Best Independent Living near me in San Rafael, California

San Rafael, located in Marin County, California, is a picturesque city known for its charming downtown, historic buildings, and proximity to beautiful natural landscapes like Marin County's open spaces and the San Francisco Bay. It offers a blend of suburban tranquility with access to cultural and recreational activities, making it a desirable place for people of all ages, including seniors looking for independent living options.

Costs of Independent Living in San Rafael

The average cost of independent living in San Rafael, CA, typically ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 per month. This variation depends on factors such as the level of amenities, the size of the living unit, and the specific services provided by the facility.

Average Income in San Rafael

As of recent estimates, the average household income in San Rafael is approximately $105,000 per year. This figure reflects the relatively high cost of living in the area and is indicative of the city's affluence.

Ranking of San Rafael among Top Cities in California

San Rafael is often ranked as one of the top cities in California for its quality of life, scenic beauty, and community amenities. While it may not be among the largest cities, its favorable living conditions and high income levels contribute to its high ranking in terms of overall livability.

Top Independent Living Providers/Facilities in San Rafael, CA:

Aegis Living San Rafael
The Tamalpais
Aldersly
Sunrise of San Rafael
Marinwood Community Center

Coterie Cathedral Hill

4.3

1001 Van Ness Ave, California 94109

Memory Care

Independent Living

Coterie Cathedral Hill stands out for families who want more than just a place for their loved ones to live—they want a place where life still feels full. Residents talk about the food first: not just edible, but genuinely delicious, with a chef who seems to know how to make every meal feel special. Meals are a social event, and the dining room buzzes with conversation. The apartments themselves get rave reviews for their smart-home features, natural light, and open floor plans.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$14,180 / mth

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The Bluffs at Hamilton Hill

3.7

1 Hamilton Hill Dr, California 94949

Memory Care

Independent Living

The Bluffs at Hamilton Hill is one of those places locals hear about when families start talking about senior care in Novato. It’s run by MBK Senior Living, which has a solid reputation in the Bay Area for well-managed communities. Here, you’ll find both assisted living and memory care, with a focus on making daily life easier and more enjoyable for residents.

Estimated Pricing

$3,149–$15,410 / mth

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Drake Terrace

4.2

275 Los Ranchitos Rd, California 94903

Memory Care

Independent Living

Drake Terrace feels like one of those places where people genuinely know each other’s names. It’s not the newest building in town, but the atmosphere is upbeat and welcoming—lots of natural light, and the staff seem to stick around for years, which says a lot. Families mention how approachable the team is, especially in memory care, and the activity calendar is packed: bridge, fitness classes, book clubs, movies, and more.

Estimated Pricing

$5,334–$13,300 / mth

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Trusted Living Care

4.5

535 Mission St 14 floor, California 94105

Memory Care

Independent Living

Trusted Living Care isn’t a senior living facility itself—they’re more like local guides for families trying to navigate the maze of elder care in San Francisco. If you’re overwhelmed by choices, they help you compare options for assisted living, independent living, or memory care, and they’ll even coordinate health assessments or set up tours.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$10,017 / mth

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Elegance Berkeley

4.4

2100 San Pablo Ave, California 94702

Memory Care

Independent Living

Elegance Berkeley stands out for its strikingly modern design—think mid-century touches, lots of natural light, and a courtyard that’s actually used by residents, not just for show. The building is fairly new, so everything feels fresh and well-kept. Residents can choose from independent living, assisted living, or memory care, and there’s a visible effort to create a lively atmosphere with regular music events and intergenerational arts programs.

Estimated Pricing

$3,591–$12,659 / mth

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Western Park Apartments

3.9

1280 Laguna St, California 94115

Independent Living

Western Park Apartments is a long-standing independent living community specifically for seniors 62 and older, as well as people with disabilities in the same age group. The building itself is well-known in the Cathedral Hill area for its sense of stability—it’s been around for over 40 years, and most residents describe it as a safe, friendly place with a real neighborhood feel. The apartments are managed by EAH Housing, a nonprofit with a solid reputation in affordable senior housing.

