Are you a senior or baby boomer looking to downsize your home but stay in San Francisco? You're in good company. Many older adults are choosing to simplify their living situations, reduce home maintenance, and free up retirement funds. But downsizing in the competitive SF real estate market can feel daunting.
As experienced San Francisco real estate advisors specializing in senior downsizing, we're here to help. In this guide, we'll walk you through fantastic options for downsizing in San Francisco, from retirement communities to condos, and share practical tips to make your transition smooth and exciting.
Let's explore how you can downsize with confidence. Read on to get started.
Here are some of the top retirement community options in San Francisco for seniors looking to downsize:
Retirement communities in San Francisco offer a convenient all-in-one living solution that can be appealing for downsizing seniors. These communities provide a low-maintenance lifestyle by handling yard work, housekeeping, dining, activities, and more. This eliminates many of the burdens of owning a larger home.
For those seeking an active social life, retirement communities foster a built-in sense of community with like-minded neighbors and ample opportunities to socialize. The amenities like fitness centers, pools, clubs, and scheduled events make it easy to stay engaged.
Perhaps most importantly, many retirement communities offer a continuum of care from independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing. This allows seniors to age in place without having to move again if more care is required down the road. Spouses can also remain together even if their care needs differ.
The luxury communities take this concept even further with high-end amenities like concierge services, chauffeurs, gourmet dining, and beautifully appointed common areas. For those with a higher budget, these provide an indulgent retirement lifestyle.
LGBTQ-focused communities strive to create an environment of inclusion, understanding, and celebration of LGBTQ culture and identity. This allows LGBTQ seniors to truly be themselves in their later years.
Fountaingrove Lodge (Opened 2024 in Santa Rosa)
While there are not currently any large-scale LGBTQ-focused retirement communities within San Francisco itself, the city is seen as a welcoming place for LGBTQ seniors. Many existing communities strive to create an inclusive environment.
Overall, retirement communities in San Francisco offer a hassle-free way for seniors to downsize while maintaining an active, social, and secure lifestyle tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
For seniors looking to downsize while still enjoying the best of San Francisco city life, luxury high-rise condos and apartments offer an appealing option. These full-service buildings provide a low-maintenance lifestyle with desirable amenities right at your doorstep.
The South Beach and Embarcadero neighborhoods put you in the heart of downtown with stunning bay and bridge views. Luxury towers like The Brannan and One Rincon Hill feature amenities such as:
Living in this area allows you to soak up the energy and vibe of downtown while having a quiet retreat to call home. Many buildings are close to public transit, making it easy to get around the city.
For seniors who want premier access to San Francisco's cultural scene, Hayes Valley puts you steps away from:
This chic neighborhood is also known for its fine dining, boutiques, and cafes. High-end condo buildings in the area, like 8 Octavia, offer amenities such as attended lobbies, parking, and landscaped courtyards. From your Hayes Valley home, you can walk to a performance, enjoy dinner out, and safely stroll home. It's a dream for culturally-inclined seniors looking to downsize.
While high-rise living does come at a premium price point in San Francisco, for many seniors, the lifestyle and amenities are worth the expense. You get the excitement and convenience of city living without the hassles of home maintenance.
When evaluating your options, consider not just the condo itself, but also the neighborhood vibe, walkability, safety, building amenities, and proximity to activities you enjoy.
HOA fees for high-rise condos in San Francisco can vary significantly based on the building's age, location, amenities, and services provided. On the lower end, you might find monthly HOA dues around $600-800 for a building with more basic amenities, like a fitness center and shared outdoor space.
However, HOA fees can quickly climb into the $1,000-2,000+ range for luxury buildings with extensive amenities and services. Upscale San Francisco high-rises with 24/7 doormen, concierges, lap pools, spas, and other premium offerings will have dues on the higher end of that range or even exceeding $2,000 per month.
For example, luxury condos at the Four Seasons Private Residences have average HOA fees between $3,180 and $5,400 per month. At the Lumina in SoMa, HOA dues are around $1,300 for a two-bedroom, which covers high-end amenities like an on-site Woodlands Market grocery.
When you encounter HOA fees, it's important to look closely at what they cover and if those amenities and services align with your lifestyle and needs. While higher HOA dues can be a significant added cost, for some, the convenience and luxury are worth the premium.
For seniors who prefer a more residential feel than a high-rise but still want accessibility, condos or flats in walkable neighborhoods with limited stairs and/or elevator access can be a great fit. This allows you to stay in a familiar area while reducing the need to navigate stairs.
Some of the most accessible and walkable neighborhoods in San Francisco include:
Known for its small-town feel, Noe Valley offers a flat, walkable layout with many amenities. You'll find a variety of condos and flats with elevator access, allowing you to age in place. The 24th Street and Church Street corridors are particularly convenient, with grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, and shops all within a few flat blocks.
The Inner Richmond is a safe, walkable neighborhood with a great variety of food options, grocery stores, parks, and public transit. Many of the low-rise condo buildings along Geary Boulevard and California Street have elevators, making them a good option for downsizing seniors.
This centrally-located neighborhood is flat and very walkable, with easy access to groceries, dining, Duboce Park, and the N-Judah Muni line. You'll find a mix of Victorian flats and newer condo buildings, many with elevator access for added accessibility.
This newer neighborhood features modern condo buildings with elevators and accessible layouts. The flat streets and abundance of parks make it easy to navigate on foot. Plus, you're close to Oracle Park, Chase Center, UCSF Mission Bay, and plenty of dining and shopping.
When searching for an accessible condo, look for buildings with elevators, wide doorways, and open floor plans. Ground-floor units or single-story flats can also reduce the need for stairs.
Keep in mind that while older buildings may have more architectural charm, they may be less accessible than newer construction. Work with a knowledgeable realtor who can help you find a home that meets your accessibility needs while still being in a neighborhood you love.
Downsizing in San Francisco doesn't have to be overwhelming. As top-rated local realtors with over 20 years of experience, we specialize in helping seniors successfully sell their current home and transition smoothly into their next chapter, all while staying in the city they love.
By the way, did you know that Prop 19 allows seniors to retain your current property tax base when you sell your San Francisco home and buy another? Learn more in our article, A Prop 19 Guide to Downsize Your San Francisco Home.
Whether you're dreaming of a convenient retirement community, vibrant high-rise living, or an accessible condo in your favorite neighborhood, we would be honored to guide you every step of the way. Our personalized approach, extensive market knowledge, and broad professional network allow us to find your ideal new home while ensuring the successful sale of your current property.
Ready to embark on this new adventure with confidence? Send us a message or give us a call today.
