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

Heritage on the Marina

4.1

3400 Laguna St, California 94123

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Heritage on the Marina is one of those rare places that feels more like a historic San Francisco home than a facility. The building itself is a Julia Morgan design, so you get that old-world charm with high ceilings, woodwork, and a real sense of place. They serve about 110 residents, which means it's not overwhelming—folks get to know each other and the staff well. Staff are on-site around the clock, handling everything from medication reminders to help with dressing and mobility.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$14,180 / mth

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Maria B. Freitas Senior Community

3.9

455 Manuel T Freitas Pkwy, California 94903

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Maria B. Freitas Senior Community is one of those places locals hear about when looking for affordable senior living in San Rafael. It's not a luxury facility, but it does offer practical, safe housing for older adults, especially those on a fixed income. Run by Mercy Housing, a well-known nonprofit in California, the community focuses on keeping rent reasonable and providing basics like on-site laundry, parking, and energy-efficient appliances.

Estimated Pricing

$5,334–$8,005 / mth

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Oakmont of Novato

4.0

1465 S Novato Blvd, California 94947

Memory Care

Independent Living

Oakmont of Novato stands out in town for how hands-on their approach is. Instead of a one-size-fits-all routine, they work with each resident—and their families—to figure out what kind of help actually makes daily life easier. That can mean help with bathing, getting dressed, managing medications, or even just making sure someone’s there to check in throughout the day.

Estimated Pricing

$3,149–$15,410 / mth

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Terra Linda Christian Homes

4.1

598 Kernberry Dr, California 94903

Memory Care

Independent Living

Terra Linda Christian Homes is one of those smaller, family-style care homes that you don’t always find in Marin. They’ve been around since 1976, which is rare for this industry, and they run several six-bed homes across the area—including the one at 598 Kernberry Dr. This is not a big, impersonal facility. Instead, residents get a lot of hands-on attention and the place feels more like a house than an institution.

Estimated Pricing

$5,334–$13,300 / mth

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The Exchange at Bayfront

4.3

2525 Bayfront Blvd, California 94547

Independent Living

The Exchange at Bayfront is not your typical senior care provider—it's actually a newer apartment community that offers independent living, but without the built-in medical or personal care services you might expect from traditional senior living. What stands out here is the modern, airy design and the variety of floor plans, from studios to three-bedroom units.

Estimated Pricing

$4,475–$7,750 / mth

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Wagaya

4.1

905 Elm St, California 94530

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Wagaya stands out for its small, home-like setting—just six residents at a time—which means everyone gets truly personal attention. The staff is known for being especially attentive to cultural needs, with several families mentioning how well they cared for Japanese-speaking elders. One review highlights how the team gently supported a first-generation Japanese mother, even as her English faded, which is rare to find locally.

Estimated Pricing

$3,381–$7,925 / mth

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Autumn Glow

3.8

654 Grove St, California 94102

Memory Care

Independent Living

Autumn Glow stands out because it feels more like a home than an institution. With only about 15 residents, it’s small enough that staff actually know everyone’s routines and quirks. The team is specifically trained in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and they’re on site 24/7—not just for emergencies, but for everyday help with things like medication and personal care.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$10,017 / mth

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Goldenaires Senior Citizens

4.1

618 B St, California 94901

Independent Living

Goldenaires Senior Citizens at 618 B St in San Rafael isn’t a typical senior care facility—it’s more of a local hub for older adults who want to stay active and social. This group is geared for folks 62 and up who are looking for community, not care. You’ll find a mix of classes—woodcarving, painting, bridge, and others—plus regular events like themed luncheons, dinner dances, and a big annual craft fair.

Estimated Pricing

$5,440–$8,005 / mth

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Kokoro Assisted Living Inc

3.9

1881 Bush St, California 94109

Memory Care

Independent Living

Kokoro Assisted Living sits right in the heart of Japantown, and you can feel that influence as soon as you walk in. They’re known for blending Japanese and American traditions—think origami workshops, calligraphy, and even the food (though, honestly, reviews are mixed on the meals and they’ve been working to improve). The building itself is clean and feels more like a community than an institution.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$14,180 / mth

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LilyPad Senior Assisted Living Advisors - Marin County, Sonoma County, Napa and Surrounding Communities

4.3

926A Diablo Ave #408, California 94947

Memory Care

Independent Living

LilyPad Senior Assisted Living Advisors is a local referral and placement service based in Novato, serving Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and nearby communities. They help families sort through the maze of senior living options—everything from assisted living and memory care to board and care homes, independent living, and nursing facilities.

Estimated Pricing

$3,149–$15,410 / mth

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Marin Center for Independent Living

4.5

710 4th St, California 94901

Memory Care

Independent Living

Marin Center for Independent Living (Marin CIL) isn’t your typical senior care facility. Instead of a residential home, it’s a local nonprofit that acts as a hub for people with disabilities and older adults who want to stay independent. The team there—many of whom have lived experience with disability—help folks navigate everything from finding in-home caregivers after surgery to tracking down pharmacies for hard-to-find medications.

Estimated Pricing

$5,334–$9,827 / mth

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Menorah Park

4.6

3365 Sacramento St, California 94118

Independent Living

Menorah Park is one of those rare places that’s both affordable and genuinely community-oriented. It’s not assisted living or a nursing home—it’s HUD-subsidized independent housing for seniors, with 151 apartments (mostly one-bedrooms, plus a handful of studios).

Estimated Pricing

$6,794–$8,884 / mth

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San Rafael Commons

4.2

302 4th St, California 94901

Memory Care

Independent Living

San Rafael Commons is a senior apartment community right in downtown San Rafael, run by BRIDGE Housing. It's not a traditional assisted living or nursing home—it's actually 83 affordable apartments for seniors and people with disabilities. Residents live independently, but the location is a big plus: you're close to public transit, shops, and services, which makes daily life a lot easier if you don't drive.

Estimated Pricing

$5,334–$13,300 / mth

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Sycamore Hills by the Bay

4.2

1550 Sycamore Ave #101, California 94547

Independent Living

Sycamore Hills by the Bay is a senior apartment community that feels more like a friendly neighborhood than a typical retirement complex. Residents here live independently—meaning there’s no on-site medical or daily care, but you get a safe, well-kept place to call home. What stands out is how much people mention the sense of community: neighbors look out for each other, and management is known for being genuinely responsive.

Estimated Pricing

$4,475–$7,750 / 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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