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.

Crane Place-HUD-Seniors

2.8

1331 Crane St, California 94025

Memory Care

Independent Living

Crane Place-HUD-Seniors is a senior housing community that focuses on independent living, with some assisted living and memory care options, though the bulk of their residents are independent seniors. The building itself is simple and practical, not flashy, and located right in downtown Menlo Park—so residents can walk to cafes, parks, and shops. The team is managed by Peninsula Volunteers, Inc., a local nonprofit with a long track record in senior services.

Estimated Pricing

$4,813–$10,871 / mth

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Damenik's

2.8

851 Baden Ave, California 94080

Memory Care

Independent Living

Damenik's at 851 Baden Ave is one of those rare finds in South San Francisco—small enough that everyone knows each other's names, but with a surprisingly wide range of support. This place has been around since the late '90s, run by folks who clearly care about keeping elders active and connected. The staff includes nurses and on-call doctors, plus therapists for physical, occupational, and speech needs.

Estimated Pricing

$3,075–$9,025 / mth

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Fountains Apartments | Midpen

2.8

2005 San Ramon Ave, California 94043

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Fountains Apartments, run by MidPen Housing, is a local fixture for seniors looking for affordable, independent living in Mountain View. You’ll find mostly one-bedroom apartments, each with its own kitchen, updated bathroom, and a private patio or balcony—residents say the outdoor spaces and peaceful, leafy grounds are a real highlight. The building itself isn’t flashy, but it’s practical and well-kept, with a community room, library, computer center, and laundry on-site.

Estimated Pricing

$3,900–$6,319 / mth

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Joyful Chapter Senior Living

2.8

340 Alta Vista Dr, California 94080

Memory Care

Independent Living

Joyful Chapter Senior Living is a small, home-like senior care home that feels more like a cozy house than a big facility. They only take up to six residents at a time, so your parent won’t get lost in the shuffle—there’s a lot of personal attention here. Most of the staff speak Cantonese and other Chinese dialects, and the place is known for honoring Chinese traditions, from the food (lots of familiar dishes) to the way they celebrate holidays.

Estimated Pricing

$3,075–$9,025 / 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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Maryce Freelen Place | Midpen

2.8

2230 Latham St #84, California 94040

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Maryce Freelen Place isn’t your typical senior living or assisted living facility—in fact, it’s not focused on traditional elder care at all. It’s an affordable apartment community run by MidPen Housing, designed for families and individuals of all ages who meet income qualifications. The property was once known as Latham Park and had a rough reputation, but after a major overhaul by MidPen and the City of Mountain View, it’s become a much safer and more welcoming place to live.

Estimated Pricing

$3,900–$6,319 / mth

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Mc Caffrey'S Care Home

2.8

2381 Olympic Dr, California 94080

Memory Care

Independent Living

Mc Caffrey's Care Home is one of those places that feels more like a family home than a facility. It's not a shiny new building, but that's part of its charm. The staff here really get to know each resident—I've seen them remember the little things, like how someone likes their tea or which chair they prefer by the window. They offer round-the-clock help with daily tasks, like bathing and medication, but they're also big on keeping folks active.

Estimated Pricing

$3,075–$14,060 / mth

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Menlo Park Senior Center

2.8

100 Terminal Ave, California 94025

Memory Care

Independent Living

Menlo Park Senior Center stands out because it feels more like a neighborhood hub than a typical senior care facility. Instead of focusing just on medical care, they put a lot of energy into keeping older adults active and connected. You’ll find exercise classes, dance lessons, and arts and crafts workshops on the weekly calendar. They also serve hot lunches every weekday for just a couple dollars, and they run a brown bag grocery program that helps stretch budgets.

Estimated Pricing

$4,813–$10,871 / mth

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Monte Farley Manor Guest Home

2.8

579 Farley St, California 94043

Memory Care

Independent Living

Monte Farley Manor Guest Home is a small, home-like care facility that’s been serving Mountain View seniors for years. It’s not a big, flashy place—think more of a cozy house with a handful of residents, usually between 6 and 12. The staff there are used to working with folks who have memory loss, including advanced dementia, and they’re trained to handle challenging behaviors and even wound care or oxygen management.

Estimated Pricing

$3,900–$14,587 / mth

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Morningstar Assisted Living & Memory Care Of Mountain View

2.8

1059 El Monte Ave, California 94040

Memory Care

Independent Living

Morningstar Assisted Living & Memory Care Of Mountain View feels more like a small, friendly neighborhood than a big, impersonal facility. People who've visited mention that the place is comfortable and has a real 'home away from home' vibe. Residents get help with daily things like bathing, dressing, and making sure they take their medications, but staff also try to make life interesting—there are daily exercise classes, arts and crafts, music, and even outings when possible.

Estimated Pricing

$3,900–$14,587 / mth

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Mountain View Cohousing Community

2.8

445 Calderon Ave, California 94041

Independent Living

Mountain View Cohousing Community isn’t a typical senior care provider—it’s more like a neighborhood designed for people who want to stay independent but also value real connections with others. Instead of staff running daily activities or providing hands-on care, residents live in their own condos and look out for each other. The community is made up of people from all sorts of backgrounds, and they put a lot of emphasis on diversity and mutual support.

Estimated Pricing

$4,023–$6,319 / mth

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Redwood Villa Retirement Residence

2.8

1981 Montecito Ave, California 94043

Memory Care

Independent Living

Redwood Villa is one of those places that feels more like a neighborhood than a facility. The Cappelletti family has run it for over 30 years, and that personal touch shows up in the way staff know residents by name and pay attention to the little things. It’s primarily independent living, so you’ll find folks who are still pretty active, but want the convenience of meals, housekeeping, and a strong social calendar.

Estimated Pricing

$3,900–$14,587 / mth

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Rose Amor Care Home

2.8

648 Joaquin Dr, California 94080

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Rose Amor Care Home isn’t your typical large senior facility—it’s a family-run place that’s been caring for elders in South San Francisco for nearly two decades. What stands out right away is their staff-to-resident ratio: there’s about one caregiver for every three residents, which is much more hands-on than most places.

Estimated Pricing

$3,075–$14,060 / mth

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Rotary Plaza

2.8

433 Alida Way, California 94080

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Rotary Plaza isn’t your typical senior living complex—it’s a real community hub for older adults on a fixed income. The place was completely renovated in 2016, so the apartments and common areas feel fresh, not worn out like some older buildings. Residents here are mostly independent, but there’s a strong support network: staff help with things like transportation, laundry, and personal care if needed.

Estimated Pricing

$3,075–$7,174 / 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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