Best Assisted Living in Santa Cruz, CA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 11 assisted living communities in Santa Cruz, CA using CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank assisted living in CA
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Santa Cruz, CA our team has analyzed — not a count of every assisted living provider in Santa Cruz, CA.
11 homes
Other senior care options in Santa Cruz:

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Info below is compiled from the CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
A complaint visit is an unannounced on-site visit by California's Community Care Licensing Division to investigate a complaint about the community, filed by a resident, a family member, staff or anyone else. A visit means a complaint was looked into, not that it was proven: the state may find it substantiated, inconclusive or unfounded. Fewer visits is better.
Count of California state "Type A" citations — the state's most serious citation category (immediate or serious harm to residents), from California state inspection data.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Name of the licensed owner, operator, or managing entity as filed with the state. Useful for grouping facilities under the same organization.
Housing or bed configuration options (e.g. studio, shared), often from facility-reported amenities and licensing details.
Valley Haven
AL
HOS
MC
RC
Santa Cruz (Live Oak)
48
Facility 48
CA AVG 74
Rank #950 / 2,023
A+Yes
56
Facility 56
CA AVG 56
Rank #765 / 1,409
9
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 6
Rank #745 / 1,965
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 2,011
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 11
Rank #617 / 1,980
56.3%
Facility 56.3%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #1,561 / 1,829
Jesus & Josephine ArcillaPrivate Rooms
Alexandria Victoria
AL
HOS
MC
Santa Cruz (Banana Belt)
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 74
Rank #1,095 / 2,023
B+No
85
Facility 85
CA AVG 56
Rank #198 / 1,409
9
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 6
Rank #915 / 1,965
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 2,011
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 11
Rank #769 / 1,980
61.5%
Facility 61.5%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #1,478 / 1,829
Ofelia Jony, IncPrivate Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
Paradise Villa
AL
MC
RESC
Santa Cruz (Pleasant Acres Mobile Home Park)
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 74
Rank #1,133 / 2,023
CNo
70
Facility 70
CA AVG 56
Rank #485 / 1,409
5
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 6
Rank #1 / 1,965
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #1,491 / 2,011
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 11
Rank #1,368 / 1,980
83.3%
Facility 83.3%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #583 / 1,829
A Paradise Villa, IncSuite
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
AL
MC
Santa Cruz
132
Facility 132
CA AVG 74
Rank #426 / 2,023
C+Yes
93
Facility 93
CA AVG 56
Rank #71 / 1,409
45
26
Facility 26
CA AVG 6
Rank #1,795 / 1,965
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 3
Rank #1,819 / 2,011
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 11
Rank #1,090 / 1,980
79.5%
Facility 79.5%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #908 / 1,829
Mg Santa Cruz Subtenant LLC And Merrill Gardens LLCStudio / 1 Bed
Maple House
AL
MC
Santa Cruz (Seabright)
22
Facility 22
CA AVG 74
Rank #1,052 / 2,023
A-No
92
Facility 92
CA AVG 56
Rank #90 / 1,409
2-
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 2,011
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 11
Rank #1,642 / 1,980
50.0%
Facility 50.0%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #1,622 / 1,829
Divine Senior Care IncPrivate / Semi-Private Rooms
Maple House II
AL
MC
Santa Cruz (Yacht Harbor Manor)
40
Facility 40
CA AVG 74
Rank #978 / 2,023
A-No
74
Facility 74
CA AVG 56
Rank #397 / 1,409
5-
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #795 / 2,011
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 11
Rank #1,824 / 1,980
57.5%
Facility 57.5%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #1,544 / 1,829
Divine Senior Care IncPrivate / Semi-Private Rooms
Alexandria Victoria II
AL
HOS
MC
Santa Cruz (Banana Belt)
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 74
Rank #1,122 / 2,023
D-No
85
Facility 85
CA AVG 56
Rank #198 / 1,409
13
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 6
Rank #1,278 / 1,965
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 3
Rank #1,689 / 2,011
52
Facility 52
CA AVG 11
Rank #3 / 1,980
75.0%
Facility 75.0%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #1,019 / 1,829
Ofelia Jony IncSuite
Dominican Oaks
AL
Santa Cruz
142
Facility 142
CA AVG 74
Rank #368 / 2,023
B-No-11
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 6
Rank #1,047 / 1,965
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 2,011
35
Facility 35
CA AVG 11
Rank #53 / 1,980
29.6%
Facility 29.6%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #1,821 / 1,829
Dominican Oaks Corporation-
Live in Serenity
AL
MC
Santa Cruz
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 74
Rank #1,017 / 2,023
B+No-7
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 6
Rank #1 / 1,965
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #1,125 / 2,011
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 11
Rank #953 / 1,980
34.4%
Facility 34.4%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #1,777 / 1,829
Arcilla Investments Inc-
Twin Lakes Manor
AL
MC
Santa Cruz
12CNo-83115 66.7% Twin Lakes Manor, LLC-

