The Best Independent Living Communities in San Mateo County, CA

"We toured Brookdale Redwood City over a year ago. The fellow followed up with us and everything. Brookdale is the only one that I've ever seen that has a full-length swimming pool. I asked the guy what the people were complaining about right now, and he said the fact that the swimming pool wasn't available because they're doing some work on it. So they need to get on that bandwagon and get the pool done. The staff was terrific. We had a tour during the lunch period, and some of the people at the tables talked to us when we went by. They're very friendly. I considered going there, but the room that we were shown wasn't as friendly as some other rooms that we had seen. I think that building has probably been in existence for a long time, and things kind of looked a little rundown. They said they're in the process of changing out some of the bathtubs for showers that you just walk into."

"The tour at Waters Edge Lodge was very thorough. The gentleman that gave the tour was very friendly and knowledgeable. It was very informative and pleasant. It went well. He showed me probably three or four different floor plans. They have a movie room, and they have a happy hour once a week. They have some live music in the lounge area. They have excursions for the seniors. There's a courtyard, a beauty salon, and a little coffee area. It was a nice facility, but I liked the other place better."

"I was at Vi at Palo Alto for rehab. It was so fantastic. It was like being on a cruise. They were wonderful. All the physical therapists, the caregivers were very kind. I had my own room with a great view. The food was fantastic. I was in a wheelchair, but they invited me to the piano. They had a piano. Everybody got together listening to the piano. I'm also a vegetarian. They noticed that I wasn't eating very well, so they asked the nutritionist to talk with me. They were making me special meals of brie sandwiches and all that. They even brought me wine for dinner. The nutritionist, Joanne was a jewel. She came to my room and wanted to know what I would like to eat."

"I toured 1825 Mission Apartments. The tenants were happy there. The ones I met, they're happy. The staff who assisted the tour was very informative. The common area seemed nice, but the rooms were too small."

"We chose The Ivy at Golden Gate for my husband because of the location to our home and I was very pleased with the tour of the facility. I like the staff's attentiveness to the residents and consistency of attention. The chef prepares very good meals. They are nutritionally balanced and the presentation is excellent. They have different meetings, outings if the resident chooses, meetings of the residents, and recognition of special birthdays. They just had a special recognition for anyone who turned 90 or 100 this year, and it was beautifully done. It was very, very nice. The facility is beautiful. You're getting what you pay for."

"I was very pleased with Marymount Villa. The staff was wonderful. As soon as I walked into the door, there was somebody there who greeted me. When I went to each floor, there were members of the staff with the residents and they all greeted me. The room that I saw had 2 beds in there, and I was OK with that. The residents were doing activities while I was there, and some were dancing. Their dining room looked great."

"Upside is that I'm eating healthy and downside is that I'm gaining weight because the food is so fabulous and beautifully served. My favorite dish is a full plate of anything the Chef serves. From their servers to their Director the service is impeccable. The food here makes everyone happy and everyone wants to be together at meals to socialize."

"I toured Carlton Senior Living San Leandro. It was very good. The place was very small. I wasn't even thinking too much because they don't have any private rooms. My friend Orvis has to have a private room in memory care but they don't have any private rooms. Carlton San Leandro is a beautiful place. The staff was nice. Sheila was great and I met a couple of the other staff."

"I would highly recommend living at Aldersly. The staff are all wonderfully dedicated & caring, they provide transportation & fun activities, the food is delicious, and the grounds are just gorgeous. If you are looking for a kind-hearted and professionally run complex, Aldersly is the one to choose!"

"My parents are now in the assisted living of The Carlisle, and our experience so far has been very good. We're very satisfied and happy with it. The meal I had there was quite good, and they had a very nice, varied menu, and it's very high quality. It was very clean and bright, they have very large rooms with nice views out on the balconies. I would consider living there myself. There are a lot of activities available, and they have a very, very wide-ranging program, which I was happy with. They look like they have excursions, they take people out to venues outside in San Francisco, and transportation is provided. They also bring in lectures and musicians, and that sort of thing, and they have in-house activities and excursions outside the facility. The staff has been very friendly, welcoming, and very attentive."

"My friend will be moving into Ivy Park at Cathedral Hill. It's amazing. It's beautiful. It's perfect. Everything is lovely. He loves it."

"My life has improved since moving to Cardinal Point . I enjoy my quiet apartment, meals in the dining room, many opportunities to exercise, join reading/discussion groups, play board/card games, work in the garden, walk along the estuary and thru the lovely neighborhood. With advance planning, transportation to neighboring cities, medical appointments and local errands is provided . The laundry rooms, reading rooms and library, all public spaces are well maintained. Staff is helpful and pleasant."

"We toured Landmark Villa, looking for assisted living for my mother, and we liked it. It was a great location and one that met our needs. The people were also very friendly. We liked the community, and my mother liked the older aesthetic of the place, so that's good for her. We also like the friendliness of the staff and how attentive they are to her and her needs."

"I went to Bethesda Home. The place was nice. The location was good. The lady was very professional. The place looked clean. It looked very nice and peaceful."