A fulfilling yet laid-back retirement in America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital and the City of Trees awaits. Sacramento, California, is a historic city that continues to offer an abundance of opportunity. Known for countless acres of public parks, a colorful art scene, local farmers markets, and more, Sacramento is truly one of the best-kept secrets of California’s retirement locales.
Independent living communities are designed exclusively for seniors and are typically best for those who are in good health and don’t require daily assistance. Essentially, these communities are similar to senior apartments but with more all-inclusive amenities and services. While they don’t usually provide senior care services, some communities partner with third-party care providers or have assisted living and memory care communities on the same campus. Having access to these additional care wings can help you receive services if you need them later.
This all-inclusive guide to Sacramento independent living provides an in-depth look into 11 of A Place for Mom’s in-network communities, all within a 10-mile radius of the Sacramento city center. Let this guide help you understand local independent living costs, ways that you can pay for independent living, local resources for seniors, California’s laws and regulations for independent living communities, and what you can expect when you retire in Sacramento.
I came from my own home three years ago I didn't want to leave my home, but I wish I would have left sooner as Greenhaven Place has made a huge difference in my social life. I don't see Greenhaven Place as a...
5 stars for all of them! Regency Place Senior Living really was a top notch place. The staff were so friendly and really great to work with during our experience.
My main contact at The Woodlake was a tremendous help and support even before I was truly interested in this property. When I contacted her a 2nd time to pursue this choice she bent over backwards to...
Nice apartment with balcony. Lots of activities on site and off. Bus to stores and shopping. Cool off site adventures. Nice people to work with. Free coffee and pastries, continental breakfasts. Happy...
My Mother has been there for 10 years and they have always gone out of their ways to help us and make her safe. I don’t know what I would have done without them.
I would say a 5 for all of those even though it is a case of getting what we pay for. They are under staffed, but I don't complain cuz the rate would be higher if they paid more. The price was good and the...
What our family likes the most about The Village at Heritage Park is just having piece of mind that they can call for assistance at any time. Very friendly staff that checks in on the multiple times per day....
I was going to move mom but she has been so well cared for and improved every time from serious issues there care and understanding is awesome.
I would give each category a 5 except meals/dining are 4. Nothing wrong with the meals but to get a 5 they would need to be pretty gourmet. The food is certainly good but not over the top. The staff is...
Great amenities for the price. Staff are awesome. They are very friendly and caring. The facility is dated, but I believe there are plans for renovations. It is a nice size, not so big you feel lost, but...
10 year as a resident here in Carmichael, California has a long but the [name removed] staff makes my stay better. They (Oakmont) have had an highly staff official employee.
I love living here at The Landing. The management is great. All the people living here are friendly and happy. Although the rent is high for me, it’s worth the sacrifices for me to enjoy my life. Things are...
My mother just moved into Golden Pond 2.5 months ago and has described living there as “lovely”. It’s a very friendly place to live. The staff are very attentive and the services are good. My mother rarely...
The staff have no interest in my family. To me, living here is like living in an apartment building. There is no housekeeping available for the residents, only for hallways and public rooms. There are no...
Great place, and the best for price as well . Staff very helpful and the meals and service are top notch. My Sister is very happy there .
I would recommend Aegis of Carmichael. The move in process was seamless. My father had to be transported from another facility and Aegis took care of everything. He wanted a different room and they...
It's a bit cliquey. But good food and beautiful scenery. I picked this community because they came and got me to bring me on a tour.
They hardly ever have any staff in the building. Yesterday the whole building had one caregiver and one med tech! Staff seems to change very frequently. It is a nicer place aesthetically than others we had...
This community is really living up to the expectations we had for them. What they told us they offered is exactly that no more and no less. This community was integrity and is truthful. My friend is doing...
The staff at Campus Commons were both friendly and professional. The facility is cheerfully decorated and well maintained. My only concern/ problem was tipping. It would be helpful if a monthly contribution...
The staff members and the care services are excellent, and the value for cost is fair. Our first impression of Sunrise was that it is not to large and nobody was just sitting around doing nothing. It is a...
So far it's going pretty good. It appears to be very clean to me but, I hear complaints they don't do as well in the personal spaces. The staff is very friendly, but there was one interaction one time with...
The staff at Carlton Senior Living (Sacramento) have consistently demonstrated an eagerness and enthusiasm for care of the residents they always keep us informed of our mothers’ progress and of any issues...
I try to keep on top of things but its but hard since COVID. The communication is good and they send emails with updates but there has been some miscommunication in the front office. The caregivers are...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Sacramento community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
Based on averages from the last 12 months of A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, seniors paid $4,152 per month for our partner Sacramento independent living communities. This number includes the cost of room, board, and care in addition to applicable service fees and add-ons. Admission fees and other additional fees are also taken into account.
