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 2026 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 2026 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 2026 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 Mateo, CA

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The cost of independent living in San Mateo is about $5,117 per month. To find the best independent living for your preferences and budget, browse these 435 options.

Read 5784 reviews, see photos, and learn about amenities that make independent living the ideal next step for adults 55+ who wish to enjoy friendships and hobbies without the hassle of cooking and home maintenance. You may also consider nearby communities such as San Francisco, Berkeley and Menlo Park.

San Mateo Independent Living Facilities | 5784 Reviews

Showing 435 communities
Last Updated: 9/28/26
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Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Peninsula Senior Living Magnolia
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.
Photo of Lincoln Glen 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.
Photo of Presidio Gate Apartments
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
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Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Treetops 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.
Photo of Sunnyside Gardens
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 Saint Andrews Manor
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.
Photo of Glen Brook Terrace
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.
Photo of Redwood Lodge
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Piedmont Gardens
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.
With an ideal location right near vibrant Piedmont Avenue, Piedmont Gardens is giving seniors in the Bay Area everything they need to enjoy a rewarding retirement lifestyle.At Piedmont Gardens, you’ll find a senior living community that’s as active and unique inside as it is outside. As the only...
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Photo of Piedmont Gardens Skilled Nursing
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.
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 Baywood 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.
Photo of Victoria Gardens
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Morse Court 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.
Photo of Chapel Corner
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Lincoln Villa
5 star
33%
4 star
40%
3 star
27%
2 star
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1 star
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We are very happy with the care from the wonderful and caring staff. The community has a nice environment and is clean and maintained. They offer a good variety of healthy meals. We like that they have...
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.
Lincoln Villa is a lovely community dedicated to assisted senior living. Not only is the community a wonderful place for seniors to live together and enjoy their golden years, but it is a safe environment where adult children can be assured that their parents are well taken care of. The goal of...
Photo of Fremont Oak Gardens
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Plaza De Las Flores
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.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living, Nursing Homes
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.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Photo of Oregon Park 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.
Photo of Homestead Park 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.
Photo of Fremont Warm Springs
33 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.
See details
Photo of Miramar Plaza 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 Mateo, CA

The average cost of senior living in San Mateo is $5,117 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Oakland, CA with an average of $4,166 per month.

Independent living costs in San Mateo, CA, vs. state and national averages

San Mateo, CA
$5,117/mo
U.S. national average
$3,520/mo

Independent living costs in San Mateo, CA, vs. other senior living options

$8,617/mo
Independent Living
$5,117/mo

Independent living costs in San Mateo, CA, by floor plan type

Semi-Private
$3,639/mo
Studio
$4,454/mo
1 Bedroom
$5,903/mo
2 Bedroom
$7,458/mo

Senior living costs in San Mateo vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column communityType: Community type
Column destination: San Mateo, CA
Column state: California
Column national: U.S.
Community typeSan Mateo, CACaliforniaU.S.
Independent Living$5,117/mo$4,174/mo$3,520/mo
Assisted Living$7,650/mo$6,206/mo$5,830/mo
Memory Care$8,617/mo$7,329/mo$6,999/mo
Independent Living
San Mateo, CA:$5,117/mo
California:$4,174/mo
U.S.:$3,520/mo
Assisted Living
San Mateo, CA:$7,650/mo
California:$6,206/mo
U.S.:$5,830/mo
Memory Care
San Mateo, CA:$8,617/mo
California:$7,329/mo
U.S.:$6,999/mo
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Independent living costs in San Mateo, CA, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly independent living costs have shifted over the past five years in San Mateo and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent quarterly averages of what seniors actually paid after moving into A Place for Mom partner communities.

San Mateo, CACA stateNational

Independent living cost trends in San Mateo, CA

The table below shows how monthly independent living costs in San Mateo have changed in the last two years and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent averages of actual costs paid by seniors who moved into A Place for Mom partner communities in 2023 and 2024.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 average costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column location: Location
Column cost2024: 2024 average cost
Column cost2023: 2023 average cost
Column percentChange: Percent change
Location2024 average cost2023 average costPercent change
San Mateo, CA$4,397/mo$4,659/mo-5.6%
California$3,916/mo$3,864/mo+1.4%
National$3,416/mo$3,319/mo+2.9%
San Mateo, CA
2024 average cost:$4,397/mo
2023 average cost:$4,659/mo
Percent change:-5.6%
California
2024 average cost:$3,916/mo
2023 average cost:$3,864/mo
Percent change:+1.4%
National
2024 average cost:$3,416/mo
2023 average cost:$3,319/mo
Percent change:+2.9%
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

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 Mateo

Recent reviews for independent living in San Mateo

Carlton Concord

5.0
The facility is very nice, close to stores, shops, parks & movie theatre. Lots of good restaurants near by. However, food is provided here, sometimes people like to go out to a restaurant. They have a lot of activities to do, a nice variety.

Rosemont Gardens in San Leandro, CA

5.0
Excellent caring staff. Clean place. My Auntie [name removed] is here. I visited from Anaheim California. My auntie Husband just passed away. My auntie looked beautiful and happy. I talked with staff and they were very professional

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 Mateo independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in San Mateo independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in San Mateo, 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 Mateo 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 Mateo partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
San Mateo, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
16.3%
21.2%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
31.3%
35.7%
No sugar
No sugar
28%
32%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
35.6%
34.8%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
15.6%
11.7%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in San Mateo 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 Mateo communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
San Mateo, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
28%
37.6%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
32.2%
44.8%
Room service
Room service
29.9%
38.2%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
17.7%
17.8%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in San Mateo 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 Mateo offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
San Mateo, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
35.2%
46.5%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
21.1%
29.3%
Community service programs
Community service programs
21.6%
34.2%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
34.3%
48.3%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
36.3%
50.1%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
40.7%
54.9%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
30.8%
44.2%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
27.1%
39.7%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
30.3%
43%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
34.9%
48.3%
Live performances
Live performances
34.7%
48.1%
Dances
Dances
22.1%
34.3%
Fitness center
Fitness center
23.4%
40.8%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
35.4%
47.6%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Atria at Foster Square, Harbor at Hillsdale and Sunrise of San Mateo are the top-rated independent living facilities near San Mateo, California. See full list of communities.
There are 435 independent living facilities near San Mateo, California. See the full list.
The best independent living facilities near you in San Mateo, California are Cogir of Brentwood, The Heritage Downtown and Harbor at Hillsdale. These independent living communities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews.
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More questions?

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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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