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.

Carmel Pines

2.8

1770 Carmel Dr, California

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Carmel Pines is a smaller 55+ senior apartment community that feels more like a quiet garden complex than a traditional assisted living facility. Residents here live independently in one-bedroom apartments, each about 525 square feet, with basic utilities like water, heat, and trash included in the rent. The location is a big plus—right across from Civic Park and close to the Walnut Creek Senior Center, library, and shopping, so it's easy to stay active or run errands without needing a car.

Estimated Pricing

$4,201–$7,288 / mth

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Carnelian Assisted Living

2.8

2380 Warren Rd, California

Memory Care

Independent Living

Carnelian Assisted Living on Warren Rd is a small, hands-on care home that stands out for its stability and personal touch. Unlike larger facilities, Carnelian feels more like a family home—residents and staff know each other by name, and turnover is low. Families who've placed loved ones here, especially those with dementia or high care needs, consistently mention how the staff treat residents like their own relatives.

Estimated Pricing

$5,136–$13,038 / mth

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Casa Montego

2.8

1485 Montego, California

Independent Living

Casa Montego is one of those places that’s been around long enough for locals to know it by name, but details can be surprisingly hard to pin down. It’s an independent living community, not assisted living, so the focus is on providing a safe, social environment for seniors who are still pretty self-sufficient. Residents have their own apartments and can expect things like meals, housekeeping, and transportation to be part of the package.

Estimated Pricing

$5,136–$7,288 / mth

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Classic Care Home

2.8

11 Norlyn Dr, California

Memory Care

Independent Living

Classic Care Home is a small, residential care home that feels more like a family house than a big facility. The staff here are known for being very hands-on and genuinely caring—families often mention that caregivers become almost like extended family. Residents get help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, but also enjoy outings to local spots like the movies or nearby restaurants.

Estimated Pricing

$4,201–$7,968 / mth

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Cypress Manor Guest Home

2.8

1712 Geary Rd, California

Memory Care

Independent Living

Cypress Manor Guest Home stands out in Walnut Creek for its small, home-like setting—licensed for just six residents. This means your loved one gets a lot more personal attention than at larger facilities. The staff is known for treating residents like family, not just clients.

Estimated Pricing

$4,201–$13,038 / mth

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Diablo Assisted Living Company

2.8

15 Glen Creek Lane, California

Memory Care

Independent Living

Diablo Assisted Living II, tucked away on Glen Creek Lane, is one of those smaller Walnut Creek care homes that feels more like a big family than a facility. The staff here is known for being hands-on and attentive—residents get help with the basics like bathing, getting dressed, and managing medications, but it's done in a way that respects their independence.

Estimated Pricing

$4,201–$13,038 / mth

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Golden Rain Foundation-Walnut

2.8

1010 Stanley Dollar Dr, California

Memory Care

Independent Living

Golden Rain Foundation-Walnut isn’t your typical senior care provider—it’s the backbone of Rossmoor, one of the Bay Area’s largest and most active 55+ communities. Instead of offering traditional 'care' services like assisted living or memory care, the Foundation runs and maintains the amenities, clubs, and infrastructure that make Rossmoor tick.

Estimated Pricing

$5,136–$7,968 / mth

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Hannam Homes Elderly Care

2.8

2181 Tice Valley Blvd, California

Memory Care

Independent Living

Hannam Homes Elderly Care is a small, residential-style senior care home where each resident gets their own private room and bathroom. The place is quiet and feels more like a house than a large facility, which many families find comforting. Staff are trained to help with daily routines—bathing, dressing, medication reminders—and they’re set up to handle higher-care needs if someone’s health changes.

Estimated Pricing

$4,201–$7,968 / mth

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Harmony Home Care, Walnut Creek

2.8

1621 3rd Ave, California

Memory Care

Independent Living

Harmony Home Care in Walnut Creek stands out for its hands-on, personal approach to senior care, especially for residents who might not fit easily into larger, more polished facilities. The home itself is older and could use some updates, but families consistently mention that the staff’s genuine care and patience make all the difference. One review described how their loved one with a traumatic brain injury, who had been turned away from other places, found stability and true acceptance here.

Estimated Pricing

$5,136–$13,038 / mth

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Heatherwood Memory Care

2.8

1315 Mt Pisgah Rd, California

Memory Care

Independent Living

Heatherwood Memory Care feels more like a big family home than a facility. Walk in and you’ll notice residents and staff greeting each other by name, and there’s a genuine warmth that’s hard to miss. They focus entirely on memory care, so everyone there—from the owners to the caregivers—knows what it’s like to support people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The staff is consistent, with very little turnover, and families say that makes a huge difference.

Estimated Pricing

$4,201–$7,968 / mth

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Ivy Park at Walnut Creek

2.8

2175 Ygnacio Valley Rd, California

Memory Care

Independent Living

Ivy Park at Walnut Creek is one of those places that feels less like a facility and more like a lively community hub for older adults. They focus on assisted living and memory care, so you’ll find residents with a wide range of needs, from those who just want a little help with daily tasks to folks living with dementia. What stands out is their Evergreen at Ivy memory care program—it's not just about safety, but about creating meaningful moments for people with cognitive changes.

Estimated Pricing

$5,136–$13,038 / mth

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La Casa Via Transitional Care Center

2.8

1449 Ygnacio Valley Rd, California

Independent Living

Nursing Home

La Casa Via Transitional Care Center stands out for its focus on short-term rehabilitation and longer-term skilled nursing, with a particular emphasis on helping residents regain function and return home when possible. The staff includes RNs, LVNs, and aides, and reviews mention supportive teams and good staffing ratios, especially on the rehab side.

Estimated Pricing

$4,201–$13,038 / mth

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Paradise Gardens Care Home

2.8

686 Minert Rd, California

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Paradise Gardens Care Home stands out in Walnut Creek for its long-standing, tight-knit staff—many have been there for years, which is rare in senior care. Families say this consistency makes a real difference: residents get to know the same caregivers, and it feels more like a family than an institution. The team receives regular training, and they work closely with local doctors and specialists, so if a resident's health needs change, the staff is ready and responsive.

Estimated Pricing

$4,201–$13,038 / mth

Go to provider page

Paradise Gardens Care Home II

2.8

197 Los Cerros Ave, California

Memory Care

Independent Living

Paradise Gardens Care Home II feels more like a welcoming family home than a large facility. Tucked in a residential neighborhood, it’s known locally for its personal touch and small size—usually just a handful of residents, so everyone gets to know each other. The staff here aren’t just employees; many have worked at Paradise Gardens for years and are genuinely familiar with each resident’s routines and preferences.

Estimated Pricing

$5,136–$13,038 / mth

Go to provider page

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Important things to know about Independent Living

Independent Living: A Guide to Choosing Ideal Communities for Seniors

Added: Jun 1, 2023

4 min read

Last modified: Nov 26, 2023

Seniors in independent living manage their day-to-day lives on their own. There is no staff to help with personal care

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