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Independent Living in San Mateo, CA

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Reviewed by Linda Iwamoto

Last updated March 01, 2025

San Mateo offers a diverse range of 8 Independent Living communities giving families varied options to choose from. The communities in the San Mateo area have a average rating of{' '} 9.8 out of 10. Seniorly also uses Seniorly Price Estimate for cost comparisons with nearby cities, and even highlights new construction facilities for those seeking modern amenities. Families can look at 149 photos, 581 ratings and reviews, and 7 prices in the San Mateo area to get a sense of independent living in the area. If you're looking for modern amenities, keep an eye out for our "new construction" badge which will help you find the newest facilities in your area. The new age of retirement living is here, with so many options for independent seniors. From all-inclusive retirement communities to luxury facilities for those who want to stay active, we've got the most comprehensive set of options. Many of these facilities also offer assisted living and memory care, so if you're looking for a community that allows you to age in place, there are plenty of choices. For personalized assistance, Seniorly local advisors Linda Iwamoto and Laurie Lindquist are available to help with your search.

The 8 Best Independent Living Communities in San Mateo, CA

8 communities near San Mateo, CA

Verified
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Cadence Millbrae

1201 Broadway, Millbrae, CA 94030

Assisted Living , Memory Care , Independent Living

Cadence Millbrae is a vibrant senior living community that prioritizes the well-being and happiness of its residents through a comprehensive range of care and medical services. The community is dedicated to providing exceptional support, with services that include 12-16 hour nursing, a 24-hour call system, and assistance with daily activities such as bathing and dressing. Cadence Millbrae also off...
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From $2,995/mo
9.9
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Verified
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Burlingame Senior Living

250 Myrtle Road, Burlingame, CA 94010

Assisted Living , Memory Care , Independent Living

"Your residence is very compact. My wife is not ready to enter this kind of life, as yet. I had some consern of not knowing what the cost would be. I talked with Ruth and she gave me the cost , to have my wife there, however when we took the tour, the gentle man , who showed us around, couldnot give me a cost. He said the building had change hands, and costs would be different" - john
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From $4,095/mo
9.9
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Verified
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Sterling Court

850 North El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94401

Assisted Living , Independent Living

"I have lived at Sterling Court for over two years. I realized I no longer needed to keep my house. It was the right choice for me. My children have their own lives now so I don't need the worries of home ownership. My one bedroom apartment is perfect for my cat and me. I have a lovely deck/balcony and the kitchen has a full size refrigerator and oven. The food is delicious and can be delivered t..." - Marcia
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From $4,650/mo
9.9
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Verified
Best of 2025
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Serra Highlands Senior Living

501 King Drive, Daly City, CA 94015

Assisted Living , Independent Living

Serra Highlands Senior Living is a vibrant community dedicated to providing exceptional care and medical services, ensuring residents enjoy a fulfilling and enriched lifestyle. With a focus on personalized care, the community offers a range of health services, including medication management, 24-hour supervision, and assistance with daily living activities. The dedicated and compassionate staff ar...
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From $4,105/mo
9.9
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Verified
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Atria At Foster Square

707 Thayer Lane, Foster City, CA 94404

Assisted Living , Memory Care , Independent Living

"My aunt lived here for 3 years. She was quite frail but made friends and was cared for till the end. " - Clarissa
From $6,800/mo
9.9
See details

Verified
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Brookdale Redwood City

485 Woodside Road, Redwood City, CA 94061

Assisted Living , Independent Living

"Really great team here" - Jay
From $5,280/mo
9.9
See details
Verified
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The Trousdale

1600 Trousdale Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010

Assisted Living , Memory Care , Independent Living

"Newest facility in Burlingame. Eskaton is a local Northern California operator with a great reputation. " - Jill
From $6,535/mo
9.8
See details
Institute on Aging

Institute on Aging

951 Mariners Island Boulevard , Foster City, CA 94404

Independent Living

The Institute on Aging, nestled at 951 Mariners Island Boulevard, offers a warm and inviting senior living community in the serene neighborhood of Foster City, California. This small community stands out for its comprehensive care and medical services, ensuring that residents receive the highest level of attention and assistance. With 24-hour supervision and support for daily activities such as ba...
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From $5,700/mo
3.8
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1 - 8 of 8 results

Best value independent living in San Mateo, CA

In San Mateo, California, two assisted living communities stand out for offering the best value: Hilltop Estates and The Peninsula Regent. These communities have been identified as highly rated by analyzing 581 reviews while maintaining a low cost of care, based on seven price data points.
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Hilltop Estates

451 Hilltop Drive, Redding, CA 96003

Independent Living

Hilltop Estates stands as a beacon of exceptional senior living, offering residents a vibrant community that seamlessly blends independence with supportive services. Nestled in a serene neighborhood, this senior living community distinguishes itself with a focus on comprehensive care and medical services, ensuring peace of mind for both residents and their families. The community is surrounded by...
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From $2,900/mo
9.8
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Peninsula Regent (The)

One Baldwin Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401

Independent Living

The Peninsula Regent is a big assisted living facility located in San Mateo, CA. The cost at this community starts at $5,680, while the average cost for a senior living community in San Mateo, CA is $5,500. These are estimated prices. At this assisted living property, residents can receive 24-hour non-medical care while also enjoying transportation arrangement and assistance with their...
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From $3,370/mo
9.7
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Recent reviews on independent living in San Mateo, CA

Marcia L

October 2024

I have lived at Sterling Court for over two years. I realized I no longer needed to keep my house. It was the right choice for me. My children have their own lives now so I don't need the worries of h...