Independent living costs vary depending on location, floor plan, and included amenities. The features below may be included in your baseline independent living monthly costs:
Though communities vary on what they include in their baseline, typical add-on fees might include the following features:
The numbers below can help you compare baseline costs for Sacramento independent living communities. Baseline costs do not include care costs or add-on fees.
Many people use personal income sources and a variety of benefit programs to cover independent living costs. Because independent living communities don’t typically provide senior care services, costs aren’t covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare, or long-term care insurance. Even though these programs won’t cover independent living costs, they may help you cover the cost of medically necessary in-home care services.
Below you can find private pay, Veterans Affairs benefits, Medi-Cal, and Medicaid resources for seniors.
Your personal sources of income may include savings accounts, investment returns, pensions, Social Security benefits, and any of the sources outlined below. You can also combine some of these options to cover your independent living costs.
There are several veteran-specific benefits for Sacramento veterans age 65 and older. CalVet is California’s veteran services program that helps qualifying senior veterans or their surviving spouses enroll in a Veterans Benefit Enhancement Program (or VBE). VBEs enable seniors to switch from Medi-Cal to VA health care, which gives seniors with disabilities access to even more Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.
For example, the VA Aid and Attendance benefit gives monthly payments to eligible senior veterans. It’s one of the most generous VA benefits, and some seniors use these monthly payments to cover the costs of independent living. Before you begin the lengthy and difficult application process, contact any of the resources below. Connecting with a veterans service organization (VSO) is your best bet for maximizing your potential benefits.
Sacramento County’s Department of Human Assistance Veterans Services can provide assistance with your benefit applications, or you can receive help from a local veterans service officer at this location. It’s essential to connect with a veterans service officer whether or not you believe you qualify for VA benefits, as they can help you with applications and navigating the VA system. Sacramento also has its own Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) chapters, which can offer additional support.
Approximate number of veterans living in Sacramento
About 63% of veterans living in Sacramento are age 55+
Resources for Sacramento veterans
Department of Human Assistance Veterans Services
3970 Research Drive
Sacramento, CA 95838
Phone: 916-874-6811
Hours: Sunday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Sacramento Vet Center
1111 Howe Ave., Suite 390
Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: 916-566-7430
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A Place for Mom Veterans Benefits Guide
Read or download A Place for Mom Veterans Benefits Guide PDF.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV): Sacramento Chapter 6
4404 Fruitridge Road
Sacramento, CA 95824
Phone: 916-429-1663
Meets on the second Saturday of each month at 11 a.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): Post 67
2784 Stockton Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95817
Phone: 916-453-9209
Meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
Below, we’ve outlined how seniors use Medi-Cal and Medicare in Sacramento independent living communities. We also included senior-specific resources that can help you understand and apply for each program.
California’s Medicaid program, called Medi-Cal, doesn’t cover the cost of room and board in Sacramento independent living communities. However, it will cover services such as in-home health care in your independent living community if it’s medically necessary and if you have low-income status. California’s In-Home Support Services program is another option that may be used to cover costs of in-home care if you’re eligible for Medi-Cal and meet all requirements.
Covered California, the state’s health care portal, can help you access Medi-Cal in addition to low-cost, full coverage health care plans. You must have low-income status to benefit from Covered California. Covered California and Medi-Cal share an application, which seniors only need to fill out once to find out what benefits they may be eligible for.
You can contact a range of Sacramento organizations for help with your Medi-Cal application. California’s Medi-Cal Rx Customer Service Center and Sacramento’s Area 4 Agency on Aging are wonderful resources to get you started. You can also reach out to the county’s long-term care ombudsperson or review the state’s comprehensive guide, called My Medi-Cal.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that may cover medical costs, such as medically necessary in-home care. Review each part of Medicare below to see what may be covered:
Medicare will not cover the cost of room and board in an independent living community, but you can use Medicare Savings Programs if you’re enrolled in Medicare and meet income requirements. These programs may cover part of your Medicare premium.
You can apply for Medicare Savings Programs online through BenefitsCal and see which of California’s four Medicare Savings Programs best fit your needs. Each of the different options may cover portions of Medicare Part A, B, D, or a combination of parts.
For assistance with your application process, we recommend that your first step is to reach out to the local Social Security Administration office. After, you can seek help from the county’s long-term care ombudsperson or enroll in a local Medicare Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) to fully understand your benefits. You can also use 211 Sacramento to learn more about local senior services.
