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

Paradise Care Home

3.6

27568 Gainesville Ave, California 94545

Memory Care

Independent Living

Paradise Care Home on Gainesville Ave is a smaller, local place where your parent won’t get lost in the shuffle. They focus on assisted living and memory care, with options for independent folks too. What stands out is their flexibility—residents can choose between studio, single, or even two-bedroom setups, which isn’t always the case at other homes nearby.

Estimated Pricing

$2,457–$6,956 / mth

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Parkside Retirement Home

3.6

2447 19th Ave, California 94116

Memory Care

Independent Living

Parkside Retirement Home is a very small facility with only six beds, located at 2447 19th Ave in San Francisco. It offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care, but it’s more of a home-like setting rather than a large community. Residents have access to a variety of studio layouts, which can suit different preferences for privacy and space.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$10,017 / 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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Rose Amor Care Home

2.8

648 Joaquin Dr, California 94080

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Rose Amor Care Home isn’t your typical large senior facility—it’s a family-run place that’s been caring for elders in South San Francisco for nearly two decades. What stands out right away is their staff-to-resident ratio: there’s about one caregiver for every three residents, which is much more hands-on than most places.

Estimated Pricing

$3,075–$14,060 / mth

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Rotary Terrace

2.8

310 Miller Ave, California 94080

Independent Living

Rotary Terrace isn’t your average senior apartment building—it’s an affordable, independent living community that feels genuinely connected to South San Francisco. The building itself is modern and thoughtfully designed, with details that make daily life easier for older adults, like high-contrast flooring for safety, an emergency call system, and features for those with vision or hearing challenges.

Estimated Pricing

$5,605–$7,174 / 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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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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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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San Felipe House

2.8

221 San Felipe Ave, California 94080

Independent Living

Nursing Home

San Felipe House is a small adult residential home that quietly supports adults with a range of needs, including developmental, mental health, or physical disabilities. Unlike larger facilities, they only have room for six residents, which means care feels more personal and the staff gets to know everyone well. The home is run by Angel Care Services, Inc., and has been licensed since 2002.

Estimated Pricing

$3,075–$14,060 / mth

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Lesley Towers

3.6

700 Laurel Ave, California 94401

Independent Living

Lesley Towers stands out in San Mateo because it's not your typical senior care facility—it's strictly independent living for older adults who want their own space but need affordability. What makes it unique is that it’s a HUD-supported, 12-story building with 158 studios and 40 one-bedroom apartments, each with its own kitchenette. There’s no meal program or on-site medical care, so residents need to be able to live on their own, but they do have a full-time Director of Resident Services.

Estimated Pricing

$5,049–$6,916 / 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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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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Alegria Community Living

3.6

1169 Sand Beach Pl, California 94501

Memory Care

Independent Living

Alegria Community Living isn’t your typical senior care home. They focus on supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, especially folks who’ve moved out of institutions and need a lot of hands-on help. Most residents use wheelchairs and many are non-verbal, so the staff is used to working with people who need a lot of medical and behavioral support. It’s a 24-hour setup, so there’s always someone around, and they also help with transportation and day programs.

Estimated Pricing

$4,243–$12,126 / 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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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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