10 Best Independent Living Communities in Los Angeles, CA
A resort-style, maintenance-free retirement awaits seniors looking for independent living communities in Los Angeles, California. Independent living facilities are senior-only communities that are similar to senior apartments but with more convenient services. They don’t typically offer care services, but some communities have connections with third-party care services. Many Los Angeles independent living communities exist on the same campus as assisted living and memory care communities, which can provide access to care services should you need them later.
This all-inclusive guide to Los Angeles independent living has detailed information on 31 of A Place for Mom’s in-network communities, all within a 10-mile radius of the Los Angeles city center. This guide walks you through Los Angeles independent living costs, ways that seniors pay for independent living, local senior-specific resources, California laws and regulations, and what to expect from your Los Angeles retirement.
Los Angeles Independent Living Facilities | 1593 Reviews
I can’t say enough great things about the staff at Sunrise Beverly Hills. It’s very clear to me and my mom that this is more than a job to them. They go above and beyond to assist her with any of her needs....
Nikkei Senior Gardens is an absolutely lovely facility! My mother is so happy to be staying at such a nice, peaceful place where the entire staff is very friendly, enthusiastic and always eager to help. As a...
I'm a fairly new resident at the Gardens and the transition was very smooth. [name removed], the marketing Director was magnificent, he made the impossible possible and it was very thorough. The community...
I moved my mother to Atria Tarzana two years ago after my father passed. We are both very happy with the services provided here. They offer transportation 7 days a week along with valet parking. The...
We are so thankful that we chose Solheim for our mother. The care and compassion they provide is amazing not only to mom, but the families too. Knowing that mom is being cared for as if she was a family...
I am so glad that I found my new home here at Atria Park Pacific Palisades. Everything I have to say about Atria is positive, from the quality of the food to the quality of the staff. All of the residents...
It is clean and most of the staff are warm and friendly. They are short staffed and do not have enough people and time to care for someone with significant needs. We have had to bring in private care. Also,...
i’ve been here for 4 months and what I can tell you is that there are two things I enjoy here. One of them is going down to dinner time when I get time to sati down , have wonderful conversations with some...
I needed to find an assisted living community for my step-father that would allow for increased care as needed. I visited about ten area assisted living communities with a similar price range in the San...
The people at The Lighthouse were caring and they really did try to make the community feel like a home environment. The staff members looked out for each other and for all of the residents, they really did...
Our free advisors can help
- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
Our mom had dementia issues when she started but the social network and regular healthy meals helped to improve her mental health. Regular exercises also helped. Being able to speak Japanese helped with...
More training in the quality of care area would be helpful, I think the facility may be understaffed also. However, overall I think Ivy Park at Studio City is a very good place for loved ones.
It is a very nice place and that I would not mind staying there myself when the time comes. They have everything from independent living to full assisted care.Very well run. Staff did not appear to be...
What we like most about the Belmont Village Hollywood Hills community is the attentiveness and friendliness of the staff, the volume and quality of the activities, the cleanliness, the food. If I had to ...
We adored the residence because it is a fantastic facility for seniors. A lot of entertaining activities and a lovely atmosphere. The office and staff are supportive and helpful because the management is...
The Grandview community has fit our brothers needs to a T, it has been such a great experience. We would recommend this community to other families as long as it fit their loved ones needs and wishes.
Clean, secure and friendly memory care facility. Staff seemed to genuinely care for residents and tried to develop lasting relationships with them. Staff were always available to answer questions and...
My loved one really likes the food. We picked this community, because it seemed to be the cleanest,brightest, and newest facility. I also like the amentiies that are offered, and the food options. They give...
My friend went ahead and took a room at Vintage Westwood and she's been there about two months or so now. The care has been slightly problematic but I think that's just due to one individual. There are a lot...
It's a very nice place, Bentley Manor by Serenity Care Health. When I went to see a friend I'd met years earlier, I became aware of it. I was impressed by how well-kept it is and how welcoming the staff is....
I am writing this review for my Cousin who has been at Studio Royale about 4 1/2 years now. My Cousin had been in intensive care at Cedars for about two weeks and when she was ready to be discharged, she...
I like mostly everyone here especially the staff are wonderful. Staff are so caring. It would have been perfect except my roommate.
For the overall experience, it has been a bit frustrating that my mom can't have over the counter meds in her place because she opted for them to disperse her prescribed medications. However what we like...
