Best Independent Living near me in San Mateo, California

San Mateo, located in the heart of the Bay Area in California, is a vibrant and diverse city known for its suburban charm, scenic beauty, and proximity to major tech hubs. With a rich history and a thriving community, San Mateo offers a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and recreational spaces. The city's central location provides convenient access to both the Silicon Valley and San Francisco, making it an attractive place for residents seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Costs of Independent Living in San Mateo:

Independent living costs in San Mateo can vary based on factors such as housing, healthcare, and daily expenses. As part of the Bay Area, the city generally experiences higher living costs compared to the national average. However, the availability of diverse housing options and amenities allows residents to choose accommodations that align with their budget and preferences. It's advisable for individuals considering independent living in San Mateo to carefully evaluate the cost of living and plan accordingly.

Average Income in San Mateo:

San Mateo boasts a robust economy with a median household income that reflects the affluence of the region. The average income in San Mateo, CA, is notably higher than the national average, driven largely by the presence of technology companies and a strong job market. This economic prosperity contributes to the city's high quality of life and supports a range of amenities and services for its residents.

Ranking of San Mateo among Top Cities in California:

San Mateo consistently ranks among the top cities in California, thanks to its desirable location, economic stability, and excellent quality of life. Its central position within the Bay Area, coupled with well-planned infrastructure, has contributed to its reputation as an attractive place to live. Residents benefit from a combination of urban conveniences, cultural offerings, and natural beauty, placing San Mateo in high regard among the top cities in the state.

Top Independent Living Providers/Facilities in San Mateo, CA:

Serenity Senior Care
The Peninsula Regent
Atria Hillsdale
Sunrise of San Mateo
Sterling Court
Casa De Miramar
Brookdale San Mateo

Waters Edge Lodge

4.5

801 Island Dr, California 94502

Memory Care

Independent Living

Waters Edge Lodge stands out because it feels less like a facility and more like a lively community where residents genuinely have choices in how they spend their days. The first thing families often notice is the bright, open layout and the view of the lagoon—residents can sit on the patio and watch the water, which is rare in Alameda. The staff, from caregivers to the activities manager, are described as warm, responsive, and truly invested in the residents’ well-being.

Estimated Pricing

$4,243–$12,126 / mth

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Alameda Mastick Senior Center

3.8

1155 Santa Clara Ave, California 94501

Memory Care

Independent Living

Mastick Senior Center isn’t an assisted living or memory care facility—think of it more like a bustling community hub for folks 50 and up. It’s run by the City of Alameda’s Recreation & Park Department, and the vibe is friendly, informal, and welcoming. Membership is free, and the center draws over 4,000 members, many of whom come for the sheer variety of activities.

Estimated Pricing

$4,243–$8,318 / mth

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Pacifica Senior Living Burlingame

4.1

250 Myrtle Rd, California 94010

Memory Care

Independent Living

Pacifica Senior Living Burlingame stands out for its genuinely warm atmosphere and hands-on leadership. Residents and families often mention how approachable the staff are, from the executive director Stephanie Brice to the activities director Jazline Marian. There’s a real effort to keep people engaged—think cookie decorating, arts programs, and daily activities tailored to different interests.

Estimated Pricing

$4,137–$8,865 / mth

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San Carlos Adult Community Center

4.5

601 Chestnut St, California 94070

Independent Living

San Carlos Adult Community Center isn’t a care home or medical facility—it's a lively gathering spot for adults, mostly 50 and up, who want to stay active, social, and independent. The center is best known for its wide mix of classes, fitness groups, and social events that run Monday through Friday. Folks drop in for everything from exercise and art to community meals, coffee chats, and card games.

Estimated Pricing

$4,681–$6,771 / mth

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Sunrise of San Mateo

4.4

955 S El Camino Real, California 94402

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sunrise of San Mateo is one of those places where the little details matter. Residents here get support with daily routines—things like bathing, medication reminders, and mobility help—from a team that includes care managers, nurses, and an activities director. The staff turnover is lower than average, so you’ll see a lot of familiar faces if you visit more than once. Meals are made on site, and families often mention the food is better than what you find at many other communities.

