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.
Corsair Flats is an affordable senior apartment community specifically for people 62 and older, with a strong focus on supporting low-income residents and veterans. The property has 60 units, and nearly half are reserved for seniors who have experienced homelessness, including 28 units for veterans. It's run by Eden Housing, a nonprofit with a long track record in affordable housing.
Independence Plaza at 703 Atlantic Ave isn't a typical senior care facility—it's more like a secure apartment community specifically for older adults. The place has 186 units spread across five buildings, all behind gated entryways, so it feels pretty safe and private once you're inside. Residents mention that, even though it's surrounded by busy streets, it's surprisingly peaceful.
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.
The Center for Independent Living (CIL) in Alameda isn’t your typical senior care facility. They focus on helping people with disabilities—of all ages, starting as young as 14—gain the skills and confidence to live as independently as possible. Instead of residential care, CIL offers things like independent living skills training, peer support, information and referral, and youth transition programs for students with IEPs.
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.
Golden House Adult Development at 730 Central Ave isn’t your typical senior care facility. They focus on adults with developmental disabilities, not just older adults. The center is set up more like a community classroom than a medical facility. Here, people between 18 and 59 work on real-world skills—things like money management, travel safety, and even cooking or gardening. There’s a strong emphasis on communication, social skills, and independence.
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.