Likes: Friendliness, activities, cleanliness and overall concern for residents. Least like: food (it's better - but not quite there yet) What stood out for us about Ararat Gardens over other places was their...
I am currently a resident at Ivy Park at Burbank and things have been mostly great for me here, so far. I don't know much about the assisted living part of Ivy Park since I am an independent living resident....
- What families are saying about independent living in Los Angeles
- Costs of independent living in the Los Angeles area
- How people pay for independent living in Los Angeles
- Understand California laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Get to know independent living in Los Angeles
- Types of independent living in Los Angeles
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Los Angeles? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about independent living in Los Angeles
Recent reviews for independent living in Los Angeles
Bay Towers at Bixby Knolls in Long Beach, CA
Foothill Retirement in Tujunga, CA
Savant of West Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA
Costs of independent living in the Los Angeles area
The average cost that seniors paid for A Place for Mom’s partner Los Angeles independent living facilities between 2022 and 2023 was $5,545 per month, according to our proprietary data. This cost includes room and board in addition to any extra fees and add-ons, like pet rent and upgraded amenities.
Independent living cost breakdown
Independent living costs vary depending on location, floor plan, and included luxuries. The features below may be included in your baseline independent living monthly costs:
- Rent
- Some or all utilities
- Meals, depending on the community
- Activity calendar
- Common areas like swimming pools, beauty salons, and dog parks
- Maintenance and landscaping
- Concierge services
Though communities vary on what they include in their baseline, typical add-on fees might include the following:
- Pet rent
- Housekeeping
- Transportation
- Upgraded in-unit amenities like stainless steel appliances
- Beautician services
The numbers below can help you compare baseline costs for Los Angeles area independent living communities. Baseline costs do not include care costs or add-on fees, like our proprietary figure above.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Los Angeles, CA vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Los Angeles, CA vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Los Angeles vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Los Angeles, CA by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Los Angeles over time
How people pay for independent living in Los Angeles
Most people combine their income sources to cover their independent living costs, e.g., personal income sources with options such as veterans benefits. Because independent living communities don’t provide care services, this type of senior living isn’t covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare, or long-term care insurance. However, health care insurance may help you pay for your medically necessary home health care services if you ever grow to need such.
Browse the sections below to learn about your options, including private pay, veterans benefits, Medi-Cal, and Medicare.
Your personal sources of income may include savings accounts, investment returns, pensions, Social Security benefits, and any of the sources explained below. Some of these options can be combined to cover your independent living costs.
Veterans in Los Angeles age 65 and older have several programs and benefits available to them. California’s veteran services program, called CalVet, helps qualifying senior veterans and their surviving spouses enroll in a Veterans Benefit Enhancement Program (VBE). This program helps seniors transition from Medi-Cal to VA health care. Transitioning to VA health care allows seniors with disabilities to access more VA assistance benefits.
Veterans benefits
Veterans benefits can provide funds to cover a senior veteran or their surviving spouse’s costs of living, like rent at an independent living community.
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit, for example, provides eligible senior veterans or their surviving spouses monthly payments that can pay for independent living. Among other factors, the Aid and Attendance benefit requires the senior to either already live in a nursing home or have a family caregiver in their home, such as their spouse.
Seek advice before applying
Keep in mind that applying for these benefits is a long and difficult process, so seniors should seek out these local veteran advocates to help them along in the application process:
- Contact the Los Angeles VA Regional Benefit Office for assistance with your benefit applications.
- Reach out to the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles — Veterans Justice Center for full-scope, free legal advocacy in attaining VA benefits.
- Join the Los Angeles chapter of Disabled American Veterans (or DAV) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (or VFW) for VA benefit advocacy.
- The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles and the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program can provide assistance with veteran housing resources.
Approximate number of veterans who live in Los Angeles
Approximate percentage of Los Angeles veterans who are over the age of 65
Resources for Los Angeles veterans
Los Angeles County Military and Veterans Affairs (MVA)
1816 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Phone: 877-452-8387
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Los Angeles County Veterans Service Officers
1816 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Phone: 213-744-4825
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterans Affairs (VA) Los Angeles Regional Office
1100 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (or VFW) — 8310 U.S.S. Gudgeon Post
1006 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91506
Phone: 818-842-1739
Meets every first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans (or DAV) — Los Angeles Chapter 5
11310 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: 661-466-7811
Meets every third Thursday of the month at 12 p.m.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles — Veterans Justice Center
1550 W. Eighth St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: 800-399-4529
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Here, you’ll find detailed information on Medi-Cal, Medicare, and how these payment options may help with independent living costs. Continue reading to learn if these benefit options apply to your senior living situation.