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each assisted living community is ranked against every other CA assisted living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 11 analyzed for Santa Cruz. See how we rank facilities

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Valley Haven

2266 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Overview of Valley Haven

Valley Haven Assisted Living & Memory Care in Santa Cruz caters to seniors who require support with daily living activities in their assisted living with memory care center. Their staff is trained to provide compassionate care that respects residents’ dignity and independence.

Residents can benefit from medication management, assistance with ambulation, and incontinence care. This assisted living home also offers memory care programs designed to engage residents in activities that stimulate cognitive function and social interaction. The facility provides a safe and secure environment with beautifully landscaped grounds and walking paths that meander through groves of towering trees, leading to breathtaking views of the ocean.

Contact Valley Haven

Overview of Alexandria Victoria

Alexandria Victoria provides assisted living, hospice care, and memory care in Santa Cruz, California. In the Banana Belt neighborhood, the 13 bed community offers a smaller setting where residents and staff may get to know one another.

Alexandria Victoria can suit someone living with dementia who needs a secured, supervised setting, or a resident whose care needs may change across the available care levels. Assisted living includes help with bathing, dressing, and medication management, while memory care provides supervision in a secured setting. Hospice care focuses on comfort and support for residents with end of life needs.

Private and semi-private rooms are available. A resident can have a room to themselves or choose to share one. With a Walk Score of 85, the area falls in the very walkable range, so most errands can be completed on foot; a resident who no longer drives may still be able to reach nearby shops, a pharmacy, or cafes independently.

John Gryspos, Jr. serves as the administrator, and Ofelia Jony operates the community.

Contact Alexandria Victoria

Overview of Paradise Villa

Offering assisted living with memory care services in a comfortable and secure environment, Paradise Villa Assisted Living & Memory Care is just a short distance from the scenic Santa Cruz coastline. Their staff is dedicated to providing personalized care plans that meet the individual needs of each resident. Residents can receive assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and transportation.

This assisted living community also features a secured memory care wing with specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The facility includes amenities like a common area for socializing, a beautifully landscaped courtyard with walking paths, and a patio for residents to relax and enjoy the fresh ocean air.

Contact Paradise Villa

Overview of Sunshine Villa, a Merrill Gardens Community

Sunshine Villa, a Merrill Gardens Community, provides assisted living and memory care in Santa Cruz, CA. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident maintains an apartment, while memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Having both care levels on one campus may suit a resident whose needs grow over time without requiring a move to another community.

The community has 132 beds, with studios, one-bedroom apartments, and cottages. A studio offers one private living space, while a one-bedroom apartment separates the bedroom from the main living area. Monthly prices start at $5,395, giving families a baseline for budgeting.

A Walk Score of 93 places the area in the walker’s paradise band, so daily errands do not require a car and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Residents can exercise in the on-site fitness area, and pets are allowed, so a resident may bring a pet when moving in. Candace Bolin administers the community, which is operated by Mg Santa Cruz Subtenant and Merrill Gardens.

Starting Price $5,395/Month Info Pricing updated on October 7th, 2026

Contact Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

Maple House

410 Pennsylvania Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Overview of Maple House

Maple House provides assisted living and memory care in Santa Cruz’s Seabright neighborhood. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication, while residents continue living in the community. Memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Having both care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since they can move between them without leaving Maple House.

Maple House has 22 beds. That smaller size gives staff and residents the chance to know each other, and may suit someone who prefers a smaller setting. Private and semi-private rooms are available: a private room accommodates one resident, while a semi-private room is shared. A Walk Score of 92 places the area in the walker’s paradise band, so daily errands do not require a car and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently.

Ronnie Lising administers Maple House, which is operated by Divine Senior Care. Maple House opened in 1997.

