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.

San Carlos Elms

3.9

707 Elm St, California 94070

Memory Care

Independent Living

San Carlos Elms is a smaller, locally-run senior community that offers assisted living, memory care, and some independent living. What stands out is their approach to care planning: every resident is evaluated before moving in, and services are tailored so you only pay for what your loved one actually needs. Staff can help with things like bathing, dressing, medication reminders, and getting to meals or activities.

Estimated Pricing

$3,586–$15,790 / mth

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God's Grace

3.9

629 Hampton Rd, California 94541

Independent Living

Assisted Living

God's Grace at 629 Hampton Rd is a small, residential-style senior care home that feels more like a big family house than an institution. The staff here get high marks from locals for being friendly and genuinely helpful—several reviewers mention the place is always clean and the team is attentive, not just going through the motions.

Estimated Pricing

$2,457–$6,731 / mth

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Senior Care Center

3.9

707 Thayer Ln, California 94404

Memory Care

Independent Living

If you’re looking into Senior Care Center at 707 Thayer Ln for your parent, here’s what actually stands out. This place isn’t just about ticking boxes for assisted living or memory care—they seem to go out of their way to make the transition feel less overwhelming. Families mention that the staff is genuinely helpful, not just polite, and that management is ‘reasonable and kind’—for example, they provided a hospital bed on short notice when a resident needed it.

Estimated Pricing

$3,749–$11,256 / mth

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Alliant Care Home

3.9

526 Tamarack Dr, California 94587

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Alliant Care Home is a small, residential care home tucked into a quiet Union City neighborhood. They focus on hands-on help with daily needs—think bathing, dressing, medication reminders, and mobility support. The staff is on-site around the clock, which means someone is always available if your loved one needs help in the middle of the night.

Estimated Pricing

$3,124–$16,309 / mth

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Casa Pacifica

3.8

1060 Terra Nova Blvd, California 94044

Memory Care

Independent Living

Casa Pacifica at 1060 Terra Nova Blvd is mainly an apartment community, not a traditional senior care facility. If you're looking for a place for your parent who wants independent living with some basic comforts, this spot might fit. The building is older (built in 1977) and has about 100 units spread over three floors. Apartments have basics like heating, air conditioning, and a kitchen, but there’s no mention of on-site medical care or specialized senior services.

Estimated Pricing

$3,679–$8,024 / mth

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Sunrise of Sunnyvale

3.8

633 S Knickerbocker Dr, California 94087

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sunrise of Sunnyvale feels less like a facility and more like a busy, close-knit community. Staff roles range from registered nurses and med care managers to life enrichment coordinators, many of whom hold CPR certifications and receive ongoing training. You’ll see the same team members day to day, which helps residents and families build real relationships.

Estimated Pricing

$4,081–$13,676 / mth

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Britannia Place

3.8

1515 Maddux Dr, California 94061

Memory Care

Independent Living

Britannia Place at 1515 Maddux Dr is a small, home-like senior care home run by Delphine and Mark, who both have a hands-on approach and are often present in the house. Families consistently mention how clean and welcoming the home feels, with lots of natural light and healthy plants both inside and out. The staff, many of whom have been with Delphine for years, are described as genuinely kind and attentive, building real relationships with residents.

Estimated Pricing

$3,079–$11,976 / mth

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Wisteria Apartments

3.8

33821 Alvarado-Niles Rd, California 94587

Independent Living

Wisteria Apartments stands out because it’s more than just a place to live—it’s a real community for seniors who want independence but also appreciate having support close by. The building is managed by Eden Housing, a nonprofit that’s been around for decades, so the focus is on affordability and resident well-being, not just profit. There are only 40 apartments, which keeps things personal.

Estimated Pricing

$5,030–$6,422 / mth

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Hayward Senior Housing

3.8

22605 Grand St, California 94541

Independent Living

Hayward Senior Housing on Grand Street is known around town as a straightforward, no-frills place for older adults who want to keep their independence but could use a little extra support. It’s not an assisted living facility—residents live in their own apartments and handle their daily routines, but the building is set up to make life easier for seniors. The property is managed by Eden Housing, a nonprofit that’s been active in the Bay Area for decades, focusing on affordable housing.

Estimated Pricing

$4,319–$6,731 / mth

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Wittenberg Manor Apartments

3.8

657 Bartlett Ave, California 94541

Independent Living

Wittenberg Manor Apartments is a senior independent living community that stands out for its straightforward approach—no frills, just the basics that older adults need to live on their own terms. The building at 657 Bartlett Ave is designed for seniors who are mostly self-sufficient and want to be around folks their own age, but don’t need daily hands-on care.

Estimated Pricing

$4,319–$6,731 / mth

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Versailles Senior Condominium Community

3.8

10 Crystal Springs Rd, California 94402

Memory Care

Independent Living

Versailles Senior Condominium Community feels more like a boutique condo building than a traditional senior facility. The place is set up for folks 55 and over who want to own their own home but also have support and amenities close by. Residents live in their own condos—some are studios, others are one- or two-bedrooms—so it’s not just a room in a care home. You’ll find a heated indoor pool, fitness classes, and even an executive chef, which means meals can be a real highlight.

Estimated Pricing

$4,619–$9,780 / mth

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Lesley Plaza

3.7

120 N San Mateo Dr, California 94401

Independent Living

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

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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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Yesteryear House Residential

3.7

111 16th Ave, California 94402

Memory Care

Independent Living

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

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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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