Best Independent Living in Alameda County, CA

Immerse in the diversity of Alameda County, California, with its distinct cultures, eclectic cities, and picturesque landscapes. Residents are also welcome to spend retirement in one of the county’s cities, accompanied by excellent healthcare, convenient local amenities, and recreational opportunities. The county also features plenty of independent living communities that offer specially designed amenities for those looking to optimize freedom in their golden years. Make the most out of your best years surrounded by the county’s beautiful scenery and vibrant communities.

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Comparison Chart

Compare Independent Living around Alameda County
St. Marks
IL

For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

Oakland
1 Bed / 2 Bed
-
No
100
Flower Park Plaza
IL

For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

Santa Ana
Studio / 1 Bed
198
No
86
Lakemont Apartments
IL

For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

Oakland
Studio / 1 Bed
-
No
94
Jack London Gateway Senior Housing
IL

For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

Oakland
1 Bed / 2 Bed
-
No
91
Independence Plaza
IL

For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

Alameda
1 Bed / 2 Bed
186
No
88

St. Marks is an outstanding community located in the bustling downtown of Oakland, CA, that offers independent living. Featuring snug and specially designed one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents find the accommodation that best matches their needs and preferences. Here, residents can easily adapt to their surroundings with the community’s warm and welcoming environment.

With its convenient location near Chinatown and San Francisco Bay, residents have easy access to plenty of recreational activities and their necessities. Residents also enjoy convenient transportation with nearby public transportation systems for easier travel. The community is great for those looking to retain their independence while staying on a budget with its relatively affordable rates.

Overview of St. Marks

St. Marks is an outstanding community located in the bustling downtown of Oakland, CA, that offers independent living. Featuring snug and specially designed one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents find the accommodation that best matches their needs and preferences. Here, residents can easily adapt to their surroundings with the community’s warm and welcoming environment.

With its convenient location near Chinatown and San Francisco Bay, residents have easy access to plenty of recreational activities and their necessities. Residents also enjoy convenient transportation with nearby public transportation systems for easier travel. The community is great for those looking to retain their independence while staying on a budget with its relatively affordable rates.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise

Type of Care Available

Independent Living
Contact St. Marks

Make every moment of your later years count with Flower Park Plaza, an astounding community set in the vibrant neighborhood of Santa Ana, CA, offering independent living. Here, residents find the accommodation that best suits their lifestyle with the community’s 198 cozy and specially designed studio and cozy one-bedroom floor plans. Equipped with full kitchens and individually controlled heating and air conditioning, residents can rest assured of enjoying comfort and convenience to its finest.

As a CCH owned- and operated community, the community offers a relatively affordable cost of living while providing the highest quality of life. Residents are also free to explore nearby attractions for leisure and have easy access to their needs with convenient public transportation. Community amenities also include a television lounge with library, a large community room, and an on-site laundry room, ensuring residents gain meaningful interactions and easily handle their chores.

Overview of Flower Park Plaza

Make every moment of your later years count with Flower Park Plaza, an astounding community set in the vibrant neighborhood of Santa Ana, CA, offering independent living. Here, residents find the accommodation that best suits their lifestyle with the community’s 198 cozy and specially designed studio and cozy one-bedroom floor plans. Equipped with full kitchens and individually controlled heating and air conditioning, residents can rest assured of enjoying comfort and convenience to its finest.

As a CCH owned- and operated community, the community offers a relatively affordable cost of living while providing the highest quality of life. Residents are also free to explore nearby attractions for leisure and have easy access to their needs with convenient public transportation. Community amenities also include a television lounge with library, a large community room, and an on-site laundry room, ensuring residents gain meaningful interactions and easily handle their chores.

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 62 Years Old

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed

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Building Type: High-rise

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Transportation Services

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Parking Available

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Recreational Activities

Type of Care Available

Independent Living
Contact Flower Park Plaza

Enjoy the best of your golden years with Lakemont Apartments, a blissful retreat set in the thriving neighborhood of Oakland, CA, focusing on independent living. The community has 66 beautifully designed and snug accommodations, perfect for those looking to downsize in retirement. With nearby local amenities, residents keep peace of mind and have easy access to recreational opportunities and necessities.

Here, residents enjoy plenty of activities with stunning natural landscapes and waterfront scenery. The community also offers a relatively affordable housing rate, ensuring residents can stay on their budgets while retaining their independence. Live a worry-free retirement within the community’s purposely built amenities, and have easy access to top-notch local amenities that the neighborhood has in store.

Overview of Lakemont Apartments

Enjoy the best of your golden years with Lakemont Apartments, a blissful retreat set in the thriving neighborhood of Oakland, CA, focusing on independent living. The community has 66 beautifully designed and snug accommodations, perfect for those looking to downsize in retirement. With nearby local amenities, residents keep peace of mind and have easy access to recreational opportunities and necessities.

Here, residents enjoy plenty of activities with stunning natural landscapes and waterfront scenery. The community also offers a relatively affordable housing rate, ensuring residents can stay on their budgets while retaining their independence. Live a worry-free retirement within the community’s purposely built amenities, and have easy access to top-notch local amenities that the neighborhood has in store.

What does this home offer?

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Room Sizes: 500 / 750 sq. ft

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise

Type of Care Available

Independent Living
Contact Lakemont Apartments

Surrounded by convenient local amenities in Oakland, CA, Jack London Gateway Senior Housing is an esteemed community that offers independent living. Residents can choose from the community’s 61 fully equipped and snug one-bedroom and two-bedroom accommodations, designed to promote comfort and convenience. The community also promotes a bright and friendly environment, ensuring residents can easily adapt to their surroundings.

