Independent living in San Francisco, CA is an attractive option for seniors who are still active and able to live on their own but desire the convenience of support services such as...
Independent Living in San Francisco, California
Independent living in San Francisco, CA is an attractive option for seniors who are still active and able to live on their own but desire the convenience of support services such as transportation, meal preparation, and housekeeping. It offers a variety of amenities including fitness centers, swimming pools, and community events. Independent living is different than assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, which offer more extensive care and medical attention. San Francisco has many options for independent living, including The Village at Hayes Valley, The Broadmoor, and Rhoda Goldman Plaza. The cost of independent living in San Francisco is higher than average within California, due to the city's high cost of living. However, the average income in San Francisco is also higher than average in California. San Francisco ranks as one of the top cities in California in terms of quality of life for seniors.
Marina Garden Nursing Center is a small, locally owned skilled nursing facility with just 32 beds, so it feels more personal than some of the larger places in Alameda. They handle a mix of short-term rehab, long-term care, and respite stays. Families often mention that the staff is attentive and that there's a consistent group of caregivers, which can make transitions easier for new residents.
Stuart Pratt Manor isn’t your typical senior living spot. It sits right in the thick of Berkeley life—just a block from the university and a short walk to BART, shops, and the library. The building itself is a mid-rise with 44 units, mostly studios and one-bedrooms, and it’s been around since 1969. What stands out is the focus on keeping things affordable for seniors, especially those with limited incomes.
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.
Berg Senior Services is run by a family that's been in the senior care space for years, and you can feel that personal touch when you walk in. They focus on assisted living, independent living, and memory care, all under one roof, so residents can stay put even if their needs change. The leadership team has been with the organization for over 17 years, which is rare and means there's a lot of consistency in how things are run.
Alegria Community Living isn’t your typical senior care home. They focus on supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, especially folks who’ve moved out of institutions and need a lot of hands-on help. Most residents use wheelchairs and many are non-verbal, so the staff is used to working with people who need a lot of medical and behavioral support. It’s a 24-hour setup, so there’s always someone around, and they also help with transportation and day programs.
Marymount Villa is a senior living community that offers several levels of care under one roof, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, respite, and hospice services. The staff provides 12-16 hours of on-site nursing care daily, with a 24-hour call system, so residents have access to help when they need it.
Parkside Retirement Home is a very small facility with only six beds, located at 2447 19th Ave in San Francisco. It offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care, but it’s more of a home-like setting rather than a large community. Residents have access to a variety of studio layouts, which can suit different preferences for privacy and space.
Complete Senior Living at 601 N Idaho St in San Mateo is a smaller, residential-style community that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. What stands out here is the home-like feel—residents aren’t just in a big facility, but in a place that feels personal and welcoming. The staff-to-resident ratio is typically higher in these board and care homes, which means more one-on-one attention, though I couldn't find specific staff names or backgrounds.
1301 Marina Village Pkwy Suite #210, California 94501
Memory Care
Independent Living
Elder Care Alliance in Alameda isn’t just another senior living provider—it’s a network with roots in faith-based values and a reputation that’s a bit of a mixed bag, depending on who you ask. Their Alameda office at Marina Village Parkway serves as an administrative hub, but the real action happens at their residential communities like AlmaVia of San Francisco and AlmaVia of Camarillo, both of which have landed on U.S.
Providence Place isn’t your typical senior care community. What really stands out is their strong focus on memory care, especially for folks living with dementia. The staff here have a reputation for being genuinely tuned in to the needs of residents—families often mention how the team goes out of their way to keep everyone engaged and respected, not just cared for. They’re a medium-sized community, so it never feels overwhelming or impersonal.
Oceana Terrace Senior Housing is a locally known spot for older adults who want to stay independent but appreciate a little extra support and a sense of community. Run by Mercy Housing, it’s specifically for folks 62 and up, and it’s not your typical retirement complex. Residents get their own one-bedroom apartments, each with a full kitchen (fridge, electric range, and hood) and plenty of natural light.
Golden Pavilion Healthcare is a big nursing home right off Escuela Drive in Daly City. If you’re looking for a place with a lot of beds and a mix of residents, this is one of the larger options around—almost 240 beds, so it’s definitely not a small, homey setting. They offer skilled nursing, rehab, and long-term care, with 24-hour supervision and help with daily needs.
Ohlone Gardens isn’t your typical senior living spot—it’s a mixed-income, affordable housing community that’s home to a wide range of residents, not just older adults. The building itself is modern and thoughtfully designed, with a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Some units are specifically built for people with mobility challenges. Families will notice that the vibe here is more like a small, friendly apartment community than a traditional retirement complex.
Harriet Tubman Terrace is a senior apartment building that mainly offers independent living for older adults on fixed incomes. It isn’t a nursing home or assisted living—think of it more like affordable apartments with some support services, not hands-on daily care. The place has been through a lot in the past few years. Residents dealt with a rough renovation that exposed them to asbestos and shoddy work—many called it dangerous, and families were upset about how management handled things.