Medi-Cal
California’s Medicaid program is called Medi-Cal. It serves people of low-income status by paying for health care services, such as medical appointments, rehabilitation, and hospital stays. Medi-Cal doesn’t cover rent in independent living communities. However, if a senior with Medi-Cal requires medically necessary in-home care services, they can apply for California’s In-Home Support Services program. This program may cover some of the costs of care in the senior’s own home if they meet certain requirements.
You can apply for Medi-Cal through the county or through Covered California. Covered California is the health care portal specifically for California residents that provides Medi-Cal as well as low-cost, full coverage health care plans. The Covered California application and the Medi-Cal application are the same, so when you apply through their web portal, you will learn if you qualify for Medi-Cal. This easy-to-use web portal helps low-income residents gain access to full essential health care benefits on top of their qualifying Medi-Cal benefits.
L.A. Care Medi-Cal and the Medi-Cal Rx Customer Service Center are additional resources for the Medi-Cal application assistance. You can also access the county’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the Los Angeles Aging and Disability Resource Connection for further assistance with Medi-Cal benefits. Or, learn more about senior health programs through the California Department of Public Health and the state’s My Medi-Cal guide.
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors at least 65 years old. This program can be used to pay for your medical expenses, but it doesn’t pay for your room and board in an independent senior living community. Read about each part of Medicare below to learn what’s covered:
- Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, hospice care, and some home health care.
- Medicare Part B covers preventive services, medical supplies, outpatient care, and some doctors’ appointments.
- Medicare Part D covers certain vaccines and prescription medications.[03]
If your senior loved one is enrolled in Medicare, consider checking if they’re eligible for any Medicare Savings Programs, as these may cover part of the senior’s Medicare premium. California has four different Medicare Savings Programs that cover either individual Medicare parts or a combination of several.
Seniors enrolled in Medicare that meet low-income requirements can apply for Medicare Savings Programs online. It’s a good idea to look for assistance with the application process to ensure you are applying for and receiving all your eligible benefits. The city’s Social Security Administration office is a good place to start when seeking assistance with Medicare. A Long-Term Care Ombudsman can also help you with Medicare benefits, in addition to the local Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP). Or, dial 2-1-1 for a guide to local senior services.
Los Angeles resident Medi-Cal and Medicare resources
L.A. Care — Apply for Medi-Cal and get assistance with your application
Phone: 888-663-8289
Hours: 24/7, including holidays
Los Angeles County Long-Term Care Ombudsman
1527 Fourth St., 2nd Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: 800-334-9473
Los Angeles Aging & Disability Resource Connection221 N. Figueroa St., Suite 500
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-482-7252
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Fridays 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Medi-Cal Rx Customer Service Center
Phone: 800-977-2273
Hours: 24/7, including holidays
Apply through Covered California.
2631 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Phone: 800-650-0922
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Apply through Los Angeles County.
Phone: 310-258-7400
Los Angeles Social Security Administration Office
661 W. Sixth St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: 213-251-7005
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Los Angeles County Long-Term Care Ombudsman
1527 Fourth St., 2nd Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: 800-334-9473
Medicare Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
520 S. La Fayette Park Place, Suite 214
Los Angeles, CA 90057
Phone: 213-383-0780
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 2-1-1
Understand California laws and regulations for independent living communities
Independent living communities are essentially senior apartments with more amenities and services, so they don’t need to be licensed as a senior care community. The exception is if an independent living community shares a campus with other senior care facilities, such as assisted living and memory care.
In California, if your independent living community shares the same campus with a senior care facility, it must have a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) license through the California Department of Social Services, also known as the CDSS. With this license, the senior care facility must comply with the following regulations:
- It must house a maximum of two residents per bedroom.
- It must provide individual privacy in each bathroom.
- It must ensure bedrooms have enough room to accommodate equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers.
- It must provide clean and accessible common rooms for residents.
- It must provide activities involving social, leisure, and daily living skills.[04]
If you would like to learn more about assisted living regulations and the Residential Care Facility license in California, visit the Regulations section of our Los Angeles assisted living page.
