10 Best Independent Living Communities in Fresno, CA

We can guide you through your independent living payment options. First, we present an overview of personal payment options, which you could combine with senior benefit assistance. Next, we explain several senior benefits that may offset costs of living or care, including Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, Medi-Cal, Medicare, and Social Security. Our goal is to help you understand which benefits might apply to your circumstances, so you can combine benefits in the most effective way. Each tab also provides links to applications and local contacts for senior benefit assistance in Fresno.

Stand-alone independent living communities are like senior apartments but with more luxurious and all-inclusive amenities and services. And because they’re essentially senior living rentals, not care facilities, they don’t need a senior care license. The exception to this is if an independent living community shares a campus with a senior care facility, such as an assisted living or memory care community.

When a Fresno independent living community shares the same campus as 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 follow these regulations:

• It must house a maximum of only two residents per bedroom.
• It must provide individual privacy in each bathroom.
• It must ensure bedrooms have enough room to accommodate mobility 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.

If you want to learn more about assisted living regulations and the Residential Care Facility for the Elderly license in California, visit the regulations section of our Fresno assisted living page.

Independent living residents and their rights

Independent living seniors have the right to safe and well-maintained housing, just as they would when renting a house or apartment. The following are some of the standards you can expect while renting from stand-alone independent living communities in California:

• Senior independent living communities typically have a minimum age requirement of 62 years.
• Tenants have a right to basic services — like 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, i.e., accommodation and modification laws.

Accommodation and modification laws for seniors with disabilities

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landlords must agree to reasonable accommodations and modifications for persons with disabilities. Independent living community owners must pay for accommodations and structural modifications of common areas, while the resident should pay for structural modifications to their individual unit.

Accommodations include changes to community policies that would otherwise restrict people with disabilities. 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 include changes to the structure of building common areas or individual units. Listed below are some examples of modifications:

• Installing easy-to-reach appliances and cabinets
• Installing grab bars in bathrooms
• Putting a ramp at the building’s entrance

The following are some additional protections granted to renters under the ADA:

• Rental 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.

Inspection reports for senior care communities in Fresno

If your independent living community shares a campus with a senior care community, the campus is subject to special regulations and inspections. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) inspects licensed Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RFCE) annually and within 10 days of receiving a complaint. Keep in mind that these inspections don’t apply to stand-alone independent living facilities, only those with a senior care facility on-site, like in an assisted living wing or unit.

Independent living facilities with a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) 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,” “Facility Type,” and “Fresno 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 Fresno independent living communities

Fresno County follows the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 guidance. There’s no mask mandate at this time, but Fresno County encourages its residents to continue accessing vaccines and tests.

Keep in mind that some Fresno independent living communities may have their own COVID-19 guidelines. We recommend contacting a community you’re interested in to learn about what rules they may have in place.

To learn about COVID-19 guidelines that apply to assisted living wings in shared independent living communities, read the Regulations section of the Fresno assisted living page.

Achieve a curated senior experience in a Fresno independent living community. An abundance of resort-style amenities, intriguing activities, and a maintenance-free lifestyle awaits. You’ll find an option that works for your preferences, whether it’s a cottage-style home in a stand-alone community or a cozy studio apartment with access to senior care services.

A variety of community layouts and home styles

Find a floor plan, community layout, and monthly price that works for you. In A Place for Mom’s Fresno network, 71% of the independent living communities share a campus with assisted living, memory care, or both. Combined communities allow seniors to access care without moving when their needs change. The remaining 29% are stand-alone independent living communities reserved for seniors who don’t require care at this time.

Browse the following layout options and features typically available in A Place for Mom’s Fresno network:

• Studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom apartments
• Shared suites
• One- and two-bedroom stand-alone cottages
• Pet-friendly policies and features, like dog parks and pet-relief stations
• Full kitchens or kitchenettes
• Patios or balconies
• Washer and dryer hookups or on-site laundry facilities

Exclusive independent living services

Begin your new hassle-free lifestyle by taking advantage of your community’s convenient on-site services. The options below are commonly found in A Place for Mom’s partner communities:

• Weekly housekeeping
• Room service
• Personalized concierge services
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Wellness checks and emergency response systems
• Respite care and home care services
• Restaurant-style dining
• Scheduled, complimentary transportation
• Guest accommodations, such as guest suites, parking spaces, and private family dining rooms

Resort-style amenities

Enjoy the luxurious perks of your new independent living community. You’ll find features both inside the community and throughout its grounds that are sure to make each day feel extra special:

• Heated outdoor swimming pools
• Enclosed courtyards
• Walking paths
• Raised garden beds
• Shuffleboard courts
• Movie theaters
• Salons and barbershops
• Spas
• Fitness centers
• Libraries
• Billiards rooms
• Activity rooms
• Bistros
• Fireplaces

Abundant senior activities

An active mind, body, and social life awaits in the Fresno independent living community of your choice. From volunteering opportunities to group outings, A Place for Mom’s in-network Fresno communities have something for everyone:

• Daily activity calendars
• Karaoke nights
• Volunteering opportunities
• Exercise classes
• Happy hours
• Shopping trips
• Banking outings
• Movie nights
• Walking clubs
• Interest groups
• Continuing education classes
• Technology classes
• Holiday and birthday celebrations
• Religious services

Health care for seniors in Fresno

You can find a medical center that works for you in Fresno, and some are even located conveniently near our partner independent living communities. Browse the following options, from a cardiology specialist to a veteran-specific clinic.

