Finding affordable senior housing in the Bay Area can feel daunting, especially in a region where housing costs are some of the highest in the country. But for older adults living on fixed incomes, there are income-restricted, subsidized, and nonprofit-operated communities in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, and more. These residences provide not only affordability, but safety, accessibility, and—most importantly—a sense of community.
As a REALTOR® helping seniors and their families navigate housing transitions in Silicon Valley, I’ve toured many of these communities and talked to residents about what life is really like there. Below, I’ve compiled some of the best affordable senior housing communities in the Bay Area, including unit details, who each is best for, and why residents love them.
1. John Burns Gardens
Address: 2555 S. King Rd, San Jose, CA 95122
Website: firsthousing.org
Units: 100
Best for: Seniors in East San Jose looking for a quiet, landscaped campus.
Why people love it: It offers peaceful surroundings, updated apartments, and close access to shopping and public transit.
2. Cypress Gardens
Address: 2581 S. Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008
Website: eahhousing.org
Units: 125
Best for: Campbell-area seniors wanting to age in place near family.
Why people love it: Known for its well-maintained grounds and attentive on-site management.
3. Girasol Senior Apartments
Address: 1710 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116
Website: charitieshousing.org
Units: 75
Best for: Low-income seniors, especially those with Spanish-speaking backgrounds.
Why people love it: The location is central and walkable, and it includes culturally inclusive support services.
4. Lenzen Gardens
Address: 893 Lenzen Ave, San Jose, CA 95126
Website: sanjoseca.gov
Units: 94
Best for: Seniors looking for centrally located housing near public services.
Why people love it: It offers a tight-knit community and proximity to public transportation, shopping, and health care.
5. Sunset Gardens
Address: 7750 Wren Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020
Website: eahhousing.org
Units: 75
Best for: South County seniors wanting a more rural lifestyle with affordability.
Why people love it: Residents appreciate the quiet surroundings and family-friendly atmosphere.
6. Monte Vista Gardens Senior Apartments
Address: 2605 La Hacienda Ct, San Jose, CA 95127
Website: charitieshousing.org
Units: 144
Best for: Seniors who want newer construction and modern amenities.
Why people love it: Well-designed units with elevators, secure entry, and plenty of daylight.
7. Morrone Gardens
Address: 801 N. 13th St, San Jose, CA 95112
Website: jsco.net
Units: 102
Best for: Seniors seeking access to downtown San Jose and nearby services.
Why people love it: The community is active, friendly, and supported by long-time staff.
8. Villa Hermosa
Address: 1640 Lucretia Ave, San Jose, CA 95122
Website: firsthousing.org
Units: 100
Best for: Seniors needing easy access to community health centers and shopping.
Why people love it: Beautiful gardens and thoughtful on-site programming.
9. Parkside Glen Senior Apartments
Address: 800 N King Rd, San Jose, CA 95133
Website: charitieshousing.org
Units: 80
Best for: Vietnamese-speaking seniors and those needing accessibility features.
Why people love it: Multilingual services and a peaceful, secure setting.
10. Sobrato Transitional Apartments for Seniors
Address: 2114 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112
Website: life-moves.org
Units: 50
Best for: Seniors exiting homelessness or at risk of housing loss.
Why people love it: Wraparound services, mental health care, and supportive staff help residents thrive.
Concierge Services
11. Bella Terra Senior Apartments
Address: 2355 Rue de la Salle Dr, San Jose, CA 95116
Website: midpen-housing.org
Units: 64
Best for: Fixed-income seniors who want energy-efficient apartments.
Why people love it: LEED-certified building, great natural light, and easy public transportation access.
12. Rivertown Senior Housing
Address: 350 E Main Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Website: charitieshousing.org
Units: 40
Best for: Seniors in South Santa Clara County.
Why people love it: Plans for expansion will bring more units and community services to the area.
13. Villa San Pedro
Address: 635 S. Bernardo Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Website: jsco.net
Units: 83
Best for: Catholic-affiliated or faith-based seniors, though open to all.
Why people love it: Quiet, safe, and beautifully maintained by a mission-driven nonprofit.
14. Eagle Park Senior Apartments
Address: 2510 W El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040
Website: midpen-housing.org
Units: 67
Best for: Seniors in the North County area looking for independence and affordability.
Why people love it: Excellent walkability, nearby clinics, and a welcoming management team.
15. Avenidas Senior Residences
Address: 450 Bryant St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Website: avenidas.org
Units: 30
Best for: Seniors with ties to Palo Alto and very low incomes.
Why people love it: Prime location next to Avenidas Senior Center and walkable to downtown.
16. Clarendon Street Apartments
Address: 201 Clarendon St, San Jose, CA 95116
Website: midpen-housing.org
Units: 60
Best for: Bilingual households and seniors seeking multicultural community.
Why people love it: Supportive environment, close to East San Jose amenities.
17. Morrill Apartments
Address: 1800 Morrill Ave, San Jose, CA 95132
Website: sanjoseca.gov
Units: 40
Best for: North San Jose seniors who need a smaller, quieter community.
Why people love it: Clean, simple, and close to supermarkets and transit stops.
18. Sunset Square
Address: 2080 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116
Website: charitieshousing.org
Units: 50
Best for: Low-income seniors who want central access to services.
Why people love it: Residents appreciate the bilingual staff and active calendar of events.
19. Cecil White Center (Senior Studios)
Address: 408 N 15th St, San Jose, CA 95112
Website: abodeservices.org
Units: 25
Best for: Seniors exiting homelessness or unstable housing.
Why people love it: On-site case managers and strong resident support services.
20. Fair Oaks Plaza
Address: 660 S Fair Oaks Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Website: jsco.net
Units: 100
Best for: Sunnyvale residents on fixed incomes.
Why people love it: Clean units, lots of greenery, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Conclusion
Affordable senior housing in the South Bay is more attainable than you might think—it just takes persistence, preparation, and knowing where to look. If you’re ready to explore your options or need help navigating the application process, I’m here to help.
Time to talk to a REALTOR?
Gracious Homes at The Villages in San Jose
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