When you’re helping a loved one transition into a nursing home, the stakes are high. You want skilled care, compassionate staff, and a setting where your family member can feel safe, respected, and truly cared for. I’ve spent years working with families across the Bay Area navigating this exact decision—and I’ve toured a number of the region’s top-rated facilities myself. Whether you’re looking for short-term rehab after surgery or long-term skilled nursing for chronic conditions, this guide highlights many of the best nursing homes in the Bay Area.
Here, I’ve included detailed info about each facility—the name, address, website, bed count, who it’s best suited for, and most importantly, why it’s loved by families and respected in the industry.
1. Palo Alto Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Center
Address: 911 Bryant St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Website: paloaltosubacute.com
Beds: 66
Best for: Post-surgery rehab and ventilator care.
Why it’s one of the best: This facility specializes in sub-acute and long-term ventilator care, which is rare in the region. The small size allows for personalized attention. Patients and families alike highlight the attentiveness and communication from the nursing team.
2. The Terraces at Los Altos
Address: 373 Pine Ln, Los Altos, CA 94022
Website: frontporch.net
Beds: 94 (in skilled nursing)
Best for: Residents transitioning from independent living to advanced care.
Why it’s one of the best: As part of a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), The Terraces makes transitions seamless. It’s beautifully maintained and has excellent reviews for both staff professionalism and care quality. Many families appreciate the sense of dignity extended to residents.
3. San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living (formerly Jewish Home)
Address: 302 Silver Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112
Website: sfcjl.org
Beds: 400+
Best for: Long-term skilled nursing with a deep cultural and community ethos.
Why it’s one of the best: One of the largest senior facilities on the West Coast, it offers a full continuum of care. Residents benefit from an engaged staff and a wide range of activities. It’s particularly noted for its enrichment programs and music therapy.
4. On Lok PACE (San Francisco and Fremont)
Address: Multiple locations across the Bay Area
Website: onlok.org
Best for: Low-income seniors needing comprehensive wraparound services.
Why it’s one of the best: On Lok’s PACE model combines medical care, social services, and adult day health in a way that enables many seniors to avoid institutionalization altogether. It’s a lifesaver for many families. The staff-to-patient ratio and proactive care coordination are unmatched.
5. Carlton Senior Living – Downtown Pleasant Hill
Address: 175 Cleaveland Rd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Website: carltonseniorliving.com
Beds: 60+ in nursing care
Best for: Transitioning from assisted living to nursing care.
Why it’s one of the best: The continuum of care makes transitions easier for residents. Staff training and culture are consistent across the levels of care. It’s well-reviewed for cleanliness and prompt attention to medical needs.
6. Aldersly Retirement Community
Address: 326 Mission Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901
Website: aldersly.org
Beds: 20 (skilled nursing)
Best for: Seniors seeking care in a boutique, Danish-inspired setting.
Why it’s one of the best: The charm of the grounds is a standout, and families speak highly of the warm, personalized care. Being part of a small team allows nurses to deeply understand each resident’s needs. Its nonprofit status enhances its service-first mission.
7. The Reutlinger Community
Address: 4000 Camino Tassajara, Danville, CA 94506
Website: rcjl.org
Beds: 60+
Best for: Seniors with memory impairment or complex health needs.
Why it’s one of the best: This community’s blend of Jewish cultural programming and high-level clinical care is rare. Families often praise the spiritual, emotional, and physical support offered. The building is modern, but it’s the deep sense of respect and kindness that wins people over.
8. Magnolia of Millbrae
Address: 201 Chadbourne Ave, Millbrae, CA 94030
Website: magnoliamillbrae.com
Beds: 20+ in nursing
Best for: Bay Area families seeking a boutique care home on the Peninsula.
Why it’s one of the best: Residents say it feels like family here. Despite the small size, the staff offers comprehensive, hands-on care. The location is also ideal for those wanting to stay close to the Peninsula.