Additional resources
Medi-Cal Rx Member Helpline
Phone: 800-977-2273
Hours: 24/7, including holidays
Sacramento County Long-Term Care Ombudsperson
9570 Business Park Drive, Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: 916-875-2000
Sacramento Area 4 Agency on Aging
1401 El Camino Ave., 4th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: 916-486-1876
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.
Sacramento Office — Social Security Administration
40 Massie Circle
Sacramento, CA 95823
Phone: 866-708-3208
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sacramento County Long-Term Care Ombudsperson
9570 Business Park Dr., Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: 916-875-2000
Medicare Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
505 12th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-376-8915
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
211 Sacramento — local services guide
Phone: 2-1-1
Sacramento Area 4 Agency on Aging
1401 El Camino Ave., 4th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: 916-486-1876
Independent living communities are similar to senior apartments but with more luxurious and all-inclusive amenities and services, so they don’t need a senior care license. The exception is if an independent living community shares a campus with other senior care facilities, such as assisted living and memory care.
If your California independent living community shares the same campus with a senior care facility, it needs to have a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) license from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). To keep this license, the senior care facility must adhere to these regulations:
If you want to learn more about assisted living regulations and the Residential Care Facility license in California, visit the regulations section of our Sacramento assisted living page.
Independent living communities in California have to provide residents with safe and well-maintained housing, just as they would for seniors renting a house or apartment. The following are some of the standards you can expect from stand-alone independent living communities in California:
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landlords must consent to reasonable accommodations and modifications for persons with disabilities. Independent living community owners must pay for accommodations and certain structural modifications of common areas, while the resident should pay for certain structural modifications to their individual unit.[07]
Accommodations involve changes to community procedures that might restrict disabled individuals from access if not changed. Some examples of accommodations include the following:
Modifications involve changes to the structure of building common areas or individual units, such as those listed below:
The following are some other protections granted to renters under the ADA:
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) inspects residential care facilities for the elderly (RFCE) annually and within 10 days of receiving a complaint.[05] Even though the inspections don’t apply to the independent living wing of the RCFE, they apply to the assisted living wings.
Assisted living communities with a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly license 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 “Sacramento County,” and then click on the search button. You can also search by facility name or address.
California Department of Public Health
1616 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
Phone: 916-558-1784
Sacramento County has guidelines for isolation and quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but does not currently have a mask mandate. Check for updated guidelines on Sacramento County’s website.
Some of Sacramento’s standalone independent living communities have their own COVID-19 guidelines, so reach out to a community you’re interested in if you want to learn more. For information on COVID-19 guidelines for assisted living wings in shared independent living communities, read the Regulations section of the Sacramento assisted living page.
Begin your retirement in style by choosing a Sacramento independent living community. The Sacramento communities in A Place for Mom’s network are designed to guide you through a maintenance-free beginning of your senior care journey. You’ll find luxurious amenities and captivating activities, communities that provide high-quality dining experiences, and options that are either stand-alone or connected to other types of senior care.
Sacramento independent living communities provide a range of senior living accommodations, from studio apartments to two-bed, two-bath floor plans. Many of A Place for Mom’s in-network communities are multilevel, enabling seniors to choose apartments with private patios or balconies and enjoy scenic overlooks of parks or the capitol building. Your new maintenance-free lifestyle may also come with weekly housekeeping services, walk-in or wheelchair-accessible showers, and either a kitchen or kitchenette, depending on your preferences.
Once you’re settled in your new independent living apartment, explore each of the community’s high-end amenities that await. Inside, you’ll often find full-service salons and day spas, fitness centers, and movie theaters. Many also have business centers and libraries to help you stay connected to your unique interests.
When you step outside your door, you may find details like koi ponds, water features, resident vegetable and flower gardens, and swimming pools. What’s more, all of our in-network Sacramento independent living communities are pet-friendly, so you can rest assured that your beloved furry companion can accompany you when you move. Together, you can take advantage of enclosed courtyards, vast walking paths, and on-site dog parks.
Sacramento independent living communities offer just about any on- and off-site activity you can imagine. And don’t worry; they go above and beyond the basics, like exercise classes, art projects, and holiday celebrations. In addition to what you might expect, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in musical and culinary programs, lectures and seminars for lifelong learning, and creative writing classes. Many communities also offer religious services that represent a variety of faiths in addition to practices like yoga and meditation.
You and your new neighbors can use your community’s transportation services to access off-site activities. Catch the latest horse races, get tickets to local theatrical productions, and visit Sacramento’s art galleries. You’ll also find museum outings and plenty of volunteering opportunities. Your community’s on-site activities may include options like family dinner nights, live music with cocktails, and meaningful intergenerational programs.
