About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2024 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2024 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2024 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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10 Best Independent Living Communities in San Rafael, CA

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Who are you searching for?

If you’re looking for independent living in the San Rafael area, our local senior living advisors can help you each step of the way. From affordable independent living for seniors to luxury options, we’ll work with you to understand the cost of independent living in San Rafael. From there, we’ll show you the best independent living communities for your lifestyle, interests, and budget.

Discover unique independent living amenities, social activities, dining, and more independent living benefits. With 34 independent living facilities in San Rafael, A Place for Mom makes it easier to find your new, maintenance-free home.

We are also serving Assisted Living facilities in surrounding neighborhoods like Dogtown, West Oakland and Ghost Town.
You may also consider nearby communities such as San Francisco, Pleasant Hill and Oakland.

San Rafael Independent Living Facilities | 117 Reviews

Showing 29 communities
Last Updated: 12/23/24
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Photo of Drake Terrace
1515 Photos available
2020 Floor plans available
8.9
Review score
7 reviews
8.9
Review score
7 reviews
5 star
86%
4 star
0%
3 star
14%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
They are very communicative about the resident's status, concerns, etc. And very genuine and have the best interests of the resident and family in mind. We're very happy there.
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Drake Terrace allows you the freedom to express yourself as you continue to learn and grow in this enriching environment. Whether you choose Independent Living, Assisted Living or Memory Care, you will have many opportunities to participate in the heart and soul of this vibrant community....
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Photo of Coterie Cathedral HillCommunity card badge
1818 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
10
Review score
31 reviews
10
Review score
31 reviews
5 star
94%
4 star
3%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
3%
See all reviews
The staff is unparalleled in their sincerity, commitment, and caring for each and every one of the residents and their families. They go the extra mile and are always there for you no matter what the...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Coterie Cathedral HillDiscover a new vision of luxury senior living, now brought to life at Coterie Cathedral Hill.Built from the ground up, with modern interiors by March and White Design, Coterie is thoughtfully crafted for older adults who seek a lifestyle of abundant style, wellness, and...
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Photo of Atria Tamalpais Creek
1111 Photos available
1212 Floor plans available
9.5
Review score
43 reviews
9.5
Review score
43 reviews
5 star
65%
4 star
28%
3 star
2%
2 star
0%
1 star
5%
See all reviews
Very friendly and kind staff! It is pricey but the most reasonably priced we found at this caliber in the area. I wish my mom took advantage of the activities more but she is encouraged to do so by the...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Atria Tamalpais Creek is an enriching senior living community in Novato that promotes independence and active lifestyles. With an event-filled social calendar and amenities like a fitness center, outdoor garden and salon and spa, our residents enjoy an environment that encourages them to remain...
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Photo of Deer Park Retirement Community
1010 Photos available
22 Floor plans available
8.8
Review score
27 reviews
8.8
Review score
27 reviews
5 star
37%
4 star
48%
3 star
11%
2 star
4%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Nice quiet area with walking trails nearby. Ample parking and lots of nice features like free access to do your own laundry, weekly housecleaning if you desire and close to some walking trails. The biggest...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Deer Park is an affordable all-inclusive retirement community, located in beautiful Northern California, just minutes from shops, restaurants and hospitals. As a Sunshine Retirement Living Community, we offer a variety of amenities to simplify your life, including three chef-prepared meals daily,...
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Photo of The Bluffs at Hamilton Hill
1717 Photos available
8.0
Review score
3 reviews
8.0
Review score
3 reviews
5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I thought the facility was above and beyond what it needed to be - a little expensive- but certainly worth it- I'd recommend them- it is a great place for your loved ones.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Situated in the heart of Hamilton Field with beautiful bay and mountain views, The Bluffs at Hamilton Hill is a relaxed luxury senior living community located near Novato Community Hospital, Kaiser Permanente Terra Linda and MarinHealth Medical Center as well as Hamilton Marketplace, Vintage Oaks...
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Photo of The Vincent
99 Photos available
1010 Floor plans available
6.0
Review score
8 reviews
6.0
Review score
8 reviews
5 star
49%
4 star
13%
3 star
13%
2 star
0%
1 star
25%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
See details
Photo of Aldersly, a CCRC
99 Photos available
44 Floor plans available
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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Photo of Oakmont of Novato
1010 Photos available
1010 Floor plans available
2.5
Review score
9 reviews
2.5
Review score
9 reviews
5 star
22%
4 star
22%
3 star
22%
2 star
11%
1 star
23%
See all reviews
The community overall is a nice place and the staff is very friendly. The community is kept neat and clean and my loved one really enjoys the food. They have activities going on in the community and I...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
From the moment you arrive at Oakmont of Novato you step into luxury and elegance. You will realize that this way of life exceeds all your expectations. At Oakmont of Novato, you are living in a beautiful community, in an exquisite area blessed with beautiful blue skies and rolling hills with...
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Photo of St Michael's
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Here at St. MichaelÆs, we cater to residents who need a secure and safe place to spend their golden years. Our caring staff greets each resident in the morning with a smile. We offer numerous recreational activities that residents can partake in, and we encourage families to get involved as well....
Photo of AlmaVia of San Rafael
5 star
79%
4 star
14%
3 star
7%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I chose this community because it was recommended that my mother needed memory care. The care was very giving, but we were asked to hire overnight caregivers because she would get up night,which was an...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
'Residents are the heart of our community.'  AlmaVia of San Rafael is a faith-based, non-profit Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) which includes independent and assisted living, as well as a specialized area for memory care called, Bridgehaven. We offer studio,...
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Photo of San Rafael Commons
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Greenwood Assisted Living
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Photo of Nazareth House
22 Photos available
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Nazareth House, San Rafael, opened in 1962 is a nonprofit retirement home offering full-service residential care and assisted living for approximately 126 residents. It is one of 58 facilities throughout the world owned and operated by the Sisters of Nazareth. Our aim is to provide for the...
Photo of Golden Home Extended Care, Inc
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
A Golden Home Extended Care, Inc. is a senior assisted living facility and micro community located in Marin County. A Golden Home is located at 1234 Las Gallinas Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94903. It is a beautiful apartment-style community just minutes away from the nearest hospital. This...
Photo of Bello Gardens
5 star
25%
4 star
50%
3 star
25%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Bello Gardens Assisted Living is located at 46 Mariposa Ave, San Anselmo, CA 94960. The services provided consist of independent living, respite care, memory care, hospice care and assisted living. We are known for our beautiful landscape blended with a Mediterranean concept. We provide...
Photo of Mc Garr House II
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Photo of The Tamalpais Marin a Life Plan Community
1111 Photos available
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
The Tamalpais Marin, a Life Plan Community in Greenbrae, offers elegant apartments for active seniors, as well as assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation care. Schedule your visit today at www.TheTam.org.There is so much to see and do. Enjoy the library, art...
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Photo of Marin Valley Mobile Country
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Aegis of Corte Madera
99 Photos available
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Aegis of Corte Madera, located in beautiful Marin County, offers exceptional assisted living services. Enjoy an afternoon cup of tea and cookies with family and friends in the bistro, watch a move in the private theater or take a stroll in our lovely garden. Aegis of Corte Madera is situated in a...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Marin Terrace
1010 Photos available
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
  Marin Terrace, minutes north on the Hwy. 101 from San Francisco, Marin Terrace exemplifies the elegantly relaxed lifestyle of one of the most desirable places to live in the U.S., Mill Valley, CA.Last year in 2005, CNN and Money magazine engaged in an exhaustive study to chose the...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Creekwood Senior Home
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Photo of Nova-Ro I Apartments
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.

