Best Independent Living near me in Oakland, California

Oakland is situated in the western part of the United States, specifically in the state of California. Nestled on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay, Oakland is part of the larger San Francisco Bay Area. Oakland is renowned for its cultural diversity, vibrant arts scene, and progressive atmosphere. It has a rich history closely tied to the civil rights movement and the Black Panther Party. The city is also famous for its historic port, which has played a significant role in the region's economic development.

Costs of Independent Living in Oakland, CA

Although the pricing data on independent living specifically isn't well documented in Oakland, according to the Genworth Cost of Care survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living for Oakland is $6,905. Independent living is usually about the same price but slightly less. However, the costs of Independent Living can vary depending on the facility, the level of care needed, and the amenities offered.

Average Income in Oakland, CA

The average income in Oakland, is around $73,561 which is higher than the state average in California of about $61,697 per year. However, Oakland offers a lower cost of living compared to other major cities in the Country.

Ranking of Oakland, among Top Cities in California

Oakland is generally considered one of the major cities in California. It is often ranked among the top cities in the state, alongside others like San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose. Oakland's ranking can be influenced by factors such as economic strength, cultural diversity, quality of life, job opportunities, and more.

Top Independent Living Facilities in Oakland, CA

Some of the top Independent Living facilities in Oakland, CA include:

These facilities prioritize the well-being and comfort of their residents, offering various amenities, personalized care services, and engaging activities.

Buena Vista Manor House

3.9

399 Buena Vista Ave E, California 94117

Memory Care

Independent Living

Buena Vista Manor House stands out for its old San Francisco charm and genuinely homey feel. Families often mention the garden as a favorite spot—it's not just a patch of green, but an actual extension of Buena Vista Park, with views that make even routine days feel special. The building itself is classic Art Deco, with big windows and a dining room that overlooks the Bay, so your parent isn’t just staring at four walls.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$14,180 / mth

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Carlton Senior Living San Leandro

1000 E 14th St, California 94577

Independent Living

Assisted Living

The Center for Elders' Independence Pace Downtown Oakland Center is more than just a home care provider. They operate a PACE program—a specialized model that combines medical care, social services, and support to help seniors, especially those who are frail or low-income, live independently at home instead of moving to nursing facilities.

Estimated Pricing

$3,715–$7,674 / 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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Magnolia Senior Center

2.8

601 Grand Ave, California 94080

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Magnolia Senior Center isn’t an assisted living facility, but more of a community hub for older adults in South San Francisco. If your parent is looking for a place to get out of the house, meet people, and stay active, this spot is worth a look. The center offers a mix of social, recreational, and educational programs—think bingo, exercise classes, crafts, and guest speakers.

Estimated Pricing

$3,075–$7,174 / mth

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The Exchange at Bayfront

4.3

2525 Bayfront Blvd, California 94547

Independent Living

The Exchange at Bayfront is not your typical senior care provider—it's actually a newer apartment community that offers independent living, but without the built-in medical or personal care services you might expect from traditional senior living. What stands out here is the modern, airy design and the variety of floor plans, from studios to three-bedroom units.

Estimated Pricing

$4,475–$7,750 / 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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Baywood Court

4.4

21966 Dolores St, California 94546

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Baywood Court stands out in Castro Valley for a few reasons families notice right away. First, it’s a non-profit community that’s been around for over 25 years, so there’s a sense of stability and experience. They offer a full range of care—independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care—all on the same campus. That makes transitions smoother if your loved one’s needs change.

Estimated Pricing

$3,545–$12,124 / mth

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Bethesda Christian Retirement

4.0

22427 Montgomery St, California 94541

Independent Living

Bethesda Christian Retirement on Montgomery Street is a smaller, locally run senior community with a real neighborhood feel. They offer both independent and assisted living, so residents can get more help if they need it, but still keep as much freedom as possible. The place is homey, not flashy—think big lawns, flower beds you can help tend, and a patio where folks actually sit and chat.

Estimated Pricing

$4,319–$6,731 / mth

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Colonial Acres Resident Care

3.2

18905 Standish Ave, California 94541

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Colonial Acres Resident Care is a smaller, home-like assisted living place tucked into a residential area. From what I found, it’s not a big, flashy facility—think more like a converted house with a handful of residents, so your parent wouldn’t feel lost in the crowd. They help with daily things like bathing, dressing, and meals, and the staff is around to keep an eye on medications. I didn’t see any mention of specialized dementia care, so if that’s needed, it’s worth asking directly.

Estimated Pricing

$2,457–$6,731 / mth

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St. Paul's Towers

100 Bay Pl, California 94610

Independent Living

Nursing Home

St. Paul's Towers is one of those places people mention when they're looking for a solid, established community in Oakland for their parents. It's not flashy or brand new, but it has a reputation for really good care and a warm, welcoming vibe. The apartments are surprisingly spacious for a city location, with full kitchens and even decks in some units.

Estimated Pricing

$4,925–$14,405 / mth

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Village At The Crossing

3.7

1101 National Ave, California 94066

Independent Living

Village At The Crossing isn’t your typical senior apartment complex — it’s more like a small neighborhood where folks 55 and up can keep their independence but still have a sense of community. The apartments are modern (built in 2007) and come with practical touches like in-unit washer/dryer hookups, granite counters, and accessible layouts for those who need them. There’s no assisted living or medical care here; it’s truly independent living, so residents manage their own routines and care.

Estimated Pricing

$5,158–$7,535 / mth

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Autumn Glow

3.8

654 Grove St, California 94102

Memory Care

Independent Living

Autumn Glow stands out because it feels more like a home than an institution. With only about 15 residents, it’s small enough that staff actually know everyone’s routines and quirks. The team is specifically trained in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and they’re on site 24/7—not just for emergencies, but for everyday help with things like medication and personal care.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$10,017 / mth

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Bethany Center

3.9

580 Capp St, California 94110

Independent Living

Bethany Center at 580 Capp St is an apartment community specifically for older adults who want to live independently but with some extra support around them. It's not an assisted living facility—think of it more like affordable housing for seniors, where folks have their own apartments but share common spaces and activities. The building is part of the Covia/Front Porch network, which has a solid reputation for running senior communities in the Bay Area.

Estimated Pricing

$6,794–$8,884 / mth

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Brookdale Danville

3.9

400 W El Pintado, California 94526

Memory Care

Independent Living

Brookdale Danville is a smaller memory care community on West El Pintado that feels more like a neighborhood than a big institution. Residents here aren’t just numbers—they’re known by name, and the staff gets to know their routines, quirks, and what brings them comfort.

Estimated Pricing

$3,684–$12,142 / mth

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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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