Best Independent Living near me in San Carlos, California

San Carlos, California, located in San Mateo County, is a city nestled on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately halfway between San Jose and San Francisco. With a population of around 30,722 as of the 2020 census, San Carlos is characterized by its residential neighborhoods and proximity to the scenic San Francisco Bay. The city features notable landmarks such as the Pulgas Water Temple and the Hiller Aviation Museum, which attract both locals and visitors interested in aviation history and architecture.

San Carlos is renowned for its vibrant community events and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city's location near Mission Trails Regional Park and Lake Murray provides residents with access to hiking, biking, and various water activities. Additionally, San Carlos hosts an annual Independence Day fireworks show, fostering a sense of community spirit. Its blend of suburban charm and access to urban amenities makes it a desirable place to live within the Bay Area.

Costs of Independent Living in San Carlos, CA

The costs of independent living in San Carlos, California, are influenced by various factors such as location, amenities, and services offered. On average, residents can expect to pay between $3,110 and $7,828 per month for independent living facilities, which is notably higher than the national average of approximately $3,065. This pricing reflects San Carlos's elevated cost of living compared to other regions. Many communities offer flexible month-to-month rental agreements without buy-in fees, providing accessible options for seniors seeking independence. Overall, San Carlos presents a diverse range of independent living choices catering to varying budgetary needs while ensuring quality services.

Average Income in San Carlos, CA

San Carlos, California, known for its vibrant community and proximity to Silicon Valley, boasts an average household income of approximately $298,397 and a median income of $219,413. This affluent city benefits from a strong local economy driven by technology and professional services. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with amenities such as parks, excellent schools, and a variety of cultural events. The low poverty rate of 2.96% further highlights the economic stability in San Carlos, making it an attractive destination for families and professionals alike.

Ranking of San Carlos among Top Cities in California

San Carlos, California, is often ranked among the top cities in the state, recognized for its high quality of life and strong community spirit. With a median household income of $204,570, it ranks as one of the richest cities in the U.S. Located conveniently between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, it offers a suburban feel with excellent schools and numerous parks. The city boasts a low crime rate and a vibrant downtown area filled with restaurants and shops, making it an attractive place for families. Overall, San Carlos continues to enhance its reputation as a desirable location in California.

Top Independent Living Facilities in San Carlos, CA

Some of the top independent living facilities in San Carlos, CA include:

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

The Villa at San Mateo Apartments

4.1

4000 S El Camino Real, California 94403

Independent Living

Assisted Living

The Villa at San Mateo isn’t your typical senior apartment complex. It’s designed for folks 55 and older who want to keep their independence but appreciate a little extra support and a lively social scene. Residents get their own one- or two-bedroom apartments, each with a full kitchen, walk-in closets, and plenty of natural light. There’s a heated outdoor pool, a fitness center, a movie lounge, and even a game room—so there’s always something to do.

Estimated Pricing

$4,619–$6,916 / mth

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Webster House

4.1

401 Webster St, California 94301

Memory Care

Independent Living

Webster House in Palo Alto isn’t a flashy place, but it’s known for being steady and reliable for older adults who want options. They offer independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing all under one roof, which makes transitions easier if your loved one’s needs change. The building itself is older, but it’s well-kept, and residents mention that the atmosphere feels more like a small community than a big facility.

Estimated Pricing

$4,667–$14,190 / mth

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Palm Villas Memory Care

4.1

1931 Woodside Rd, California 94061

Memory Care

Independent Living

Palm Villas Memory Care is one of those rare places that feels more like a big family home than a facility. The staff really stands out—many have been there for years, and you see the same faces day after day, which is comforting for both residents and families. Gary, the owner, is hands-on and genuinely cares about the residents, and Nora keeps the office running smoothly.

Estimated Pricing

$3,079–$11,976 / mth

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Ava Bella Care Home

4.1

2483 Balmoral St, California 94587

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Ava Bella Care Home is a small, family-run place that feels more like a real home than a facility. The owner, Joy, is hands-on and gets mentioned in reviews for treating residents like her own family—she listens to what people want and tries to make them comfortable, not just safe. Her daughter helps out, too, and people say she’s smart and attentive. There are only six residents at a time, so everyone gets a lot of personal attention.