Estimated Pricing

$4,619–$11,098 / mth

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Waters Edge Lodge

801 Island Dr, California 94502

Memory Care

Independent Living

Waters Edge Lodge isn’t your typical senior living spot. Families around Oakland know it for its relaxed, almost neighborly vibe—more like a small community than an institution. Residents can choose between independent living, assisted living, and memory care, so folks don’t have to move away if their needs change. The staff gets a lot of praise for being genuinely warm and attentive.

Estimated Pricing

$3,715–$8,556 / mth

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Kensington Place Redwood City

4.1

2800 El Camino Real, California 94061

Memory Care

Independent Living

Kensington Place Redwood City really stands out for families who want more than just basic care for their loved ones. People talk about the staff being not only well-trained, especially in memory care, but also genuinely warm and attentive. There’s a real sense that the team knows each resident personally—families mention that staff turnover is low and that caregivers go out of their way to keep everyone engaged and happy.

Estimated Pricing

$3,079–$11,976 / mth

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Atria at Foster Square

4.4

846 Andromeda Ln, California 94404

Memory Care

Independent Living

Atria at Foster Square stands out for families who want their loved one to feel independent, not just cared for. The building feels more like a modern apartment complex than a typical senior facility, with bright common spaces and amenities like a salon, library, and even a small movie theater.

Estimated Pricing

$3,749–$9,183 / mth

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Channing House

4.5

850 Webster St, California 94301

Memory Care

Independent Living

Channing House stands out as a nonprofit, resident-driven community that’s been part of Palo Alto for decades. It’s not just about a place to live—they offer a full range of care, from independent apartments to assisted living and skilled nursing, so folks don’t have to move if their needs change. The building itself is high-rise, with sweeping views of the Bay and mountains, and apartments come with balconies. Residents can decorate their own spaces and even have pets.

Estimated Pricing

$4,667–$14,190 / mth

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Hayward Village Senior Apartments

4.3

22078 Arbor Ave, California 94541

Independent Living

Hayward Village Senior Apartments stands out as a practical, no-frills option for independent seniors who want a straightforward place to live, not a full-service retirement community. The apartments are designed for folks 55 and up who can live on their own but want a sense of community and some added conveniences.

Estimated Pricing

$4,319–$6,731 / mth

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Pacifica Senior Living Mission Villa

4.3

995 E Market St, California 94014

Memory Care

Independent Living

Pacifica Senior Living Mission Villa is known for its focus on memory care, and that's really where they shine. Families often mention how the staff go out of their way to help new residents adjust, especially those who are anxious or resistant at first. The team is patient and attentive, and they keep in close touch with families and outside care providers—one family noted how easy it was to coordinate with their mom’s Kaiser care team.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$10,017 / mth

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Pacifica Senior Living Mission Villa

4.6

995 E Market St, California 94014

Memory Care

Independent Living

Pacifica Senior Living Mission Villa stands out in Daly City for its strong focus on memory care and the way the staff connects with residents. Families say the staff are not just friendly, but genuinely attentive—names like George (activity director) and Mary Ann (resident services director) come up often in reviews, with praise for how they go above and beyond, especially when it comes to engaging residents and supporting families through tough transitions.

Estimated Pricing

$3,654–$13,037 / mth

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Pacifica Senior Living San Leandro

4.5

348 W Juana Ave, California 94577

Memory Care

Independent Living

Pacifica Senior Living San Leandro is known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, with residents and families praising the kind and responsive staff. It offers a range of services including assisted living, independent living, and memory care, tailored to meet the unique needs of each resident. The community is well-maintained and clean, with a beautiful outdoor courtyard that encourages residents to connect with nature.

Estimated Pricing

$4,378–$12,099 / mth

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The Stratford

4.3

601 Laurel Ave, California 94401

Memory Care

Independent Living

The Stratford stands out for its condo ownership model—residents actually buy their units, which is rare among senior communities. That means more control and a real sense of home, but it’s different from the usual monthly rental. The building is an 11-story high-rise, so you get city views, and it’s right across from Central Park, which families mention as a plus for walks and visits. The community is on the smaller side, which helps people get to know each other.

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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