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!
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.
Concierge Services
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.
Time to talk to a REALTOR?
Gracious Homes at The Villages in San Jose
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