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

Bayview Villa

4.0

777 Bay Vw Dr, California 94070

Memory Care

Independent Living

Bayview Villa in San Carlos is a smaller, family-owned community that focuses heavily on residents with higher care needs, especially those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. It has about 44 private studio apartments, each with its own bathroom, allowing residents to personalize their space. The setting is quiet and woodsy, with views of the San Francisco Bay, which many families find calming for their loved ones.

Estimated Pricing

$3,586–$15,790 / mth

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Pacific Oaks Senior Apartments

4.0

750 Oddstad Blvd, California 94044

Independent Living

Pacific Oaks Senior Apartments is designed for folks 62 and up who want to live independently but still have a sense of community. The place feels more like a classic apartment complex than a care facility—think private one- and two-bedroom units with their own kitchens, not shared rooms. Residents handle their own day-to-day needs, but there’s a social side: bingo, movie nights, and other group activities are regular events.

Estimated Pricing

$4,180–$6,705 / mth

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Serra Highlands Senior Living

4.0

501 King Dr, California 94015

Memory Care

Independent Living

Serra Highlands Senior Living feels more like a mid-sized apartment building than an institution. Residents have their own private rooms—some are studios, others have a small living area for a table and couch. Each room has a private bathroom, and the larger ones can fit a few personal touches.

Estimated Pricing

$3,654–$13,037 / mth

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Brookdale Redwood City

4.0

485 Woodside Rd, California 94063

Memory Care

Independent Living

Brookdale Redwood City is a large senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Families often mention how friendly and patient the staff are—Omid, a team member, is singled out in reviews for being especially attentive. Residents get help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders, but can also join in on group activities, outings, and social events.

Estimated Pricing

$3,079–$11,976 / mth

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Alameda Senior Transitions

4.0

2212 S Shore Center, California 94501

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Alameda Senior Transitions isn’t your typical care provider—they’re more like a local guide for seniors and their families facing big life changes. Instead of running a facility or offering hands-on caregiving, they focus on helping older adults and their loved ones figure out what comes next, whether that means aging in place, moving to assisted or independent living, or selling a longtime family home.

Estimated Pricing

$4,243–$6,388 / mth

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Senior Care Authority Peninsula

4.0

1040 S Claremont St, California 94402

Memory Care

Independent Living

If you're feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out the best care for your parent, Senior Care Authority Peninsula stands out because they're more like a local guide than a typical care facility. Instead of just offering a single building or program, they actually help families navigate all the options in San Mateo—everything from assisted living and memory care to independent living and nursing homes.

Estimated Pricing

$4,619–$11,098 / mth

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Vanessa Care Home II

4.0

1640 Eleanor Dr, California 94402

Memory Care

Independent Living

Vanessa Care Home II is a small, home-like senior care residence in San Mateo, set up for folks who want a quieter environment and more personal attention than you’d get in a big facility. The staff here are known for being attentive and genuinely getting to know each resident—families often mention how the team goes out of their way to help with everything from medication reminders to arranging rides for doctor visits.

Estimated Pricing

$4,619–$11,098 / mth

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Arcadian Residential Community

4.0

24647 Mohr Dr, California 94545

Memory Care

Independent Living

Arcadian Residential Community stands out for being a smaller, more personal place where staff really get to know the residents. Families who've placed loved ones here often mention how the caregivers are warm and attentive—there’s a sense that people aren’t just numbers. Residents get help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, and medication, and there’s a 24-hour call system for peace of mind. The place is clean, and the staff are consistently described as friendly and responsive.

Estimated Pricing

$2,457–$12,938 / mth

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Lotus Residential Care

4.0

1738 Bobolink Ct, California 94545

Memory Care

Independent Living

Lotus Residential Care is a small, home-like senior care option tucked into a quiet Hayward neighborhood. What sets Lotus apart is its size—just six residents—which means everyone gets truly personal attention. The care team helps with daily needs like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders, but they also encourage residents to bring their own furniture and decorate their rooms. This helps each person feel more at home, not just like a guest.

Estimated Pricing

$2,457–$6,956 / mth

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Enchanted Garden for Seniors

4.0

188 Starlite Dr, California 94402

Memory Care

Independent Living

Enchanted Garden for Seniors is a very small, home-like assisted living community in San Mateo that feels more like a close-knit household than a typical care facility. It only houses up to six residents, which means the staff can really get to know each person and tailor support to their daily needs. They handle everything from help with bathing and dressing to medication management, all with 24-hour supervision.

Estimated Pricing

$4,619–$9,780 / mth

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Golden Heart Care Providers

4.0

635 Mariners Island Blvd #200c, California 94404

Independent Living

Golden Heart Care Providers at Mariners Island Blvd isn’t your typical senior care agency. They focus on helping older adults stay independent in their own homes, which means their caregivers come to you instead of moving your parent into a facility. They offer help with daily routines—things like bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, and meal prep.

Estimated Pricing

$5,121–$8,581 / mth

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Blossom Garden Senior Home

4.0

21307 Western Blvd, California 94541

Memory Care

Independent Living

Blossom Garden Senior Home stands out for its genuinely home-like setting and the hands-on involvement of its owner, Ms. Fifi. Unlike larger facilities, this place feels more like a family home than an institution—residents and visitors mention homemade meals, fresh fruit always available, and a garden that’s actually used and enjoyed. The staff, led by Fifi, get mentioned by name in reviews, which is rare.

Estimated Pricing

$2,457–$6,956 / mth

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Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL)

4.0

439 A St, California 94541

Independent Living

Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL) is one of those rare places where you walk in and immediately sense that everyone—staff and visitors alike—has a story, and those stories matter. CRIL isn’t just about connecting people to services; it’s about helping folks with disabilities and seniors 60+ figure out how to live on their own terms in southern and eastern Alameda County.

Estimated Pricing

$4,319–$6,731 / mth

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San Carlos Elms

3.9

707 Elm St, California 94070

Memory Care

Independent Living

San Carlos Elms is a smaller, locally-run senior community that offers assisted living, memory care, and some independent living. What stands out is their approach to care planning: every resident is evaluated before moving in, and services are tailored so you only pay for what your loved one actually needs. Staff can help with things like bathing, dressing, medication reminders, and getting to meals or activities.

Estimated Pricing

$3,586–$15,790 / 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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