sand Hill Road in Palo Alto. It is near educational institutions and cultural venues.
Resident Experience
Residents have access to educational programs and social events. The staff leans into service, and the social scene stays active.
Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton, Pleasanton
Overview
Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton is a continuing care retirement community that offers independent and assisted living with skilled nursing care available on-site.
Amenities
The community includes a fitness center, swimming pool, multiple dining options, landscaped gardens, a library, and arts and crafts studios.
Pricing and Availability
Stoneridge Creek uses an entrance fee model that guarantees access to all levels of care. The fee structure provides predictability so residents know what to expect financially.
Location
The community is in Pleasanton, near shopping centers, restaurants, parks, and medical facilities. It offers easy access to the greater Bay Area.
Resident Experience
There's a wide range of activities to choose from, set in a welcoming environment.
Vi at La Jolla Village, San Diego
Overview
Vi at La Jolla Village is a continuing care retirement community in San Diego offering independent living with access to assisted living and skilled nursing care on-site.
Amenities
The community offers white-glove services, a fitness center, an aquatic center, landscaped gardens, spa and salon services, art studios, a library, and a theater. Dining ranges from casual to five-course gourmet meals.
Pricing and Availability
Vi at La Jolla Village operates on a Type A CCRC model. Entrance fees vary by floor plan and repayment option, and monthly fees vary accordingly. These fees cover housing, meals, and future care costs. Contact the community for current pricing.
Location
Located at 8515 Costa Verde Boulevard in San Diego, the community is minutes from the Pacific Ocean, educational institutions, and cultural attractions.
Resident Experience
Social events and activities fill out an active-lifestyle setting here.
The Forum at Rancho San Antonio, Cupertino
Overview
The Forum at Rancho San Antonio is a continuing care retirement community in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mercury News readers voted it "Best Retirement Community" and "Best Senior Living Community" in Silicon Valley in both 2023 and 2024.
Amenities
The community includes a swimming pool, bocce court, putting green, woodshop, dog park, library, and cocktail lounge. Dining rivals fine restaurants with private dining rooms available.
Pricing and Availability
The Forum operates under a Life Plan model that provides access to health care at a pre-established rate below typical costs. The community offers an online fee calculator for cost details.
Location
The community is in Cupertino, near cultural events, shopping, and sports in San Francisco and San Jose. The location in the foothills offers scenic views and park access.
Resident Experience
Activities are varied, pets are welcome, and home care services are available.
Conclusion
Five of California's luxury senior living communities stand out here: La Costa Glen, Vi at Palo Alto, Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton, Vi at La Jolla Village, and The Forum at Rancho San Antonio. Each offers distinctive settings and services, with wellness, convenience, and social engagement at the center.
For those considering retirement living, these communities provide different locations and amenities to suit various preferences. The choice depends on what matters most to you: proximity to specific areas, types of activities, or particular care services.
FAQs
What are the top retirement communities for active adults over 55?
Some leading retirement communities for active adults include:
- Tellico Village
- Pelican Preserve
- On Top Of The World
- Solivita
- Stone Creek
- Del Webb Sweetgrass
- Sun City Huntley
- Village at Deaton Creek, a gated Del Webb community in Hoschton, Georgia.
Which continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is considered the best in the United States?
The best CCRC depends on what you prioritize. Different communities excel in different areas, so the choice is personal.
What is recognized as the premier retirement community in the United States?
There is no single "best" retirement community. The right choice depends on your location, budget, and what amenities matter most to you.
Who operates the largest number of senior living facilities?
Brookdale Senior Living operates the largest number of senior living communities in the United States, with hundreds of communities across dozens of states.
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Explore senior living options
Comparing care for yourself or a family member? Browse communities by care type and see what each option typically costs.
- Assisted livingHelp with daily activities, costs, and how to choose a community.
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- Cost of senior livingCompare typical monthly prices by care type and state.