About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2024 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2024 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2024 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Santa Cruz County, CA

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Assisted living costs in Santa Cruz County average about $5,092 per month. To find the best assisted living options for your needs and budget, browse through 15 communities in Santa Cruz County. Our detailed directory has 73 reviews, photos, and lists of available services, amenities, and activities. Assisted living is ideal for seniors who need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing and eating, and prefer a social setting to pursue their interests. These communities offer a variety of dining options, as well as housekeeping services to eliminate daily stresses.

As you explore assisted living near you, you may also want to consider assisted living options in areas like You may also consider nearby communities such as San Jose, Santa Clara and Mountain View.

Santa Cruz County Assisted Living Facilities | 73 Reviews

Showing 13 communities
Last Updated: 11/16/24
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Photo of Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
1414 Photos available
8.7
Review score
32 reviews
8.7
Review score
32 reviews
5 star
57%
4 star
28%
3 star
3%
2 star
6%
1 star
6%
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The facility is clean, attractive and in a nice location. Staff are bright, cheerful, friendly and helpful. Food is good and plentiful. The care my wife has received is outstanding, and she's happy. They...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community is a beautiful community located in the center of all the action. We are within walking distance of the Santa Cruz Wharf, beach and boardwalk. Our beautiful building has a charming personality—and a fascinating past—all its own. Sunshine Villa, A...
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Photo of Brookdale Scotts Valley
1010 Photos available
44 Floor plans available
8.5
Review score
30 reviews
8.5
Review score
30 reviews
5 star
44%
4 star
33%
3 star
17%
2 star
3%
1 star
3%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Fewer Chores, More FunDo you want to experience a retirement rich in exciting events, activities and programs and free from the burden of household chores like cooking, cleaning, laundry and yard work? If that sounds like something you want for your life, we have good news. Your dream retirement...
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Photo of Westwind Memory Care
66 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
8.0
Review score
5 reviews
8.0
Review score
5 reviews
5 star
60%
4 star
40%
3 star
0%
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0%
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0%
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Caring staff. Good housekeeping. Sometimes communication could be better. Overall, I would recommend Westwind Memory Care to others.
Provides: Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
The Westwind Memory Care assisted living community is located in the gorgeous city of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, California. This area is known for its natural beauty and its proximity to Monterey Bay. Seniors who love the water and all things nature will love the Santa Cruz atmosphere. The...
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Photo of Paradise Villa
44 Photos available
5 star
0%
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Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
About the communityWelcome to Paradise Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care. Our senior living community is pleasantly located in Santa Cruz, California, on 17th Avenue. We’re a dignified and affordable solution for families seeking assisted living care in the area. For over 40 years we’ve...
Photo of Aegis of Aptos
1616 Photos available
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
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See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Aegis of Aptos is one of the Santa Cruz areas newest assisted living communities. Located just minutes from beautiful Monterey Bay, Aegis provides high quality assisted living services in a specially designed environment. Innovative programs, and high staffing ratios enable us to provide the...
Photo of The Mansion
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Provides: Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Photo of Dominican Oaks
7.0
Review score
1 review
7.0
Review score
1 review
5 star
0%
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0%
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I've lived here for two years and I am very pleased with my life here. The community is very friendly and supportive. There are many activities offered here to keep our bodies and minds busy. Many of the...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc.
5 star
0%
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0%
3 star
50%
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50%
1 star
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Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc.Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc. is an assisted living community that is located in the town of Soquel, CA. Soquel is located in the Santa Cruz area. Living in Soquel you definitely get the small town feel but are still close enough to the big city lifestyle of the Santa Cruz...
Photo of Valley Haven III
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Maple House
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
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Photo of Santa Cruz Alzheimer's Association
Provides: Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Photo of Live In Serenity
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
The Chateau Guest Home is a quaint assisted living community located in the bustling city of Santa Cruz, CA. Santa Cruz is a beautiful seaside community with a lot of great amenities. It is also a tourist destination, making it an ideal location for an assisted living community, and that's why...
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Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Capitola ManorCapitola Manor is a uniquely beautiful and welcoming assisted living community nestled within Santa Cruz, CA. The landscaped community has much to offer in the way of being a home away from home. Trees and shrubs surround the property, which gives way to a peaceful and quiet setting...

Cost of assisted living in Santa Cruz County, CA

The average cost of senior living in Santa Cruz County is $5,092 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Gilroy, CA with an average of $4,124 per month.

Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Santa Cruz County, CA vs. nearby counties

Santa Cruz County, CA
$5,092/mo

Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Santa Cruz County, CA vs. the state and national average

Santa Cruz County, CA
$5,092/mo
U.S. national average
$4,738/mo

Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Santa Cruz County vs. other types of senior living

Assisted Living
$5,092/mo
$6,238/mo

Median monthly costs of Assisted Living in Santa Cruz County, CA by room type

Semi-Private
$6,700/mo
Studio
$5,545/mo
1 Bedroom
$5,593/mo
2 Bedroom
$7,465/mo

Average cost of Assisted Living in Santa Cruz County over time

Santa Cruz County, CACA stateNational

Ways to pay for Assisted Living in Santa Cruz County, CA

Paying for assisted living may seem daunting, but knowing all your options can be empowering. Read about the many private and public payment options that families use to pay for assisted living in Santa Cruz County.

What families are saying about assisted living in Santa Cruz County

Recent reviews for assisted living in Santa Cruz County

Golden Heritage Living in San Jose, CA

5.0
This place is an excellent facility that specializes in the care of Chinese speaking people. It is well maintained and the staff is always ready to help. My mom lived there until she passed .

Sunrise of Sunnyvale

5.0
I took a tour with [name removed] , what a sweetheart. She was professional, knowledgeable and represented the company well. I am looking a ways out, but defiantly my first choice. I was very impressed. They also have a great Asian infused menu.

Atria Willow Glen in San Jose, CA

5.0
My husband was at Atria for 2 yrs and loved it. He made many friends and enjoyed the community. The staff were wonderful, accommodating, and always made us feel welcome. We were nervous at first but now we know it was the best decision!

Santa Cruz County assisted living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Santa Cruz County assisted living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Santa Cruz County, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select care services in Santa Cruz County assisted living

Assisted living communities offer a variety of care services and visiting health care providers to meet seniors’ health needs. The chart below shows the percentage of assisted living partners in Santa Cruz County that offer these care services compared to the percentage of partners that offer them nationally.
Santa Cruz County, CANational
Full medication management
Full medication management
53.8%
52.3%
Doctor on call
Doctor on call
38.5%
33.4%
24-Hour awake staff
24-Hour awake staff
92.3%
98.8%
Diabetic care
Diabetic care
100%
99.4%
*Visiting health care professionals
*Visiting health care professionals
46.2%
56.6%
Home care agency on-site
Home care agency on-site
38.5%
29.8%
Non-ambulatory care
Non-ambulatory care
92.3%
99.1%
Respite or short term stays
Respite or short term stays
46.2%
48%
Hospice available on-site
Hospice available on-site
61.5%
53.1%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
*Including nurse, dentist, OT, PT, speech or podiatrist

Availability of select dementia care services in Santa Cruz County assisted living

Our community partners provide many services to keep residents with dementia or other memory concerns safe and engaged. Below, take a look at what percentage of Santa Cruz County Assisted Living partners offer the selected dementia care services compared to the percentage of partners nationally.
Santa Cruz County, CANational
Dementia behaviors care
Dementia behaviors care
46.2%
51.1%
Specialized memory care training for staff
Specialized memory care training for staff
7.7%
32.1%
Secured community and/or wander guard
Secured community and/or wander guard
53.8%
41%
Memory care only community
Memory care only community
30.8%
13.5%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Santa Cruz County assisted living

Assisted living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Santa Cruz County partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Santa Cruz County, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
15.4%
26.8%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
23.1%
40%
No sugar
No sugar
23.1%
36.8%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
46.2%
35.2%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Santa Cruz County assisted living

Our assisted living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Santa Cruz County communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Santa Cruz County, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
15.4%
30.9%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
23.1%
41.8%
Room service
Room service
15.4%
35.7%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
23.1%
17.8%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Santa Cruz County assisted living

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered assisted living communities in Santa Cruz County offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Santa Cruz County, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
30.8%
45.8%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
30.8%
30.8%
Community service programs
Community service programs
15.4%
29.9%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
38.5%
49.4%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
38.5%
48.7%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
38.5%
52.2%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
30.8%
40.8%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
15.4%
34.3%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
30.8%
37.2%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
38.5%
46.2%
Live performances
Live performances
38.5%
46.5%
Dances
Dances
23.1%
29.4%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
38.5%
45.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

State regulations for assisted living in Santa Cruz County

Safety is a primary concern when seniors and their families look for assisted living. Each state has its own laws and inspection processes to ensure seniors reside in a safe environment. Learning about California assisted living regulations will help you understand how assisted living communities in Santa Cruz County protect seniors.

Learn about California Assisted Living regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

Atria Willow Glen, Sunrise of Sunnyvale and Belmont Village San Jose are the top-rated assisted living facilities near Santa Cruz County, California. See full list of communities.

There are 15 assisted living facilities near Santa Cruz County, California. See the full list.

The best assisted living facilities near you in Santa Cruz County, California are Atria Willow Glen, Sunrise of Sunnyvale and Atria Evergreen Valley. These assisted living communities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews.

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