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

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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Golden Home

3.9

1234 Las Gallinas Ave, California 94903

Memory Care

Independent Living

Golden Home at 1234 Las Gallinas Ave isn’t the flashiest spot in Marin, but families who know the local senior care scene will tell you it’s a hidden gem. This is a smaller, more intimate place—think fewer residents, more familiar faces, and a real sense of continuity. The staff here have a reputation for sticking around, which is rare in this field and means residents see the same caregivers day in and day out.

Estimated Pricing

$5,334–$13,300 / 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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Three Home Village

3.9

675 Rosal Way, California 94903

Memory Care

Independent Living

Three Home Village isn’t your typical large senior facility. It’s actually a cluster of three homes, all connected by gardens and walking paths, which helps keep things personal and quiet. Each house is small—think six residents per home—so staff really get to know everyone’s routines and preferences. They help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, medication reminders, and meals, but also encourage residents to join in on activities like movie nights, arts and crafts, and gardening.

Estimated Pricing

$5,334–$13,300 / 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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Trinity Plaza Senior Apatments

3.8

350 Macdonald Ave, California 94801

Independent Living

Trinity Plaza at 350 Macdonald Ave is a 66-unit apartment community designed specifically for seniors, with a focus on affordability and practical comfort. The apartments are a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, each around 600 square feet, and include features like full-size refrigerators, electric cooktops, ceiling fans, and grab bars in the bathrooms. Some units are single-level and accessible for people with mobility challenges.

Estimated Pricing

$5,732–$7,141 / mth

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Arlington Care Home

3.8

2545 Arlington Blvd, California 94530

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Arlington Care Home offers a personalized approach to senior living, focusing on assisted and independent living services. They provide 24-hour supervision and assistance with daily activities like bathing and dressing. The staff includes bilingual caregivers and is directed by a California Registered Nurse, ensuring a high level of care coordination. Families appreciate the intimate setting and the ability to tailor services to individual needs.

Estimated Pricing

$3,381–$7,925 / mth

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Creekwood Care Facility

3.8

830 Tamalpais Ave, California 94947

Memory Care

Independent Living

Creekwood Care Facility feels more like a close-knit home than a big institution. Families talk about how the staff know each resident by name, and even remember the little things—like always asking about your mom, not just her chart. The care team includes a Registered Nurse on staff, which is a big deal if your parent has medical needs that go beyond basic help.

Estimated Pricing

$3,149–$15,410 / 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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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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Young at Heart RCFE

3.7

37 Mendocino Ln, California 94947

Memory Care

Independent Living

Young at Heart RCFE is a small, residential care home tucked into a quiet Novato neighborhood, serving a handful of seniors who need extra help with daily life. This isn't a big, impersonal facility—it's a house converted for elder care, which means residents get a lot of hands-on attention. Staff help with everything from bathing and dressing to medication reminders, and they're known for being responsive if someone needs help at odd hours.

Estimated Pricing

$3,149–$15,410 / mth

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Berg Senior Services

3.7

6510 Gladys Ave, California 94530

Memory Care

Independent Living

Berg Senior Services is run by a family that's been in the senior care space for years, and you can feel that personal touch when you walk in. They focus on assisted living, independent living, and memory care, all under one roof, so residents can stay put even if their needs change. The leadership team has been with the organization for over 17 years, which is rare and means there's a lot of consistency in how things are run.

Estimated Pricing

$3,381–$9,000 / mth

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Linger Longer Lane

3.7

666A Peach St, California 94945

Memory Care

Independent Living

Linger Longer Lane isn’t your typical big-box senior community. It’s a smaller place, tucked away in a residential part of Novato, and that comes through in the way they do things. They offer several types of care under one roof—assisted living, independent living, memory care, and even short-term nursing support—so if your parent’s needs change, you don’t have to uproot them. The staff is described as warm and supportive, and the environment feels more like a home than an institution.

Estimated Pricing

$3,149–$15,410 / mth

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Warner Creek Senior Housing

3.6

806 Diablo Ave, California 94947

Memory Care

Independent Living

Warner Creek Senior Housing is a bit different from the typical senior care places in Novato. For starters, it’s not a traditional assisted living or memory care facility—it’s actually an affordable senior apartment community, managed by Eden Housing, a nonprofit with a good reputation for supporting seniors. The building has 61 one-bedroom units, and to qualify, residents have to be at least 62 and meet income restrictions (less than 50% of the area median income).

Estimated Pricing

$3,149–$8,812 / mth

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