Alameda is a city next to San Francisco Bay that spans several islands. An estimated 77,624 people live on the islands, with the 65+ age group making up 15.7%. Most of Alameda’s streets are residential, speed limits are restricted to 25mph, and violent crime is significantly less likely than in other parts of the state, all of which make the city an ideal location for many seniors. Downtown Alameda is popular with all generations. It’s home to the Alameda Theatre Cineplex, which showcases the best in screen and live entertainment. The USS Hornet Museum is also popular, as is the Crab Cove Visitor Center and Aquarium.

Seniors who find everyday tasks challenging may want to consider the benefits of an assisted living community. Assisted living is a compromise, providing seniors with secure homes, meals prepared by chefs, and rooms cleaned by staff, all while not intruding on the independence of their residents. Costs tend to be around $6,100 per month, about 19.9% above the state average.

This guide covers senior living costs in Alameda and the surrounding areas in more detail. It also reviews the city’s pros and cons and lists some resources for its seniors.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Alameda, CA

2018, 2019, 2023

Waters Edge Lodge

801 Island Drive, Alameda, CA, 94502

Waters Edge Lodge, in Alameda, California, is located near Harbor Bay Parkway, Interstate 880 and Hemway Medical Center The facility’s location beside a lagoon is praised for its serene environment. T … (read more)
Waters Edge Lodge, in Alameda, California, is located near Harbor Bay Parkway, Interstate 880 and Hemway Medical Center The facility’s location beside a lagoon is praised for its serene environment. T … (read more)
Get Pricing See Details
2018, 2019, 2023

2016

Oakmont of Mariner Point

2400 Mariner Square Drive, Alameda, CA, 94501

Oakmont of Mariner Point is an assisted living facility located in Berkeley, California, very close to local dining, shopping and entertainment. Residents can choose from studios, one and two-bedroom … (read more)
Oakmont of Mariner Point is an assisted living facility located in Berkeley, California, very close to local dining, shopping and entertainment. Residents can choose from studios, one and two-bedroom … (read more)

Elders Inn

1721 Webster Street, Alameda, CA, 94501

Elders Inn, located on Webster Street in Alameda, appears small from the outside, but sprawls across a large property with five courtyards. There is an indoor garden and numerous outdoor spaces where … (read more)
Elders Inn, located on Webster Street in Alameda, appears small from the outside, but sprawls across a large property with five courtyards. There is an indoor garden and numerous outdoor spaces where … (read more)

Cardinal Point

2431 Mariner Square Dr., Alameda, CA, 94501

It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in my life. It was immaculate. The staff was pleasant and kind. I was there around Halloween time, so they were getting ready for a Halloween par … (read more)
It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in my life. It was immaculate. The staff was pleasant and kind. I was there around Halloween time, so they were getting ready for a Halloween par … (read more)

Bay Harbour Residential Care Home

510 Central Ave, Alameda, CA, 94501

Everyone was in their room when I went to Bay Harbour Residential Care Home. I didn’t see anyone except one man who always sits in the kitchen. The place seemed a little small and I didn’t see the res … (read more)
Everyone was in their room when I went to Bay Harbour Residential Care Home. I didn’t see anyone except one man who always sits in the kitchen. The place seemed a little small and I didn’t see the res … (read more)


Golden Age of Nottingham

117 Nottingham Drive, Alameda, CA, 94502


Golden Age of Sweet Road

201 Sweet Road, Alameda, CA, 94502


Harbor Bay Assisted Living, Inc.

122 Sheffield Road, Alameda, CA, 94502

My mother stayed at Harbor Bay Assisted Living, Inc. It was a home setting and it was very clean. The staff that my brother and I met when we first went for a visit was very helpful. We saw some other … (read more)
My mother stayed at Harbor Bay Assisted Living, Inc. It was a home setting and it was very clean. The staff that my brother and I met when we first went for a visit was very helpful. We saw some other … (read more)

Pacifica Senior Living Oakland Heights

2361 E 29th St, Oakland, CA, 94606

Located near Central Recreation Area and William D. Wood Park and three blocks from Highland Hospital, Pacifica Senior Living Oakland Heights is an assisted and independent living and memory care faci … (read more)
Located near Central Recreation Area and William D. Wood Park and three blocks from Highland Hospital, Pacifica Senior Living Oakland Heights is an assisted and independent living and memory care faci … (read more)

