
Compare Assisted Living around Santa Barbara (Metro Area)
The information below is reported by the California Department of Social Services and Department of Public Health.
| Covenant Living at the Samarkand | AL MC NH SNF | Santa Barbara (Samarkand) | 379
Facility
379
CA AVG
104
Rank
#31 / 1648 | No |
50
Facility
50
CA AVG
57
Rank
#1343 / 2087 | 90
Facility
90
CA AVG
81
Rank
#398 / 1399 | 6 | 1
Facility
1
CA AVG
13
Rank
#210 / 1388 | 2
Facility
2
CA AVG
3
Rank
#599 / 1160 | 33
Facility
33
CA AVG
13
Rank
#92 / 1494 | 85.2% | A+ | Covenant Living West | - |
| Heritage House | AL MC | Santa Barbara (Goleta) | 68
Facility
68
CA AVG
104
Rank
#1013 / 1648 | No |
67
Facility
67
CA AVG
57
Rank
#829 / 2087 | 96
Facility
96
CA AVG
81
Rank
#1 / 1399 | 5 | 0
Facility
0
CA AVG
13
Rank
#1 / 1388 | 0
Facility
0
CA AVG
3
Rank
#1 / 1160 | 23
Facility
23
CA AVG
13
Rank
#292 / 1494 | 85.3% | - | Heritage House Group | Private Rooms |
| Vista Del Monte Retirement Community | AL IL MC | Santa Barbara (Hidden Valley) | 266
Facility
266
CA AVG
104
Rank
#74 / 1648 | Yes |
18
Facility
18
CA AVG
57
Rank
#1869 / 2087 | 91
Facility
91
CA AVG
81
Rank
#355 / 1399 | 37 | 2
Facility
2
CA AVG
13
Rank
#324 / 1388 | 1
Facility
1
CA AVG
3
Rank
#412 / 1160 | 28
Facility
28
CA AVG
13
Rank
#159 / 1494 | 75.6% | A+ | Walgenbach, Brian & Gill, Doug | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed |
| Casa Dorinda | AL MC NH SNF | Santa Barbara | 360
Facility
360
CA AVG
104
Rank
#34 / 1648 | No |
2
Facility
2
CA AVG
57
Rank
#2039 / 2087 | 86
Facility
86
CA AVG
81
Rank
#630 / 1399 | 5 | 4
Facility
4
CA AVG
13
Rank
#525 / 1388 | - | 32
Facility
32
CA AVG
13
Rank
#108 / 1494 | 85.3% | - | Montecito Retirement Association | - |
| Wood Glen Hall | AL IL RC | Santa Barbara (East San Roque) | 72
Facility
72
CA AVG
104
Rank
#977 / 1648 | No |
54
Facility
54
CA AVG
57
Rank
#1240 / 2087 | 85
Facility
85
CA AVG
81
Rank
#687 / 1399 | 11 | 14
Facility
14
CA AVG
13
Rank
#991 / 1388 | 1
Facility
1
CA AVG
3
Rank
#412 / 1160 | - | 68.1% | A+ | Wood Glen Hall Inc | Private Rooms |
| Alexander Gardens | AL MC | Santa Barbara (Upper East) | 36
Facility
36
CA AVG
104
Rank
#1230 / 1648 | No |
64
Facility
64
CA AVG
57
Rank
#922 / 2087 | 86
Facility
86
CA AVG
81
Rank
#630 / 1399 | 7 | 5
Facility
5
CA AVG
13
Rank
#588 / 1388 | 3
Facility
3
CA AVG
3
Rank
#753 / 1160 | 10
Facility
10
CA AVG
13
Rank
#667 / 1494 | 63.9% | - | Gl And Vl LLC | Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms |
| Mission Villa | AL HOS MC RESC | Santa Barbara (Oak Park) | 15
Facility
15
CA AVG
104
Rank
#1288 / 1648 | No |
73
Facility
73
CA AVG
57
Rank
#641 / 2087 | 72
Facility
72
CA AVG
81
Rank
#1050 / 1399 | 9 | 9
Facility
9
CA AVG
13
Rank
#809 / 1388 | 4
Facility
4
CA AVG
3
Rank
#829 / 1160 | 4
Facility
4
CA AVG
13
Rank
#1108 / 1494 | 80.0% | A+ | Universal Bond, LLC | Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms |
| Maravilla | AL IL MC | Santa Barbara (Calle Real) | 131
Facility
131
CA AVG
104
Rank
#482 / 1648 | Yes |
42
Facility
42
CA AVG
57
Rank
#1523 / 2087 | 67
Facility
67
CA AVG
81
Rank
#1155 / 1399 | 12 | 10
Facility
10
CA AVG
13
Rank
#845 / 1388 | 7
Facility
7
CA AVG
3
Rank
#984 / 1160 | 11
Facility
11
CA AVG
13
Rank
