Novelle Senior Living in San Jose

Choosing the right senior living community is one of the most important decisions families face. It’s not just about finding a place to live—it’s about finding a lifestyle, a support system, and an environment that enhances health, wellness, and long-term peace of mind. In San Jose, one of the most exciting new additions to the senior living landscape is Novelle Senior Living, located at Almaden and Hillsdale. Newly opened and already generating impressive momentum, Novelle blends modern design, hospitality-driven service, and thoughtful care into a fresh and elevated living experience for today’s seniors.

Novelle officially received its license on October 6th and welcomed its first residents the very next day. By the end of its first month, the community expected to have about 50 residents living on site, a remarkable achievement for a brand-new community. With 196 apartments total, including independent living, assisted living, and 29 dedicated memory care residences, Novelle is one of the most comprehensive and well-designed senior communities in San Jose.

A major point of distinction for Novelle is its parent company, Merrill Gardens. Merrill Gardens is a private, family-owned company with more than 30 years of experience in senior housing. It is owned entirely by the Merrill family—nearly 90 family members in total—which ensures a strong focus on long-term stability, quality, and integrity. With more than 60 communities nationwide, including several in the South Bay, Merrill Gardens has a proven track record of creating warm, welcoming, and impeccably run senior living environments. Novelle represents their newer, luxury-level offering, blending sophisticated design with a hospitality-forward approach that feels more like upscale residential living than conventional senior housing.

The apartments at Novelle are designed to feel like true homes rather than temporary accommodations. They range from studios around 450 square feet to expansive two-bedroom, two-bath residences that reach up to 1,238 square feet. Each apartment features a full kitchen with an oven, dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator, as well as an in-unit washer and dryer—an amenity that many senior communities don’t offer. The homes also include walk-in closets, private balconies in many units, and floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the rooms with natural light. The high ceilings and modern finishes create an open, airy feel that helps residents settle in comfortably from day one.

Memory care at Novelle has been carefully designed and will open in January. The community follows a Montessori-based approach to memory care, emphasizing independence, structured routines, sensory engagement, and meaningful daily activities that help residents preserve their abilities and maintain dignity. Both shared and private apartments are available, with shared memory care units ranging from 466 to 566 square feet and private studios ranging from 306 to 440 square feet. Like the rest of the community, the memory care residences feature thoughtful layouts, warm natural light, and secure, easy-to-navigate spaces tailored specifically for residents living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

One of the standout features of Novelle is its dining experience. Unlike traditional senior communities that operate on strict mealtime schedules, Novelle offers all-day dining from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Residents can eat when they want rather than being limited by set hours. This flexibility creates a more relaxed, natural daily rhythm and makes dining feel like a pleasure rather than a routine. The kitchen is led by a chef with a background in luxury hotels, resorts, and spas, including the famed Biltmore. His hospitality experience is reflected in the quality, creativity, and variety of the dishes offered.

The community also includes a beautifully designed bistro, complete with fresh-juice service from a massive commercial juicer, paninis, espresso drinks, pastries, and even craft beers. Whether residents want a full meal, a light snack, a coffee with a friend, or just a place to relax between activities, the bistro gives them a stylish and social gathering space filled with fresh options throughout the day.

Activity programming is another area where Novelle truly shines. The community recently established a partnership with West Valley College, which will provide access to lectures, classes, special events, theater performances, and even use of the campus pool. This connection allows residents to stay mentally engaged, socially connected, and physically active in ways that go far beyond typical community programming. Novelle also offers a full schedule of clubs, classes, cultural outings, wellness programs, and volunteer opportunities. Whether it’s joining a walking group, attending a guest lecture, participating in art workshops, or enjoying social gatherings, residents have endless ways to stay involved, stimulated, and connected.

A strong and experienced leadership team anchors the community. The general manager has more than 25 years of senior living experience, much of it with Merrill Gardens, and many team members have worked with her previously or have longstanding professional relationships within the industry. This level of continuity and expertise is rare, and it significantly enhances the resident experience. Families often say they choose a community not just because of the building, but because of the people who run it. At Novelle, the management team brings a calm, confident, and deeply knowledgeable approach to senior care, which builds trust from the moment families walk through the door.

Living at Novelle also means enjoying a low-maintenance, high-comfort lifestyle. The community provides weekly housekeeping, laundry service, maintenance support, transportation, and concierge-style assistance that helps residents stay independent without being overwhelmed by the daily burdens of homeownership. Instead of worrying about home repairs, meal planning, or managing errands, residents can focus on enjoying life—spending time with friends, participating in activities, or simply relaxing in the comfort of their beautiful apartment.

Novelle also offers a strong move-in incentive for new residents. The current promotion includes the first month free and an $8,000 community fee that is returned as a rent credit for the second month. With this arrangement, most new residents won’t pay a full month’s rent until February as long as they sign their agreement by November 30th. This can be an appealing financial benefit for families ready to make the transition soon. For couples, there is a second-person fee of $1,700 per month, which is standard for communities offering full hospitality and care services.

Even though Novelle is new, it is already building a warm, vibrant, and welcoming culture. Between the move-ins, tours, and daily activity programming, residents are quickly forming friendships and routines. Staff members take pride in learning residents’ stories, preferences, and personalities. The community encourages families and seniors who are curious to visit in person, enjoy a complimentary lunch, explore the amenities, and get a feel for the lifestyle. Visitors are also invited to try their now-famous chocolate chip cookies, which have quickly become a charming signature of the community.

For families searching for luxury senior living in San Jose, Novelle represents one of the most compelling new options in years. It combines the stability and integrity of a respected national operator with the warmth of a family-run business, the sophistication of a boutique hotel, and the personalized support of an experienced care team. From its beautiful apartments to its all-day dining, from its Montessori-based memory care to its partnership with West Valley College, Novelle offers seniors a chance to live fully, thrive socially, and age with dignity in a place that feels like home.