Pacifica Senior Living San Leandro

348 West Juana Ave, San Leandro, CA, 94577

Pacifica Senior Living San Leandro is located in San Leandro, California, conveniently close to shopping, a library and other services. Residents and their families appreciate the homelike atmosphere … (read more)
Pacifica Senior Living San Leandro is located in San Leandro, California, conveniently close to shopping, a library and other services. Residents and their families appreciate the homelike atmosphere … (read more)

The Point at Rockridge

4500 Gilbert Street, Oakland, CA, 94611

The Point at Rockridge is located in Oakland, California, close to the beautiful Berkeley and Piedmont areas. Residents love the spacious and homey apartments, and the delicious and healthy food serve … (read more)
The Point at Rockridge is located in Oakland, California, close to the beautiful Berkeley and Piedmont areas. Residents love the spacious and homey apartments, and the delicious and healthy food serve … (read more)

Marymount Villa

345 Davis Street, San Leandro, CA, 94577

Ernie from Marymount Villa was very accommodating and very friendly. He took us around the building and showed us the room type that they have, whether it was shared or private. The rooms were great a … (read more)
Ernie from Marymount Villa was very accommodating and very friendly. He took us around the building and showed us the room type that they have, whether it was shared or private. The rooms were great a … (read more)

2012, 2015

Ivy Park at Oakland Hills

11889 Skyline Boulevard, Oakland, CA, 94619

Located in Berkeley, California, Ivy Park at Oakland Hills sits in a residential area east of Oakland, just off Skyline Boulevard. The location is easily accessible from MacArthur Freeway and is close … (read more)
Located in Berkeley, California, Ivy Park at Oakland Hills sits in a residential area east of Oakland, just off Skyline Boulevard. The location is easily accessible from MacArthur Freeway and is close … (read more)

Coterie Cathedral Hill

1001 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94109

Coterie Cathedral Hill was a beautiful facility. The people were very nice. The food was excellent. Everything was nice there, but it was just too expensive. The lady who gave me the tour was very nic … (read more)
Coterie Cathedral Hill was a beautiful facility. The people were very nice. The food was excellent. Everything was nice there, but it was just too expensive. The lady who gave me the tour was very nic … (read more)

Lake Park Senior Living

1850 ALICE, Oakland, CA, 95612

My experience at Lake Park Senior Living was great. Everything was great. However, I was looking for a facility that was based on my grandmother’s income. It’s a beautiful facility. I wish we could af … (read more)
My experience at Lake Park Senior Living was great. Everything was great. However, I was looking for a facility that was based on my grandmother’s income. It’s a beautiful facility. I wish we could af … (read more)

Golden Living Guest Home, LLC

9450 Mountain Blvd, Oakland, CA, 94605

My mother is in Golden Living Guest Home, LLC. It’s a board and care for six people. It’s bright and cheerful, and they encourage the people to engage in activities. I haven’t had that much contact wi … (read more)
My mother is in Golden Living Guest Home, LLC. It’s a board and care for six people. It’s bright and cheerful, and they encourage the people to engage in activities. I haven’t had that much contact wi … (read more)

Bellaken Garden and Skilled Nursing Center

2780 26th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601

We ended up placing my mom in Bellaken Garden in Oakland’s assisted living. We were able to visit and we went through her Medicare health plan with them and they did some sort of contract regarding th … (read more)
We ended up placing my mom in Bellaken Garden in Oakland’s assisted living. We were able to visit and we went through her Medicare health plan with them and they did some sort of contract regarding th … (read more)

Belmont Village Albany

1100 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA, 94706

Belmont Village Albany is a modern and upscale facility located on the edge of University Village in Albany, California. This is a new building purposely designed for seniors, with great attention to … (read more)
Belmont Village Albany is a modern and upscale facility located on the edge of University Village in Albany, California. This is a new building purposely designed for seniors, with great attention to … (read more)

Elegance Berkeley

2100 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA, 94702


What to Consider About Assisted Living in Alameda

The Community Care Licensing Division, part of the California Department of Social Services, is responsible for ensuring licensed assisted living facilities comply with the terms of their licenses. Its work includes investigating complaints about facilities, conducting unannounced inspections and training staff in facilities to ensure they are fully aware of licensing conditions. The division also revokes licenses from noncompliant owners.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Alameda

