Best Senior Communities near me in San Rafael, California

San Rafael, located in Marin County, California, is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic charm, and vibrant cultural scene. With its proximity to San Francisco and scenic views of the Bay Area, it offers a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. The city features a diverse population and a range of services catering to various needs, including senior communities.

Costs of Senior Communities in San Rafael

The cost of senior communities in San Rafael varies depending on the type of service and accommodation. On average, assisted living facilities range from $5,000 to $7,500 per month, while independent living options may cost between $3,500 and $6,000 per month. These prices can fluctuate based on the level of care, amenities offered, and location within the city.

Average Income in San Rafael

As of the latest data, the average household income in San Rafael is approximately $100,000 to $120,000 annually. This figure reflects a relatively affluent community, which can impact the affordability and availability of senior care services.

Ranking of San Rafael among Top Cities in California

San Rafael is considered a desirable location in California due to its quality of life, scenic surroundings, and access to amenities. While not always listed in the top-tier rankings, it is generally recognized as one of the better cities for living in the Bay Area, particularly for those seeking a balance between urban and suburban environments.

Top Senior Communities Provider/Facilities in San Rafael, CA:

The Tamalpais
Sunrise of San Rafael
Aegis of Marin
Bretano House
Marinwood Community Center

L'Chaim House II

4.4

463 Nova Albion Way, California 94903

Memory Care

Independent Living

L'Chaim House II is a small, homey care home tucked into a quiet San Rafael neighborhood. With space for just six residents, it feels more like a family than an institution. Staff help with the basics—bathing, dressing, grooming, and getting around—and they're known for being attentive and patient. Meals are home-cooked every day, and the kitchen is flexible about special diets, whether that's low-salt, diabetic-friendly, or something else your loved one needs.

Estimated Pricing

$5,334–$13,300 / 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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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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Richmond Senior Citizens Center

4.3

2525 Macdonald Ave, California 94804

Independent Living

Richmond Senior Citizens Center is more than just a place for seniors to spend time – it’s a real community hub where older adults in Richmond can stay active, social, and independent. The center offers a variety of daily activities, from exercise classes and group games to arts and crafts and special events. There’s always something going on, and the staff make a point to get to know regulars by name. Meals are served on site, and for many, it’s a chance to enjoy a hot lunch with friends.

Estimated Pricing

$7–$7,141 / 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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Walter Cedars House

4.3

1842 Novato Blvd, California 94947

Nursing Home

Walter Cedars House isn’t your typical big-box senior care facility. Tucked into a residential stretch of Novato Blvd, it’s a small, six-bed home that feels more like a family house than an institution. The staff helps residents with the basics—getting dressed, bathing, medication reminders, and meals—but what stands out is the personal attention. Meals are home-cooked, not mass-produced, and the staff can adjust diets for folks with diabetes or high blood pressure if needed.

Estimated Pricing

$6,364–$15,410 / 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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Alzheimer's Respite & Adult

4.3

1015 Nevin Ave, California 94801

Memory Care

Alzheimer's Respite & Adult at 1015 Nevin Ave is a memory care provider focused on seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. They offer residential memory care, which means your loved one lives there full-time and receives daily support. The staff help with basics like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders, but also aim to keep residents engaged—though details on activities are limited.

Estimated Pricing

$4,000–$7,153 / mth

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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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Coterie Cathedral Hill

4.2

1001 Van Ness Ave, California 94109

Memory Care

Coterie Cathedral Hill is one of those places where families say the food alone is worth mentioning—residents rave about meals that feel more like restaurant outings than cafeteria fare, and the dining room tends to be a real gathering spot. The staff gets high marks for being attentive and genuinely caring, not just going through the motions. People mention the leadership is strong and communication with families is clear, which can be a huge relief when you’re trying to keep tabs from afar.

Estimated Pricing

$6,222–$9,780 / mth

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RN Loving Care Home

4.2

921 Elm St, California 94530

Nursing Home

RN Loving Care Home at 921 Elm St in El Cerrito is a small, home-like assisted living setting that’s especially good for folks who want a quieter, more personal environment. The home is run by Andy and Jenny, who are both hands-on owners and are often mentioned by families for their kindness and attention. Residents get help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders. There’s always someone around if help is needed, day or night.

Estimated Pricing

$9,160–$13,000 / 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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Belen's Residential Care Home

4.2

565 Grove St, California 94102

Memory Care

Belen's Residential Care Home stands out because it feels more like a small, extended family than a big facility. The staff here consistently get called out in reviews for being genuinely friendly and attentive—people mention that the team is quick to notice changes in residents and always ready to help, even with little things like finding a favorite snack or helping someone settle in after a tough day.

Estimated Pricing

$8,257–$10,017 / 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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