Best Independent Living in San Jose, CA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 12 independent living communities in San Jose, CA using CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in CA
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in San Jose, CA our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in San Jose, CA.
12 homes
Other senior care options in San Jose:

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Avg Walk Score: 61/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in San Jose, CA. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 141The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in San Jose, CA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent Living around San Jose (Metro Area)

Info below is compiled from the CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
The ALM Inspection Grade — our own 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. It is not a government rating. A dash means we do not publish a grade for that facility: either its public record is too thin to be fair, or we hold nothing for it at all.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Visits or investigations linked to complaints, as counted in the state record (may differ from routine annual surveys).
Count of California state "Type A" citations — the state's most serious citation category (immediate or serious harm to residents), from California state inspection data.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Name of the licensed owner, operator, or managing entity as filed with the state. Useful for grouping facilities under the same organization.
Housing or bed configuration options (e.g. studio, shared), often from facility-reported amenities and licensing details.
Bridgepoint at Los Altos
IL
AL
Los Altos (North Los Altos)
150
Facility 150
CA AVG 103
Rank #312 / 1,492
Yes
79
Facility 79
CA AVG 57
Rank #414 / 1,887
A-90 / 100 — 7 points above the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)15
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #442 / 1,387
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #724 / 1,433
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 13
Rank #258 / 1,452
89.3%
Facility 89.3%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #279 / 1,313
Krc Los Altos LP & Kisco Senior Living, LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Carlton Senior Living San Jose
IL
AL
MC
San Jose
183
Facility 183
CA AVG 103
Rank #190 / 1,492
Yes
35
Facility 35
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,490 / 1,887
A-91 / 100 — 8 points above the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)21
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #845 / 1,387
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1,433
26
Facility 26
CA AVG 13
Rank #214 / 1,452
74.9%
Facility 74.9%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #690 / 1,313
Carlton Senior Living, LLCAlcove / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Watermark at San Jose
IL
AL
MC
San Jose (Willow Glen)
205
Facility 205
CA AVG 103
Rank #138 / 1,492
Yes
72
Facility 72
CA AVG 57
Rank #611 / 1,887
A-92 / 100 — 9 points above the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)15
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #651 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,363 / 1,452
53.7%
Facility 53.7%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1,137 / 1,313
Us Alliance Holden Of San Jose II Tenant And WatermarkStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Atria Evergreen Valley
IL
AL
MC
RC
San Jose (Evergreen)
134
Facility 134
CA AVG 103
Rank #428 / 1,492
Yes
29
Facility 29
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,572 / 1,887
B+88 / 100 — 5 points above the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)32
22
Facility 22
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,157 / 1,387
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #898 / 1,433
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #133 / 1,452
59.7%
Facility 59.7%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1,065 / 1,313
Gp Of Aoc San Felipe Opco And Atria Aoc Ca Opco Gp PtrStudio / Suite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Atria Willow Glen
IL
AL
MC
RC
San Jose (Dry Creek)
63
Facility 63
CA AVG 103
Rank #928 / 1,492
Yes
34
Facility 34
CA AVG 57
Rank #1,505 / 1,887
A-92 / 100 — 9 points above the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)20
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #809 / 1,387
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #724 / 1,433
27
Facility 27
CA AVG 13
Rank #186 / 1,452
69.8%
Facility 69.8%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #814 / 1,313
Wg Willow Glen Sh LP And Atria Management Co LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at West San Jose
IL
AL
MC
San Jose (West Valley)
149
Facility 149
CA AVG 103
Rank #348 / 1,492
Yes
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 57
Rank #511 / 1,887
A-92 / 100 — 9 points above the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)26
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 13
Rank #919 / 1,387
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #724 / 1,433
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,270 / 1,452
47.7%
Facility 47.7%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1,218 / 1,313
Shp Vi Ms San Jose LLC And Morningstar Senior Mgmt LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Brookdale San Jose
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
San Jose (South San Jose)
153
Facility 153
CA AVG 103
Rank #303 / 1,492
Yes
71
Facility 71
CA AVG 57
Rank #637 / 1,887
B-80 / 100 — 3 points below the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)46
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,236 / 1,387
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 3
Rank #1,244 / 1,433
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #611 / 1,452
62.1%
Facility 62.1%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1,022 / 1,313
Blc-Atrium At San Jose LP1 Bed / 2 Bed
Merrill Gardens at Willow Glen
IL
AL
MC
San Jose (Stokes)
150
Facility 150
CA AVG 103
Rank #312 / 1,492
Yes
73
Facility 73
CA AVG 57
Rank #583 / 1,887
B-81 / 100 — 2 points below the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)51
35
Facility 35
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,286 / 1,387
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #898 / 1,433
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,081 / 1,452
62.7%
Facility 62.7%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1,011 / 1,313
Mg At Willow Glen, LP And Shi-IV Merrill Gp, LLCStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
MorningStar Memory Care at San Tomas
IL
AL
MC
San Jose (West Valley)
82
Facility 82
CA AVG 103
Rank #791 / 1,492
Yes
59
Facility 59
CA AVG 57
Rank #974 / 1,887
B-80 / 100 — 3 points below the California average for state-licensed facilities (83/100)30
17
Facility 17
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,056 / 1,387
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 3
Rank #1,203 / 1,433
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,186 / 1,452
47.6%
Facility 47.6%
CA AVG 74.6%
Rank #1,222 / 1,313
West Valley Mc, LLC And Oakmont Management Group LLCStudio / Shared Studio
Novelle
IL
AL
MC
San Jose
-Yes----
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
---Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every CA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 12 analyzed for San Jose. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Bridgepoint at Los Altos

