10 Best Independent Living Communities in Long Beach, CA
If you or a loved one is looking to retire on the West Coast, you can’t go wrong with Long Beach, California. Long Beach may be known for its sunny beaches and bustling port, but what many people don’t know is that the area started off as a ranching community. That history is kept alive by one of the city’s highlight attractions: Rancho Los Cerritos. Besides its rich history, the city also boasts a thriving arts scene.
As one might expect, independent living communities in the city offer seniors the opportunity to maintain their independence in age-friendly environments. A Place for Mom partners with 10 communities within a 10-mile radius of the city center. Not only do these partners provide seniors with opportunities to socialize, but they also boast several amenities. On-site fitness centers, libraries, beauty salons, and even swimming pools are just a few of the perks you’ll find.
Are you considering moving to an independent living community? We know how big of a decision that can be. To help, we put together this guide on Long Beach’s independent living communities. Here, you’ll find information on costs, potential payment options, local and state regulations, transportation methods, health care facilities, and more.
Long Beach Independent Living Facilities | 1034 Reviews
I like the community of Palmcrest it is beautiful. I like that you can get everything out of the community. I can talk to the staff and not be shy they are understanding.
My mom moved to Bay Towers in August 2024. She has adjusted well to her apartment in the Independent Living building. The staff are wonderful and friendly and the food is delicious. She calls Bay Towers her...
I would rate each category with 5. This is a very beautiful and well kept facility. All the staff were nice, helpful and very professional. I was very pleased with the quality of care my loved one received...
My loved one was previously a resident at Regent Villa Retirement Home and the overall experience was good. I would recommend Regent Villa Retirement Home to others. However, The water heater and the air...
I've been here for two years. It's perfect for me. Nicest people on the staff. They are helpful, kind, and care about all of us residents. Love my room food is good, activities are geared for elderly if I'm...
It's a very welcoming and loving place. The staff are very kind and helpful. We would absolutely recommend this community to other families based on the experience we have had so far
My favorite part of Highland Manor are the Activity groups they are super fun very uplifting and They’re very informative and educational. The people that live and work here are friendly and kind. Over all I...
Reasons we chose this facility: Proximity to my mom's needs. I was looking for a smaller facility with more hands on. Also the original people who contacted me sales and medical were very nice. Staff is very...
My mom is extremely happy there. The people that live there, Everyone is so nice! The staff is so wonderful! The Food is great!! My mom Loves all the activities.
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Looks like it another company took it over after my mom left. It's now called Ivy Park at LaPalma located on LaPalma Avenue. I loved everything about the place when it was called Sunrise, and the people,...
I will give them all a 5 for Ivy Park. The caregivers are wonderful to my mom, I've become very close to them. The receptionists are amazing too, I need to go through them to get to memory care and they know...
My father chose this location due to it being close to their home so he could visit often. The staff were extremely competent, caring, patient and compassionate.
We had an amazing experience at Ivy Park at Cerritos. The only thing regrettable was that mom was too sick by the time she got there. She was only there for six weeks. The staff were well trained and...
We picked this community, for our loved one because it is very clean, with friendly people. It's a great place. I liked my tour experience.
My sister was just placed in this facility, she has symptoms of dementia. I was very impressed with the kind, friendly staff. They are attentive to the clients' needs. For instance, there are always staff...
There is new ownership and it is no longer called Arbor Palms - Anaheim Villas is the new name. I've been very pleased. I chose this place because it was the overall combination considering all factors in...
Due to our loved ones health she was not really able to leave to tour the facility and interview with the director, so she came out to our house to assess our loved one and to us that really showed genuine...
We are very happy with our choice of VDM for mom. The staff is very caring and always seems to be on top of things. Right now her care needs are on the low side but, if her needs increase, we are...
Ever since my mother moved to Lakewood Park Manor, her spirit has really come to life. Dad died a year ago and she needed to make the transition to assisted living. We’re so glad she found a new home at...
Downey Retirement offered me peace of mind. I knew [name removed] was being cared for with people that cared for and also knew about the disease of Dementia/ALZHEIMER'S. I felt [name removed] was in the...
I have had a peace of mind since my husband has recently made the move into this community. He has been getting great quality of care and has really been adapting well into his new living environment. He has...
My Mom just moved into Hacienda Grande four days ago. Although a huge adjustment in her life, I think her new residence will work fine for her. The administrator in charge, Marianne Hodel, is super -...