Cost of independent living in San Rafael, CA

The average cost of senior living in San Rafael is $5,146 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Lucas Valley-Marinwood, CA with an average of $5,007 per month.

Average monthly cost of Independent Living in San Rafael, CA vs. nearby cities

San Rafael, CA
$5,146/mo
$5,136/mo

Average monthly cost of Independent Living in San Rafael, CA vs. the state and national average

San Rafael, CA
$5,146/mo
U.S. national average
$4,019/mo

Average monthly cost of Independent Living in San Rafael vs. other types of senior living

$5,750/mo
Independent Living
$5,146/mo

Median monthly costs of Independent Living in San Rafael, CA by room type

Semi-Private
$6,871/mo
Studio
$6,454/mo
1 Bedroom
$7,026/mo
2 Bedroom
$9,087/mo

Average cost of Independent Living in San Rafael over time

San Rafael, CACA stateNational

Discover the many ways to pay for senior living

Planning ahead can better position you to make good choices for your loved one’s care in the future. But if your aging family member needs care now, there are ways to finance the cost of long-term care through a combination of approaches.

What families are saying about independent living in San Rafael

Recent reviews for independent living in San Rafael

Sycamore Hills By the Bay in Hercules, CA

5.0
The only improvement that I can think of that needs to be made at Sycamore Hills By the Bay is there is not enough parking. That is my only complaint about this facility. Everyone is very nice, the facility is really clean. I am really happy with my experience here so far.

Springfield Place in Petaluma, CA

4.0
We toured a few different communities and this one seemed to be the best fit for my mom. She is doing well here.She is starting to meet new residents and make some friends. She is participating in some of the activities. She really likes the food. The community is always clean and well ...
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AlmaVia of San Rafael

5.0
Great facility that is meeting all my parents needs! Great for memory care. The staff is very friendly and helpful to get them adjusted

San Rafael independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in San Rafael independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in San Rafael, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select dietary accommodations in San Rafael independent living

Independent living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of San Rafael partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
San Rafael, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
17.9%
20%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
25%
33.4%
No sugar
No sugar
21.4%
30.9%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
35.7%
32.8%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
7.1%
7.7%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in San Rafael independent living

Our independent living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of San Rafael communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
San Rafael, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
25%
35.8%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
25%
42.6%
Room service
Room service
25%
36.1%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
17.9%
16.9%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in San Rafael independent living

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered independent living communities in San Rafael offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
San Rafael, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
35.7%
44.4%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
17.9%
27.7%
Community service programs
Community service programs
21.4%
32.1%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
25%
48.3%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
32.1%
48.9%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
42.9%
53.9%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
32.1%
42.2%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
25%
36.9%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
32.1%
40.8%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
32.1%
46.6%
Live performances
Live performances
32.1%
46.3%
Dances
Dances
17.9%
31.8%
Fitness center
Fitness center
32.1%
38.9%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
32.1%
46.1%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Greenhills Care Home, Coterie Cathedral Hill and Cogir of Sonoma Senior Living are the top-rated independent living facilities near San Rafael, California. See full list of communities.

There are 34 independent living facilities near San Rafael, California. See the full list.

The best independent living facilities near you in San Rafael, California are Greenhills Care Home, Coterie Cathedral Hill and Sagebrook Senior Living at San Francisco. These independent living communities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews.

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The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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