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

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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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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Vi at Palo Alto

4.3

620 Sand Hill Rd, California 94304

Memory Care

Independent Living

Vi at Palo Alto stands out because it feels more like a high-end residential community than a typical senior care facility. Residents can choose from spacious one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartments—some with private patios or balconies—which is rare in this area. The staff includes licensed nurses and care professionals available around the clock, and families mention that the team is attentive and genuinely knows the residents by name.

Estimated Pricing

$4,667–$14,190 / 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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Home Sweet Home Senior Care

4.3

1560 Bryant St, California 94015

Memory Care

Independent Living

Home Sweet Home Senior Care has been part of Daly City’s elder care landscape for over 30 years, and you’ll hear a real mix of opinions from families who’ve visited or had loved ones there. Some folks say the staff are attentive, friendly, and genuinely care about the residents—one family even mentioned that their mother found it a big step up from her previous nursing home. Others have noticed the place feels cozy and clean, with good food and a homey atmosphere.

Estimated Pricing

$3,654–$13,037 / mth

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Lewelling Manor

4.3

268 Lewelling Blvd, California 94580

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Lewelling Manor is a smaller senior living community that offers both assisted and independent living options. The place is managed by someone named Beth, who gets mentioned by name in at least one visitor review—a good sign that leadership is hands-on and approachable. Staff are described as friendly and willing to show prospective residents exactly how things work day-to-day, which suggests a transparent and open atmosphere.

Estimated Pricing

$3,274–$6,648 / mth

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Eden Housing Hayward Senior

4.2

568 C St, California 94541

Independent Living

Eden Housing Hayward Senior at 568 C St is a 3-story apartment community designed specifically for seniors 62 and older who are looking for affordable, independent living. The building has 60 units—mostly one-bedrooms, with a single two-bedroom—so it's a smaller, more close-knit place compared to some larger complexes. The apartments themselves are pretty practical: each has a full kitchen (with energy-efficient appliances), a living room, and a full bath.

Estimated Pricing

$4,319–$6,731 / mth

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Bridge Housing Metro Center Senior Housing

4.2

260 Stilt Ct, California 94404

Independent Living

Metro Center Senior Housing is run by BRIDGE Housing, a nonprofit known for affordable communities, not luxury. This is an independent living building for people 62 and older, with 60 one- and two-bedroom apartments set up for folks on fixed or limited incomes. The building itself is practical—built in the mid-90s, with basic amenities like a clubhouse, on-site parking, and high-speed internet. The location is walkable to parks and shops, which is a plus if you don't drive.

Estimated Pricing

$5,121–$8,581 / mth

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Kimochi

4.2

453 N San Mateo Dr, California 94401

Memory Care

Independent Living

Kimochi San Mateo Residential Care offers a unique blend of cultural and personal care, drawing from its Japanese heritage. The facility provides 24-hour supervision in a secure environment, assisting with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management. Residents enjoy three nutritious meals daily, often featuring Japanese-style cuisine. The community fosters social interaction through various activities, ensuring residents stay engaged and connected.

Estimated Pricing

$4,619–$11,098 / mth

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Palo Alto Commons

4.2

4075 El Camino Way, California 94306

Memory Care

Independent Living

Palo Alto Commons isn’t your typical senior community—it’s a busy, lived-in place where people know each other’s names and routines. Residents here can choose between independent living, assisted living, and memory care, so couples with different needs can often stay together. The staff includes folks like Li Li, the Senior Executive Director, and Jenny Huynh, the Assistant Executive Director, both of whom are visible in the community and seem to know families by name.

Estimated Pricing

$4,667–$14,190 / mth

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Peninsula Elderly Care Home- Laurel

4.2

1064 Laurel St, California 94070

Memory Care

Independent Living

Peninsula Elderly Care Home- Laurel feels more like a cozy house than a facility, which is something families notice right away. With just 12 residents, it's small enough that staff really get to know each person’s routines and preferences. Most of the caregivers have been there for years, and families often mention how approachable and attentive they are.

Estimated Pricing

$3,586–$15,790 / mth

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Therese Residential Care

4.2

1787 Rex St, California 94403

Memory Care

Independent Living

Therese Residential Care feels more like a home than a facility, which is something families mention a lot. It's a smaller place, so your parent wouldn't get lost in the shuffle—there’s a real sense of familiarity. The staff are described as genuinely caring and easy to reach, and families say the owners are hands-on and very understanding. People talk about how the staff go out of their way to keep families updated, which really helps when you can’t visit as often as you’d like.

Estimated Pricing

$4,619–$11,098 / mth

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Sterling Court

4.2

850 N El Camino Real, California 94401

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sterling Court isn’t one of those massive, impersonal senior complexes. It’s a mid-sized community where people notice if you miss breakfast. Residents mention the place feels homey, with mature trees and flowers outside, and the staff—many of whom have been there for years—are described as professional and attentive. You’ll find both independent and assisted living here, so folks can stay put even if their needs change.

Estimated Pricing

$4,619–$11,098 / mth

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The Hamilton

4.2

555 Byron St, California 94301

Memory Care

Independent Living

The Hamilton stands out in Palo Alto because it’s a senior community made up of individually owned condos, not a typical rental or corporate-run facility. Residents have a real stake in the place, and that changes the feel—there’s a strong sense of ownership and involvement. The building has just 36 units, so it’s smaller and more personal than many local options. Families mention that it feels more like a neighborhood than an institution.

Estimated Pricing

$4,667–$14,190 / 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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