My mother lived with our family for 18 years until she needed more help than we could provide. We found Crofton Manor and couldn't be more delighted. The team at Crofton Manor create a very home like...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Long Beach community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Long Beach community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of independent living in the Long Beach area
- What families are saying about independent living in Long Beach
- How people pay for independent living in Long Beach
- Understand California laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Types of independent living in Long Beach
- Long Beach independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Long Beach? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Long Beach area
The average cost of an independent living community in Long Beach is $4,619 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure, which includes the price of rent as well as any associated or add-on fees, represents the average cost of one of our partner facilities.
The following chart represents the average baseline costs for the immediate area and does not include additional fees.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Long Beach, CA vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Long Beach, CA vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Long Beach vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Long Beach, CA by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Long Beach over time
What families are saying about independent living in Long Beach
Recent reviews for independent living in Long Beach
Leisure Vale Assisted Living in Glendale, CA
Westminster Terrace Senior Living
Garden of Palms in Los Angeles, CA
How people pay for independent living in Long Beach
Most seniors rely on private revenue streams to pay for independent living because these communities aren’t considered continuing care facilities. However, there are other methods available that can cover some expenses. Below, you’ll find additional information on private payment methods, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.
You can use a combination of private revenue streams to pay for independent living. This includes retirement savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, retirement account distributions, investment-generated income, and any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Long Beach
About 49% of Long Beach veterans are over the age of 65
To honor those who served, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers various benefits to veterans. Seniors can use these benefits to cover independent living community costs. VA Pensions, for instance, were established to supplement the income of eligible veterans. The funds can be used for a variety of purposes. There’s also the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can be put toward care-related costs. Check out the official government website to apply, or visit the Los Angeles Regional VA Office.
Additionally, California veterans may be eligible for a property tax exemption. If you own limited property totaling no more than $5,000 if single or $10,000 if married, California provides a property exemption of up to $4,000. Veterans with a service-related ailment may also be eligible for the Disabled Veterans’ Exemption, which provides an exemption of $100,000 (or $150,000 for low-income individuals).
Enrolling for any one of these benefits can be complicated, but assistance is available. Veterans services organizations (VSOs) can help you or your loved one understand eligibility requirements, file claims, and more. Long Beach has an American Legion and a Paralyzed Veterans of America. There are also two other support organizations: the Long Beach Library Veterans Resource Center and the Long Beach Office of Veterans Support.
Resources for Long Beach veterans
Los Angeles VA Regional Office
11000 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
California Department of Veterans Affairs
1227 O St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 800-952-5626
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
American Legion Post 27
295 E. Third St.
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562-436-6182
Paralyzed Veterans of America
5901 E. Seventh St., Building 150, Room R
Long Beach, CA 90822
Phone: 562-826-5713
Email: info@pvacc.org
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Long Beach Library Veterans Resource Center
200 W. Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562-570-7500
Email: vets@lbpl.org
Long Beach Office of Veterans Support
2525 Grand Ave., Suite 183
Long Beach, CA 90815
Phone: 562-570-4000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, does not cover the monthly costs associated with an independent living community. It can, however, help offset the costs of any medically necessary in-home care services through one of its waiver programs. Most likely, you’ll need to use the general Medi-Cal Waiver Program or the Home and Community-Based Alternatives Waiver.
If you haven’t yet enrolled for Medi-Cal, California makes it fairly easy. Before applying, check out Medi-Cal’s eligibility requirements on the California Department of Health Care Services and review the handy My Medi-Cal guide to compare programs. Once you’re done, here’s how you can apply:
- Apply online through Covered California or BenefitsCal.
- Download the application and mail it to Covered California.
- Visit the Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Social Services.
Should you run into problems with the application process or have any questions, a Covered California certified enrollment counselor can offer support. The Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department and your local ombudsman program, Wise & Healthy Aging, can also answer your questions about Medi-Cal or help with the application process.
Long Beach resident Medicaid resources
California Department of Health Care Services
501 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-1248
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Department of Public Social Services
211 E. Alondra Blvd.
Compton, CA 90220
Phone: 310-258-7400
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Medi-Cal
Phone: 800-541-5555
Covered California
1601 Exposition Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: 800-300-1506
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Medi-Cal application mailing address
Covered California
P.O. Box 989725
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9725
Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department
510 S. Vermont Ave., 11th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Phone: 213-291-0028
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wise & Healthy Aging
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
1527 Fourth St., 2nd Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: 310-394-9871
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Medicare does not cover the monthly costs of an independent living community. However, it does help offset costs associated with medically necessary health care services, such as short-term in-home care or inpatient hospital stays.
Medicare offers a range of programs that can be of great assistance to qualifying seniors who reside in a Long Beach independent living community. These programs include:
- Medicare Saving Program (MSP). Seniors making less than $19,683 as an individual or $26,622 as a couple may qualify for California’s MSP, a program that helps pay for Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and copays.[04]
- Prescription Drug Discount Program. California Medicare recipients can save on prescription drugs with this state program.
- Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP). HICAP, California’s State Health Assistance Program, provides individualized counseling and assistance to seniors eligible for Medicare. For more information, call 800-824-0780.
- AltaMed Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE). Seniors who live independently but are in need of care coordination, transportation, social services, and meals can find assistance through AltaMed’s PACE program. Contact 424-489-5835 for eligibility and details or view locations online.
- WelbeHealth PACE. As with AltaMed PACE, WelbeHealth PACE provides eligible seniors with care coordination, transportation, and meals. Additional services are also available, such as in-home care; physical therapy; dental, vision, and hearing care; prescription delivery; and more. Call 888-530-4415 for eligibility and details.
If you have questions about Medicare or are uncertain about the application process, help is available. The California Department of Aging, the Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department, and the City of Los Angeles Department of Aging support seniors navigating insurance. Additionally, the Wise & Healthy Aging ombudsman helps seniors advocate for their health care rights.
Long Beach resident Medicare resources
Long Beach Social Security Administration Office
2005 Long Beach Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90806
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
California Department of Aging
2880 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95833
Phone: 800-434-0222
Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department
510 S. Vermont Ave., 11th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Phone: 213-291-0028
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
City of Los Angeles Department of Aging
221 N. Figueroa St., Suite 500
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-482-7252
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
California Medicare Savings Program
Phone: 800-541-5555
Prescription Drug Discount Program
Phone: 916-518-3100
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program
Phone: 800-434-0222
AltaMed Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly
1500 Hughes Way, Suite C150
Long Beach, CA 90810
Phone: 855-252-7223
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WelbeHealth Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly
1220 East Fourth St.
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 888-530-4415
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wise & Healthy Aging
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
1527 Fourth St., 2nd Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: 310-394-9871
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Understand California laws and regulations for independent living communities
Unlike other senior living options, independent living communities are considered general housing, just with stipulations associated with age. As such, property owners must comply with standard rental property regulations, the Fair Housing Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Residents who are part of protected classes cannot be discriminated against, offered less favorable terms and conditions, or denied reasonable accommodations or modifications. The Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach takes responsibility for creating equal opportunities.
Interestingly, some independent living communities offer combination care. This means they’re also assisted living and/or memory care communities. In these cases, the facilities must obtain licenses through the California Senior Care Licensing Program. The properties would also be subject to regular inspections by an Adult and Senior Care Regional Office. Inspectors screen applicants, conduct background checks, ensure fire clearance is up to code, and much more. To review past inspection reports, you can search specific facilities online or call 916-558-1784.
When an independent living community provides other services, such as assisted living or memory care, the property must follow additional regulations. Assisted living must offer assistance with daily activities (e.g., dressing, grooming, personal hygiene, etc.) and employ sufficient staff. If offering memory care, the property must be regulated by the Community Care Licensing Division of the California Department of Social Services.
California Health Department Contact Information
California Department of Public Health
1615 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA, 95814
Phone: 916-558-1784
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Long Beach independent living communities
Long Beach has issued COVID-19 health orders to control the spread of the virus. They are aligned with city, county, and state guidelines in addition to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. However, some independent living communities may have their own regulations. Contact the community in question for more information.
Vaccinations.
Vaccinations and boosters are strongly encouraged but not required.
Masking.
People should wear masks when in public. They should also mask if they are presenting symptoms, have tested positive, or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Facility cleanliness.
Communities should follow enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
Quarantining.
People should isolate themselves if they test positive for COVID-19.
Types of independent living in Long Beach
Independent living facilities allow seniors to maintain their independence in a setting specifically designed for older adults. The communities in Long Beach offer various services, on-site amenities, senior activities, and more that will appear to retirees — all while being able to enjoy the gorgeous weather of the California coast.
On-site amenities
The independent living communities in Long Beach offer a host of conveniences that won’t disappoint. The majority of properties have a library, TV lounge, and beauty salon.[01] Depending on your choice of community, you can also meet up with friends and family in a game room, schedule a quick trim at a barber shop, experiment in an arts and crafts center, or exercise at a fitness center. One community even has a swimming pool, which can come in handy during the summer months.
Transitional care opportunities
If you’re looking for a facility that offers multiple care options, you’ll want to consider our partners in Long Beach. Four out of the 10 communities we partner with offer a combination of independent living and assisted living.[01] The remaining six offer a combination of independent living, assisted living, and memory care. If a time comes when you need day-to-day assistance or memory care, you’ll be able to remain in your community and maintain the life you’ve grown accustomed to.