Foodies are sure to be pleased by what our in-network Sacramento independent living communities bring to the table. You can expect full-service restaurants that provide seasonal menus of fresh, local ingredients. Choose between indoor and outdoor dining spaces, or use the private dining room when family members come to visit. But before you order from the menu, don’t hesitate to ask the professional culinary team if they can offer a customized meal to fit your taste and dietary needs.
Aside from mealtimes spent in the restaurants, Sacramento independent living communities have you covered. Stop by the bistro for snacks and drinks throughout the day, or visit the café to sip on a warm beverage. In the evenings, unwind with your peers or your visitors over cocktails at the bar and lounge.
About 82% of Sacramento independent living communities in A Place for Mom’s network also have an assisted living and/or memory care wing. These combined senior care communities allow seniors to find their favorite independent living space without having to move when their care needs change. Many of these senior care communities are in close proximity to Sacramento’s top-rated hospitals and senior health providers, so you can move into a community without having to change doctors.
The other 18% of communities in our network only offer independent living services. These communities are designed exclusively for seniors over the age of 55 who are generally healthy and don’t require daily assistance. Some of these stand-alone independent living options are located in Carmichael and cost about the same as what seniors typically pay for independent living in Sacramento. However, Carmichael offers the additional benefit of quiet, suburban living.
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Approximate number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Sacramento
Percentage of the Sacramento population that’s age 65 or older
Median annual household income in Sacramento
Here, you’ll find the top three hospitals in Sacramento, many of which are located near independent living communities. These hospitals are nationally and locally ranked for geriatric care and other adult procedures.
UC Davis Medical Center is the No. 1 hospital in Sacramento. It’s a teaching hospital that’s nationally ranked for cancer surgery, cardiology, diabetes care, and geriatrics.
Mercy General Hospital is the No. 2 hospital in Sacramento. This surgical and general care facility is known locally for neurology, geriatrics, and treating patients who have suffered a stroke.
Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center is the No. 3 hospital in Sacramento. It provides both general and surgical care, and it’s known for high ratings in areas of adult care such as orthopedics, geriatrics, and kidney failure procedures.
Downtown Sacramento and a few other areas are partially walkable, but the majority of residents and visitors navigate the city by car or a rideshare service. In fact, 100% of Sacramento independent living communities in A Place for Mom’s network provide either complimentary or at-cost transportation services, giving you a secure and reliable way to explore the city. Biking is another popular mode of transportation due to Sacramento’s level terrain, dedicated bike paths, and helpful bike parking map.
You and your visiting loved ones may also find that the Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) is a helpful option. SacRT’s bus routes and light rail lines are accessible to out-of-towners, seniors, and people with disabilities. The light rail stations use Braille signage, warning tiles, door indicators, and either lifts or ramps to help people with impaired eyesight and physical limitations.
SacRT Go Paratransit Services is another accessible transportation option. Travel can be scheduled up to two days in advance, and the service gives priority seating to seniors and people with disabilities. All of SacRT’s buses have ramps, lowering features, and room to accommodate mobility devices.
Sacramento’s transit scores are below, represented in ranks from zero to 100 based on how accessible and easy it is to use each mode of transportation. Higher scores indicate the best transportation options in Sacramento.[11]
Whether you and your visitors are looking for adventure or a laid-back experience, Sacramento has it all. From wine tastings and casinos to luxurious spas and pristine golf courses, you can achieve your ideal Californian retirement and host loved ones at the same time.
Seniors and their families can have the perfect combination of tourism and local living by exploring these must-see Sacramento spots:
Both leisurely and active lifestyles will find something to enjoy in Sacramento’s outdoor attractions. In addition, all public parks in Sacramento County have modifications in place for people with disabilities:
Cheer on local sports teams, attend theatrical productions, or do both. Sacramento has it all:
You and your visitors will never run out of things to do with Sacramento’s relaxing yet engaging activities:
Atria Rocklin, Greenhaven Place and Sunrise of Fair Oaks CA are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Sacramento, 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 Sacramento is $4,150 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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.
ADA Solutions. (2022). California ADA requirements. SureWerx.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United State Census Bureau. (2021). Income in the past 12 months (S1901) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. World and News Report. (2022). Best hospitals in Sacramento, California.
Walkscore. (2022). Living in Sacramento.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
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.
ADA Solutions. (2022). California ADA requirements. SureWerx.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United State Census Bureau. (2021). Income in the past 12 months (S1901) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. World and News Report. (2022). Best hospitals in Sacramento, California.
Walkscore. (2022). Living in Sacramento.