  • The average cost of living in Alameda is very high in comparison to the state and national averages, although California’s position as the second most expensive state in the union has to be taken into account when comparing Alameda to the U.S. average.
  • Violent crime in Alameda is almost half that of the state average and significantly below the national average. However, property crime is more common. Fortunately, seniors residing in many assisted living communities in the city benefit from 24/7 security and the comfort of knowing that staff is always nearby should help be needed.
  • According to Sperling’s Best Places, Alameda has one of the best climates in the area. Sunny Days average 259 in the year (greatly surpassing the national average of 205), while zero snowfall ensures seniors don’t have to tread carefully on sidewalks. The 22 inches of rain is almost half the national average. Winter lows of around 44 degrees Fahrenheit and summer highs of 71 degrees mean that seniors don’t experience extreme temperature changes.
  • Alameda Hospital is the primary general medical facility in the city, although the surrounding area is home to many more, such as the UCSF Medical Center-UCSF Health, ranked #9 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. There are also 50 assisted living facilities in or near Alameda, so seniors should be able to find the ideal community for their long-term needs.
  • There are several free and subsidized transportation services in the city. The Alameda Loop Shuttle is a fixed route service that includes stops in various locations, including Alameda Hospital and Mastick Senior Center. LIFE Eldercare operates a door-to-door service for people aged 80+ and younger adults with disabilities, and Easy Does It responds to emergencies involving wheelchair owners while they’re out of their homes. If minor on-site repairs aren’t possible, the service will take the wheelchair owner home. Easy Does It doesn’t charge for its services.

Paying for Assisted Living in Alameda

Figures published in the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey show that seniors in Alameda typically pay $6,100 per month to reside in their assisted living communities, a figure that’s $1,100 more than the California average and $1,800 above typical costs throughout the country.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Although Alameda’s average monthly costs are high, they’re not the most expensive in the area. Seniors pay an additional $150 per month for similar services in Napa and $700 in Santa Cruz. Approximately 45 minutes from Alameda, in San Jose, costs are $225 lower, and in Stockton, seniors can save an additional $2,600 per month.

$6100

Alameda

$5000

California

$4300

The United States

$6800

Santa Cruz

$5875

San Jose

$3500

Stockton

$6250

Napa

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

The most affordable type of senior care is in adult day care centers, where fees average at $1,950 per month. Home care, home health care and assisted living have almost identical fees, despite offering different services. Home care costs average $6,101, as does home health care which includes medical support, while $6,100 pays for accommodation and care in an assisted living community. Nursing home care is the most costly, averaging $12,471 for a semiprivate room and $15,208 for a private room per month.

$6101

Home care

$6101

Home health care

$1950

Adult day health care

$6100

Assisted living

$12471

Nursing home (semiprivate room)

$15208

Nursing home (private room)

Note: Data for Alameda was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, San Franciso, was used instead.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Alameda

Eligible seniors can find financial assistance services in Alameda through both the Medicaid 1915(c) Assisted Living Waiver Program, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the optional state supplement (OSS).

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in California page.

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in California

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in California page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Alameda

Alameda offers its seniors a wide range of free and subsidized resources, enabling them to live more fruitful lives in the city. Below are a few resources that can help with medical care, low-cost transportation, dealing with care quality issues and helping out in the community. 

ResourceContactService
Long-Term Care Ombudsman(510) 577-1900The Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for seniors residing in assisted living communities and other types of senior care. It’s a free service managed by the Alameda County Area Agency on Aging. Ombudsmen regularly visit assisted living facilities to conduct basic inspections and ensure seniors are aware of their rights. If a resident, their family or a third party makes a complaint, the ombudsman will investigate and pursue a resolution with the facility’s manager. Seniors comparing assisted living facilities as potential new homes can request information about them from the ombudsman, such as their inspection reports.
Alameda County Social Services Agency(510) 271-9100Alameda County Social Services Agency is a multi-resource organization that focuses on enhancing the social and economic well-being of all age groups in the county. Seniors can call to get information about several resources, such as cooling centers set up during periods of extreme heat, the office of the Public Administrator to discuss wills and estates and multiple transportation options across the county.
San Francisco VA Medical Center(415) 221-4810The VA Medical Center provides many services for veterans. These include dental care, geriatric teaching programs, rehab following cardiac arrest and mental health support. There are also numerous clinics near Alameda, such as the Oakland Outpatient Clinic and the Fremont VA Clinic. It’s strongly recommended that vets call before visiting clinics as walk-in appointments aren’t available.
ReCares Medical Equipment Reuse(510) 251-2273ReCares is a nonprofit organization that accepts donations of usable medical equipment to pass on to low-income residents of Alameda, including seniors. Some items, such as commodes and front-wheel walkers, are always available. However, other items, such as wheelchairs and walkers with seats, can be more difficult to acquire, although they are provided when available. The organization operates from three sites based in Oakland, San Francisco and Marin County.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Alameda

Alameda-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in California are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in California page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in California