Transportation for seniors in Fresno

Fresno has a few bike-friendly routes and walkable areas, but it’s mostly considered a car-dependent city. If you’d rather not rely on your own vehicle, 100% of A Place for Mom’s in-network Fresno independent living communities provide complimentary transportation services. This service is a safe and convenient way for residents to run errands and participate in community outings.

If you have friends visiting or you wish to go on an adventure, the city of Fresno offers the following senior-friendly public transportation options.

Fresno Area Express (FAX)

The Fresno Area Express (or FAX) is the local public transportation service. Every bus can accommodate seniors and people with physical disabilities, and you’ll find routes throughout the city. There’s also a paratransit service, called Handy Ride, that can help you if you need more assistance than FAX provides. The following FAX features can be found on all buses to help you and your visitors get around Fresno:

• Priority seating for seniors
• Space to transport mobility devices
• Bike racks
• Ramps and lifts
• Bus drivers who can provide assistance with mobility devices, getting on, and getting off

Taxis, Uber, or Lyft

Lyft and Uber are the shared-ride services typically readily available in Fresno. Both are great options for seniors and visitors who want to get around without depending on their own cars. Local Uber services are especially common in the area, and some Uber options allow you to schedule rides ahead of time.

If you opt to use a taxi service instead, you can apply for the local Senior Scrip Program through the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC). This program is exclusively for seniors who are at least 70 years of age, and it provides a 75% discount on rides. These are the current Fresno taxi services that participate in the Senior Scrip Program:

• Alpha Cab
• Fresno EOC Taxi
• Checker Cab
• Fresno Cab
• Sierra Vista Cab
• American Eagle Taxi
• Green Point Taxi
• Taxi Rosa

Walk Score — Fresno’s transportation ratings

Below are Walk Score’s transit rankings for Fresno. These numbers paint a picture of the local environment and how accessible your preferred transportation methods are. Walk Score ranks cities from zero to 100 based on how easy it is to use and access each transportation method. Higher scores point to a particularly accessible Fresno transportation option.

Senior activities in Fresno

Nested in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, Fresno is only a 40-minute drive to spellbinding Yosemite and the stunning Sierra National Forest. It’s also just a 3-hour drive away from cities like Santa Cruz and Los Angeles. Fresno is at the heart of an expansive Californian playground.

Curate your ideal Fresno retirement with the local highlights below, and see why Fresno has more than enough for seniors to claim it as their home. You can also peruse the helpful Fresno County Visitors Guide for more locally favored attractions.

Outdoor opportunities

From golf courses to botanical gardens, you and your visitors have many peaceful outdoor opportunities in Fresno:

• Blossom Trail is a popular scenic driving and biking route through orchards with plentiful springtime blossoms.
• San Joaquin River Trail allows hikers to explore in any direction and experience grand views.
• Clovis Botanical Garden is a collection of themed displays, including a Mediterranean garden and a calming sensory garden.
• Woodward Park is the city’s largest park. It’s known for its dog park, walking trails, and a Japanese garden.
• Riverside Golf Course offers tournaments, events, and golfing lessons.
• Airways Golf Course offers small greens and brief courses that can accommodate a range of ages and abilities.
• San Joaquin Country Club has an exclusive membership that offers a picturesque golf course, grand event spaces, and fine dining.

Lively entertainment

Local casinos, sporting events, and live performances can be found throughout the city:

• Club One Casino boasts an open-air dining venue, a 24-hour restaurant, and over 50 table games.
• 500 Club Casino is open 24/7 and offers blackjack, baccarat, and poker games.
• Table Mountain Casino has thousands of slot machines and dozens of table games.
• Chukchansi Park is where you can enjoy the excitement of live events and the local minor league baseball team known as the Fresno Grizzlies.
• Bulldog Stadium hosts a range of sports, including soccer, football, basketball, and more.
• Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center is where you can find live events such as concerts, competitions, and musicals.
• Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts hosts musicians, comedians, and more.

A vibrant senior community in Fresno

Connect with other seniors and immerse yourself in the diversity of Fresno at these popular locations:

• Clovis Senior Activity Center is a place for seniors to build community and participate in activities such as exercise classes and craft projects.
• Fresno County Public Library enables you to keep up with your favorite authors and get lost in an engaging read. There are dozens of local branches to choose from.
• Fresno Art Museum paints a picture of the community’s diversity. It includes a range of exhibits, including visual and cultural art.
• Outdoor markets boast local produce, food trucks, handmade gifts, music, and more.
• Fresno’s farm-to-table restaurants enable you to dine on dishes crafted with the best local ingredients.

Must-sees for newcomers and visitors

Explore Fresno’s iconic attractions with your visitors, including the local zoo and Old Town:

• Fresno Chaffee Zoo offers more than wildlife exhibits. From local brewery tastings to private events, you can create your own experience at this popular spot.
• Tower District is a popular walkable area full of coffee shops, storefronts, and eateries.
• Old Town Clovis is known for its Vintage and Antiques District, historic streets, and lively evening scene.
• Kearney Mansion Museum paints a picture of the area’s agricultural history and offers walkable public grounds and guided tours.
• Forestiere Underground Gardens lies under the city, boasting courtyards, stone walls, and tunnels that lead you to pristine gardens.