Estimated Pricing

$6,794–$8,884 / mth

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Rhoda Goldman Plaza

4.4

2180 Post St, California 94115

Memory Care

Independent Living

Rhoda Goldman Plaza stands out for its focus on real, personalized care and a strong sense of community. Unlike many places that feel institutional, this one is known for its bright, airy apartments and a staff that actually gets to know residents by name. The team includes tenured professionals—many have been there for years—which makes a difference in continuity and relationships.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$14,180 / mth

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Richmond Post-Acute Care

3.9

955 23rd St, California 94804

Memory Care

Independent Living

Richmond Post-Acute Care isn’t your typical large-scale facility—it’s a 35-bed nursing home tucked into Richmond, serving mostly seniors who need skilled nursing or rehab after a hospital stay. The place is run by James Jordan and Darrell Price, who’ve been at the helm since 2019. What stands out is their nurse staffing: residents here get about 5.3 hours of nurse time per day, noticeably higher than the California average.

Estimated Pricing

$4,000–$12,106 / mth

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Sagebrook Senior Living at San Francisco

4.2

2750 Geary Blvd, California 94118

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sagebrook Senior Living at San Francisco is a smaller, more intimate senior community, which means residents and their families often get to know the staff on a first-name basis. The team here is known for being warm and attentive—they pay close attention to each resident's unique needs and preferences, and families mention that staff members remember details about their loved ones, which isn't always the case at larger places.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$14,180 / mth

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Sagebrook Senior Living At San Francisco

2.8

2750 Geary Blvd, California 94118

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Sagebrook Senior Living at San Francisco has a reputation for being a smaller, more intimate senior community, which many families find reassuring when looking for a place that doesn't feel overwhelming. The staff gets mentioned a lot in reviews—families and residents say they’re friendly, know residents by name, and pay attention to the details that matter, like remembering personal preferences and unique situations.

Estimated Pricing

$3,075–$7,174 / mth

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The Carlisle

4.5

1450 Post St, California 94109

Independent Living

Assisted Living

The Carlisle is a senior living community that feels more like a well-run boutique hotel than an institution. Residents can choose between independent and assisted living, and the building itself is bright, modern, and has lovely city views. The staff includes 24/7 care professionals, and there’s always someone around to help with things like medication reminders or personal care if needed.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$8,884 / mth

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Villa Marin

4.5

100 Thorndale Dr, California 94903

Memory Care

Independent Living

Villa Marin is a retirement community that's more like a condo complex than a traditional senior home. Residents actually purchase their units, so there’s a significant buy-in upfront, plus ongoing monthly fees. This model attracts folks who want a sense of ownership and stability. The place is known for its friendly, long-term staff—many reviews mention how helpful and attentive they are, especially in the independent and assisted living areas.

Estimated Pricing

$5,334–$13,300 / mth

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Atria Tamalpais Creek

4.1

853 Tamalpais Ave, California 94947

Memory Care

Independent Living

Atria Tamalpais Creek stands out for its genuinely lively atmosphere and the way it prioritizes both independence and engagement for each resident. Families often mention how approachable and attentive the staff are—there’s a sense that people know each other by name, not just room number. The management team has deep experience in senior living, and there’s always a nurse on staff, along with 24-hour awake caregivers, so help is available whenever it’s needed.

Estimated Pricing

$3,149–$15,410 / mth

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Providence Place

3.5

2456 Geary Blvd, California 94115

Memory Care

Independent Living

Providence Place isn’t your typical senior care community. What really stands out is their strong focus on memory care, especially for folks living with dementia. The staff here have a reputation for being genuinely tuned in to the needs of residents—families often mention how the team goes out of their way to keep everyone engaged and respected, not just cared for. They’re a medium-sized community, so it never feels overwhelming or impersonal.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$14,180 / 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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