9. Piedmont Gardens
Address: 110 41st St, Oakland, CA 94611
Website: frontporch.net
Beds: 94 (nursing care)
Best for: Those wanting skilled nursing with a progressive care philosophy.
Why it’s one of the best: It’s part of the well-regarded Front Porch network, known for their holistic care model. The setting in Oakland’s Piedmont neighborhood offers easy access for local families. Activities and therapy programs are robust and resident-centered.
For Best Results
10. Sunny View Retirement Community
Address: 22445 Cupertino Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014
Website: sunny-view.org
Beds: ~30 in skilled nursing
Best for: West Valley families looking for faith-based care.
Why it’s one of the best: Known for its serene campus and commitment to spiritual wellness. The nursing wing is well-integrated with the rest of the campus, reducing the institutional feel. The staff retention rate here is exceptional.
11. The Redwoods
Address: 40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Website: theredwoods.org
Beds: 58 in skilled nursing
Best for: Progressive, nonprofit-oriented care in a green setting.
Why it’s one of the best: Residents are surrounded by nature and nurtured by deeply committed caregivers. Sustainability and dignity are central values here. Families love the mission-driven approach and multi-generational activities.
12. St. Paul’s Towers
Address: 100 Bay Pl, Oakland, CA 94610
Website: covia.org
Beds: 62 in skilled nursing
Best for: Seniors wanting sophisticated urban living with excellent care backup.
Why it’s one of the best: Set in a high-rise overlooking Lake Merritt, it offers beautiful views and exceptional clinical care. The community is vibrant, engaged, and culturally rich. Nursing care here is supported by wellness programs and an interdisciplinary team.
13. San Tomas Convalescent Hospital
Address: 3580 Payne Ave, San Jose, CA 95117
Website: [none]
Beds: 130
Best for: Affordable skilled nursing in the South Bay.
Why it’s one of the best: Families report that care here is consistent and respectful. The staff is multilingual, which benefits a diverse resident population. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable and steady.
14. Windsor Vallejo Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Address: 2200 Tuolumne St, Vallejo, CA 94589
Website: windsorcares.com
Beds: 166
Best for: Rehab-focused care with a large, diverse team.
Why it’s one of the best: Windsor is known for its physical therapy programs. It’s one of the few facilities with a full in-house rehab team. Care transitions are well-coordinated and responsive.
15. Skyline Healthcare Center – San Jose
Address: 2065 Forest Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
Website: skylinehealthcarecenter.com
Beds: 253
Best for: Large-scale care with strong rehab focus.
Why it’s one of the best: Despite its size, care remains personalized. The therapy staff gets especially strong reviews. Families say it’s a solid choice when hospital discharge is sudden and skilled care is needed quickly.
16. Mission Skilled Nursing and Subacute Center
Address: 410 N Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Website: missionskilled.com
Beds: 133
Best for: Santa Clara County residents needing mid-size skilled nursing.
Why it’s one of the best: Solid track record for managing chronic conditions. The center’s rehab gym is well equipped. Families appreciate the clear communication and culturally competent care.
17. Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation – Ygnacio Valley
Address: 1449 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Website: [none active]
Beds: 99
Best for: Seniors in the East Bay needing short-term recovery.
Why it’s one of the best: Excellent post-hospital therapy and well-maintained grounds. It’s an especially good option when you need coverage close to home. Nursing staff is known for quick responsiveness.
18. Greenhills Manor
Address: 8537 Greenhills Way, Stockton, CA 95209 (serves East Bay families)
Website: greenhillsmanor.com
Beds: 45
Best for: Quiet setting with high caregiver engagement.
Why it’s one of the best: Staff-to-resident ratio is excellent. The environment feels intimate and friendly. Residents benefit from a consistent care team and low staff turnover.
Conclusion
Choosing a nursing home is never easy—but it’s a decision that can bring great peace of mind when you find the right fit. If you’re exploring options in the Bay Area, I’d be honored to help you navigate this journey with insights, referrals, and support from someone who knows the landscape.
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