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27 Independent Living Facilities near San Rafael, CA

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10 Best Independent Living Communities in San Rafael, CA

Last Updated: 9/30/24

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 27 independent living facilities in San Rafael, A Place for Mom makes it easier to find your new, maintenance-free home.

We are also serving Independent Living facilities in surrounding neighborhoods like Canal, Gerstle Park and Smith Ranch.
You may also consider nearby communities such as Richmond, Richmond or Santa Venetia.

San Rafael Independent Living Facilities | 114 Reviews

Showing 27 communities
Last Updated: 9/30/24
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Average starting price of Independent Living in San Rafael, CA is $5,146/month. Learn more
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Types of care available in San Rafael, CA

Independent Living

Average starting price $5,146/month
Average starting price $4,593/month
Average starting price $5,708/month
Average starting price $5,749/month
Average starting price $3,432/month
Average starting price $2,416/month
Recent reviews of Independent Living in San Rafael, CA
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 maintained.

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

Drake Terrace

275 Los Ranchitos Rd, San Rafael, CA 94903

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
Photo of Drake Terrace
15
15 Photos available
20
20 Floor plans available
8.9
Review Score
7 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: Independent Living, Assisted Living
See all Kisco Senior Living communities

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....

... Read more

Atria Tamalpais Creek

853 Tamalpais Avenue, Novato, CA 94947

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
11
11 Photos available
12
12 Floor plans available
9.5
Review Score
41 reviews

Great property and staff! I moved my 90+ year old father from out of state into Atria's assisted living property. He's been there about 8 months and we're very happy with our choice. I did a lot of research...

Provides: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all Atria communities

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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Deer Park Retirement Community

646 Canyon Road, Novato, CA 94947

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
10
10 Photos available
2
2 Floor plans available
8.8
Review Score
27 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
See all Sunshine Retirement Living LLC communities

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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The Bluffs at Hamilton Hill

1 Hamilton Hill Drive, Novato, CA 94949

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
17
17 Photos available
8.0
Review Score
3 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
See all MBK Senior Living communities

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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The Vincent

1 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael, CA 94903

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
9
9 Photos available
10
10 Floor plans available
2.0
Review Score
7 reviews

Both of my parents recently moved into Oakmont of San Rafael from out of state. We spent more than a year looking at places, and I have learned that it is alllll about the people. Many places are beautiful...

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all WellQuest Living communities

Aldersly, a CCRC

326 Mission Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
9
9 Photos available
4
4 Floor plans available
1 review

My tour of Aldersly was very helpful in the search for a retirement living home. The property is lovely, and convenient to the people and places of importance to me. The administrator and staff in the...

Provides: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all Life Care Services LLC communities

Oakmont of Novato

1465 South Novato Blvd, Novato, CA 94947

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
10
10 Photos available
10
10 Floor plans available
2.5
Review Score
9 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
See all Oakmont Management Group communities

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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St Michael's

416 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care

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....

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AlmaVia of San Rafael

515 Northgate Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903

14 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
See all Elder Care Alliance communities

'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,...

... Read more

San Rafael Commons

302 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901

Provides: Independent Living

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Greenwood Assisted Living

233 West End Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care

Nazareth House

245 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903

2
2 Photos available
Provides: Assisted Living

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...

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Golden Home Extended Care, Inc

1234 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael, CA 94903

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care

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...

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Bello Gardens

46 Mariposa Ave, San Anselmo, CA 94960

4 reviews

Incredible staff, lovely setting and [Name removed] .

Provides: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

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...

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Mc Garr House II

931 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, CA 94960

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Tamalpais Marin a Life Plan Community

501 Via Casitas, Greenbrae, CA 94904

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
11
11 Photos available
Provides: Independent Living
See all Sequoia Living communities

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...

... Read more

Marin Valley Mobile Country

100 Marin Valley Dr, Novato, CA 94949

Provides: Independent Living

Aegis of Corte Madera

5555 Paradise Drive, Corte Madera, CA 94925

9
9 Photos available
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all Aegis communities

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...

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Los Robles Mobile Home Park

100 Roblar Dr, Novato, CA 94949

Provides: Independent Living

La Casa Novato Apartments

450 Entrada Dr # 7, Novato, CA 94949

Provides: Independent Living

Marin Terrace

297 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941

10
10 Photos available
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care

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...

... Read more

Meadows Apartments

514 Lark Ct, Novato, CA 94947

Provides: Independent Living

Creekwood Senior Home

830 Tamalpais Ave., Novato, CA 94947

1 review
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care

Nova-Ro I Apartments

1128 Olive Ave, Novato, CA 94945

Provides: Independent Living

Nova-Ro II Apartments

1130 7th St, Novato, CA 94945

Provides: Independent Living
Viewing 1-25 out of 27 communities

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 San Anselmo, CA with an average of 5,108 per month.

