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
Senior Living Home

10 Best Independent Living Communities in Santa Cruz, CA

Answer a few questions to get personalized results

Who are you searching for?

The cost of independent living in Santa Cruz is about $5,607 per month. To find the best independent living for your preferences and budget, browse these 17 options. Read 68 reviews, see photos, and learn about amenities that make independent living the ideal next step for adults 55+ who wish to enjoy friendships and hobbies without the hassle of cooking and home maintenance.

As you explore independent living near you, you may also want to consider options in areas like You may also consider nearby communities such as San Jose, Watsonville and Los Gatos.

Santa Cruz Independent Living Facilities | 68 Reviews

Showing 14 communities
Last Updated: 11/15/24
Sort by
Filter by
Review Score
Distance
See communities with
Amenities
Providers
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%
See all reviews
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...
See details
Photo of Brookdale Scotts Valley
1010 Photos available
44 Floor plans available
8.6
Review score
30 reviews
8.6
Review score
30 reviews
5 star
44%
4 star
33%
3 star
17%
2 star
3%
1 star
3%
See all reviews
Their price was better. I also had experience with [facility removed] and was not that happy with them. I would say they are good. My complaint is they're short staffed. Sometimes the call button would not...
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...
See details
Photo of Paradise Villa
44 Photos available
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
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.
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
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
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...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
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 Garfield Park Village
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
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 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.
Photo of La Posada
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
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 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...
Photo of Dominican Oaks
7.0
Review score
1 review
7.0
Review score
1 review
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
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.
Inline cta image

Our free advisors can help

  • Compare local facilities
  • Determine care type
  • Schedule tours
  • Evaluate pricing
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.
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
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...
Photo of Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc.
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
50%
2 star
50%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
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...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
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.

Cost of independent living in Santa Cruz, CA

The average cost of senior living in Santa Cruz is $5,607 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include San Juan Bautista, CA with an average of $4,097 per month.

Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Santa Cruz, CA vs. nearby cities

Santa Cruz, CA
$5,607/mo
$5,528/mo

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

Santa Cruz, CA
$5,607/mo
U.S. national average
$4,150/mo

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

$6,118/mo
Independent Living
$5,607/mo

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

Semi-Private
$6,300/mo
Studio
$4,618/mo
1 Bedroom
$5,593/mo
2 Bedroom
$7,465/mo

Discover the many ways to pay for senior living

Planning ahead can better position you to make good choices for your loved one’s care in the future. But if your aging family member needs care now, there are ways to finance the cost of long-term care through a combination of approaches.

What families are saying about independent living in Santa Cruz

Recent reviews for independent living in Santa Cruz

Merrill Gardens at Campbell

4.6
When it comes to the activities - my understanding is that they do not have an activities director, and it shows. For over two months now. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this community to other families and we actual have a friend moving their loved one into ...
Read more

Merrill Gardens at Gilroy

4.8
This is a good community to live. My loved one was able to make friends quickly here, and they feel safe. The staff communication with the family has been good and they have been responsive to our questions about our loved one. There are three meals a day served and there are choices for the ...
Read more

Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community in Santa Cruz, CA

4.6
The facility is circular and beautifully Victorian surrounding a sunny lush garden courtyard. Setting is on a hill three blocks from the ocean. There is always a friendly receptionist close to the entrance to greet you and who always answers the phone when you call. Everyone one on the staff ...
Read more

Santa Cruz independent living services and amenities

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

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Santa Cruz independent living

Independent 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 partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Santa Cruz, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
14.3%
20%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
14.3%
33.5%
No sugar
No sugar
14.3%
30.2%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
35.7%
32.7%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Santa Cruz independent living

Our independent living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Santa Cruz communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Santa Cruz, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
7.1%
35.7%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
14.3%
42.7%
Room service
Room service
14.3%
36.1%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
14.3%
16.9%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Santa Cruz independent 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 independent living communities in Santa Cruz offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Santa Cruz, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
21.4%
44.3%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
21.4%
27.8%
Community service programs
Community service programs
14.3%
32.1%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
28.6%
47.3%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
28.6%
48.3%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
21.4%
53.6%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
21.4%
42.2%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
14.3%
37.1%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
21.4%
40.8%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
28.6%
46.6%
Live performances
Live performances
28.6%
46.2%
Dances
Dances
14.3%
31.9%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
28.6%
45.8%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Atria Willow Glen, Belmont Village San Jose and Westmont of Morgan Hill are the top-rated independent living facilities near Santa Cruz, California. See full list of communities.

There are 17 independent living facilities near Santa Cruz, California. See the full list.

The best independent living facility near you in Santa Cruz, California is Atria Willow Glen. This independent living community received the highest ranking based on verified family reviews.

Photo cta image

More questions?

Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
Back to top