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

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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Oceana Terrace Senior Housing

3.4

903 Oceana Blvd, California 94044

Independent Living

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.

Estimated Pricing

$4,180–$6,705 / mth

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Atherton Gardens Senior Living

4.4

471 Santa Clara Ave, California 94061

Memory Care

Independent Living

If you want a place where your parent feels like they're part of a small, close-knit group—not just another resident—Atherton Gardens might be worth a look. Families say the staff here are genuinely warm and quick to help, and reviews mention a supportive, home-like feel that’s hard to find elsewhere. The caregivers are known for being attentive and treating everyone like family, not just clients.

Estimated Pricing

$3,079–$11,976 / mth

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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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Bougainvilleas Care Home

2.8

201 Alta Vista Dr, California 94080

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Bougainvilleas Care Home is a smaller, locally run place that feels more like a home than a facility. The staff get a lot of praise for being friendly and genuinely accommodating—families often mention how approachable and helpful they are. The atmosphere is bright and welcoming, which helps new residents settle in. Rooms are cozy and reasonably priced, though some families have noted that they're on the smaller side and could use a refresh, especially the carpeting.

Estimated Pricing

$3,075–$14,060 / mth

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Broadmoor Plaza

3.8

232 E 14th St, California 94577

Independent Living

Broadmoor Plaza is a 59-unit community designed for seniors 62 and older who want to live independently but appreciate a little extra support and connection. The apartments are one-bedroom units with double-paned windows, so it's quieter than you might expect given the busy neighborhood. Each apartment comes with a full kitchen, and the building has a dining room where residents can enjoy prepared meals if they don’t feel like cooking.

Estimated Pricing

$4,767–$7,083 / mth

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Capra House Care Home

2.8

779 Park Way, California 94080

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Capra House Care Home is a smaller, home-style senior care option in South San Francisco that feels more like a family setting than a big facility. The staff here are known for being attentive and genuinely getting to know the residents—there’s a sense that people aren’t just numbers. They offer both private and semi-private rooms, and the pricing is actually below the county average, which is rare for this area.

Estimated Pricing

$3,075–$14,060 / mth

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Care Home By Rns South San Francisco

2.8

653 Commercial Ave, California 94080

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Care Home By RNs South San Francisco is a smaller, residential-style senior home where medical oversight is truly hands-on. The place is run by Ron, a licensed Physician Assistant, and a team of registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses who are always on call. That means residents get prompt attention for medical issues—families mention that even visiting nurses and transportation for appointments are arranged without hassle.

Estimated Pricing

$5,605–$14,060 / mth

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Casa Pacifica

3.8

1060 Terra Nova Blvd, California 94044

Memory Care

Independent Living

Casa Pacifica at 1060 Terra Nova Blvd is mainly an apartment community, not a traditional senior care facility. If you're looking for a place for your parent who wants independent living with some basic comforts, this spot might fit. The building is older (built in 1977) and has about 100 units spread over three floors. Apartments have basics like heating, air conditioning, and a kitchen, but there’s no mention of on-site medical care or specialized senior services.

Estimated Pricing

$3,679–$8,024 / mth

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God's Grace

3.9

629 Hampton Rd, California 94541

Independent Living

Assisted Living

God's Grace at 629 Hampton Rd is a small, residential-style senior care home that feels more like a big family house than an institution. The staff here get high marks from locals for being friendly and genuinely helpful—several reviewers mention the place is always clean and the team is attentive, not just going through the motions.

Estimated Pricing

$2,457–$6,731 / mth

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Janet's Residential Facility

3.8

2970 25th Ave, California 94132

Memory Care

Independent Living

Janet’s Residential Facility isn’t a big, impersonal institution — it’s a small care home run by Janet herself, who’s known for being hands-on and present with both residents and their families. The place feels more like a family home than a facility, with just a handful of residents and staff who actually know everyone by name. People mention that Janet is often around, answering questions directly and keeping a close eye on how things are going day to day.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$14,180 / mth

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Lesley Plaza

3.7

120 N San Mateo Dr, California 94401

Independent Living

Lesley Plaza isn’t your typical senior community—it’s strictly independent living, and that’s by design. You won’t find meal plans or onsite care staff here. Instead, what you get is affordable, well-maintained housing for older adults who want to live on their own terms but appreciate a sense of community. The building itself has a bit of history, dating back to 1961, and was one of the first HUD 202 projects in California.

Estimated Pricing

$5,049–$6,916 / mth

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Lytton Gardens

4.2

656 Lytton Ave, California 94301

Memory Care

Independent Living

Lytton Gardens is a long-standing senior community in Palo Alto that’s known for providing a mix of affordable and market-rate housing options for older adults. They’re not just an apartment building—Lytton Gardens actually offers a blend of independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing services, which means residents can age in place even as their needs change.

Estimated Pricing

$4,667–$14,190 / mth

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Pacific Care Home

4.1

3653 Pacific Blvd, California 94403

Memory Care

Independent Living

Pacific Care Home at 3653 Pacific Blvd feels more like a big family than a facility. It's a small, six-bed residential home, so everyone knows each other—residents, staff, and even visiting family members. What stands out right away is how open the communication is; staff keep families in the loop about everything, big or small. If your parent tries something new at lunch or has a rough day, you'll hear about it, often before you even ask.

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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