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....

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:

  1. Retirement Plus of San Carlos
  2. Bayview Villa
  3. San Carlos Elms
  4. Grove at San Carlos Elms

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


Pacific Oaks Senior Apartments

4.0
750 Oddstad Blvd, California 94044
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

Serra Highlands Senior Living

4.0
501 King Dr, California 94015
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

Brookdale Redwood City

4.0
485 Woodside Rd, California 94063
Brookdale Redwood City is a large senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Families often mention how friendly and patient the staff are—Omid, a team member, is singled out in reviews for being especially attentive. Residents get help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders, but can also join in on group activities, outings, and social events.
Estimated Pricing
$3,079–$11,976 / mth

Senior Care Authority Peninsula

4.0
1040 S Claremont St, California 94402
If you're feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out the best care for your parent, Senior Care Authority Peninsula stands out because they're more like a local guide than a typical care facility. Instead of just offering a single building or program, they actually help families navigate all the options in San Mateo—everything from assisted living and memory care to independent living and nursing homes.
Estimated Pricing
$4,619–$11,098 / mth

Vanessa Care Home II

4.0
1640 Eleanor Dr, California 94402
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

Arcadian Residential Community

4.0
24647 Mohr Dr, California 94545
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

Lotus Residential Care

4.0
1738 Bobolink Ct, California 94545
Lotus Residential Care is a small, home-like senior care option tucked into a quiet Hayward neighborhood. What sets Lotus apart is its size—just six residents—which means everyone gets truly personal attention. The care team helps with daily needs like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders, but they also encourage residents to bring their own furniture and decorate their rooms. This helps each person feel more at home, not just like a guest.
Estimated Pricing
$2,457–$6,956 / mth

Sunnyside Gardens

4.0
1025 Carson Dr, California 94086
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

Enchanted Garden for Seniors

4.0
188 Starlite Dr, California 94402
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

Golden Heart Care Providers

4.0
635 Mariners Island Blvd #200c, California 94404
Golden Heart Care Providers at Mariners Island Blvd isn’t your typical senior care agency. They focus on helping older adults stay independent in their own homes, which means their caregivers come to you instead of moving your parent into a facility. They offer help with daily routines—things like bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, and meal prep.
Estimated Pricing
$5,121–$8,581 / mth

Peninsula Senior Living Magnolia

4.0
176 S Bernardo Ave, California 94086
Peninsula Senior Living Magnolia isn’t the flashiest place in Sunnyvale, but it has a reputation for being warm and practical—more about real support than fancy décor. Residents get help with daily routines like bathing, dressing, and medication, and there’s always someone on hand (24/7) if anything comes up. The staff includes licensed nurses and trained caregivers who seem to know the residents well and pay attention to individual needs.
Estimated Pricing
$4,081–$9,337 / mth

Blossom Garden Senior Home

4.0
21307 Western Blvd, California 94541
Blossom Garden Senior Home stands out for its genuinely home-like setting and the hands-on involvement of its owner, Ms. Fifi. Unlike larger facilities, this place feels more like a family home than an institution—residents and visitors mention homemade meals, fresh fruit always available, and a garden that’s actually used and enjoyed. The staff, led by Fifi, get mentioned by name in reviews, which is rare.
Estimated Pricing
$2,457–$6,956 / mth

Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL)

4.0
439 A St, California 94541
Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL) is one of those rare places where you walk in and immediately sense that everyone—staff and visitors alike—has a story, and those stories matter. CRIL isn’t just about connecting people to services; it’s about helping folks with disabilities and seniors 60+ figure out how to live on their own terms in southern and eastern Alameda County.
Estimated Pricing
$4,319–$6,731 / mth

Vintage Court Senior Apartments | Affordable Apartments 62+

4.0
2499 Decoto Rd, California 94587
Vintage Court Senior Apartments stands out in Union City for its genuine sense of community and practical approach to senior living. Unlike many places that feel institutional, Vintage Court feels more like an established neighborhood—residents mention knowing the staff by name and feeling truly listened to. The management team, led by Kim (property manager), Connie (leasing manager), and George (maintenance lead), gets consistent praise for being responsive and hands-on.
Estimated Pricing
$5,030–$8,849 / mth

Talk to an advisor

Avatar

Need help caring for an elder loved one? We've got you covered.

  • Free consultation with a Senior Advisor
  • Compare pricing for senior services
  • Comprehensive planning for you loved one
or call us directly at 1-800-22-OLERA

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
Learn more