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Best Assisted Living in Santa Maria, CA

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Dec 2025

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

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

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 (Metro Area)

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

Click column headers to sort
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 Yes 24 5 32 13 6 68.6% - 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 Yes 20 4 6 1 4 59.7% A+ 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 Yes 43 5 30 9 - 82.8% - - Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
4M's Home Care
RC
Santa Maria
64M's Home Care LLC
A Casa Ranch
RC
Santa Maria
64Aprilyn Living Hope, LLC
A Casa Tunnell
RC
Santa Maria
64Aprilyn Living Hope LLC
A Splendid Living, Rcfe
RC
Santa Maria
613A Splendid Living, Rcfe, INC.
Amalia's Residence
RC
Santa Maria
619Price, Dexter
Amalia's Residence II
RC
Santa Maria
614Dexter Price
Andrea's Board & Care
RC
Santa Maria
633Rivera, Andrea G.
Ave's Board And Care
RC
Santa Maria
641Ave, Linda
Cacho's Home Care
RC
Santa Maria
612Jeosela Cacho Dizon
Cavilla Care Home
RC
Santa Maria
626Cabandong, Joseph L. & Joyce V.
Cloe And Erica's Board & Care
RC
Santa Maria
625Flojo, Alan & Teresita
Erneil Board And Care
RC
Santa Maria
62Erneil Board And Care, LLC
Estrell Home Care LLC
RC
Santa Maria
313Estrell Home Care, LLC.
Janelle's Rcfe
RC
Santa Maria
626Cristeta A. Maglalang
Jireh Senior Home Corporation
RC
Santa Maria
61Jireh Senior Home Corporation
La Salle Care Home INC.
RC
Santa Maria
617La Salle Care Home, INC.
Lifetouch The Elegant Living Residential Home Care
RC
Santa Maria
63Lifetouch The Elegant Living Residential Home Care
Lorie's Rcfe LLC #1
RC
Santa Maria
67Lorie's Rcfe, LLC
Lorie's Rcfe LLC #2
RC
Santa Maria
67Lorie's Rcfe, LLC
Lorie's Rcfe LLC #3
RC
Santa Maria
67Lorie's Rcfe, LLC #3
Lynn's Rcfe #2
RC
Santa Maria
611Lynn's Residential Care, INC.
Magnolia
RC
Santa Maria
1418Senior Living Resources
Maria's Guest Home
RC
Santa Maria
631Gerardo Sanchez
My Family Residential Care Home
RC
Santa Maria
624Lopez, Luisa A.
Mydor's Open Guest Home IV
RC
Santa Maria
425Mydor's Open Guest Home, INC.
Mydor's Open Guest Home, INC. I
RC
Santa Maria
625Mydor's Open Guest Home INC.
Mydor's Open Guest Home, INC. II
RC
Santa Maria
625Mydor's Open Guest Home, INC.
Mydor's Open Guest Home, INC. III
RC
Santa Maria
625Mydor's Open Guest Home, INC.
Oani Home Care For The Elderly, INC.
RC
Santa Maria
615Oani Home Care For The Elderly, INC.
Oani Home Care Rcfe
RC
Santa Maria
619Shirley Cabeliza Oani
Orcutt Board And Care Home
RC
Santa Maria
636Yague, Annie V. & Nelson S.
Pedflor's Residential Care II
RC
Santa Maria
61Pedflor Alejandro 1 LLC
Royal Care Home
RC
Santa Maria
628Vea, Leilanie A.
Silver Hills Rcfe
RC
Santa Maria
625Sepulveda, Alfonsito D. & Jovina C.
Sunrise Care-Home For The Elderly
RC
Santa Maria
628Pineda, Jerry L.
Superior Residential Care Facility For The Elderly
RC
Santa Maria
623So Hu, Eric
Superior Residential Care For The Elderly II
RC
Santa Maria
622So Hu, Eric
Tina's Gentle Care Homes I
RC
Santa Maria
623Tina's Gentle Care Homes, INC.
Tina's Gentle Care Homes II
RC
Santa Maria
623Tina's Gentle Care Homes, INC.
Tj Cares Home Care LLC
RC
Santa Maria
6Tj Cares Home Care LLC
Villa-Care Home I
RC
Santa Maria
64Villa-Care Homes, INC.
Villa-Care Home II
RC
Santa Maria
64Villa-Care Homes, INC.
Villa-Care Home III
RC
Santa Maria
64Villa-Care Homes, INC.
Villa-Care Home IV
RC
Santa Maria
64Villa-Care Homes INC
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?

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Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact Santa Maria Terrace

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?

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Pets Allowed

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

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

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
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Pets Allowed

Housing options icon
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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 2-story

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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

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Three Meals Per Day

Contact The Oaks at Nipomo

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 Maria, CA

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

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Santa Maria, CA is approximately $5,500. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

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

Assisted living in Santa Maria, CA typically ranges from $4,500–$7,500 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 Maria, CA?

Assisted living facilities in Santa Maria, 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 Maria, CA?

According to state licensing records, there are approximately ~15–20 licensed assisted living facilities in Santa Maria, 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.