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...

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

Bel Marin Gardens

4.0
119 Montego Key, California 94949
Bel Marin Gardens stands out in Novato for its blend of attentive, hands-on care and a cozy, small-community feel. Instead of a sprawling facility, it’s a more intimate setting where staff know residents by name and keep a close eye on their well-being. The team provides 24-hour supervision and helps with everything from bathing and dressing to medication management.
Estimated Pricing
$3,149–$15,410 / mth

Novato Village Senior Apartments

4.0
801 State Access Rd, California 94949
Novato Village Senior Apartments is a 55+ rental community, not a medical facility or traditional assisted living. Residents live independently in studio, one, or two-bedroom apartments, each with their own kitchen, washer and dryer, and accessible features like wide doorways and wheelchair access. The complex offers practical amenities—a gym, business center, and a clubhouse for social gatherings. Pets are allowed, with some restrictions.
Estimated Pricing
$3,149–$7,259 / mth

Oakmont of Novato

4.0
1465 S Novato Blvd, California 94947
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

Kokoro Assisted Living Inc

3.9
1881 Bush St, California 94109
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

Western Park Apartments

3.9
1280 Laguna St, California 94115
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

Golden Home

3.9
1234 Las Gallinas Ave, California 94903
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

Maria B. Freitas Senior Community

3.9
455 Manuel T Freitas Pkwy, California 94903
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

Three Home Village

3.9
675 Rosal Way, California 94903
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

Richmond Post-Acute Care

3.9
955 23rd St, California 94804
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

Trinity Plaza Senior Apatments

3.8
350 Macdonald Ave, California 94801
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

Arlington Care Home

3.8
2545 Arlington Blvd, California 94530
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

Creekwood Care Facility

3.8
830 Tamalpais Ave, California 94947
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

Autumn Glow

3.8
654 Grove St, California 94102
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

The Bluffs at Hamilton Hill

3.7
1 Hamilton Hill Dr, California 94949
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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Important things to know about Independent Living

Independent Living: A Guide to Choosing Ideal Communities for Seniors

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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