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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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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The cost of independent living in San Rafael is about $5,471 per month. To find the best independent living for your preferences and budget, browse these 33 options. Read 136 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.

As you explore independent living near you, you may also want to consider options in areas like You may also consider nearby communities such as San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland.

San Rafael Independent Living Facilities | 136 Reviews

Showing 25 communities
Last Updated: 12/5/25
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Photo of Atria Tamalpais Creek
1212 Photos available
1212 Floor plans available
9.6
Review score
47 reviews
9.6
Review score
47 reviews
5 star
64%
4 star
30%
3 star
2%
2 star
0%
1 star
4%
See all reviews
I love the staff and their attentiveness and care for my mom. I also appreciate feeling like I'm part of the community when I come to visit. I also found that they were the most affordable of the handful of...
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...
See details
Photo of Deer Park Retirement Community
1010 Photos available
22 Floor plans available
9.0
Review score
33 reviews
9.0
Review score
33 reviews
5 star
42%
4 star
46%
3 star
9%
2 star
3%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
The staff and residents are so welcoming here so it felt like home from the first day we arrived. No chance of getting bored as there are activities to suit all tastes. Delicious food is served 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.
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,...
See details
Photo of Aegis Living 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...
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Photo of Oakmont of Novato
1717 Photos available
1010 Floor plans available
7.5
Review score
11 reviews
7.5
Review score
11 reviews
5 star
27%
4 star
28%
3 star
18%
2 star
9%
1 star
18%
See all reviews
Thought the tours and general interaction with the staff was professional yet personable. The room sizes are very nice there. My loved ones opted for a 2 bedroom apartment and it is perfect for their needs.
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.
Oakmont of Novato is a lovely retirement community situated on a lush campus with lovely views, industry renowned dining, and endless on-site amenities. We are also very close to shopping, fine dining, the arts, and world-class entertainment. You’ll feel at home in our retirement community where...
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Photo of The Bluffs at Hamilton Hill
1717 Photos available
7.2
Review score
5 reviews
7.2
Review score
5 reviews
5 star
80%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
20%
See all reviews
Everybody there is over the top sweet and kind. The communication is amazing and they keep the place spotless. We would absolutely recommend this community to other families.
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
6.6
Review score
12 reviews
6.6
Review score
12 reviews
5 star
33%
4 star
25%
3 star
8%
2 star
0%
1 star
34%
See all reviews
They're very kind it's very clean. The staff is very nice, but things are a little disorganized. Their refrigerators in the rooms have had many problems. They've had a bit of changing of staff and cooks....
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
6.0
Review score
3 reviews
6.0
Review score
3 reviews
5 star
67%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
33%
See all reviews
Five on all categories. What we like the most about the community is their wonderful staff, very good food and the that it is a smaller facility. Yes, we would recommend Aldersly to other families and 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.
See details
Photo of The Tamalpais Marin a Life Plan Community
1414 Photos available
7.0
Review score
1 review
7.0
Review score
1 review
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I have only been here a month so far thinks are ok. The staff is very good
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...
Photo of Creekwood Senior Home
8.0
Review score
2 reviews
8.0
Review score
2 reviews
5 star
50%
4 star
0%
3 star
50%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I feel very happy that I had her there. They excellent cared of her in every way. She was always clean, neat, comfortable, and well cared for. The staff was kind. and I visited her regularly, so she received...
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 St Michael's Extended Care
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....
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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,...
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.
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.
See details
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 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 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.
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 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.
Photo of Nova-Ro II 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 Seniors Villa
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 Richmond Post Acute Care
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 $5,471 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Lucas Valley-Marinwood, CA with an average of $5,379 per month.

Independent living costs in San Rafael, CA, vs. nearby cities

San Rafael, CA
$5,471/mo
$5,545/mo

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

San Rafael, CA
$5,471/mo
U.S. national average
$4,203/mo

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

$6,114/mo
Independent Living
$5,471/mo

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

Semi-Private
$7,826/mo
Studio
$7,289/mo
1 Bedroom
$8,673/mo
2 Bedroom
$10,128/mo

Senior living costs in San Rafael 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 Rafael, CA
Column state: California
Column national: U.S.
Community typeSan Rafael, CACaliforniaU.S.
Independent Living$5,471/mo$4,699/mo$4,203/mo
Assisted Living$4,762/mo$4,504/mo$4,740/mo
Memory Care$6,114/mo$5,460/mo$5,004/mo
Independent Living
San Rafael, CA:$5,471/mo
California:$4,699/mo
U.S.:$4,203/mo
Assisted Living
San Rafael, CA:$4,762/mo
California:$4,504/mo
U.S.:$4,740/mo
Memory Care
San Rafael, CA:$6,114/mo
California:$5,460/mo
U.S.:$5,004/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 Rafael, CA, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly independent living costs have shifted over the past five years in San Rafael 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 Rafael, CACA stateNational

Independent living cost trends in San Rafael, CA

The table below shows how monthly independent living costs in San Rafael 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 median 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 Rafael, CA$3,952/mo$4,193/mo-5.8%
California$3,585/mo$3,405/mo+5.3%
National$3,151/mo$3,004/mo+4.9%
San Rafael, CA
2024 average cost:$3,952/mo
2023 average cost:$4,193/mo
Percent change:-5.8%
California
2024 average cost:$3,585/mo
2023 average cost:$3,405/mo
Percent change:+5.3%
National
2024 average cost:$3,151/mo
2023 average cost:$3,004/mo
Percent change:+4.9%
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 Rafael

Recent reviews for independent living in San Rafael

Atria Park of Lafayette

5.0
All 5 stars. Atria Park of Lafayette is an excellent place. The caregivers were proactive in managing my moms medicines, all staff were very communicative with my family about my moms care. I would definitely recommend them to others looking.

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

Carlton Senior Living Pleasant Hill

5.0
I think they do a fantastic job at Carlton Senior Living! I helped find this place for a friend, and our experience has been a very good one. It's a beautiful facility, and the staff are all very kind, caring, and professional. They've got all sorts of activities, good food, and a great social ...
Read more

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
16%
20.5%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
28%
34.4%
No sugar
No sugar
24%
30.9%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
32%
33.6%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
12%
10.5%
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
28%
36.5%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
28%
43.5%
Room service
Room service
28%
37%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
20%
17.2%
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
36%
45.1%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
24%
28.3%
Community service programs
Community service programs
24%
33%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
28%
47.5%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
32%
48.9%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
44%
54%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
32%
42.9%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
24%
38.1%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
32%
41.8%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
32%
47.1%
Live performances
Live performances
32%
46.8%
Dances
Dances
20%
33%
Fitness center
Fitness center
32%
39.5%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
32%
46.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Atria Tamalpais Creek, Deer Park Retirement Community and Aegis Living Corte Madera are the top-rated independent living facilities near San Rafael, California. See full list of communities.
There are 33 independent living facilities near San Rafael, California. See the full list.
The best independent living facility near you in San Rafael, California is Cogir of Sonoma Senior Living. This independent living community received the highest ranking 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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