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

Heritage on the Marina

4.0

3400 Laguna St, California 94123

Assisted Living

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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Sagebrook Senior Living at San Francisco

4.0

2750 Geary Blvd, California 94118

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sagebrook Senior Living at San Francisco is a smaller, more intimate senior community, which means residents and their families often get to know the staff on a first-name basis. The team here is known for being warm and attentive—they pay close attention to each resident's unique needs and preferences, and families mention that staff members remember details about their loved ones, which isn't always the case at larger places.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$14,180 / mth

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The Carlisle

4.0

1450 Post St, California 94109

Assisted Living

The Carlisle is a senior living community that feels more like a well-run boutique hotel than an institution. Residents can choose between independent and assisted living, and the building itself is bright, modern, and has lovely city views. The staff includes 24/7 care professionals, and there’s always someone around to help with things like medication reminders or personal care if needed.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$8,884 / mth

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Villa Marin

4.0

100 Thorndale Dr, California 94903

Independent Living

Villa Marin is a retirement community that's more like a condo complex than a traditional senior home. Residents actually purchase their units, so there’s a significant buy-in upfront, plus ongoing monthly fees. This model attracts folks who want a sense of ownership and stability. The place is known for its friendly, long-term staff—many reviews mention how helpful and attentive they are, especially in the independent and assisted living areas.

Estimated Pricing

$5,334–$13,300 / mth

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Young at Heart RCFE

4.0

37 Mendocino Ln, California 94947

Assisted 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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Bel Marin Gardens

3.9

119 Montego Key, California 94949

Assisted Living

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

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Central Gardens Post Acute

3.9

1355 Ellis St, California 94115

Nursing Home

Central Gardens Post Acute isn’t your typical big-box nursing home. Families in San Francisco know it as a place where rehab isn’t just a buzzword—people actually get back on their feet here. The physical therapy team gets a lot of praise, with stories of folks coming in unable to walk and leaving on their own two feet. The building itself is kept clean, and the staff’s friendliness stands out. You’ll hear about nurses who keep families in the loop, even setting up daily FaceTime calls.

Estimated Pricing

$11,929–$14,180 / mth

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Creekwood Care Facility

3.9

830 Tamalpais Ave, California 94947

Assisted 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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Deer Park Retirement Community

3.9

646 Canyon Rd, California 94947

Independent Living

Deer Park Retirement Community on Canyon Road is well-known among Novato locals for offering a blend of independent and assisted living, as well as memory care and respite options. Residents can choose from studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedroom apartments—some with patios or kitchenettes. The monthly rent covers utilities (except phone), cable, internet, and Wi-Fi, which is a relief for families watching the bottom line.

Estimated Pricing

$3,149–$15,410 / mth

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Menorah Park

3.9

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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Providence Place

3.9

2456 Geary Blvd, California 94115

Memory Care

Providence Place isn’t your typical senior care community. What really stands out is their strong focus on memory care, especially for folks living with dementia. The staff here have a reputation for being genuinely tuned in to the needs of residents—families often mention how the team goes out of their way to keep everyone engaged and respected, not just cared for. They’re a medium-sized community, so it never feels overwhelming or impersonal.

Estimated Pricing

$5,088–$14,180 / mth

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RN3 Loving Care Homes - Assisted Living for Senior

3.9

8320 Buckingham Dr, California 94530

Assisted Living

RN3 Loving Care Homes isn’t a big, impersonal facility—it’s a family-run place that’s been part of the El Cerrito community for over 17 years. Locals know it for its small, homey feel and the way the staff gets to know each resident as a person, not just a name on a chart. The owner, Mina, is hands-on and often mentioned by families for her attentiveness and willingness to communicate about changes in a loved one’s condition.

Estimated Pricing

$3,381–$13,000 / mth

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The Exchange at Bayfront

3.9

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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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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