Embark on an extraordinary journey at Bridgepoint at Los Altos, an unparalleled destination offering a harmonious blend of independent living, assisted senior living, and the epitome of luxury in assisted living homes. Just minutes away from downtown Los Altos and the prestigious Stanford University, the location couldn’t be more perfect.

Discover an array of meticulously designed floorplans where every detail has been thoughtfully considered to provide the utmost comfort and convenience. Choose from a variety of options, each offering private patios or balconies that invite you to bask in the beauty of the surroundings. The kitchens are a culinary dream, and the spacious walk-in closets ensure that every cherished belonging finds its place. Step into a world of serenity as you wander through the future beautiful courtyards, meandering gardens, and hear the tranquil sounds of a flowing fountain. Unwind in the cozy fireside lounge, nourish your mind in the wellness center, and indulge in literary adventures in the library’s tech area.

Contact Bridgepoint at Los Altos

Overview of Carlton Senior Living San Jose

Carlton Senior Living San Jose is an extraordinary community nestled next to the serene Martial Cottle Park, offering a harmonious blend of memory care and residential assisted living. Enjoy the convenience of transportation services, housekeeping assistance, and apartment maintenance, while utilities are taken care of, allowing you to fully embrace the joys of retirement.
Discover thoughtfully designed floor plans, from cozy studios to spacious one-bedroom and two-bedroom senior living bedrooms.

With an emphasis on family values, this community ensures unparalleled safety and security while fostering a vibrant and engaging social life. Step into its enchanting courtyard, a serene oasis where you can relax and reconnect with nature. Indulge in delicious meals, lovingly prepared to nourish your body and delight your taste buds. Every aspect of life at Carlton Senior Living San Jose has been meticulously crafted to provide an exceptional experience that exceeds expectations.

Contact Carlton Senior Living San Jose

Overview of The Watermark at San Jose

Located in the scenic Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA, the Watermark at Almaden is an idyllic senior living community offering a wide array of living options. These include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and short-term stays. Featuring spacious and elegant floor plans including private and shared studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, the community provides a cozy residence for seniors. A comfortable and safe residence for seniors to experience an accepting and worry-free environment.

The Watermark at Almaden prepares three carefully chef-curated meals every day to satisfy its’ residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Moreover, the community ensures the residents enjoy an active lifestyle and learning through their acclaimed Watermark University. Amenities include an outdoor pool and hot tub, a movie theater, a fitness center, a spacious art studio, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Valuing the importance of pets, the community provides a pet-friendly environment.

Contact The Watermark at San Jose

Overview of Atria Evergreen Valley

Offering a tranquil space for senior living, Atria Evergreen Valley is a one-of-a-kind community located about a 12-minute drive from downtown San Jose, CA. The community offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care options in a serene environment with stunning nature views. Atria Evergreen Valley features thoughtfully designed spaces ranging from studio, one- and two-bedroom options for independent and assisted living or studio and shared suite options for memory care − all equipped with emergency alert systems and housekeeping service.

Atria Evergreen Valley aims to create an engaging, active lifestyle for its residents through all-inclusive senior living amenities. Residents can enjoy nutritious chef-prepared meals, socialize on the patio or courtyard, and find new favorites in the library. Amenities include a private dining room, off-site pool privileges, a salon, a game room, and a pet-friendly environment, all supported by 24-hour staff, concierge services, and daily educational, social, cultural, and fitness opportunities.

Contact Atria Evergreen Valley

Overview of Atria Willow Glen

Nestled in the heart of San Jose, California, Atria Willow Glen stands as the pinnacle of excellence. Offering a wide range of living options, including memory care apartments, assisted living apartments, and independent living floor plans, Atria Willow Glen caters to the unique needs and preferences of each resident.
Take a dip in the heated pools, enjoy a trip to the on-site barbershop, or unwind in the center media room.

Life at Atria Willow Glen is nothing short of amazing. With a calendar full of engaging activities, residents have endless opportunities to socialize, learn, and explore their passions. Delight in the culinary experience, as fresh seasonal ingredients are thoughtfully prepared to create delightful meals each day. The comprehensive emergency response plans ensure that the facility is meticulously maintained and provides a safe environment for all residents.