Independent living residents and their rights
The owners of independent living communities must provide their renters with safe and well-maintained housing, just as they would for seniors renting a house or apartment. The following are some examples of the regulations you can expect at a stand-alone independent living community rental in California:
- Senior independent living communities typically have a minimum age requirement of 62 years.[05]
- Tenants have a right to basic services, such as maintenance, landscaping, and fully functioning utilities, when they rent a unit in these communities.
- It’s illegal for a landlord to refuse to rent to someone due to a disability.
- Seniors with disabilities have protections under the law when renting.[06]
Accommodations and modifications for seniors with disabilities
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landlords must consent to reasonable accommodations and modifications for persons with disabilities. Landlords must pay for accommodations and certain structural modifications of common areas, while the renter should pay for certain structural modifications to their individual unit.[08]
Accommodations involve changes to community procedures that might restrict disabled individuals from access if not changed. Some examples of accommodations include the following:
- Offering designated parking spaces close to the building
- Allowing residents to have a service animal even if a no-pet policy is in place
- Changing the due date of rent to accommodate a tenant’s disability payments
Modifications involve changes to the structure of the building, common areas, or individual units. Here are some examples of such modifications:
- Installing easy-to-reach appliances
- Installing grab bars in bathrooms
- Putting a ramp at the building’s entrance
The following are some other protections granted to renters under the Americans with Disabilities Act (or ADA):
- Independent living communities must make modifications and accommodations to enable seniors with disabilities to participate in all activities and programs.
- Buildings must be accessible with elements such as curb ramps, restrooms that accommodate wheelchairs, and doors that accommodate wheelchairs.
- If a community has an elevator, it must be designed or modified to fit a wheelchair and placed in a spot that’s commonly accessed by residents.[06]
Inspection reports
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) inspects Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RFCE) annually and within 10 days of receiving a complaint.[06] While the inspections won’t apply to the independent living area of the RCFE, they will apply to the areas that are licensed as assisted living communities.
Assisted living communities that are licensed as a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly have public inspection reports in the CDSS Care Facility Search. To use this search, scroll down to “Search By Facility Group,” select “Elderly Assisted Living,” select the “Facility Type” and “Los Angeles County,” and then click on the search button. You can also search by facility name or address.
California Department of Health contact information
California Department of Public Health
1616 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
Phone: 916-558-1784
COVID-19 regulations for Los Angeles independent living communities
Los Angeles asks residents to stay up to date with vaccines, to get tested if symptoms are suspected, and to wear a mask in public. Read Los Angeles County Public Health’s current COVID-19 guidelines for frequently updated information.
Stand-alone independent living communities may have their own COVID-19 guidelines in place, so contact your prospective community directly if you want to learn more. If you’d like to learn about the guidelines for the assisted living wings in a shared independent living community you’re considering, check out the Regulations section of the Los Angeles assisted living page.
Get to know independent living in Los Angeles
Types of independent living in Los Angeles
You have many wonderful options for your Los Angeles retirement. A Place for Mom’s network of Los Angeles independent living partners range from stand-alone communities to those with a full scope of personal care services. With A Place for Mom, you’ll easily find local communities with unique offerings — like boutique hotel living with plenty of tailored, resort-style amenities, services, and dining options. For example, some communities are completely Kosher-certified.
Stand-alone independent living complexes
Los Angeles stand-alone independent living communities are similar to senior apartments regarding the layout, the freedom to come and go as you please, and the senior-specific amenities. These exclusive senior living communities typically don’t provide personal care services directly, though they may offer on-site access to third-party home care agencies. Among our partner independent living communities in Los Angeles, three of them are stand-alone — for truly independent seniors without current need for personal home care services.
Independent living with senior care options
Choosing a community with tiered care options means you’ll have access to senior care services without having to move to a new community when your needs change. You may only need to move to a different wing on the same campus to receive care services. In A Place for Mom’s Los Angeles network, there are 28 independent living communities that also offer assisted living and memory care services on the same campus.
Communities with character
After budgeting for retirement in this expensive city, you can be as specific as you want when choosing your ideal independent living community. Regarding the physical layout, our in-network offerings look similar to senior apartment communities. You can choose ground- or upper-level apartment-style rooms that range from studio to one-bedroom floor plans.
Los Angeles is home to independent living facilities that rise above the senior living stereotype. You can find communities for all walks of life, interests, and even denominations. For instance, Los Angeles has several Jewish independent living communities, with Kosher-certified kitchens, cuisine, and religious services.