Christine R

August 2024

The care provided at Pacific is very good. They are responsive and demonstrate a caring attitude. They kept our family member clean and comfortable. They were very good about reporting how our family ...

Compare average cost of independent living in San Mateo, CA area with nearby cities

The figures below show the average monthly starting costs for independent living of nearby cities. Keep in mind that these figures are an average, and that the numbers used to calculate it spanned a wide range. In fact, Seniorly data suggests that most families will underestimate their monthly budget by almost 20%, meaning that once inclusions and services are factored in, they can actually afford more than they originally thought.

$6,147/mo
Burlingame
See communities
$5,602/mo
Foster City
See communities
$5,705/mo
Belmont
See communities
$5,767/mo
Millbrae
See communities
$5,568/mo
San Carlos
See communities
$6,342/mo
San Bruno
See communities

Independent Living amenities in San Mateo area

100% of these independent living are verified
100% of these independent living offer resident-run activities
100% of these independent living have walking paths
100% of these independent living have a restaurant style

Average Seniorly Community Score in San Mateo

7.7

Very good

Seniorly Community Score

What is Seniorly Community Score?

The Seniorly Community Score is a comprehensive and unbiased rating system that takes into account multiple factors crucial to senior living quality. We've meticulously analyzed thousands of senior living communities across the country to create an innovative and accurate assessment of each community's strengths and offerings. The Seniorly Community Score employs a user-friendly scale from 1 to 10, with 10 signifying an exceptional senior living community and 1 representing the lower end of quality, ensuring an easy-to-understand and transparent evaluation for families.

Get to know San Mateo area

Total population: 1,216
47% of population is 50+ years old, 42% is 65+ years old
Median income: $88,125
The poverty rate is 4% lower for this region compared to the California state average, which is 12%
Diversity
25% Asian, 26% Hispanic, and 63% White of population

Learn about independent living citations in San Mateo, CA

San Mateo independent living communities had an average of 9 citations in 2023. This is 148.28% higher than the San Mateo County average of 3.63 citations and 34.25% higher than the California average of 6.7 citations.

0 2 4 6 8 10 San Mateo, CA San Mateo County California 9 3.63 6.7

What are citations?

Citations are official notifications issued by regulatory agencies during inspections of independent living facilities. These citations are given when violations or deficiencies related to resident safety, care, or adherence to regulations are identified. They serve as a means to highlight areas where the facility may not be meeting the required standards, prompting the need for corrective action. Citations can range in severity, with Type A citations addressing more serious violations that may pose potential harm to residents, and Type B citations addressing less severe infractions.

Learn about independent living allegations in San Mateo, CA

San Mateo independent living communities had an average of 3 allegations in 2023. This is 56.36% lower than the San Mateo County average of 6.88 allegations and 82.11% lower than the California average of 16.77 allegations.

0 4 8 12 16 20 San Mateo, CA San Mateo County California 3 6.88 16.77

What are allegations?

Allegations are critical in California independent living licensing compliance as they signal potential issues and trigger thorough investigations. By addressing allegations promptly, regulators can enforce corrective actions, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for senior living communities' residents. Maintaining accountability through investigations helps uphold the highest standards of care in the industry.

Learn about independent living inspections in San Mateo, CA

San Mateo independent living communities had an average of 3 inspections in 2023. This is 100% higher than the San Mateo County average of 1.5 inspections and 9.58% higher than the California average of 2.74 inspections. A lower number of inspections in independent living facilities is actually better because it indicates a higher level of consistent compliance with regulations and standards.

0 1 2 3 San Mateo, CA San Mateo County California 3 1.5 2.74

What are inspections?

Inspections play a vital role in the context of California independent living licensing compliance as they are key to maintaining the highest standards of care and safety for seniors. Regular and thorough inspections are conducted by regulatory authorities to assess whether independent living facilities meet the required licensing standards and regulations. These inspections help identify any potential issues, deficiencies, or violations within the facilities, ensuring prompt corrective actions and improvements are implemented. By holding facilities accountable through inspections, California can ensure that seniors residing in these communities receive the best possible care and support, fostering an environment of trust and confidence for families seeking suitable living options for their loved ones.

Explore other types of communities in San Mateo, CA

Independent Living

For active older adults who want to downsize to a home in a retirement community but don't need help to live independently.

Memory Care

A supervised and secured community designed to support engagement and quality of life for residents living with dementia.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

For residents who want to age in place as their care needs change—from Independent Living to nursing care. Requires a buy-in fee.

Nursing Homes

For seniors with more serious medical needs who require skilled care following a hospitalization, illness, or surgery. Nursing Homes are also known as skilled nursing facilities.

Board and Care Home

Homes in residential neighborhoods that are equipped and staffed to provide daily care for a small number of residents.

Helpful resources

Assisted Living Facilities near San Mateo, CA

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