The Best Independent Living Communities in Sonoma County, CA

"We did a tour of Cogir of Sonoma. We liked it because their facilities looked fine, and the decision was based on the location (staying in the same town). They looked modern, updated, and well-kept. He extolled their virtues sufficiently, I believe. I had some questions that I haven't had answered yet. I didn't have any food; the dining area is closed off right now due to COVID situations. There are no dining facilities that are functioning at this point. On the tour, they showed the dining area, activities room, and an entranceway. They have a large living room for the general populace, which all seemed in good condition, well-maintained. They had a couple patios, outdoor areas with the gardens, and some grapes. That also seemed to be well tended and well cared for. I only met about two people, and the people that will be doing the caring, I haven't met."

"We were very impressed with Healdsburg. It was a very nice community. Everyone was very open and caring. We really liked it. They had all kinds of activities, a garden with flowers, and chickens that residents can help with the eggs, goats to pet, and concerts. It is a wonderful community. There are five different levels of care in different buildings for different levels of care. We saw several nice dining areas. Healdsburg was the best one I've ever seen. The staff that we interacted with all seemed knowledgeable, caring and very well read on the latest information."

"We settled on Redwood Retirement Residence, and it’s working out well. My mom has been there sinceJuly, the community is very friendly, and it’s in a wonderful location in downtown Napa. It’s actually pretty convenient. The rooms are a little bit small if you have a studio, so it’s not like you expect a lot. When somebody is in a studio, you’d expect them to have a big closet, so I would say the closet is the problem. The bathroom is large, and because of the earthquake they are doing a whole remodel. She is happy there. The community really bonded together; it was great. They bonded together and help each other through it, and they kept cooking the whole time and feeding everybody. My mom said they had a wonderful beef stew that night for dinner, and she was impressed that they were able to pull it all off. The staff is super nice; my mom actually has had some health issues, and they help me like checking the room making sure she is OK. They have been super helpful and supportive, and they are going to keep an eye on my mom. We also liked it here because this company owns 300 other residences, and she can travel to any of them for free and eat there for free which is kind of a nice little perk if you are on the younger end. They go on trips to wineries and places to San Francisco and stuff like that. "

"We went to The Springs of Napa, and it was very nice. Their room had a full kitchen with a full size refrigerator and stove. It was a little bit more expensive per month. The staff was very good, very nice, very friendly, and very helpful. Their dining room was very nice, and their chairs were a little bigger. They had the same type of activities like the facility where mom was had. The environment was very nice. It was in the top 2 that we looked at in Napa. "

"Deer Park looked nice and clean. I liked this place and it seemed reasonably priced. I saw one room and it had a bathroom, a refrigerator, and a microwave. It looked good. The staff who assisted me was very friendly and very easy to deal with. It was a nice building."

"Ten years ago my aging parents moved to an independent living cottage at Friends House. They made numerous friends and were readily welcomed into the community by caring staff as well as neighbors. The cottages are lovely, and the grounds are park-like with numerous trees and flowers. Each cottage has its own garden which residents can plant as they choose, including vegetables. As the years went by my father died and my Mom remained at Friends house, moving into a 1-bedroom apartment. A year ago she had to transition into skilled nursing there due to her health. I have visited on numerous occasions, always finding the staff to be loving, caring, and attentive. When Mom died last August my sister and I were able to be at her bedside. The staff cared for us as well as for Mom. I will be forever grateful for the love and kindness which was shared with us all. It meant the world to us. I can highly recommend Friends House because of our positive experience and knowing that Mom was lovingly cared for each day of her life."

"I live just a couple of blocks away from Spring Lake Village, so I know about it. It is great, but it is just really expensive, and the buy-in fee is outrageous. Everything about it is really nice, and you would want to be there, but it is just expensive. They have a nice indoor pool and a nice trail to walk on. They have just totally expanded, so all their units to live in are very modern and beautiful. They are small, but that is true of all retirement communities. The staff all seemed to be really friendly and nice. "

"My apartment at Valley Orchard has been home for over two years and I couldn’t live in a happier place. The staff is extremely caring and there is generally no turnover. Even the high school and college age dining room servers stay employed here until they move out of Petaluma. They know you by name and remember your preferences . There are plenty of extra activities like bingo and bocce ball in addition to musical entertainment, exercise classes, bus trips for shopping, restaurant dining and picnics. But one of my favorite places is the garden featuring raised bed planters, bird feeders, patio chairs and a quiet place to watch the birds. If a shady spot is desired the front porch has lots of comfortable chairs and a view of the water fountain feature. Every apartment has a view of the redwood trees that line the perimeter. The grounds and the interior of the building are well maintained, quiet and peaceful. The food is quite healthy with several choices at each meal and seconds if you are still hungry. I love working on jigsaw puzzles and keep one going on a small table outside the beauty parlor. This place is considered an independent living situation. If you find yourself needing extra help, you can hire care givers just as you would if still living at your home. Dining room meals can be delivered to your door. When you consider the great housekeeping service and the free laundry facilities in addition to the food service, free scheduled bus transportation, planned activities and friendly residents you just can’t beat the reasonable rent. "

"The Community here at Rancho de Calistoga is much like most with a very diverse group of people living in a neighborhood. Some are very active in the community and others keep to themselves or participate as much as they want to or not. There is a beautiful "Green" Recreation building with library, game room, large meeting/dinning room with modern kitchen for large gatherings. The pool and hot tub patio are very nice with a BBQ area as well. The exercise room has modern equipment and is available to all residents who choose to use it. There are independent groups created by residents that offer a multitude of activities. Also the local community offerings in the area are vast with cultural opportunities as well as wellness and lifestyle education. To top it off, it is located at the north end of the beautiful Napa Valley. With easy walking or golf cart ride to the historic downtown where restaurants, shopping and additional community activities are available such as those offered at the community art center as well as it is a great place to live. In short it is Rancho de Calistoga is quiet, clean and friendly with a moderate climate; a perfect place to live! "

"Silverado Orchards Retirement Community is in a very nice location and the building's well taken care of. They gave me a very nice tour. The units looked very comfortable and it's in a very safe, secure neighborhood. They had small kitchens with refrigerators and sinks, there was a nice kitchen area in the rooms. The person who gave me the tour was knowledgeable, very polite, and did a very good job of giving me the tour."

"I like the location of Sonoma Hills Retirement Center, and Mom wanted a completely independent living facility, so it's perfect for her. The staff is very friendly. Mom's room is large. Mom and I like the facility. "

"My visit at Rohlffs was quite nice. The staff were fine. They took me all around. The facility is worth recommending. "

"My visit to Berkshire was excellent. They took me to the room and personally guided me through everything. They talked to me and opened it up for questions, and they were very professional. The rooms were very nice and adequate for what the need is. They had dinners, and they had parties outside. It was some kind of celebration going on, and it looks like they did it quite nicely. It is all great. "

"I'm going to independent living at The Meadows of Napa Valley. It was very good and beautiful. It had happy people so it’s a very happy place. The food was good. I liked everything about. I'm getting a studio place with a big alcove for a bedroom, and it has a patio which goes out into a garden. They have a lot of activities."