Senior Living Apartments in San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is famous for several iconic landmarks, but its proximity to nature and warm Mediterranean weather also makes the city a top destination for retirees and older adults who are still active in the workplace. If you’re looking for the best senior apartments in The City by the Bay, as San Francisco is affectionately known, this guide is for you.
We look at the best options that fall within a 10-mile radius of the downtown area, including areas such as Sausalito and the Marina District; we also will cover available payment methods and resources, regulations, nearby medical facilities, demographics, and, of course, the best sights and activities that San Francisco has to offer.
Senior Apartments Facilities near San Francisco, CA
My sister was previously a resident at The Broadmoor and her experience at this facility was great. The staff and residents were kind, friendly and helpful. The meals were of good quality. The move in and...
Very professional and helpful staff. Attentive to people. I witnessed caring kindness and compassion.. What I experienced was not expected but it was a very eye opening experience. The personnel and staff...
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Our methodology
How we rank order the San Francisco community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders San Francisco community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of senior apartments in the San Francisco area
- How people pay for senior apartments in San Francisco
- Understand California laws and regulations for senior apartments communities
- What to expect from senior apartments in San Francisco
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with San Francisco? Highlights for seniors
Costs of senior apartments in the San Francisco area
The average actual cost for senior apartments in San Francisco runs about $3,629 per month.[01] Location, size, and amenities heavily factor in the cost of senior apartments in San Francisco. Apartments for seniors typically don’t include personal care services, but they may offer amenities, activities, and maintenance; the cost includes all associated fees and service fee add-ons.
The following graphic shows the average baseline rental costs.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in San Francisco, CA vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in San Francisco, CA vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in San Francisco vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Senior Apartments in San Francisco, CA by room type
How people pay for senior apartments in San Francisco
Senior apartments don’t usually provide meals or in-home care services, mainly because such places are considered general housing where residents are independent. Due to the classification as general housing, rent is not covered by programs like Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term health insurance.
Most San Francisco residents turn to private sources to pay their rent. In the following section, we’ll cover different sources of personal income and how veterans benefits or public assistance can also help seniors pay for housing. If you require in-home health care services, Medicaid and Medicare can still help to offset those costs, and this guide will cover the extent of those benefits as well.
Understand California laws and regulations for senior apartments communities
In general, senior apartments in California do not need to be licensed because they are not care facilities. That being said, they are subject to rental and other housing laws. In this section, we’ll provide you with a good overview of the laws and regulations that apply to senior apartments in San Francisco.
Senior apartments must be Fair Housing Act-compliant. This law prohibits a landlord from refusing you the opportunity to rent — or evicting you — based on your ethnicity, gender, religion, beliefs, health status, age, sexual orientation, or reliance on a housing subsidy such as a Housing Choice Voucher. If someone discriminates against you in this manner, you can contact the San Francisco Human Rights Commission.
Senior apartments must also be ADA-compliant and provide easy access and mobility for people with disabilities. Residents with support animals may also not be discriminated against, as stipulated by the Fair Housing Act, even if pets are not normally allowed.
Maintenance and safety laws also state that landlords must keep the plumbing in good condition, maintain the exterior of the building, and generally keep apartments safe and clean for all residents. You can also view the California Tenants Guide for more information.
In California, senior apartments are inspected by their particular city when the rental property has four or more units. The San Francisco Department of Public Health’s Apartment Inspection Program specifics and inspection reports can provide information on individual properties.
The good news is that there are few, if any, requirements to move into a senior apartment. However, most senior apartments require that residents must be at least 55 years old.
California Department of Health Contact Information
California Department of Public Health
1616 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-558-1784
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
San Francisco Department of Public Health Contact Information
San Francisco Department of Public Health
101 Grove St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-554-2500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for San Francisco senior apartments communities
At the moment, there are no set COVID-19 rules that people must follow in San Francisco.[02] However, the city does offer general suggestions to keep you and your loved ones safe. It’s recommended that you stay up-to-date with vaccinations, wear a mask if you wish, avoid those with COVID-19, and self-isolate if you suspect that you have been exposed to the virus.