Estimated Pricing

$3,124–$16,309 / mth

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Kensington Place Redwood City

4.1

2800 El Camino Real, California 94061

Memory Care

Independent Living

Kensington Place Redwood City really stands out for families who want more than just basic care for their loved ones. People talk about the staff being not only well-trained, especially in memory care, but also genuinely warm and attentive. There’s a real sense that the team knows each resident personally—families mention that staff turnover is low and that caregivers go out of their way to keep everyone engaged and happy.

Estimated Pricing

$3,079–$11,976 / mth

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Pacifica Senior Living Burlingame

4.1

250 Myrtle Rd, California 94010

Memory Care

Independent Living

Pacifica Senior Living Burlingame stands out for its genuinely warm atmosphere and hands-on leadership. Residents and families often mention how approachable the staff are, from the executive director Stephanie Brice to the activities director Jazline Marian. There’s a real effort to keep people engaged—think cookie decorating, arts programs, and daily activities tailored to different interests.

Estimated Pricing

$4,137–$8,865 / 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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Bayview Villa

4.0

777 Bay Vw Dr, California 94070

Memory Care

Independent Living

Bayview Villa in San Carlos is a smaller, family-owned community that focuses heavily on residents with higher care needs, especially those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. It has about 44 private studio apartments, each with its own bathroom, allowing residents to personalize their space. The setting is quiet and woodsy, with views of the San Francisco Bay, which many families find calming for their loved ones.

Estimated Pricing

$3,586–$15,790 / mth

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Pacific Oaks Senior Apartments

4.0

750 Oddstad Blvd, California 94044

Independent Living

Pacific Oaks Senior Apartments is designed for folks 62 and up who want to live independently but still have a sense of community. The place feels more like a classic apartment complex than a care facility—think private one- and two-bedroom units with their own kitchens, not shared rooms. Residents handle their own day-to-day needs, but there’s a social side: bingo, movie nights, and other group activities are regular events.

Estimated Pricing

$4,180–$6,705 / mth

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Serra Highlands Senior Living

4.0

501 King Dr, California 94015

Memory Care

Independent Living

Serra Highlands Senior Living feels more like a mid-sized apartment building than an institution. Residents have their own private rooms—some are studios, others have a small living area for a table and couch. Each room has a private bathroom, and the larger ones can fit a few personal touches.

Estimated Pricing

$3,654–$13,037 / mth

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Vanessa Care Home II

4.0

1640 Eleanor Dr, California 94402

Memory Care

Independent Living

Vanessa Care Home II is a small, home-like senior care residence in San Mateo, set up for folks who want a quieter environment and more personal attention than you’d get in a big facility. The staff here are known for being attentive and genuinely getting to know each resident—families often mention how the team goes out of their way to help with everything from medication reminders to arranging rides for doctor visits.

Estimated Pricing

$4,619–$11,098 / mth

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Arcadian Residential Community

4.0

24647 Mohr Dr, California 94545

Memory Care

Independent Living

Arcadian Residential Community stands out for being a smaller, more personal place where staff really get to know the residents. Families who've placed loved ones here often mention how the caregivers are warm and attentive—there’s a sense that people aren’t just numbers. Residents get help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, and medication, and there’s a 24-hour call system for peace of mind. The place is clean, and the staff are consistently described as friendly and responsive.

Estimated Pricing

$2,457–$12,938 / mth

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Sunnyside Gardens

4.0

1025 Carson Dr, California 94086

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sunnyside Gardens feels more like a close-knit neighborhood than a big facility. It’s family-owned and you can tell—staff stick around for years, and they really get to know the residents. When I’ve visited, I’ve seen the same faces at the front desk and in the kitchen, which says a lot in this field. The care team works with CareMore Health, so there’s on-site medical support—residents don’t have to leave for every little thing.

Estimated Pricing

$4,081–$13,676 / mth

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Enchanted Garden for Seniors

4.0

188 Starlite Dr, California 94402

Memory Care

Independent Living

Enchanted Garden for Seniors is a very small, home-like assisted living community in San Mateo that feels more like a close-knit household than a typical care facility. It only houses up to six residents, which means the staff can really get to know each person and tailor support to their daily needs. They handle everything from help with bathing and dressing to medication management, all with 24-hour supervision.

Estimated Pricing

$4,619–$9,780 / mth

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