Top 9 Highest-Rated Retirement Communities Near Los Angeles
What comes to mind when you think of Los Angeles? Hollywood? Fine dining and shopping on Melrose Avenue? What about retirement? Specifically, retirement communities? If you’re a senior living in or around Los Angeles, you’ve come to the right place. We want to help you find the BEST senior living options. In fact, we’ve already done exactly that! So, without further ado, here are the highest-rated retirement communities near Los Angeles (and all the reasons why they’re the best)!
Our research process:
- Our research starts on Google, where we find the retirement communities with the most reviews and highest ratings. From there, we check out their websites. We try to figure out as much information as possible, including what kind of community they are (solely independent living or a CCRC), whether or not they’re pet-friendly, and what sort of amenities they offer. We also make note of any awards they’ve won.
- Once we’ve examined every website, we head back to Google to read some of those reviews we mentioned. We read all reviews, both positive and negative. For the latter category of review, we try to figure out if the low rating was a one-off bad experience or if multiple people mentioned the same thing. We also check out every community’s rating on other platforms, like Yelp and U.S. News & World Report.
- Last (but certainly not least), we check out their social media profiles! Generally, this includes Facebook and Instagram, though we try to find out if they have a YouTube channel, too! This gives us the best idea of what day-to-day life in every community is like.
Author’s note: While we LOVE doing research and helping seniors, we also strongly encourage all our readers to do their own research and visit each of these communities in person. Remember: testimonials and reviews paint only half of the picture. So, schedule an in-person visit if possible. Once you’re there, take your time and ask yourself some important questions. Does the community seem safe? Is it clean? Is the staff kind and professional? Are they able to answer all your questions, and do they seem happy or reluctant to do so? Do the residents seem happy? If you talked to them, did they mention any complaints? Does the facility offer all the services and amenities that would make your life there comfortable? In the end, if you don’t think a certain retirement community is the right fit for you, don’t be afraid to walk away and look elsewhere! There are too many retirement communities out there to be anything less than one hundred percent happy with your choice!
1. The Palms La Mirada
What it is: An independent living community in La Mirada.
Features we love: At The Palms, every day feels like vacation. This pet-friendly community is based in sunny Southern California, just twenty minutes outside of Los Angeles. They offer a wide range of resort-style amenities and services, including maintenance and weekly housekeeping.
What others are saying: Residents and loved ones say the facility is clean and comfortable, with wonderful accommodations and excellent food.
2. Royal Oaks
What it is: A life plan community in Duarte.
Features we love: Royal Oaks offers cottage, suite, and studio apartment options. Residents can pick from a variety of apartments, including studio and one and two-bedroom options. 24-hour security guarantees that residents can feel safe as well as happy!
What others are saying: U.S. News & World Report voted Royal Oaks the “Best Independent Living” in 2022!
3. Claremont Manor
What it is: A vibrant retirement community in Orange County.
Features we love: Claremont Manor is more than a place to call home. In this eclectic community, residents can join over 20 clubs, enroll in lifelong learning classes, or enjoy musical performances. If you’re interested in a maintenance-free lifestyle, look no further than Claremont. They also take care of transportation and housekeeping.
What others are saying: The folks at Caring.com gave Claremont Manor 4.4 stars, citing the beautiful location and wonderful food service.
Related: Best Small Towns in Southern California for Retirement
Advertisement.4. The Pinnacles at Burton
What it is: A retirement community in the heart of Los Angeles.
Features we love: If an elegant community with luxurious amenities and tastefully decorated apartments piques your interest, then The Pinnacles at Burton might be the perfect one for you! Their dedicated staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Every afternoon, residents are invited to a high tea. To make residents feel even more regal, there’s even covered parking!
What others are saying: Google users gave this facility an oh-so-close to a 5-star rating!
5. Pasadena Highlands
What it is: Independent and assisted living with memory care accommodations in Pasadena.
Features we love: Convenience is the general theme of Pasadena Highlands. Not only is the staff available 24/7, but every private apartment comes with an emergency call system. All utilities and weekly housekeeping are included in the monthly rent fee. You can find a calendar full of activities and events on their website.
What others are saying: This facility holds a 4.6 rating on Caring.com, where users commended the friendly, informative staff and lovely rooms.
6. Ivy Park at Cerritos
What it is: Retirement and assisted living in Cerritos, a little over 30 minutes outside of Los Angeles.
Features we love: In addition to all-day dining, Ivy Park has a full-service salon and on-site maintenance. This pet-friendly community even offers pet care and dog walking!
What others are saying: Caring.com users gave Ivy Park 4.8 stars! Reviewers say the facility is clean, and the rooms are comfortable.
7. Harbor Terrace
What it is: Independent and assisted living in San Pedro.
Features we love: From live entertainment to a comprehensive wellness program, Harbor Terrace has it all! Their coffee shop serves coffee and baked goods 24 hours a day. Every month, they host a group birthday party that includes singing, special entertainment, and cake! To request a tour and a FREE brochure, visit their website today!
What others are saying: Harbor Terrace has been voted “South Bay’s Best Retirement Community” for 11 years running.
Looking for more retirement lifestyle options? Here are the Best Retirement Cities Near Los Angeles!
8. Sparr Heights Estates
What it is: Independent and assisted living with memory care in Montrose.
Features we love: Whether you want to live independently in a great community or need a little more assistance with the day-to-day, this community can help! They have a wide range of activities, from shopping trips to sightseeing. There are even guest services, so friends and family can come and visit anytime!
What others are saying: Yelp users gave Sparr Heights Estates 5 stars. Comments say the location is perfect and convenient, just a few minutes away from downtown Montrose.
9. Brookdale Ocean House
What it is: Independent living with other care options in Santa Monica.
Features we love: Residents can enjoy beachfront living in an elegant community with resort-style amenities. The staff at Brookdale handles the day-to-day chores, so you can enjoy your retirement properly! There’s even an on-site general store and clinic!
What others are saying: Google users say the staff is amazing and accommodating, always willing to go the extra mile to help out residents.
Need More Help With Retirement Communities?
Click here to find senior housing in Los Angeles, California!
Popular Articles About Los Angeles and California
Popular Articles About Retirement Communities, and Top Senior Resources Near Me
Originally published August 26, 2025
Author(s):