#614 / 1494 | 95.4% | - | Maravilla Subtenant LLC And Srg Managment LLC | 1 Bed / 2 Bed |
| Cliff View Terrace | AL | Santa Barbara (Alta Mesa) | 72
Facility
72
CA AVG
104
Rank
#977 / 1648 | No |
72
Facility
72
CA AVG
57
Rank
#673 / 2087 | 89
Facility
89
CA AVG
81
Rank
#461 / 1399 | 5 | 2
Facility
2
CA AVG
13
Rank
#324 / 1388 | - | 33
Facility
33
CA AVG
13
Rank
#92 / 1494 | 55.6% | - | Cliff View Terrace, Inc | - |
| Westmont of Santa Barbara | AL IL MC | Goleta | 99
Facility
99
CA AVG
104
Rank
#726 / 1648 | Yes |
24
Facility
24
CA AVG
57
Rank
#1793 / 2087 | 59
Facility
59
CA AVG
81
Rank
#1300 / 1399 | 23 | 24
Facility
24
CA AVG
13
Rank
#1182 / 1388 | 18
Facility
18
CA AVG
3
Rank
#1129 / 1160 | 8
Facility
8
CA AVG
13
Rank
#746 / 1494 | 72.7% | A- | Mariposa Mgr Gp Of Mariposa Oper And Westmont Living | Studio / 1 Bed |
| Garden Court at Villa Santa Barbara | AL IL | Santa Barbara (Laguna) | 126
Facility
126
CA AVG
104
Rank
#520 / 1648 | Yes |
94
Facility
94
CA AVG
57
Rank
#87 / 2087 | 77
Facility
77
CA AVG
81
Rank
#924 / 1399 | 10 | 9
Facility
9
CA AVG
13
Rank
#809 / 1388 | 5
Facility
5
CA AVG
3
Rank
#895 / 1160 | 3
Facility
3
CA AVG
13
Rank
#1215 / 1494 | 73.8% | - | Ventas Santa Barbara Opco, LP And Capital Sr. Mgmt 2 | Studio / Alcove / 1 Bed |
Covenant Living at the Samarkand is a senior living community that mainly provides services for residential living, assisted living, and skilled nursing seniors. The senior living community is dedicated to empowering all residents to live on their terms. The resort-like community boasts a relaxing and calming experience for its residents because it allows them to choose a lifestyle that matches their needs independently.
The Covenant Senior Living lifestyle is all about convenience and individuality. Many of their amenities and services are designed to ensure that a resident’s needs are met and satisfied. These include a library, wellness center, courtyard, and garden, and an arts and crafts studio, while services include housekeeping, laundry, and transportation.
Operated by Heritage House Group, Heritage House is an assisted living and memory care community in the Goleta area of Santa Barbara, California. Alejandra Nunez serves as the administrator. The two-story community is about 8.5 miles from downtown Santa Barbara. It offers 68 beds with private rooms and has served residents for 23 years.
The community currently has 58 residents, with an occupancy rate of about 85%. The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 67, which is moderately walkable. Some nearby shops and services can be reached on foot, but other errands and outings require a short drive.
Meals are prepared by an on-site culinary team and served in a pub, café, and dining room, giving residents several places to dine and socialize. Shared amenities include a ballroom, billiards lounge, fitness centre, computer and media centre, and a fireplace lounge. Residents also have access to wheelchair-accessible showers, kitchenettes, and ground-floor accommodation.
Alongside assisted living, Heritage House provides specialized memory care for residents living with memory loss. Recreational and social programmes are available across both care settings. Transportation services help residents attend appointments and local outings.