There are also communities located in historic districts and some that offer boutique hotel-like senior living. Or, you can opt for a laid-back apartment style setting. You can choose from communities in desirable, upscale neighborhoods, like Beverly Hills and the heart of Los Angeles, for a more prestigious, resort-style experience. And for budget-friendly options, you can choose from communities in more affordable neighborhoods, like Santa Monica and Glendale. Wherever you choose to settle, never-ending beaches, vistas, and breathtaking West Coast sunsets are never far away.
Resort-style amenities
Seniors can enjoy an abundance of senior-specific amenities in Los Angeles independent living communities. These communities lend themselves to building new relationships, staying active, and enjoying a maintenance-free retirement among peers. Pet friends are also invited to join your retirement, as 90% of A Place for Mom’s in-network Los Angeles independent living communities are pet-friendly.
Full-service beauty salons, barber shops, pools, gyms, and spas are among the most common features in Los Angeles independent living communities. Relax after taking a dip in heated outdoor swimming pools, or break a sweat in the professionally supervised fitness center. Some communities even offer manicures, private massages, and facials as part of their spa and salon experiences. Beloved pups are also welcome to enjoy a pampered lifestyle with features like dog wash stations.
Your future independent living community grounds have much to offer. Enjoy a gourmet meal on a covered restaurant-style patio, get cozy by the outdoor fireplace, or stroll along paved walking paths through the landscaped courtyards. When it’s time to explore off campus, access the community’s own transportation options, which might even include a personal limousine service. This is Los Angeles after all.
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Los Angeles? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Los Angeles
Percentage of seniors 65 and older currently living in Los Angeles
Average high temperature (Fahrenheit) in August, the warmest month in Los Angeles
Health care for seniors in Los Angeles
Seniors in Los Angeles are near a number of nationally ranked hospitals and medical centers. Several of these centers also have specific programs for seniors or are nationally ranked in geriatric care.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is a teaching hospital that provides general medical and surgical care. They’re rated as the No. 1 hospital in Los Angeles, and they’re nationally ranked for cardiology, orthopedics, and pulmonology. They also have a geriatrics program that provides individual care plans and free classes for seniors.
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center is the No. 2 hospital in Los Angeles. It’s a teaching hospital that provides general medical and surgical care. They’re nationally ranked for cancer care, diabetes care, and geriatrics.
Keck Medical Center of USC
Keck Medical Center of USC is the No. 3 hospital in Los Angeles. It’s a teaching hospital with both a medical surgical intensive care unit and a cardiac intensive care unit. They’re nationally ranked for cancer surgeries, cardiology, and geriatrics.
Transportation for seniors in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, 90% of A Place for Mom’s partner independent living facilities offer either at-cost or complimentary transportation services. These transportation services provide a secure and convenient way for you to run errands and get around the city without having to drive. Driving in Los Angeles is notoriously stressful due to the heavy traffic at all hours, so these services are especially valued.
And on days when driving isn’t necessary, you can easily access bike-friendly routes and walkable areas in Los Angeles from our partner communities. You can also access Los Angeles’ popular public transportation hubs, some with senior-specific services. Both Union Station Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Metro are popular public transportation hubs, and many of their options have senior discounts. Browse the following transportation options offered at each of these locations:
- There are over 165 Metro bus routes available.
- Los Angeles has seven rail lines, each with a connection to one of the bus stops.
- Metro bikes are available to rent in intervals ranging from one ride to one year.
- The Metro micro is Los Angeles’ on-demand rideshare option, serving many of the city’s subdivisions as well.
- Union Station West has a designated taxi pick-up and drop-off location.
- The Dodger Stadium Express is a bus available at Union Station for passengers attending home games.
Los Angeles also has senior-specific transportation options:
- Seniors with disabilities may be eligible for Access, the Metro’s rideshare paratransit service.
- CityRide is designed for seniors over the age of 65 and people with disabilities. It offers discounted rates and curbside service.
- Transport Seniors LA provides wheelchair-accessible transportation for seniors who need to travel to and from medical appointments, errands, and more.
The figures below represent the ease of Los Angeles’ transportation methods, according to WalkScore. Scores range from zero to 100, with higher numbers indicating a more accessible method of transportation.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Los Angeles
Make each day of your Los Angeles retirement full of purpose. This city has something for all retirees. Be inspired every day with an abundance of world-class art and history museums, as well as a full scope of outdoor activities, entertainment, and sporting events. Find your new favorite relaxing beach, go on an exciting coastline adventure, or enjoy a laid-back lifestyle among senior centers and the locals’ favorite restaurants. Dining is as world-class as it is culturally dynamic in Los Angeles.
