Experts reviewed communities to identify the best independent senior living communities in California. These eight are in the Inland Empire.
PALM DESERT, CA — The U.S. News & World Report’s annual rating of senior care facilities showed five Inland Empire properties ranked in the top 25 in the state of California, according to the study.
This is the third year that U.S. News has compiled a comprehensive guide to identify top-rated senior living communities, including the best independent living, memory care, assisted living, and continuing care retirement communities. What makes an Independent Senior Living Community the best?
Communities identified as “the best” in the state, we narrowed the list to look at ranked Independent Senior Living Communities. These are places for 55 and up residents with no distinct special needs. They can include local transportation, yard work, social activities, group meals, and more. According to the study, these are typically not covered by Medicare.
The top 5 Independent Senior Living Communities in the Inland Empire 2024 were:
- Plymouth Village – 900 Salem Drive, Redlands: Managed by HumanGood
- Bella Villagio – 40-235 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert: Managed by Leisure Care, LLC
- Menifee Lakes– 29914 Antelope Road, Menifee
- Solstice Senior Living at Apple Valley – 20594 Bear Valley Road, Apple Valley: Managed by Solstice Senior Living
- Holiday Golden Oaks– 33398 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa: Managed by Holiday by Atria.
Many of the above communities are considered “Continuing Care Retirement Communities,” or facilities that provide multiple levels of care in one location, allowing residents to stay in the same place as their needs change over time. Several are part of a larger network of management companies.
Many of the top 5 Inland Empire Independent Senior Living Communities also have high-end hospitality and concierge-level personalization and dining experiences, as in the case of Bella Villagio in Palm Desert. Residents of the Leisure Care, LLC property can enjoy amenities from laundry service to transportation. Making life easier for 55 and up, there are pools to an on-property theater, a hair salon, a bistro, a library, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Residents can also travel with Leisure Care, and take part in daily activities and wellness programs. Commenters say the space is “beautiful, clean and comfortable” and that they the social aspects of “dining, exercise and fun activities.”
Sumita Singh, general manager of Health at U.S. News, spoke about the project and what made it different for 2024.
“Best Senior Living reflects U.S. News’ commitment to helping families navigate the important and complex decision of researching and choosing a senior living community through trusted, data-backed community ratings,” Singh said. They recognize “stand out communities as “Best” when they provide exceptional care and satisfaction.
To receive a “Best” rating, individual locations had to earn a specific final weighted score tabulated in the independent methodology developed by the U.S. News health data analytics team.
In California, among the top 380 communities identified in the 2024 ratings, the following management companies managed several of the Golden State’s Best Independent Senior Living Communities:
