The Best Independent Living Communities for Seniors in the Bay Area

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If you’re anything like many of the clients I work with here in Silicon Valley, you’ve probably been thinking about what the next chapter of life looks like—and where you want to spend it. Whether you’re planning for yourself or helping a loved one make a move, one of the questions that often comes up is: What are the best independent living communities for seniors in the Bay Area?

Having spent years helping homeowners transition into senior living, I’ve toured dozens of communities, talked to residents and staff, and seen firsthand the difference a great independent living option can make. In this guide, I’ve pulled together 20 of the best independent living communities in the Bay Area—from the Peninsula to the East Bay and everywhere in between. I’ve included detailed information to help you get a sense of each one: the vibe, who it’s best for, and why people love living there. Let’s dive in!

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1. The Forum at Rancho San Antonio

Address: 23500 Cristo Rey Dr, Cupertino, CA 95014

Website: theforum-seniorliving.com

Units: Approx. 300

Best for: Active seniors who want upscale living with beautiful surroundings.

Why people love it: Set against the backdrop of Rancho San Antonio park, this resident-owned community feels like a luxury resort—with all the charm of a close-knit village.

2. Vi at Palo Alto

Address: 620 Sand Hill Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304

Website: viatpaloalto.com

Units: Around 340

Best for: Those looking for high-end amenities and proximity to Stanford.

Why people love it: Elegant dining, lush gardens, and a prime location near medical care and cultural events.

3. The Terraces of Los Gatos

Address: 800 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Website: frontporch.net

Units: 200+

Best for: Seniors who want access to progressive care services.

Why people love it: Walkable to downtown Los Gatos, known for its vibrant community and excellent cuisine.

4. Sunny View Retirement Community

Address: 22445 Cupertino Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Website: sunny-view.org

Units: Approx. 170

Best for: Those who want faith-based values and a peaceful garden setting.

Why people love it: Residents often say it feels like a sanctuary—private, serene, and connected.

5. Atria at Foster Square

Address: 707 Thayer Ln, Foster City, CA 94404

Website: atriaseniorliving.com

Units: 150+

Best for: Independent seniors who want to walk to shops, restaurants, and trails.

Why people love it: Modern design and vibrant surroundings in the heart of Foster City.

6. The Sequoias San Francisco

Address: 1400 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94109

Website: ncphs.org

Units: Approx. 250

Best for: Urban seniors who want cultural access and classic elegance.

Why people love it: Beautiful common areas and a culturally rich resident community.

7. The Redwoods

Address: 40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Website: theredwoods.org

Units: 340+

Best for: Seniors seeking affordability and a natural setting.

Why people love it: Warm community with a mission-driven, nonprofit ethos.

8. Merrill Gardens at Campbell

Address: 1275 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128

Website: merrillgardens.com

Units: 120+

Best for: Tech-savvy seniors and pet lovers.

Why people love it: A vibrant environment near shopping, with supportive services on tap.

9. Brookdale San Jose

Address: 1009 Blossom River Way, San Jose, CA 95123

Website: brookdale.com

Units: Approx. 180

Best for: Seniors looking for continuity from independent to assisted living.

Why people love it: Friendly staff and flexible care options.

10. Belmont Village Sunnyvale

Address: 1039 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Website: belmontvillage.com

Units: 150+

Best for: Seniors who want hospitality-level service with care available.

Why people love it: Concierge-style living in a prime location.

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11. Walnut Village

Address: 891 Walnut St, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Website: covliving.org

Units: About 150

Best for: Seniors seeking mid-century modern charm and strong community bonds.

Why people love it: It feels like home—warm, authentic, and beautifully landscaped.

12. Aegis Living Fremont

Address: 3850 Walnut Ave, Fremont, CA 94538

Website: aegisliving.com

Units: Approx. 90

Best for: Boutique-style living with personalized service.

Why people love it: Thoughtful amenities and a high-touch care model.

13. The Stratford

Address: 601 Laurel Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401

Website: stratfordsm.com

Units: 65+

Best for: Affluent seniors looking for small-scale luxury.

Why people love it: Elegant, intimate, and impeccably maintained.

14. Rhoda Goldman Plaza

Address: 2180 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115

Website: rgplaza.org

Units: Around 100

Best for: Seniors who appreciate Jewish cultural roots and urban sophistication.

Why people love it: Deep community engagement and cultural programming.

15. Heritage Estates

Address: 900 E Stanley Blvd, Livermore, CA 94550

Website: srgseniorliving.com

Units: 200+

Best for: Value-focused retirees who want wine country charm.

Why people love it: Affordable elegance near downtown Livermore.

16. Villa Capri at Varenna

Address: 390 Fountaingrove Pkwy, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Website: oakmontseniorliving.com

Units: About 75

Best for: Seniors who want Napa-style living and rich amenities.

Why people love it: Wine country elegance with strong attention to wellness.

17. Stoneridge Creek

Address: 3300 Stoneridge Creek Way, Pleasanton, CA 94588

Website: stoneridgecreek.com

Units: 450+

Best for: Seniors planning long-term aging in place.

Why people love it: Expansive campus, resort lifestyle, and continuum of care.

18. Atria Park of San Mateo

Address: 2883 S Norfolk St, San Mateo, CA 94403

Website: atriaseniorliving.com

Units: Approx. 100

Best for: Those who want Bay views and walkable neighborhoods.

Why people love it: Warm staff, lovely water views, and well-designed apartments.

19. BridgePoint at Los Altos

Address: 1174 Los Altos Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

Website: bridgepointatlosaltos.com

Units: 120+

Best for: Quiet luxury in a residential setting.

Why people love it: Peaceful setting with close proximity to shops and parks.

20. Pacific Gardens

Address: 2384 Pacific Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Website: pacificgardens.org

Units: Around 100

Best for: Family-friendly independent living with cultural diversity.

Why people love it: Community-centered feel with thoughtful cultural programming.

Conclusion

Finding the right independent living community is a personal journey—and it helps to have someone in your corner who knows the landscape. If you’re ready to start touring or just want help narrowing your list, I’m happy to offer guidance tailored to your family’s goals. With so many exceptional options across the Bay Area, the right next step is out there.

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About the Author
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I've been helping my clients get rich in Bay Area real estate since 2003. My decades of hard-won experience in the Silicon Valley real estate market provide sharp insights and invaluable lifestyle knowledge, empowering clients to make confident, informed decisions when selling, buying, or investing. Contact me to make your next move the best one yet.