What to expect from senior apartments in San Francisco
The best senior apartments in San Francisco are known for their great service to residents and their families, comfortable living arrangements, and more. Units in these buildings are often designed with senior-friendly features for accessibility, such as elevators and wide doorways. On-site maintenance, security systems, and access to San Francisco’s myriad transportation options and events are other features many seniors look forward to.
Scenic and tranquil areas
Whether you’re bayside or on the coast, you’ll have easy access to beautiful views and plenty of ways to enjoy gorgeous California weather. While some San Francisco senior apartments are near parks and green spaces, others have their own courtyards or private balconies where seniors can enjoy the sea breeze.
Easy access to everything
Most senior apartments in San Francisco are located within walking distance of stores and restaurants to make errands and socializing easy. Public transit options are also within close reach to make getting around less of a chore.
Senior apartments in the surrounding San Francisco suburbs
Beyond the 10-mile radius of downtown are other options for San Francisco-based seniors; within 25 miles of downtown San Francisco, there are three additional senior apartment facilities partnered with A Place for Mom.
For those considering independent living options as well, A Place for Mom has eight partner facilities within a 10-mile radius of San Francisco’s downtown area.
Explore senior care with confidence
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Tour your favorite facilities.
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Unfamiliar with San Francisco? Highlights for seniors
Health care for seniors in San Francisco
Transportation for seniors in San Francisco
San Francisco is known for being one of the most walkable cities in the U.S. With a Walk Score of 89 (a score scaled out of 100, with 100 being a perfect score), this means that you can accomplish the vast majority of your errands on foot.
When public transportation is needed, San Francisco Muni offers an extensive public transportation system, which includes public buses, streetcars, light rails, trolleys, and iconic cable cars.
Francisco also has a bike-friendly culture underscored by the San Francisco Bike Network. For seniors, there are options like taxis that can accommodate varying disabilities and Paratransit’s Van Gogh Shuttle service, which also provides affordable transportation for older adults with physical and mental challenges.
Senior activities in San Francisco
With its unique historical landmarks, beautiful nature scenes, and vibrant city culture, San Francisco remains a top destination for tourists. For older adults who love to explore and have fun, this city has something for everyone!
From Casinos to green spaces, visit the most popular places
Spend a day at Golden Gate Park — well, maybe a couple of days because there’s so much to do and see! Golden Gate Park is a 1,017-acre wonderland filled with nature, activity sites, gardens, special annual events, and restaurants. Stop by Pier 39 to see the lolling sea lions, pick up a live show, eat out, or do some shopping.
If you’d rather try your luck at a casino, be sure to visit the California Grand Casino to experience the poker games, restaurant meals, and bars.
History, culture, and sport
Visiting the famous former prison on Alcatraz Island is a must. However, San Francisco also has other cultural highlights that you can put on your sightseeing list: There’s the Palace of Fine Arts, which is a prime events venue, originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition. There’s also the California Academy of Sciences, which is a fantastic mix of aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum.
If you have a hometown favorite or want to root for someone new, San Francisco is home base for plenty of professional sports teams from the NFL’s 49ers and the MLB’s Giants to the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. You can also take in a college-level game at the University of San Francisco.
Older adults can also stay active on six public golf courses that are beautifully maintained by the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department or show off their skills on indoor or outdoor pickleball courts.
The best local senior centers
For those seeking senior socializing opportunities, Golden Gate Park Senior Center is a recreation center open to adults aged 55 and over. Its programs are designed to maintain social, physical, and mental well-being. Another great option is the Sequoia Senior Center, a center for those who are 60+, as well as adults with disabilities; the site provides a creative space, social opportunities, a gym, hot meals, and interesting classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Broadmoor, Sycamore Hills By the Bay and The Villa at San Mateo are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near San Francisco, CA. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in San Francisco is $2,824 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place For Mom. (2023). A Place For Mom proprietary data.
San Francisco Department of Health. (March 2023). Coronavirus (COVID-19). Sf.gov.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). UCSF Health-UCSF Medical Center.
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center.
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