Contact Atria Willow Glen

Overview of MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at West San Jose

A proud MorningStar Senior Living Group member, MorningStar at West San Jose provides exceptional assisted living and memory care services tailored to each individual’s needs. The community prides itself on providing the best services; striving to be the top-ranked assisted living community near Cupertino. An elegant community that is built on its contemporary design and styling, allowing for a more luxurious environment while providing resort-like service. Residents of MorningStar of San Jose can rest assured that they can feel like they’re a home away from home.

The community boasts elegant designs and upscale amenities such as its dining room, brightly-lit lounge areas, spacious apartments, courtyard, and arts and crafts studio. MorningStar promotes a stress-free lifestyle for their residents, providing essential services– housekeeping, social and recreational events, and transportation events. Management encourages residents to participate in activities and maximize the amenities to socialize and promote a warm and welcoming environment.

Contact MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at West San Jose

Overview of Brookdale San Jose

Located on Blossom River Way in the vibrant city of San Jose, CA, Brookdale San Jose offers an exceptional senior living experience with a blend of independence, support, and specialized care. This community is conveniently positioned across the street from Westfield Oakridge Mall, providing easy access to shopping and dining. Brookdale San Jose is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents by offering three levels of care: independent living assisted living, and memory care.

Residents enjoy an array of amenities, including a well-equipped fitness center, a serene library, and a vibrant art studio. The community also offers concierge services and surface parking for convenience. Most utilities and maintenance are included, allowing residents to focus on enjoying their daily activities and social events. For those in need of additional support, Brookdale San Jose provides compassionate assistance with daily living activities such as medication management and personal grooming. The community’s dedication to quality care and enriching experiences makes it the top choice for senior living in San Jose.

Contact Brookdale San Jose

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Willow Glen

Merrill Gardens at Willow Glen offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in San Jose, CA. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks while a resident keeps a private living space, independent living supports private living without daily care, and memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. With all three care levels available, the community may be a good fit for a resident whose needs could grow over time without requiring a move to another community.

The community has 150 beds and offers studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom residences. A two bedroom residence can suit a couple moving together, while a studio provides one private space. Respite care is available for short stays, which can give a family caregiver time to travel or recover, and pets are allowed so a resident can bring a pet when moving in.

The starting price is $4,900. Families can use that initial cost figure when evaluating the community, while the fitness center gives residents a place to exercise on site and Anytime Dining allows them to dine according to their schedules. Ida Gemignani serves as the administrator, and Mg At Willow Glen, LP and Shi-Iv Merrill Gp operates the community.

A Walk Score of 73 means the area is very walkable. Most errands are possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Willow Glen

Overview of MorningStar Memory Care at San Tomas

A distinguished senior living community situated on Williams Road, San Jose, CA, MorningStar Memory Care at San Tomas specializes in memory care. With a peaceful environment, the community offers spacious and well-designed private and companion suites to optimize comfort and safety. With its exclusive memory care approach, Lavender Sky, the community ensures the highest quality of care and support for their unique needs. Cherish every moment and thrive with dignity supported by a kind and dedicated team.

The community aims to provide seniors with carefully curated activities for seniors’ cognition and enjoyment. Ease your worries and live a wonderful retirement surrounded by welcoming people. Satisfying seniors’ dietary needs and tastes, the community serves healthy and delicious meals. MorningStar Memory Care at San Tomas is a safe place for seniors living with dementia to maximize their independence and live a wonderful retirement.

Contact MorningStar Memory Care at San Tomas

Novelle

3355 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95118
Overview of Novelle

Located in San Jose, CA, Novelle by Merrill Gardens is a retirement community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. With a variety of suites to two-bedroom apartments, the community ensures older adults have options that match their preferences. 24-hour staffing, restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, and transportation services are among the exceptional services offered to improve residents’ well-being. The community also offers month-to-month rentals for residents’ convenience.

Engaging events and philanthropic opportunities are conducted for residents’ leisure and wellness. This pet-friendly community is also equipped with an outdoor courtyard, a Mosaic restaurant, and an adjoining activities space. Located along the road in the lively neighborhood of San Jose, near restaurants and shops, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. With multiple levels of care and upscale amenities, this retirement community is a good option for senior living in California.

Contact Novelle

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in San Jose, CA

What is the average cost of independent living in San Jose, CA?

The average monthly cost of independent living in San Jose, CA is approximately $2,062. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

What is the price range for independent living in San Jose, CA?

Independent living in San Jose, CA typically ranges from $542 - $4,950 per month, depending on the community, room type, and care needs.

What is independent living?

Independent living communities are residential settings for active older adults — typically with private apartments or cottages, shared amenities (dining, fitness, activities), and no built-in medical care.

How many independent living communities are listed on this page?

This page features 12 independent living communities in San Jose, CA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in San Jose, CA?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in San Jose, CA, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting independent living communities in San Jose, CA?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.