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.
Rotary Terrace isn’t your average senior apartment building—it’s an affordable, independent living community that feels genuinely connected to South San Francisco. The building itself is modern and thoughtfully designed, with details that make daily life easier for older adults, like high-contrast flooring for safety, an emergency call system, and features for those with vision or hearing challenges.
Sagebrook Senior Living at San Francisco has a reputation for being a smaller, more intimate senior community, which many families find reassuring when looking for a place that doesn't feel overwhelming. The staff gets mentioned a lot in reviews—families and residents say they’re friendly, know residents by name, and pay attention to the details that matter, like remembering personal preferences and unique situations.
San Felipe House is a small adult residential home that quietly supports adults with a range of needs, including developmental, mental health, or physical disabilities. Unlike larger facilities, they only have room for six residents, which means care feels more personal and the staff gets to know everyone well. The home is run by Angel Care Services, Inc., and has been licensed since 2002.
Westborough Royale is one of those places that feels more down-to-earth than flashy. It’s not the newest building in town, but it’s clean, well-kept, and the rooms are a bit larger than what you’ll find at a lot of other places. Every unit has either a patio or a balcony, which residents and their families really appreciate—having a little fresh air and a view makes a difference. The staff here get a lot of praise for being friendly and attentive.
Carefield Castro Valley is a vibrant community offering both assisted living and memory care services. It's known for its engaging lifestyle, encouraging residents to explore new passions and revisit old hobbies. The community provides three meals daily, 24-hour on-site staffing, and a full calendar of social activities. Residents can enjoy a fitness room, scheduled transportation, and salon services.
The Center for Elders' Independence Pace Downtown Oakland Center is more than just a home care provider. They operate a PACE program—a specialized model that combines medical care, social services, and support to help seniors, especially those who are frail or low-income, live independently at home instead of moving to nursing facilities.
Excell Health Care Center is a 99-bed skilled nursing facility that focuses on short-term rehab and long-term care for older adults who need more than what can be managed at home. The team includes nurses, rehab therapists, dietitians, social workers, and case managers—so care plans are built with input from different disciplines, not just one doctor.
J & C Care Center stands out for families who want solid, practical care without the frills or high price tag you see at some other places. It's a medium-sized spot—about 25 beds—so it feels more personal than the big facilities. The staff has a reputation for being experienced and genuinely attentive. One family member said his wife is 'well cared for' and that the staff 'know what they're doing'—many have been there for years, which is rare in this industry.
Lake Merritt Healthcare Center is a smaller skilled nursing facility with 53 licensed beds, located right on MacArthur Blvd in Oakland. They focus on long-term care for seniors who need daily nursing support—think help with medications, mobility, meals, and ongoing health monitoring. It's not a home care agency; residents live on site and receive round-the-clock attention from nursing staff.
Lakeside Park stands out for its hands-on, truly memory-focused care. This isn’t a place where you’ll see generic activity calendars or a revolving door of unfamiliar staff. The caregivers here—called Nayas—are specially trained in dementia care, and many have earned certifications from The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. What I notice most is how they build real relationships with residents, not just providing support but engaging in daily life together.
Marymount Villa stands out for its lively atmosphere and the way it encourages residents to stay active and social. Unlike some places that feel quiet or closed off, this community is known for regular activities—think dancing, music nights, and resident-run clubs. Families often mention the building’s security: it’s gated, which gives a sense of safety that’s not always standard. The staff gets a lot of praise for being warm and approachable.
Mercy Retirement & Care Center has been part of Oakland’s senior care landscape for over a century, and you’ll find a wide range of services under one roof. They offer independent living, assisted living, memory care for folks with dementia or Alzheimer’s, and skilled nursing, including short-term rehab after illness or surgery. The staff includes licensed nurses and in-house therapists—occupational, physical, and speech—so residents don’t have to travel for most medical needs.
Merrill Gardens at Rockridge stands out in Oakland for its blend of flexibility and practical support. The community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care, with a focus on adapting to each resident’s changing needs. Families say the staff is attentive and responsive, and there’s always someone on site—nurses are available 24/7, and a resident call system means help is never far away.
Pacifica Senior Living Oakland Heights isn’t flashy, but it’s one of those places that families in Oakland quietly rely on. The community covers a lot of ground—independent living, assisted living, memory care, and even skilled nursing—so residents don’t have to move if their needs change. The campus itself is older, with a more rustic, garden-like feel than the newer high-rise options.