Best Independent Living near me in East Palo Alto, California

East Palo Alto, California, located in San Mateo County, is a city situated on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately halfway between San Francisco and San Jose. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of around 30,034 residents. Established as an unincorporated community, East Palo Alto was incorporated in.....

Best Independent Living near me in East Palo Alto, California

East Palo Alto, California, located in San Mateo County, is a city situated on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately halfway between San Francisco and San Jose. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of around 30,034 residents. Established as an unincorporated community, East Palo Alto was incorporated in July 1983. The city is bordered by Menlo Park to the west, Palo Alto to the south, and the San Francisco Bay to the east. Despite its name suggesting a location east of Palo Alto, it is primarily located to the north of it, separated by the San Francisquito Creek and the Bayshore Freeway.

East Palo Alto is known for its rich cultural diversity and historical significance. The city has one of the largest populations of Pacific Islanders outside Hawaii and has welcomed various ethnic communities over the years. Historically, East Palo Alto faced challenges such as high crime rates in the early 1990s; however, it has since transformed into a more vibrant community with a focus on residential living rather than industrial development. The city boasts a strong agricultural heritage and offers a unique blend of urban and rural settings, making it an interesting area within Silicon Valley.

Costs of Independent Living in East Palo Alto, CA

The costs of independent living in East Palo Alto, California, are notably high, reflecting the area's overall expensive cost of living. On average, residents can expect to pay approximately $5,592 per month for independent living facilities, which is significantly above the national median of around $3,100 per month. This figure represents a substantial investment in lifestyle and community amenities tailored for seniors who wish to maintain independence without the burdens of home maintenance. The pricing can vary based on factors such as location, amenities, and additional services offered by the facilities, making it essential for potential residents to carefully evaluate their options.

Average Income in East Palo Alto, CA

East Palo Alto, California, has an average household income of approximately $136,345 and a median income of $103,248, reflecting a diverse economy influenced by nearby Silicon Valley. The city is known for its vibrant community and cultural diversity, with significant investments in education and local development. Residents enjoy amenities such as parks and recreational facilities, contributing to a high quality of life despite challenges like housing affordability. The population is approximately 27,638, with a notable percentage of residents engaged in technology and service industries, enhancing the city's economic landscape.

Ranking of East Palo Alto among Top Cities in California

East Palo Alto is often recognized among the top cities in California for its unique blend of cultural diversity and proximity to Silicon Valley. It has gained attention for its efforts in community development and revitalization, ranking favorably in terms of livability and economic opportunity. The city is celebrated for its commitment to education and local businesses, making it an attractive destination for families and professionals alike. With ongoing improvements in infrastructure and public services, East Palo Alto continues to enhance its reputation as a desirable place to live within the competitive California market.

Top Independent Living Facilities in East Palo Alto, CA

Some of the top independent living facilities in East Palo Alto, CA include:

  1. Runnymede Gardens Apartments
  2. BridgePoint at Los Altos
  3. Vi at Palo Alto
  4. Channing House
  5. Webster House

These facilities focus on providing a supportive environment with various amenities and personalized care services for their residents.



Lesley Plaza

3.7
120 N San Mateo Dr, California 94401
Lesley Plaza isn’t your typical senior community—it’s strictly independent living, and that’s by design. You won’t find meal plans or onsite care staff here. Instead, what you get is affordable, well-maintained housing for older adults who want to live on their own terms but appreciate a sense of community. The building itself has a bit of history, dating back to 1961, and was one of the first HUD 202 projects in California.
Estimated Pricing
$5,049–$6,916 / mth

Yesteryear House Residential

3.7
111 16th Ave, California 94402
Yesteryear House Residential feels more like a real home than a facility. When you walk in, the first thing you notice is how bright and open it is—the living, dining, and kitchen areas flow together, and there's a patio breezeway that brings in a lot of natural light. The place is clean, modern, and has a relaxed vibe. Residents spend time together in the common areas, and meals are home-cooked and served family-style, which helps everyone feel included.
Estimated Pricing
$4,619–$11,098 / mth

Idylwood Care Center

3.7
1002 W Fremont Ave, California 94087
Idylwood Care Center is the kind of place where you notice the people first. From what I’ve found, the staff really do become like family to both residents and each other, which isn’t something you see everywhere. They’re known for taking on some of the tougher cases—folks with severe mental illness or complex needs—and the team doesn’t shy away from a challenge.
Estimated Pricing
$4,081–$13,676 / mth

Bay Leaf Elderly Care Home

3.7
1168 Lyons St, California 94061
Bay Leaf Elderly Care Home is a small, six-bed board and care home run by Mayanne Avena, who is listed as the administrator and was present during recent state inspections. This place stands out for its intimate setting—families looking for a quieter, more personal environment will notice the difference right away. Residents get help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders, and there’s always someone available around the clock.
Estimated Pricing
$3,079–$7,914 / mth

