Explore Open Rooms

1 Contact details
2 What type of senior care service are you looking for?
3 What budget do you have in mind for senior care?
4 How soon do you need to find care?
5 Additional details

Thank you for your interest!

Our team will be in touch shortly to help with next steps.

Best Assisted Living in Santa Maria, CA

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Dec 2025
3 homes analyzed

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

Explore home photos
Watch this Video to see Santa Maria's Top-rated Senior Communities
Avg. Monthly cost: $5,500
National average: $5,600
Monthly cost range: $4,500–$7,500
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 Maria

Santa Maria Terrace
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.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Santa Maria
140
-
24
68.6%
5
33
13
6
OCEANO SENIOR LIVING, INC.
Studio / 1 Bed
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
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.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

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 Maria
330
A+
20
59.7%
4
6
1
4
MG AT SANTA MARIA, LP ; SHI-IV MERRILL GP, LLC ; M
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Oaks at Nipomo
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.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

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.

Nipomo
122
-
43
82.8%
5
26
9
-
-
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

A charming community providing independent living and assisted living in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria Terrace is one of the best retirement communities in the neighborhood. The upscale senior living home ensures that quality caregiving is the top priority on their list, enabling a level of trust that many families have praised over the years. Santa Maria’s devout care staff excels in providing personalized care uniquely designed for individuals’ needs in a nurturing environment.

Accommodations include premium services and amenities– fitness activities, recreational programs, scheduled outings, entertainment programs, specialized programs, gourmet-style dining, housekeeping, transportation, and ADLs.

Overview of Santa Maria Terrace

A charming community providing independent living and assisted living in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria Terrace is one of the best retirement communities in the neighborhood. The upscale senior living home ensures that quality caregiving is the top priority on their list, enabling a level of trust that many families have praised over the years. Santa Maria’s devout care staff excels in providing personalized care uniquely designed for individuals’ needs in a nurturing environment.

Accommodations include premium services and amenities– fitness activities, recreational programs, scheduled outings, entertainment programs, specialized programs, gourmet-style dining, housekeeping, transportation, and ADLs.

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Mid-rise

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Type of Care Available

Assisted Living Independent Living
Contact Santa Maria Terrace

Highlighting seniors’ needs and aspirations, Merril Gardens at Santa Maria is a respected senior living community situated on the serene grounds of Suey Road, Santa Maria, CA, that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community features over 200 snug and sophisticated accommodations in various studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring seniors experience unmatched comfort and convenience. With a dedicated and highly qualified team delivering top-tier care and assistance, seniors ease their minds and experience a glorious retirement.

Mingle with people from different backgrounds and learn new things through enjoyable events and exciting activities. Treat yourself to a lifetime vacation with the luxurious spaces of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria. Available at every time of the day, seniors enjoy delicious and healthy meals for dietary satisfaction. Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is ideal for seniors aiming to optimize their independence while keeping their peace of mind.

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

Highlighting seniors’ needs and aspirations, Merril Gardens at Santa Maria is a respected senior living community situated on the serene grounds of Suey Road, Santa Maria, CA, that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community features over 200 snug and sophisticated accommodations in various studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring seniors experience unmatched comfort and convenience. With a dedicated and highly qualified team delivering top-tier care and assistance, seniors ease their minds and experience a glorious retirement.

Mingle with people from different backgrounds and learn new things through enjoyable events and exciting activities. Treat yourself to a lifetime vacation with the luxurious spaces of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria. Available at every time of the day, seniors enjoy delicious and healthy meals for dietary satisfaction. Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is ideal for seniors aiming to optimize their independence while keeping their peace of mind.

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Room sizes icon
Room sizes icon

Room Sizes: 410 / 426 / 436 / 449-557 / 552-654 / 577 / 619 / 665 / 932 / 779 / 982 / 1071 / 1289 sq. ft

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: 3-story

Transportation services icon
Transportation services icon

Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Types of Care Available

Assisted Living Independent Living Memory Care
Contact Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

The Oaks at Nipomo

177 Mary Ave, Nipomo, CA 93444

Ideally situated in the harmonious neighborhood of Nipomo, CA, is the idyllic senior living community of The Oaks at Nipomo that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. The community goes above and beyond to provide top-tier care and assistance with a kind and specially trained team attending to their needs and preferences. Residents have a relaxing and safe retirement surrounded by the scenic views and vineyards of Nipomo.

With a meticulously curated calendar of fun recreation and exciting events, residents have more opportunities to learn and do the things they love. Here, residents have the finest dining experience with delicious and healthy meals that satisfy their nutritional needs and tastes. The Oaks at Nipomo is ideal for those seeking solace in their golden years living in a stress-free environment.

Overview of The Oaks at Nipomo

Ideally situated in the harmonious neighborhood of Nipomo, CA, is the idyllic senior living community of The Oaks at Nipomo that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. The community goes above and beyond to provide top-tier care and assistance with a kind and specially trained team attending to their needs and preferences. Residents have a relaxing and safe retirement surrounded by the scenic views and vineyards of Nipomo.

With a meticulously curated calendar of fun recreation and exciting events, residents have more opportunities to learn and do the things they love. Here, residents have the finest dining experience with delicious and healthy meals that satisfy their nutritional needs and tastes. The Oaks at Nipomo is ideal for those seeking solace in their golden years living in a stress-free environment.

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: 2-story

Transportation services icon
Transportation services icon

Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Dining services icon
Dining services icon

Three Meals Per Day

Type of Care Available

Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care
Contact The Oaks at Nipomo

Assisted Living Magazine Ranking Methodology

View Full Ranking Methodology

How We Score & Rank Senior Living Communities

Assisted Living Magazine ranks nursing homes using a rigorous, data-driven scoring model built specifically for skilled nursing.
Because this care level is regulated, clinical outcomes and compliance carry significantly more weight than transparency or digital presence. Each community receives a ranking based on the factors below, weighted according to their importance in predicting resident safety, care quality, and long-term stability.

Update cadence: Reviewed quarterly, with prompt updates when new reviews, reports, or complaints are filed.

What We Prioritize Most

The largest portion of every community’s score comes from resident feedback and online reputation (40%), which reflects real experiences shared by families and caregivers.

An additional 45% of the score comes from a combination of transparency and operational quality signals, including:

  • Photos, videos, and virtual tours (visual transparency)
  • Website quality and digital trust indicators
  • Occupancy levels and number of units (community scale & stability)

These factors help us evaluate how well a community presents itself and how consistently it meets resident needs.

Balancing Additional Factors

The final 15% of the score comes from supportive context data, including: walkability and local accessibility, estimated property value, and pricing information.

These elements provide helpful context but carry less weight because our rankings prioritize real-world satisfaction and care consistency first.

The result is a fair, clear, and data-driven ranking system for families researching senior living options.

Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today

Frequently Asked Questions

What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:

  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
  • Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
  • State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
  • Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up. 

What services do you offer?
  • Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
  • Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
  • Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
  • Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
  • Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
  • Senior-focused concierge medicine
  • Senior-focused nutritionist
  • Senior-focused personal training
  • Memory care specialists
  • Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
  • Custom hearing aids
  • Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
  • Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
  • Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.