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

Having a Life After Making a Living

3.2

1537 S Novato Blvd Suite 947, California 94947

Independent Living

Having a Life After Making a Living isn’t your typical senior care agency. Instead of offering just basic help, they focus on supporting older adults who want to stay independent but could use a little backup with daily living. Their team helps with things like organizing the home, managing bills, and keeping routines on track—practical stuff that can make a big difference for someone wanting to live on their own terms.

Estimated Pricing

$5,838–$7,259 / mth

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Kimberly Blanck Nursing Conslt

3.6

32 Balra Dr, California 94947

Memory Care

Independent Living

Kimberly Blanck Nursing Conslt is a smaller, locally-run provider based out of a residential address in Novato. What stands out is that they seem to offer a more personal touch than the big corporate facilities. While there’s not a ton of flashy marketing or a big online presence, they’re listed in independent consumer directories, which means people in the area do know about them.

Estimated Pricing

$3,149–$15,410 / 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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Mira Flores Senior Apartments

4.1

150 S 45th St, California 94804

Independent Living

Mira Flores Senior Apartments isn’t just another senior living complex—it’s a piece of Richmond’s history, built on land once home to Japanese family-run flower nurseries for over a century. The building is modern, but the roots run deep: the project took nearly 20 years and a partnership between Eden Housing, CHDC, and the city to bring affordable senior housing to life.

Estimated Pricing

$5,732–$7,141 / mth

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Nova-Ro I Apartments

3.6

1128 Olive Ave, California 94945

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Nova-Ro I Apartments stands out in Novato mostly for its affordability and straightforward approach. Unlike many senior communities that come with high monthly costs, Nova-Ro I offers one-bedroom units at a fraction of the price—some sources list rents as low as $680 per month, which is significantly less than most other options in the area. This makes it a practical choice for seniors who are on a fixed income or looking to stretch their retirement dollars further.

Estimated Pricing

$3,149–$7,259 / mth

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Palm Tree Care Home

4.2

712 McLaughlin St, California 94805

Memory Care

Independent Living

Palm Tree Care Home is a small, residential care home with just six beds, so it feels more like a family home than a facility. The staff here are known for being attentive and hands-on—they help with everything from bathing and dressing to medication reminders and coordinating with doctors if needed. Meals are home-cooked, and residents get their own fully furnished rooms. There’s a nice garden for fresh air, and residents can join in on movie nights or daily activities if they want.

Estimated Pricing

$4,000–$12,106 / mth

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Rose Arbor Senior Residential Care

4.4

5901 Rose Arbor Ave, California 94806

Memory Care

Independent Living

Rose Arbor Senior Residential Care is a small, residential-style senior home tucked into a quiet Richmond neighborhood. It's not a big, flashy facility—think more of a converted house with a handful of residents, so the atmosphere feels personal. They offer assisted living, memory care, and independent living, but the focus seems to be on supporting folks who need some daily help, especially with things like medication reminders, meals, and bathing.

Estimated Pricing

$4,000–$7,153 / mth

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Samara Terrace Senior Apartments

4.2

102 Civic Dr, California 94547

Independent Living

Samara Terrace Senior Apartments is a small, 52-unit building for seniors who are at least 62 and meet low-income requirements. The apartments are all one-bedroom, and each has its own kitchen and bathroom—no shared living spaces like in assisted living. The building is easy to get around, with an elevator and wide hallways, and is fully accessible for folks who use walkers or wheelchairs.

Estimated Pricing

$4,475–$7,750 / mth

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Sundance Villa

3.6

648 Rowland Blvd, California 94947

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sundance Villa is a small, homey senior care place that feels more like a big family than a big facility. It's not flashy, but the staff really get to know the residents and their routines. People who live there get help with daily things like bathing, getting dressed, and making sure their medications are taken on time. If your parent needs rides to doctor appointments or help coordinating with their healthcare providers, that's something they handle too.

Estimated Pricing

$3,149–$15,410 / mth

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The Arbors

4.2

100 Civic Dr, California 94547

Independent Living

The Arbors is a senior independent living community that feels more like a true neighborhood than a facility. What stands out here is the sense of connection—residents have easy access to the Hercules Senior Center, library, and City Hall right next door, so it’s simple to stay active and involved locally. The building itself is two stories, wrapped around a peaceful courtyard with city views.

Estimated Pricing

$4,475–$7,750 / 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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Wild Flowers Residential Care

3.5

256 Sunset Pkwy, California 94947

Memory Care

Independent Living

Wild Flowers Residential Care is one of those small, home-style places that feels more like a real house than a facility. It’s licensed for just six residents, so everyone gets a lot of personal attention. The staff is known for being warm and genuinely treating people like family, not just clients. They help with the basics—bathing, dressing, medication reminders—but also try to keep things homey.

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

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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