Contact Maple House

Overview of Maple House II

Perfectly set near convenient local amenities in Brommer Street, Santa Cruz, CA, Maple House II is a dedicated community that provides assisted living. Residents are well cared for with 24-hour care and support from a highly-trained team that is committed to meeting their needs and preferences. The community works closely with the residents to provide personalized care to retain their independence.

For those with dementia, the community provides specialized care to enhance their cognition and ease their stresses. Grocery runs, medication reminders, and daily living activities are not problems with the community helping residents as they require. Here, delectable and healthy meals are served to satisfy dietary needs and tastes. The community strives to provide a comfortable and safe environment where residents thrive and live their lives to the fullest.

Contact Maple House II

Overview of Alexandria Victoria II

Conveniently nestled in Santa Cruz, CA, Alexandria Victoria II is a peaceful retreat for those who require assisted living. Residents here are encouraged to retain their lifestyle and independence with the added benefit of daily living support. The community helps with activities like grooming, bathing, and medication management to make sure residents can focus on living their best lives.

Alexandria Victoria II is also a place for relaxation and recreation with its wide range of fun and stimulating activities. Convenient features like a hair salon, library, spa, and fitness center are available to make residents’ living experience as enjoyable as possible. Here, residents’ wishes and preferences are respected in every aspect of their care plans to keep them motivated and in control of their lives.

Contact Alexandria Victoria II

Dominican Oaks

3400 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Overview of Dominican Oaks

Dominican Oaks offers assisted living in Santa Cruz, with 142 beds and a starting monthly price of $6,510. That gives families a clear baseline for planning the cost of care. Residents can choose a one bedroom apartment for private living space or a two bedroom apartment that may suit a couple or someone who wants a companion.

Pets are allowed, so residents may bring a pet when they move in. An on site hair and nail salon supports personal grooming without requiring an outside appointment. A resident garden and on site exercise classes create ways to garden and exercise within the community, while scheduled excursions offer outings to Santa Cruz attractions. The apartment layouts and resident garden may make Dominican Oaks a good fit for someone who wants assisted living with room for a companion and an on site place to garden.

 

Starting Price $6,510/Month Info Pricing updated on October 15th, 2026

Contact Dominican Oaks

Overview of Live in Serenity

Live in Serenity offers assisted living and memory care in Santa Cruz, California. Assisted living includes help with bathing, dressing, and medication while the resident keeps a private apartment. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia who needs protection from wandering.

With 32 beds, the community is smaller, giving staff and residents the chance to get to know each other. Respite care provides a short stay when a resident’s usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. The community may be a good fit for someone who needs daily support or a supervised memory care setting, including a family seeking short term care.

Residents can use the private outdoor area and take part in musical entertainment, exercise classes, and outdoor activities. Arcilla Investments operates Live in Serenity.

Contact Live in Serenity

Overview of Twin Lakes Manor

Twin Lakes Manor provides assisted living and memory care in Santa Cruz, CA. Assisted living includes help with bathing, dressing, and medication while preserving a personal living space. Memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone living with dementia.

Having both care levels in one community may suit a resident whose needs grow over time and require a change in support. Twin Lakes Manor opened in 2011 and has 12 beds, creating a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other. The starting price is $1,500 per month, which gives families a baseline for monthly budgeting.

Housing includes studios and shared rooms, so a resident may have either a private space or a room shared with someone else. An outdoor garden pathway with seating gives residents a place to relax outside. Daily activities include music listening and singing, arts and crafts, trivia and word games, puzzles, manicures, and reminiscing and life story sharing.

Starting Price $1,500/Month Info Pricing updated on October 20th, 2026

Contact Twin Lakes Manor

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 Cruz, CA

What is the average cost of assisted living in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Santa Cruz, CA is approximately $7,500. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

What is the price range for assisted living in Santa Cruz, CA?

Assisted living in Santa Cruz, CA typically ranges from $6,500–$9,500 per month, depending on the community, room type, and care needs.

What is the typical staff-to-resident ratio at assisted living facilities in Santa Cruz, CA?

Assisted living facilities in Santa Cruz, CA typically operate with a staff-to-resident ratio in the range of 1:6 to 1:12.

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.

Assisted Living in Santa Cruz at a glance

Avg Monthly Cost: $6,777The average monthly cost across facilities in Santa Cruz, CA. Reflects published or estimated base rates and can vary with care level, room type, and amenities. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: $5,600
Avg Walk Score: 79/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Santa Cruz, CA. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 43The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Santa Cruz, CA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90