State inspections by California regulators have consistently found the community free of deficiencies. Reviews noted well-maintained facilities, strong fire safety practices, and accurate staff and medication records. Families touring Heritage House should ask how the memory care program is staffed.
Vista Del Monte is a cozy, comfortable, and oasis-like home with quality service. Offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services, residents continue to maintain their individuality. Vista Del Monte is undeniably a place where seniors belong to live on their terms. Seniors will discover an elevated lifestyle in its elegant and gracious approach to modern-day senior living.
As a member of the Front Porch group, a not-for-profit organization, it provides philanthropic support for its seniors to gain a wonderful experience during their stay. They also offer their exclusive Humanly Possible® program that focuses on the holistic wellness of its residents in a positive, person-centered approach to individual growth.
Divine Care for the Elderly is an astounding senior living community located in Frances Street, Santa Barbara, CA providing 24-hour care, Personal Care, Recreational Activities, and Meal Preparation for seniors. The community focuses on individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The community provides dedicated care professionals round-the-clock to assist with their needs to ensure the seniors receive the high-quality care they deserve.
Divine Care for the Elderly promotes a warm and friendly environment to ensure the comfort of its residents. The community also conducts brain-stimulating activities to keep the seniors socially and mentally active. For the residents’ dietary restrictions and preferences, healthy and delicious meals are served daily.
Welcome to Residential Assisted Living Santa Barbara, a cozy and supportive home located in the beautiful city of Santa Barbara. Nestled in this charming community, our assisted living facility provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for seniors seeking comfort and care. Dedicated caregivers ensure personalized assistance and attention to promote the well-being and happiness of residents. With tailored services, engaging activities, and a serene environment, our goal is to create a sense of community and foster an active and fulfilling lifestyle. At Residential Assisted Living Santa Barbara, we strive to enhance the quality of life for residents and offer peace of mind to their loved ones.
Casa Dorinda is a nursing home in Santa Barbara, California. It’s located on Hot Springs Road in a quiet, car-dependent area outside the city center. Medicare and private pay are welcome, so families have different coverage options. Owned by Ramona Clark, the community is operated by the Montecito Retirement Association under Brian Mccague’s administration.
The home is a substantial community with 360 beds, currently at 70 percent occupancy with 251 residents. After operating for over three decades, the community has built a stable resident population with an average stay length of 126 days, reflecting a mix of short-term rehabilitation stays and longer-term nursing care. Casa Dorinda employs a full clinical team, with total nursing care averaging nearly 6 hours per resident day, supported by a mix of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides. Daily life centers on structured meals and recreation. The kitchen prepares three fresh-made meals per day, with special events like Sunday Champagne Brunch and holiday celebrations in the calendar. Residents can partake in cultural events, arts and crafts, fitness classes at an on-site gym, and nature walks that get people outside when the weather permits.
For residents working on recovery post-hospital stays or injury, Casa Dorinda supports rehabilitation services. A fitness center and gym exist for residents wanting to maintain strength and mobility, and housekeeping services keep the building tidy and orderly. Families evaluating Casa Dorinda should take time to tour the home and meet the care team, so that a real sense of the daily environment and the care pacing is felt and perceived.
Abundant Care is a boutique-style Santa Barbara community offering memory care support. The elegant community gives off a homelike atmosphere for residents to feel a sense of belonging in a community they found. Abundant Care provides endless opportunities for seniors to discover their new home.
Community accommodations are designed and created to maximize every feature for an enhanced living. The staff encourages an active lifestyle, providing activities that include outings and programs while experiencing state-of-the-art amenities. The well-trained nursing staff helps the residents fulfill their wellness, safety, and security.
Operated by Wood Glen Hall Inc. , Wood Glen Hall is an assisted living community in the East San Roque neighborhood of Santa Barbara, California. The community also offers independent living and respite care. Residents have access to different levels of support without leaving the community if their needs change. The single-story building has 72 private rooms, with an occupancy rate of about 68%. It is about 2.8 miles from downtown Santa Barbara.
Residents have access to transportation services, fitness and recreation programs, chef-prepared meals, weekly housekeeping, and laundry services. A fitness area, gardens, and a community garden provide opportunities to stay active and spend time outdoors without leaving the property.