No matter your interests, you can find your niche in the global capital that is Los Angeles. Read on for more details and highlights of the area.
Art and history museums
Los Angeles has many wheelchair-accessible museums that also offer accessibility guides. Art displays, interactive science exhibits, and significantly historic artifacts can be found right in town.
- The Getty is a world-renowned art museum with two campuses. The Getty Center houses European art, while The Getty Villa Museum hosts ancient Roman and Greek art.
- The LA County Museum of Art (or LACMA) is another local gem with unique art exhibits and events.
- Seniors also enjoy The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which features galleries on the history of cinema. The museum also hosts after-hours movie screenings in their very own theaters.
- Hands-on experiences for seniors and their visitors alike can be found in the California Science Center, and admission is free.
- The Griffith Observatory is another free admission option, offering family-friendly stargazing opportunities you’ll treasure.
Outdoor activities
If you’re looking to fulfill an active lifestyle, Los Angeles has many hiking trails, parks, and stunning scenery to choose from:
- Runyon Canyon is a popular local favorite hiking spot.
- Hike in the Hollywood Hills where you can even reach the famed Hollywood Sign.
- Choose among dozens of trails in the Santa Monica Mountains.
- The Angeles National Forest has hiking trails and bike paths.
- Reflect in the serene and enchanting Sorrier Stearns Japanese Gardens, full of historical and cultural touches.
- Lounge in the ocean breeze at Santa Monica Beach.
- Exposition Park has a recreation center and 160 acres of gardens and museums.
- Explore the coastal woodlands of Griffith Park, with oak- and maple-lined hiking trails, stunning canyons, and exciting wildlife.
Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers, Dodgers, and Rams are the city’s most popular sports teams. Spend a day at a baseball game in Dodger Stadium, watch the Lakers play in the Crypto.com Arena, or cheer on the Rams in SoFi Stadium.
Golf enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the well-known PGA Tour is hosted locally. Just a 25 minute drive from downtown in LA’s coastal Pacific Palisades neighborhood, you can catch the Southern California stop of this popular world tour.
Laid-back city enjoyment
Live like an Angeleno and explore these relaxing, day-to-day options:
- Seniors can find almost any cuisine in Los Angeles’ popular restaurants, from five-star dining to famed street food. World cuisine is easily found as well, like Ethiopian, Italian, Japanese, Jewish, and Palestinian.
- The Los Angeles Public Library has dozens of branches throughout the county, and you can visit several museums for free when you sign up for a library card.
- The Huntington has a research library and calming botanical gardens.
- Seniors in Los Angeles also have 29 senior centers to choose from in varying Los Angeles neighborhoods. Each center offers a range of senior-specific activities, from exercise and fitness classes to performing arts events and interest groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunrise at Sterling Canyon, Sunrise of Beverly Hills and Pacifica Senior Living Northridge are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Los Angeles, CA. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Los Angeles is $4,641 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Sex by age by veteran status for the civilian population 18 years and over (B21001) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. What’s Medicare? Medicare.gov.
State of California Health and Human Services Agency. Department of Social Services. (2008). Manual of Policies and Procedures Community Care Licensing Division: Residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFE), Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8.
Intergenerational Housing for Senior Citizens, California Civil Code § 51.3.5 (1988 & rev. 2017).
California Department of Justice. (2003, November). Legal rights of persons with disabilities, 4th edition.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. (2022, November 10). Guidance for community care facilities.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Weather Spark. (2022). Average weather in Los Angeles.
U.S. World and News Report. (2022). Best hospitals in Los Angeles, California.
Walkscore. (2022). Living in Los Angeles.
More questions?
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
- Glendale, California
- San Gabriel, California
- Pasadena, California
- Torrance, California
- Simi Valley, California
- Santa Monica, California
- San Fernando, California
- Alhambra, California
- Redondo Beach, California
- Manhattan Beach, California
- Beverly Hills, California
- Burbank, California
- La Cañada Flintridge, California
- Whittier, California
- Arcadia, California
- Malibu, California
- Sierra Madre, California
- Westlake Village, California
- Downey, California
- Calabasas, California