Retirement Plus-San Carlos

3.7
612 Chestnut St, California 94070
Retirement Plus-San Carlos is a smaller, home-like senior community that focuses on hands-on help and close attention. It’s not a big, flashy place—instead, it feels more like a family home than a facility. The staff is there around the clock, helping with things like bathing, dressing, and making sure medications are taken on time. They also coordinate with doctors and outside healthcare providers, which can be a relief if your parent has ongoing medical needs.
Estimated Pricing
$3,586–$15,790 / mth

Choice Senior Living

3.6
920 Hillview Ct, California 95035
Choice Senior Living is a mid-sized community in Milpitas that covers a wide range of care levels, from independent living to memory care and even skilled nursing. Families usually mention that the staff are approachable and try to get residents involved with activities, whether that's arts and crafts, group games, or wellness classes.
Estimated Pricing
$2,874–$11,128 / mth

C & R Home for the Elderly

3.6
34819 Clover St, California 94587
C & R Home for the Elderly is a small, home-like place that feels a lot less like an institution and more like a real house. If your parent prefers a quieter setting with just a handful of fellow residents, this could be a good fit. The staff is known for being friendly and approachable, and they offer hands-on help with things like bathing, dressing, medication, and getting around—so you don’t have to worry about your loved one being overlooked.
Estimated Pricing
$3,124–$16,309 / mth

Lesley Terrace

3.6
2400 Carlmont Dr, California 94002
Lesley Terrace is a senior housing community in Belmont that’s been around for decades, offering both independent and assisted living options. Most of the apartments are designed for independent seniors, but there’s a dedicated floor for folks who need more help—assisted living residents get 24-hour staff support and their own dining area. Meals are included in the rent (breakfast and dinner), and lunch is available for a small extra fee.
Estimated Pricing
$5,287–$8,700 / mth

Madera Villa

3.6
1052 W Iowa Ave, California 94086
Madera Villa feels less like an institution and more like a big, extended family home. Tucked on a quiet, leafy street in Sunnyvale, it’s a small board-and-care, not a sprawling facility. Residents get real, hands-on help with daily needs—bathing, dressing, medication reminders, and even transfers if mobility is tough. What stands out is the owner’s personal involvement; families say she attends medical appointments with residents and works closely with doctors to keep care plans on track.
Estimated Pricing
$4,081–$13,676 / mth

St. Regis Tran Retirement Center

3.6
23950 Mission Blvd, California 94544
St. Regis Tran Retirement Center has gone through some big changes in recent years. What was once a traditional retirement home on Mission Blvd is now part of a larger community effort led by Bay Area Community Services (BACS). Instead of just independent living, the campus now offers a blend of permanent supportive housing, short-term recuperative care, and on-site medical services.
Estimated Pricing
$4,319–$6,731 / mth

Eden Issei Terrace

3.6
200 Fagundes St, California 94544
Eden Issei Terrace is a senior apartment community that's been around since 1985, tucked into a quieter part of Hayward. It's not a flashy place, but it offers the basics that matter: affordable independent living for older adults, especially those looking for a simpler setup. The building has 100 units across three stories, with studio and one-bedroom options. Amenities are practical—on-site parking, high-speed internet, a fitness center, and a game room.
Estimated Pricing
$4,319–$6,731 / mth

Lesley Towers

3.6
700 Laurel Ave, California 94401
Lesley Towers stands out in San Mateo because it's not your typical senior care facility—it's strictly independent living for older adults who want their own space but need affordability. What makes it unique is that it’s a HUD-supported, 12-story building with 158 studios and 40 one-bedroom apartments, each with its own kitchenette. There’s no meal program or on-site medical care, so residents need to be able to live on their own, but they do have a full-time Director of Resident Services.
Estimated Pricing
$5,049–$6,916 / mth

Paradise Care Home

3.6
27568 Gainesville Ave, California 94545
Paradise Care Home on Gainesville Ave is a smaller, local place where your parent won’t get lost in the shuffle. They focus on assisted living and memory care, with options for independent folks too. What stands out is their flexibility—residents can choose between studio, single, or even two-bedroom setups, which isn’t always the case at other homes nearby.
Estimated Pricing
$2,457–$6,956 / mth

St. Therese Care Home II

3.6
2640 Mallard Ct, California 94587
St. Therese Care Home II is a small, residential care home tucked away on a quiet street in Union City. It’s not a big, impersonal facility—this is a 6-bed home where residents get a lot of one-on-one attention. The staff here are known for being hands-on and accessible, helping with everything from bathing and dressing to medication reminders. There’s always someone around, day or night, so families don’t have to worry about their loved one being left alone if they need help.
Estimated Pricing
$3,124–$16,309 / mth

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Important things to know about Independent Living

Independent Living: A Guide to Choosing Ideal Communities for Seniors

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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