MyLivingChoice

The Magnolia of Millbrae

201 Chadbourne Avenue

4.8(27 ratings)

The Magnolia of Millbrae — photo 11 / 5

Quick Facts

Total units
180
Licensed capacity
180 residents

California CDSS

Licensed operator
Magnolia Of Millbrae, Inc.
Ownership
Local, single-owner independent operation
Lease structure
Month-to-month rental, no buy-in fee
Apartment features
Full kitchen plus in-unit washer and dryer
Care delivery
Assisted living services provided within residents' own apartments

What Families Think

Families generally describe The Magnolia of Millbrae as a well-run, community-feeling assisted living option with attentive staff and strong food quality, with one long-term resident's family reporting 13 years of consistent care. One detailed review raised concerns about service gaps, safety oversight, and cost relative to service, standing in contrast to the otherwise glowing feedback.

The Good

  • Staff described as kind and professional
  • Dining quality praised by multiple reviewers
  • Long-term residents report consistent, high-quality care
  • Spacious one and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens
  • Common areas and building well-maintained and clean
  • Strong sense of community and resident friendships

The Bad

  • One report of slow emergency alert response (over 10 minutes)
  • One report of unreliable WiFi and utility outages
  • One report of insufficient safeguards against resident financial exploitation
  • Described by one reviewer as expensive for the service level

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

About The Magnolia of Millbrae

The Magnolia of Millbrae is an independent senior living community offering assisted living services in Millbrae, California, just south of San Francisco. The community operates on a month-to-month rental basis with spacious one and two-bedroom apartments, each fully equipped with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and licensed for assisted living services.

The community provides assisted living services available in the privacy of residents' homes, allowing couples and individuals to age in place together. Weekly housekeeping is included for convenience, and staff are available to assist with both large and small daily needs.

The Magnolia of Millbrae emphasizes dining and activities as central to its lifestyle. An on-site chef prepares meals, and the community hosts weekly Happy Hours with libations and appetizers, along with festive holiday and birthday celebrations. A full calendar of stimulating events, special outings, speakers, and everyday activities keeps residents engaged.

The community is structured as a local, one-owner independent operation focused on providing an engaging lifestyle with choices and convenience. Staff members work to foster a warm environment where residents can form friendships and participate in social activities at their own pace.

Types of Care

Assisted Living

Need help deciding?

Tell us what you're looking for and we'll match you with communities that fit — free, and you choose who contacts you.

Help Me Choose

Reviews

4.8overall · 27 ratings combined

4.8★ on Google (27)

Jenna Ward

Mar 2026

via Google

This place is extremely expensive for poor service. The staff don’t follow the rules set in place to protect the residents. Most residents lack awareness and their families aren’t watching closely. There are no safe guards in place to project from financial abuse and manipulation. Why is Magnolia complicit in allowing residents to give $800 in tips to the hair dresser? Why does it take over 10 minutes for someone to respond to an emergency alert? While the staff are personable, they struggle to deliver on multiple fronts. Electricity goes out, WiFi never works (forgetting calling Grandma or her watching a movie), windows/carpets are dirty, dining room food is cold. This place is better than most but far from perfect. Hoping this review brings to light gaps in service and brings improvements.

Wendell

Jul 2025

via Google

The Magnolia is a wonderful place to call home. I know 3 people who have each chosen to live at the Magnolia for different reasons and each of them were very satisfied with their choice and decision for a variety of reasons. The Management and staff are respectful, efficient and pleasant. The facilities and amenities are wonderful and of high quality. And the building and residences are impeccably maintained. Nothing in any of the front entry lobby or other common areas looked tired or run down. Everything was clean, fresh and smart looking and above all, the air smelled very fresh and clean. Walking in the front door, I felt like I was walking into a relaxing cruise ship ready to set sail, the residents all are upbeat, polite and very friendly I was also impressed at how everyone dresses here. It’s nothing fancy but, all the residents look smartly dressed and put together. And the dining room reminded me of eating on a cruise ship where everyone is happy to be there. The serving staff is among the best, they are very accommodating and personal and they make a habit of knowing each person by name. Very impressive But of greatest note is the way the staff and administration work together in a coordinated fashion. It’s a round the clock operation that runs with the precision of a NASCAR pit team, everybody knows their task and it all comes together very well. If I could convince my mom to move here, it would happen tomorrow but for now as a widow she still believes she’s fine in her 5 bedroom house! I know…crazy. Hopefully someday I can convince her the Magnolia would be a great option for her too.

Chuck Wallace

Jan 2025

via Google

My mom lived at the Magnolia for about 13 years and it was a great experience. My mom really enjoyed it for her entire time, and didn't have any real complaints about any aspect of it. The quality of the facility was very high -- they keep it in great shape and it's a very pleasant place to be. The food is good -- and that's really important in a retirement facility. And most important by far, is the care of the residents from the staff and the executive team. From the top to the bottom of the organization, everyone at the Magnolia really cares about the residents. The care my mom received was consistently very good -- and at any time I could reach out to the Executive Director and other senior level folks and they were very responsive. I highly recommend the Magnolia to people ready to make a move to a retirement community, and their families who care about them.

Terry Sullivan

Oct 2024

via Google

My sister just moved into The Magnolia of Millbrae and I am totally impressed with every aspect of the facility. What really stands out is the quality, kindness, and professionalism of the staff. It is such a relief for me to see that a member of my family is getting the care they need at such a high level, and in such a beautiful facility. Everything at The Magnolia is so well thought out and perfectly executed. I know that it takes quite a lot of planning, organization, and dedication to provide an independent and assisted living community that is first class in every way. The apartments are well designed and well appointed, and the common areas are akin to what you would find in a luxury hotel. The food is absolutely incredible in the quality, variety, and healthy nature of the each entree, and the dining room staff is second to none. The Magnolia always feels like home, and there is always a friendly face, a helping hand and a caring heart from every staff member, who has the needs of the residents as their top priority. Thanks to everyone at The Magnolia for taking such great care of my sister and giving her such a wonderful new home.

Jane Barretta

Dec 2023

via Google

We looked at many retirement communities for my parents and finally decided on the Magnolia of Millbrae. It was important to find a place that had large apartment homes and a true community feel. My parents aren't ones to sit still so I knew they could continue to have a good quality of life and continue to stay involved in the Millbrae community. When we visit them, we never miss the chance to have dinner with them in the dining room - the food is delicious and the chef is very accommodating of everyone's dietary restrictions (did I mention the food is amazing?) We also had our son's 1st birthday party there for about 50 guests, in the arts and crafts room, and my parents were so happy to spend such a memorable milestone with their first grandchild. I highly recommend the Magnolia of Millbrae and I'm so grateful that my parents are there. The staff is so seasoned and truly caring, and you truly feel the sense of community the moment you walk through the door.

Request information

Ask about availability, pricing, or a tour. Your details go only to The Magnolia of Millbrae — never sold or shared.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does The Magnolia of Millbrae offer?

The Magnolia of Millbrae offers Assisted Living.

Where is The Magnolia of Millbrae located?

The Magnolia of Millbrae is located at 201 Chadbourne Avenue in Millbrae, California.

What do families say about The Magnolia of Millbrae?

Families generally describe The Magnolia of Millbrae as a well-run, community-feeling assisted living option with attentive staff and strong food quality, with one long-term resident's family reporting 13 years of consistent care. One detailed review raised concerns about service gaps, safety oversight, and cost relative to service, standing in contrast to the otherwise glowing feedback.

Work at The Magnolia of Millbrae? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details — it's free.

Nearby Communities

Other senior living options within 25 miles of Millbrae.