The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 54, which is moderately walkable. Some nearby shops and services can be reached on foot, but other errands and outings require a short drive. This can be a useful consideration for families planning regular visits.
Wood Glen Hall meets fire safety and emergency preparedness requirements, according to state inspections. Other reviews have examined transportation services and completion of scheduled safety drills. The overall inspection history indicates routine regulatory oversight, not a pattern of significant health or safety concerns.
Alexander Gardens Assisted Living proudly provides a home-like environment where its residents are treated like family. Residential living heeds a lifestyle of comfort. The community is where seniors thrive and retire gracefully thanks to the genuine support and care from a team of professionals. The assisted living home promotes a villa-type setting balanced with a permanent vacation feeling that can inspire residential living. This unique community is the last independently owned provider on Santa Barbara’s Upper East Side.
One of Santa Barbara’s most trusted communities, Alexander Gardens practices a person-centered approach, providing a reliable environment through maintenance-free services, housekeeping services, comfortable common spaces, and delicious dining experiences. They boast their highly trained care staff, spacious apartments, and a list of calendar-filled activities for an engaging and enriching experience during their stay.
Operated by Universal Bond, LLC, Mission Villa is a senior living community in the Oak Park neighborhood of Santa Barbara, California. Gerr serves as the administrator. The community offers assisted living, memory care, residential care, and hospice care in one location. The single-story building has 15 beds with private and semi-private rooms and has served residents for four years. It currently operates at about 80% occupancy.
Mission Villa is less than one-third of a mile from Pueblo Care Complex and about 1.25 miles from downtown Santa Barbara. Residents and families have convenient access to nearby medical care and local amenities. The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 73, which is very walkable. Many everyday errands are within walking distance.
Residents have access to transportation services along with fitness and recreation programs that support an active lifestyle. It’s easier to attend appointments and outings without relying on family for every trip.
State inspections in California have generally described the community as clean and well-maintained. Reviews have mainly focused on recordkeeping, staffing, and the management of daily resident care. More recent complaint investigations did not substantiate the reported concerns. Families touring Mission Villa may want to ask how these areas are managed as part of the community’s daily operations.
Ranking Methodology
How we rank these assisted living communities
Every community above is evaluated across six weighted categories using public data including state inspection records, review platforms, BBB profiles, and operator-published materials.
Weighting overview
- 35%Resident Experience
- 25%Regulatory
- 15%Visual Media
- 10%Website
- 10%Stability
- 5%Environment
01
Resident & Family Experience 35%
The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.
- Includes
- Review Sentiment
- Review Volume
02
Regulatory & Safety Record 25%
State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.
- Includes
- State Inspections
- Citations/Inspection
- % Inspections w/ Citations
- Complaint Visits
- Accreditations
- BBB Rating
03
Visual Media & Transparency 15%
Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.
- Includes
- Video Tours
- Virtual Walkthroughs
- Photo Quantity
- Photo Quality
04
Website & Operator Transparency 10%
Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.
- Includes
- Website Content
- Mobile Usability
- Staff Info Available
- Owner Info Available
05
Community Stability 10%
Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.
- Includes
- Occupancy Rate
- Bed Options
06
Environment & Pricing 5%
Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.
- Includes
- Walk Score
- Pricing Transparency
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Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in Santa Barbara, CA
What's the difference between assisted living and memory care in California?
Assisted living in California supports residents with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication management) while preserving independence. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and adds 24/7 secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and structured routines designed to reduce confusion and wandering.
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in California?
Assisted living in California is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.
Does California Medicaid cover assisted living?
California Medicaid does not directly pay room-and-board for assisted living, but most states (including California) offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can offset the cost of care services delivered inside a licensed community. Eligibility, waitlists, and covered services vary — check directly with the state Medicaid agency.
What is assisted living?
Assisted living combines private or semi-private apartments with help on activities of daily living (meals, bathing, dressing, medication management) and a social calendar — for residents who need some support but do not need 24/7 medical care.
How many assisted living facilities are listed on this page?
This page features 14 assisted living facilities in Santa Barbara, CA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right assisted living facility in Santa Barbara, CA?
Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Santa Barbara, CA, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.
What should I look for when visiting assisted living facilities in Santa Barbara, CA?
Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.


