With its ideal location near recreation sites and various opportunities, residents enjoy their leisure and wellness. Residents also enjoy the neighborhoods’ scenic views at the comforts of their home with its bay windows. The community is equipped with a business center, a clubhouse, and a courtyard, perfect for recreation and socialization. Here, residents are guaranteed to retain their independence surrounded by the community’s specially designed amenities.

Overview of Jack London Gateway Senior Housing

Surrounded by convenient local amenities in Oakland, CA, Jack London Gateway Senior Housing is an esteemed community that offers independent living. Residents can choose from the community’s 61 fully equipped and snug one-bedroom and two-bedroom accommodations, designed to promote comfort and convenience. The community also promotes a bright and friendly environment, ensuring residents can easily adapt to their surroundings.

With its ideal location near recreation sites and various opportunities, residents enjoy their leisure and wellness. Residents also enjoy the neighborhoods’ scenic views at the comforts of their home with its bay windows. The community is equipped with a business center, a clubhouse, and a courtyard, perfect for recreation and socialization. Here, residents are guaranteed to retain their independence surrounded by the community’s specially designed amenities.

What does this home offer?

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Room Sizes: 850 / 1200 sq. ft

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

Type of Care Available

Independent Living
Contact Jack London Gateway Senior Housing

Beautifully located near Jean Sweeney Open Space Park in Alameda, CA, Independence Plaza is a distinguished community that offers independent living. With 186 cozy and beautifully designed accommodations, residents’ comfort and convenience are guaranteed. The community also promises safety like no other, with emergency pull cords in each unit and age-friendly amenities.

With an on-site resident manager available, residents receive assistance whenever necessary. The community is also equipped with beautifully-manicured courtyards, and a community room with a kitchen for residents to freely interact with their surroundings. Here, residents can downsize in retirement with ease with the community’s specially designed amenities dedicated to retaining their independence.

Overview of Independence Plaza

Beautifully located near Jean Sweeney Open Space Park in Alameda, CA, Independence Plaza is a distinguished community that offers independent living. With 186 cozy and beautifully designed accommodations, residents’ comfort and convenience are guaranteed. The community also promises safety like no other, with emergency pull cords in each unit and age-friendly amenities.

With an on-site resident manager available, residents receive assistance whenever necessary. The community is also equipped with beautifully-manicured courtyards, and a community room with a kitchen for residents to freely interact with their surroundings. Here, residents can downsize in retirement with ease with the community’s specially designed amenities dedicated to retaining their independence.

What does this home offer?

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Room Sizes: 572 / 780 sq. ft

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Single-story

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Parking Available

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Exercise Programs

Type of Care Available

Independent Living
Contact Independence Plaza

Assisted Living Magazine Ranking Methodology

View Full Ranking Methodology

How We Score & Rank Senior Living Communities

At Assisted Living Magazine, our rankings are designed to help families compare senior living communities with clarity and confidence.
Each community is evaluated and ranked based on reputation, transparency, digital trust, and on-site quality signals.
Below is the full explanation of every factor and the exact weight it contributes to the final score.

Update cadence: Reviewed quarterly, with prompt updates when new reviews, reports, or complaints are filed.

What We Prioritize Most

The largest portion of every community’s score comes from resident feedback and online reputation (40%), which reflects real experiences shared by families and caregivers.
An additional 45% of the score comes from a combination of transparency and operational quality signals, including:

  • Photos, videos, and virtual tours (visual transparency)
  • Website quality and digital trust indicators
  • Occupancy levels and number of units (community scale & stability)

These factors help us evaluate how well a community presents itself and how consistently it meets resident needs.

Balancing Additional Factors

The final 15% of the score comes from supportive context data, including:

  • Walkability and local accessibility
  • Estimated property value
  • Pricing information

These elements provide helpful context but carry less weight because our rankings prioritize real-world satisfaction and care consistency first.
The result is a fair, clear, and data-driven ranking system for families researching senior living options.

What Families Search for Most in Alameda County

A quick look at the senior living and care categories people explore the most. Find the options that matter to you in one place.

Best Assisted Living in Alameda County
Best Nursing Homes in Alameda County
Best Memory Care in Alameda County
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We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:

  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
  • Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
  • State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
  • Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up. 

What services do you offer?
  • Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
  • Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
  • Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
  • Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
  • Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
  • Senior-focused concierge medicine
  • Senior-focused nutritionist
  • Senior-focused personal training
  • Memory care specialists
  • Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
  • Custom hearing aids
  • Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
  • Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
  • Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.
Virtual Tours & Videos

Check out our photo album

Check out our virtual tours

Check out our home videos

Resident interviews at our senior living facilities

Check out our resident interviews

Cost guide to senior living, assisted living, nursing homes, and more.

Check out our cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions from families.
What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:

  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
  • Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
  • State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
  • Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

Cost guide to senior living, assisted living, nursing homes, and more.

Check out our cost guide.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up. 

What services do you offer?
  • Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
  • Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
  • Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
  • Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
  • Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
  • Senior-focused concierge medicine
  • Senior-focused nutritionist
  • Senior-focused personal training
  • Memory care specialists
  • Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
  • Custom hearing aids
  • Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
  • Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
  • Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.
Virtual Tours & Videos

Check out our photo album

Check out our virtual tours

Check out our home videos

Resident interviews at our senior living facilities

Check out our resident interviews