Best Independent Living near me in Berkeley, California

Berkeley, located in California, is a vibrant city known for its progressive culture, academic institutions, and diverse community. Home to the renowned University of California, Berkeley, the city offers a mix of intellectual pursuits, cultural events, and natural beauty. With a history deeply rooted in activism and innovation, Berkeley maintains a distinctive character that attracts residents seeking a dynamic urban experience.

Costs of Independent Living in Berkeley:

Independent living costs in Berkeley can vary based on factors such as housing, healthcare, and lifestyle choices. Berkeley, being part of the San Francisco Bay Area, generally has a higher cost of living compared to national averages. Housing expenses, including rent and property values, contribute significantly to the overall cost of independent living. It's advisable for individuals considering independent living in Berkeley to carefully budget for housing, healthcare services, and other daily expenses.

Average Income in Berkeley:

The average income in Berkeley is influenced by its diverse population and the presence of academic institutions. While income levels can vary, the city generally reflects a mix of middle to upper-middle-class households. Factors such as education and employment in sectors like technology and academia contribute to the overall income landscape. It's essential for residents to be aware of the income dynamics when planning for independent living in Berkeley.

Ranking of Berkeley among Top Cities in California:

Berkeley consistently ranks as one of the top cities in California, thanks to its cultural richness, educational institutions, and economic contributions. Its proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area enhances its appeal. The city's commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation contributes to its positive standing among the top cities in the state.

Top Independent Living Providers/Facilities in Berkeley, CA:

Harmony House
Berkeley Springs Manor
Redwood Gardens
Waters Edge Lodge
North Berkeley Senior Center
Atria Park of Lafayette
The Point at Rockridge
Pacifica Senior Living Oakland Heights
Lake Park Retirement Residence
Carlton Senior Living Downtown Pleasant Hill

These independent living providers offer a range of amenities and services catering to the needs and preferences of seniors seeking a supportive and engaging living environment in Berkeley, CA.

Hana Gardens Senior Apartments

4.1

10860 San Pablo Ave, California 94530

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Hana Gardens Senior Apartments isn’t your typical senior housing—it’s a thoughtfully designed community with a real sense of place. The property honors El Cerrito’s Japanese heritage, and you’ll notice this right away in the public plaza and heritage garden, which aren’t just for show but serve as gathering spots for residents and neighbors alike. The buildings are modern, with two four-story wings and a renovated historic florist shop that now serves as a community room.

Estimated Pricing

$3,381–$7,925 / mth

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Maureen House

4.1

590 Maureen Ln, California 94523

Independent Living

Maureen House is a small, home-like care setting with just six residents at a time, which means your parent won’t get lost in the shuffle. The staff here is known for being attentive and genuinely hands-on—they’re around 24/7, and there’s always someone awake at night, not just on call. If your loved one needs help with bathing, dressing, or getting around, the team is right there to help, whether that’s with a walker, wheelchair, or just a steady arm.

Estimated Pricing

$4,663–$7,123 / mth

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Wagaya

4.1

905 Elm St, California 94530

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Wagaya stands out for its small, home-like setting—just six residents at a time—which means everyone gets truly personal attention. The staff is known for being especially attentive to cultural needs, with several families mentioning how well they cared for Japanese-speaking elders. One review highlights how the team gently supported a first-generation Japanese mother, even as her English faded, which is rare to find locally.

Estimated Pricing

$3,381–$7,925 / mth

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Carlton Senior Living Pleasant Hill - Martinez

4.1

2770 Pleasant Hill Rd, California 94523

Memory Care

Independent Living

Carlton Senior Living Pleasant Hill - Martinez feels like a lively, welcoming place where residents are truly known by the staff. People mention how open and bright the building is, which makes it easy for folks to get around, even if they use walkers or wheelchairs. The staff gets a lot of praise for being friendly and genuinely caring—families often say they feel comfortable reaching out and always get a quick response.

Estimated Pricing

$4,027–$9,668 / mth

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Pleasant Hill Oasis

4.1

40 Boyd Rd, California 94523

Memory Care

Independent Living

Pleasant Hill Oasis isn’t the flashiest spot in town, but it’s earned a reputation for being a genuinely friendly, down-to-earth community where residents are treated more like neighbors than numbers. Locals mention the staff by name in reviews, describing them as polite, hardworking, and quick to help – the kind of folks who remember your birthday and chat with your family when they visit.