Transportation options
Roughly 80% of our partner communities offer resident parking. While the majority of independent living communities are conveniently located near public transit, 90% of our partner communities offer complimentary transportation.[01] You won’t need to worry about getting to appointments; they’ll make sure to help you out. You also can arrange at-cost transportation at half the communities in the area so you can get out and enjoy that California sunshine.
Long Beach independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Long Beach independent living
Availability of select dining options in Long Beach independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Long Beach independent living
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 Long Beach? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Long Beach
Median annual income for Long Beach seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Long Beach
MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center
Part of the MemorialCare Health System, this general medical and surgical facility is nationally ranked in heart attack, heart failure, aortic valve surgery, and colon cancer surgery, among a host of other specialties and procedures.
St. Mary Medical Center Long Beach
St. Mary Medical Center Long Beach, another general medical and surgical facility in the area, has earned a Critical Care Excellence Award. The center offers a variety of health care services, including heart care, cancer care, orthopedics, and rehabilitative services.
Lakewood Regional Medical Center
Located about 20 minutes outside of Long Beach, Lakewood Regional Medical Center is a general medical and surgical facility that provides a range of services, including cardiovascular care, orthopedics, and stroke treatment. In fact, the facility is ranked as high-performing in the areas of stroke, kidney failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Transportation for seniors in Long Beach
Walk Score ranks Long Beach 73 out of 100 for walkability, so you can get to most places on foot.[07] But although it has been voted one of the “most walkable” cities in America, Long Beach is still relatively large. The city consists of eight distinct neighborhoods. In other words, there’s no shortage of places to explore.
Long Beach has a bike score of 70, so active seniors can hit one of the city’s many bike trails. However, there are other ways to get around, such as the Metro Blue Line. The area’s light rail system can take you from downtown Long Beach to Artesia Station, with a number of stops in between.
While most independent living communities are conveniently located near public transit, 90% of our partner communities offer complimentary transportation.[01] You also can arrange at-cost transportation at half our partner independent living communities in the area.
Long Beach Transit also has a number of routes with special rates for seniors, and Dial-A-Lift provides curb-to-curb services for individuals who are unable to use the bus system. If you can no longer use a fixed route transit system, the Public Works of Los Angeles County can also get you around. Call 800-827-0829 for more information.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Long Beach
With Hollywood to the north and Anaheim to the east, Long Beach doesn’t often get the love it deserves. However, this can be quite a boon for seniors living in the area. You won’t need to contend with the crowds often found in neighboring cities as you explore the city’s activities and attractions.
Looking for something to do? Try visiting Shoreline Village for the shops, restaurants, boat rentals, and architecture. The area was modeled after a Cape Cod fishing village. You can also check out nearby Rainbow Harbor, where you can charter a boat, take a harbor cruise, or do a little whale watching.
On the other side of Shoreline Village, you’ll find the Aquarium of the Pacific. Part of Shoreline Aquatic Park, this public aquarium features more than 11,000 animals on around five acres of land. The aquarium offers indoor and outdoor exhibits, shark tanks, a sea otter habitat, and even a coral reef. Seniors can expect to pay $33.95 for tickets.
If you’re looking for something a bit more active, El Dorado East Regional Park should definitely be at the top of your to-do list. Like any park, you’ll find plenty of green space and picnic areas to enjoy, but there’s also an archery range, two fishing lakes, bike trails, and a physical fitness course. The park also features a nature center with walking trails, educational displays, an art gallery, and more. There is a per-visit vehicle fee unless you have a discounted annual parking pass.
Those who want to learn a bit more about Southern California and the Long Beach area may want to check out Rancho Los Cerritos. Many of the historic homes and gardens are wheelchair accessible. You can tour this historic adobe home for free.
Art lovers have just as much to explore in Long Beach. You could spend an entire day in the East Village Arts District, which features an array of museums, galleries, shops, restaurants, and art workshops. Long Beach is also home to the Museum of Latin American Art, which is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American Art. Seniors can purchase discounted tickets for $10 and check out manual wheelchairs for free.
If you’d rather get to know other seniors in the area, there are a few local senior centers. The Long Beach Senior Center, Chavez Park Senior Center, and Silverado Park Senior Center all offer great programming for individuals over 50, such as tai chi, Zumba, aerobics, weight lifting, meditation, crocheting, knitting, wood carving, board games, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunrise of Beverly Hills, Harbor Terrace Retirement Community and Sunrise of Orange are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Long Beach, 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 Long Beach is $4,378 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Test answer:
The average cost of Independent Living in Long Beach is $4,378 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). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Department of Health Care Services. (2023). Medicare Savings Program in California.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Lakewood Regional Medical Center.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Long Beach.
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