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Best Assisted Living in Santa Cruz, CA

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Apr 2026
We analyzed 7 homes in Santa Cruz, CA

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and California Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

Explore home photos

Video Tour: Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Santa Cruz, California.

Watch this Video to see Santa Cruz's Top-rated Senior Communities
Avg. Monthly cost: $7,500
National average: $5,600
Monthly cost range: $6,500–$9,500
National average: $3,400 – $8,200
Avg. Staff-to-Resident ratio: 1:6 to 1:12
National average: 1:6

Compare Assisted Living around Santa Cruz (Metro Area)

The information below is reported by the California Department of Social Services and Department of Public Health.

Click column headers to sort
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Santa Cruz (Beach & Boardwalk Commercial District)
132
Facility 132
CA AVG 105
Rank #475 / 1665
Yes
93
Facility 93
CA AVG 63
Rank #111 / 2096
4249
5
Facility 5
CA AVG
Rank #739 / 1209
79.5% -Mg Santa Cruz Subtenant LLC; Merrill Gardens LLCStudio / 1 Bed
Valley Haven
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Santa Cruz (Live Oak)
48
Facility 48
CA AVG 105
Rank #1172 / 1665
Yes
56
Facility 56
CA AVG 63
Rank #1181 / 2096
42-
12
Facility 12
CA AVG
Rank #382 / 1209
56.3% -Jesus & Josephine ArcillaPrivate Rooms
Maple House
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Santa Cruz (Seabright)
22
Facility 22
CA AVG 105
Rank #1296 / 1665
No
92
Facility 92
CA AVG 63
Rank #137 / 2096
1--
1
Facility 1
CA AVG
Rank #1118 / 1209
50.0% -Divine Senior Care Inc.Private / Semi-Private Rooms
Alexandria Victoria
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

HC

Home Care Professional care delivered in the person's own home — from companionship and errands to skilled nursing and therapy. Allows seniors to age in place. Medicare covers skilled home health when medically necessary.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Santa Cruz (Banana Belt)
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 105
Rank #1317 / 1665
No
85
Facility 85
CA AVG 63
Rank #290 / 2096
43-
8
Facility 8
CA AVG
Rank #532 / 1209
61.5% -Ofelia Jony IncPrivate Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
Paradise Villa
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Santa Cruz (Pleasant Acres Mobile Home Park)
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 105
Rank #1337 / 1665
No
70
Facility 70
CA AVG 63
Rank #741 / 2096
3-4
4
Facility 4
CA AVG
Rank #835 / 1209
83.3% A+A Paradise Villa, Inc.Suite
Maple House II
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Santa Cruz (Yacht Harbor Manor)
40
Facility 40
CA AVG 105
Rank #1214 / 1665
No
74
Facility 74
CA AVG 63
Rank #599 / 2096
1-1
1
Facility 1
CA AVG
Rank #1118 / 1209
57.5% -Divine Senior Care Inc.Private / Semi-Private Rooms
Alexandria Victoria II
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Santa Cruz (Banana Belt)
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 105
Rank #1333 / 1665
No
85
Facility 85
CA AVG 63
Rank #290 / 2096
476
8
Facility 8
CA AVG
Rank #532 / 1209
75.0% -Ofelia Jony IncSuite
Overview of Sunshine Villa, a Merrill Gardens Community

Sunshine Villa, a Merrill Gardens Community, is a senior living community situated in the vibrant heart of Santa Cruz, within walking distance of the Santa Cruz Wharf, beach, and boardwalk. With individualized care services catered to each resident’s needs and preferences, this historic landmark provides high-quality assisted living and memory care. Since 1990, Sunshine Villa has been a dependable member of the Santa Cruz community, offering top-notch care in a lovely, idyllic environment.

Sunshine Villa’s goal is to provide its residents with a satisfying and rewarding lifestyle, and it is committed to meeting and beyond their expectations. The community offers a number of amenities, such as chef-prepared meals, elegantly furnished common rooms, a library, landscaped gardens with courtyards, private dining room, on-site RNs/LPNs, and a Victorian sunporch, ensuring a comfortable and engaging living experience.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 320 / 490 - 576 sq. ft

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

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.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: Private Rooms

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Building Type: Single-story

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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact Valley Haven

Maple House

410 Pennsylvania Ave, Santa Cruz, Ca 95062, Usa
Overview of Maple House

Maple House is a dedicated assisted living community in Santa Cruz, CA, that offers personal care and memory care. The community also promotes a nurturing and welcoming environment, ensuring older adults can feel at home during their stay. Mealtime assistance, medication management, and mobility support are among the exceptional services dedicated to enriching residents’ living experiences. Through personalized care plans, residents receive high-quality care for their needs and preferences.

Social events, light physical activities, and various games provide residents with more opportunities to explore new interests and make friends. With spacious living areas and accessible communal spaces, residents can rest without hassles. Residents also have easy access to beaches and public transportation with its ideal location in Santa Cruz. This assisted living community is a trusted choice for senior living in California, especially with its high-quality services that aim to help older adults live to their potential in retirement.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Private / Semi-Private Rooms

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Building Type: Single-story

Contact Maple House

Overview of Alexandria Victoria

Alexandria Victoria is an assisted living community in Santa Cruz, California that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for its residents, with a charming location that captures the essence of coastal living. They provide assistance with daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.

Seniors settling into this assisted living home for the golden years can also enjoy a variety of amenities, including a spacious common area for socializing, a beauty salon/barber shop, and scheduled transportation for errands and appointments. Alexandria Victoria strives to create a sense of community and belonging for its residents through social and recreational activities, including outings to explore the nearby beaches and pier.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms

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Staff to Resident Ratio: 1 staff: 5 Residents

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Building Type: Single-story

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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

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Three Meals Per Day

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.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Suite

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Building Type: Two-story

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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact Paradise Villa

Maple House II

2000 Brommer St, Santa Cruz, Ca 95062, Usa
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.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Private / Semi-Private Rooms

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Building Type: Single-story

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.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Suite

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Building Type: Single-story

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Three Meals Per Day

Contact Alexandria Victoria II

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.

How many licensed assisted living facilities are there in Santa Cruz, CA?

According to state licensing records, there are approximately ~10–15 licensed assisted living facilities in Santa Cruz, 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.