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

Casa De Redwood

3.6

1280 Veterans Blvd, California 94063

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Casa De Redwood isn’t your typical senior community—it’s been a quiet anchor for local elders who want to stay rooted in Redwood City without breaking the bank. Tucked along Veterans Blvd, this nonprofit offers 136 apartments specifically for low-income seniors, so residents don’t have to worry about being priced out as the Peninsula grows pricier.

Estimated Pricing

$3,079–$11,976 / mth

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Arcadia Home Care & Staffing

3.5

951 Mariners Island Blvd, California 94404

Memory Care

Independent Living

Arcadia Home Care & Staffing stands out for its hands-on, personal approach. Instead of a one-size-fits-all plan, they match each client with a caregiver who fits their personality and routine. Families mention caregivers who become part of the daily rhythm—like one who takes daily walks with a client to keep him moving, or another who plays chess every afternoon. This kind of consistency matters, especially for seniors who thrive on routine.

Estimated Pricing

$4,619–$11,098 / mth

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San Mateo Villa

3.5

1661 McKinley St, California 94403

Memory Care

Independent Living

San Mateo Villa feels more like a cozy home than a facility. It's a small, residential-style assisted living house, not a big complex, which means your parent would be living in a real neighborhood setting. The staff gets a lot of praise for being genuinely caring and attentive—families mention that the owner is involved and the team is responsive to each resident’s needs. Meals are cooked fresh, and people say the food is actually good (which isn’t always the case in senior care).

Estimated Pricing

$4,619–$11,098 / 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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Golden Pavilion Healthcare

3.3

99 Escuela Dr, California 94015

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Golden Pavilion Healthcare is a big nursing home right off Escuela Drive in Daly City. If you’re looking for a place with a lot of beds and a mix of residents, this is one of the larger options around—almost 240 beds, so it’s definitely not a small, homey setting. They offer skilled nursing, rehab, and long-term care, with 24-hour supervision and help with daily needs.

Estimated Pricing

$3,654–$13,037 / mth

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Colonial Acres Resident Care

3.2

18905 Standish Ave, California 94541

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Colonial Acres Resident Care is a smaller, home-like assisted living place tucked into a residential area. From what I found, it’s not a big, flashy facility—think more like a converted house with a handful of residents, so your parent wouldn’t feel lost in the crowd. They help with daily things like bathing, dressing, and meals, and the staff is around to keep an eye on medications. I didn’t see any mention of specialized dementia care, so if that’s needed, it’s worth asking directly.

Estimated Pricing

$2,457–$6,731 / mth

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Wesley Gardens

3.2

2655 Alma St, California 94306

Independent Living

Wesley Gardens at 2655 Alma Street is known in Palo Alto as a spot for seniors who want to maintain their independence but appreciate a little extra support. The community focuses on independent living, meaning residents have their own apartments and can come and go as they please, but there’s always someone around if help is needed. The management team is led by Robert Jones (President and CEO) and Rich Mileo (Director of Finance), both of whom have a background in senior living operations.

Estimated Pricing

$4,667–$7,675 / mth

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Our Home in Alameda, CA

3.1

1059 Santa Clara Ave, California 94501

Independent Living

Our Home in Alameda is tucked inside a beautiful old Victorian that feels more like a family house than a facility. It’s not one of those big, impersonal places—there are only a handful of residents, so everyone gets to know each other. The staff seem to focus on independent living, helping seniors keep their routines and stay active, but without the rigid schedules you find in larger communities.

Estimated Pricing

$5,470–$6,388 / mth

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Aegis Living San Francisco

2.8

2280 Gellert Blvd, California 94080

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Aegis Living San Francisco is a mid-sized assisted living and memory care community that’s known for its friendly, attentive staff and a warm, home-like atmosphere. Residents get help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, and medication, and there’s a dedicated memory care wing for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Meals are cooked onsite by a chef, and the dining room is a social hub—many families mention their loved ones enjoy the food and communal meals.

Estimated Pricing

$5,605–$14,060 / mth

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Alida Manor

2.8

416 Alida Way, California 94080

Independent Living

Alida Manor stands out as a recently renovated, pet-friendly 55+ senior apartment community that feels more like a neighborhood hub than a typical senior residence. Instead of just offering a place to live, they focus on keeping residents active and connected—think regular movie nights, bingo, and outings, plus daily free food deliveries from several local organizations.

Estimated Pricing

$5,605–$7,174 / mth

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Araville Residential Care Homes

2.8

106 Sycamore Ave, California 94080

Memory Care

Independent Living

Araville Residential Care Homes at 106 Sycamore Ave is one of those smaller, more personal places where your parent isn't just another resident. They focus on assisted living and memory care, so if your loved one needs help with daily things like bathing, dressing, or taking medications, that's all handled by staff who are there around the clock. Residents get help coordinating with doctors and other healthcare providers, which is a relief if you can’t always be there yourself.

Estimated Pricing

$3,075–$9,025 / mth

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Atherton Park Post Acute

2.8

1275 Crane St, California 94025

Memory Care

Independent Living

Atherton Park Post Acute is a large, older facility that focuses mainly on skilled nursing and rehabilitation for seniors who need more medical support than assisted living can provide. They have 160 certified beds and offer round-the-clock nursing care, including RNs and CNAs. The therapy team stands out—families and staff consistently mention the occupational and physical therapists as being attentive and effective. Residents can also get speech therapy, plus vision and dental care onsite.

Estimated Pricing

$4,813–$13,240 / 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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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

Go to provider page

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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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