Monthly average independent living cost comparisons
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Your actual costs may be higher or lower than the average.
Get advice from a local expert:

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 is independent living?

Independent living offers a stress-free lifestyle for older adults. Independent living communities don’t provide personal care or supervision, but do offer generally healthy adults opportunities for socialization and hassle-free living. Independent living services often include:

  • Nutritious meals and snacks
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Home maintenance and repairs
  • Social activities and outings
Complete guide to independent living

Learn More About Independent Living in San Rafael, CA

This picturesque, bayside Marin County town offers all the resources and conveniences of a modern city — like shopping and dining options, health care facilities, and transportation — along with one-of-a-kind museums and recreational areas that allow residents to absorb the surrounding Northern California landscape. Some of San Rafael’s most popular destinations include the Smith Rafael Film Center, the Museum of International Propaganda, and McNears Beach County Park.

Independent living communities — also known simply as retirement communities — in San Rafael are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of San Rafael retirement communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Independent Living in San Rafael, CA

The median monthly cost of independent living in 2019 was about $4,300 in the San Rafael area and $3,000 in the state of California.

Learn More About San Rafael, CA

Cost of Living

The total household expenses associated with living in San Rafael are rated 26 points above the national average. Grocery and other essential costs are also rated significantly higher than the average.

Index Scores

All index scores are based on a scale that has the national average set at 100. A score of 200 indicates that the cost is twice as expensive as the national average, while a score of 50 indicates that the cost is half as expensive.

Household Expenses Health Care Insurance Entertainment Groceries Clothing
126 156 123 124 117 113

Income and Housing

Median Income Age 45-64 Median Income Age 65+ Median Household Income Average Individual Income Median Employee Salary Average Property Tax One-bedroom Apartment Gross Rent Estimate
$102,477 per year $71,418 per year $87,599 per year $52,978 per year $53,627 per year $9,081 per year $2,411 per month

Local Hospitals

The top hospitals that service San Rafael include:

MarinHealth Medical Center

  • Facility type: nonprofit, short-term acute care
  • Bed count: 230+
  • Specialties: emergency department, ICU, spine surgery

San Rafael Medical Center

  • Facility type: nonprofit, short-term acute care
  • Bed count: 110+
  • Specialties: emergency department, ICU, joint replacement

Weather and Climate

San Rafael’s climate is classified as Mediterranean, with mild winters and warm summers. The average humidity level is 67%, and humidity levels are often highest during January at about 80%.

Seasonal Temperatures

January Average January Maximum January Minimum
49°F 56°F 41°F

July Average July Maximum July Minimum
68°F 81°F 55°F

Air Quality

  • Relative Air Quality Index: 100

This index is based on a scale that has the national average set at 100. A score of 200 indicates twice the presence of air pollutants than the national average, while a score of 50 indicates half the presence.

Precipitation

  • Average annual precipitation: 34″

Demographics and Values

Population Statistics

Median Age Percent of Population Over 65 Population Population Density Average Household Size
42 19.3% 58,727 3,517 per square mile 2.5

Race & Ethnicity

American Indian or Alaskan Native Asian Black Hispanic or Latino Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Two or More Races White (not Hispanic or Latino)
0.9% 6.8% 1.4% 31.0% <0.1% 4.8% 57.0%

These figures were taken from the most recent U.S. Census.

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity

These scores were taken from the 2020 Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.

  • Non-discrimination laws in San Francisco: 30/30
  • Overall inclusivity: 100/100

2016 Presidential Election Results for Marin County

Democratic Republican Other
78.8% 15.9% 5.2%

Arts, Culture, Entertainment, and Recreation

Some of the most popular museums and historic sites in San Rafael include:

  • Marin Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Marin History Museum
  • The Museum of International Propaganda
  • San Quentin Museum
  • Harbor Light Building
  • Saint Rafael Church

Outdoor attractions in San Rafael:

  • Terra Linda Park
  • Freitas Park
  • Boyd Memorial Park
  • China Camp State Park
  • McNears Beach County Park
  • Edgewood Botanical Garden

San Rafael’s top entertainment destinations and shopping districts are:

  • Smith Rafael Film Center
  • Century Northgate
  • San Rafael Art and Wine Festival
  • Montecito Plaza
  • Northgate
  • Marin Square

Transportation

Marin County offers numerous local and regional transportation options available to San Rafael residents, including Marin Transit, Marin Access, and Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit. These providers operate buses, ferries, trains, and paratransit services. Taxis and rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, are also available in San Rafael.

Frequently asked questions

Greenhills Care Home, Greenhills Care Home and Cogir of Brentwood are the top-rated independent living facilities near San Rafael, California. See full list of communities.

There are 27 independent living facilities near San Rafael, California. See the full list.

More questions?

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