Estimated Pricing

$4,027–$9,668 / mth

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Grace Homes Residential Care

4.1

423 McLaughlin St, California 94805

Memory Care

Independent Living

Grace Homes Residential Care stands out in Richmond for its genuinely homey atmosphere and small, tight-knit setting. Instead of feeling like a large facility, it’s more like a cozy house where everyone knows each other by name. Residents get hands-on help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, and medication, but there’s also a real effort to keep folks as independent as possible.

Estimated Pricing

$4,000–$12,106 / mth

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Lafayette Gardens

4.1

3486 Monroe Ave, California 94549

Memory Care

Independent Living

Lafayette Gardens isn’t a sprawling facility—it’s more of a small, home-like setting where staff know each resident by name. They focus on hands-on help with daily activities: bathing, dressing, eating, and getting around. If your loved one needs support with memory issues, like Alzheimer’s or dementia, they tailor care plans and keep routines predictable.

Estimated Pricing

$3,885–$12,789 / mth

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Hookston Senior Homes

4.1

80 W Hookston Rd, California 94523

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Hookston Senior Homes is a small senior apartment community tucked away in Pleasant Hill. It’s not a full-service assisted living facility—think more along the lines of independent senior apartments, with some basic amenities like high-speed internet, smoke-free options, and balconies. There’s a bit of green space and a community house, which can be nice for folks who like to get outside or socialize a bit.

Estimated Pricing

$4,027–$7,123 / mth

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Mira Flores Senior Apartments

4.1

150 S 45th St, California 94804

Independent Living

Mira Flores Senior Apartments isn’t just another senior living complex—it’s a piece of Richmond’s history, built on land once home to Japanese family-run flower nurseries for over a century. The building is modern, but the roots run deep: the project took nearly 20 years and a partnership between Eden Housing, CHDC, and the city to bring affordable senior housing to life.

Estimated Pricing

$5,732–$7,141 / mth

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Memory Care of Contra Costa

4.1

540 Patterson Blvd, California 94523

Memory Care

Independent Living

Memory Care of Contra Costa isn’t your typical senior care place. It’s focused entirely on memory care, so you won’t find independent living or general assisted living here—just a team that’s all in on dementia and Alzheimer’s support. They use Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care®, which is a hands-on, relationship-based method that’s pretty respected in the field.

Estimated Pricing

$4,027–$9,668 / mth

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Heritage on the Marina

4.1

3400 Laguna St, California 94123

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Heritage on the Marina is one of those rare places that feels more like a historic San Francisco home than a facility. The building itself is a Julia Morgan design, so you get that old-world charm with high ceilings, woodwork, and a real sense of place. They serve about 110 residents, which means it's not overwhelming—folks get to know each other and the staff well. Staff are on-site around the clock, handling everything from medication reminders to help with dressing and mobility.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$14,180 / mth

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RN3 Loving Care Homes - Assisted Living for Senior

4.1

8320 Buckingham Dr, California 94530

Independent Living

Nursing Home

RN3 Loving Care Homes isn’t a big, impersonal facility—it’s a family-run place that’s been part of the El Cerrito community for over 17 years. Locals know it for its small, homey feel and the way the staff gets to know each resident as a person, not just a name on a chart. The owner, Mina, is hands-on and often mentioned by families for her attentiveness and willingness to communicate about changes in a loved one’s condition.

Estimated Pricing

$3,381–$13,000 / mth

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Oakmont of Mariner Point

4.1

2400 Mariner Square Dr, California 94501

Memory Care

Independent Living

Oakmont of Mariner Point has a reputation for really focusing on the details that matter day-to-day. Residents can get help with things like bathing, dressing, and managing medications, but what stands out is the extra support—there’s a full-time nurse on staff and a wellness center that handles things like physical, speech, and occupational therapy, plus psychological services and even podiatry.

Estimated Pricing

$3,715–$8,556 / mth

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Berkeley Town House

4.0

2550 Dana St, California 94704

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Berkeley Town House isn’t your typical senior living spot—it feels more like a lively co-op than an institution. Residents here are mostly active folks 55 and up, and the vibe is social and engaged. The building itself is a mid-century high-rise with about 70 units, many with sweeping views of the Bay and the city.

Estimated Pricing

$3,591–$7,361 / mth

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