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Best Assisted Living in Santa Maria, CA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 4 assisted living communities in Santa Maria, CA using California Department of Social Services (CDSS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank assisted living in CA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Dec 2025
We analyzed
4 homes
Other senior care options in Santa Maria:

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: $8,333The average monthly cost across facilities in Santa Maria, 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: 24/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Santa Maria, 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: 152The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Santa Maria, CA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

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.

Santa Maria Terrace
AL
MC
RC
Santa Maria
140
Facility 140
CA AVG 103
Rank #419 / 1657
Yes
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 57
Rank #1798 / 2092
59
Facility 59
CA AVG 81
Rank #1301 / 1401
23
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 13
Rank #1278 / 1397
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 3
Rank #1096 / 1164
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #886 / 1487
68.6%
Facility 68.6%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #877 / 1368
-Oceano Senior Living, IncStudio / 1 Bed
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
AL
IL
MC
Santa Maria
330
Facility 330
CA AVG 103
Rank #44 / 1657
Yes
20
Facility 20
CA AVG 57
Rank #1846 / 2092
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 81
Rank #398 / 1401
13
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #654 / 1397
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #413 / 1164
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #1100 / 1487
59.7%
Facility 59.7%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #1113 / 1368
A+Mg At Santa Maria, LP ; Shi-IV Merrill Gp, LLC ; MStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Magnolia and Primrose
AL
MC
Santa Maria
14
Facility 14
CA AVG 103
Rank #1305 / 1657
No
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 57
Rank #1990 / 2092
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 81
Rank #513 / 1401
7
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #529 / 1397
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #600 / 1164
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 13
Rank #492 / 1487
64.3%
Facility 64.3%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #1015 / 1368
-Senior Living Resources-
The Oaks at Nipomo
AL
IL
MC
Nipomo
122
Facility 122
CA AVG 103
Rank #550 / 1657
Yes
43
Facility 43
CA AVG 57
Rank #1505 / 2092
59
Facility 59
CA AVG 81
Rank #1301 / 1401
5
34
Facility 34
CA AVG 13
Rank #1289 / 1397
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 3
Rank #1033 / 1164
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 13
Rank #805 / 1487
78.7%
Facility 78.7%
CA AVG 74.8%
Rank #629 / 1368
-Nipomo Oaks,Gp Of Nipomo Oaks Ops LP;Westmont LvngStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
4M's Home Care
RC
Santa Maria
64M's Home Care LLC
A Casa Ranch
RC
Santa Maria
6314Aprilyn Living Hope, LLC
A Casa Tunnell
RC
Santa Maria
632144Aprilyn Living Hope LLC
A Splendid Living, Rcfe
RC
Santa Maria
6413A Splendid Living, Rcfe, INC.
Amalia's Residence
RC
Santa Maria
646119Price, Dexter
Amalia's Residence II
RC
Santa Maria
64414Dexter Price
Andrea's Board & Care
RC
Santa Maria
6333Rivera, Andrea G.
Ave's Board And Care
RC
Santa Maria
651541Ave, Linda
Cacho's Home Care
RC
Santa Maria
6412Jeosela Cacho Dizon
Cavilla Care Home
RC
Santa Maria
64326Cabandong, Joseph L. & Joyce V.
Cloe And Erica's Board & Care
RC
Santa Maria
641225Flojo, Alan & Teresita
Erneil Board And Care
RC
Santa Maria
612Erneil Board And Care, LLC
Estrell Home Care LLC
RC
Santa Maria
3413Estrell Home Care, LLC.
Janelle's Rcfe
RC
Santa Maria
6326Cristeta A. Maglalang
Jireh Senior Home Corporation
RC
Santa Maria
61Jireh Senior Home Corporation
La Salle Care Home INC.
RC
Santa Maria
6431117La Salle Care Home, INC.
Lifetouch The Elegant Living Residential Home Care
RC
Santa Maria
6123Lifetouch The Elegant Living Residential Home Care
Lorie's Rcfe LLC #1
RC
Santa Maria
657Lorie's Rcfe, LLC
Lorie's Rcfe LLC #2
RC
Santa Maria
65127Lorie's Rcfe, LLC
Lorie's Rcfe LLC #3
RC
Santa Maria
65117Lorie's Rcfe, LLC #3
Lynn's Rcfe #2
RC
Santa Maria
64211Lynn's Residential Care, INC.
Magnolia
RC
Santa Maria
14418Senior Living Resources
Maria's Guest Home
RC
Santa Maria
6531Gerardo Sanchez
My Family Residential Care Home
RC
Santa Maria
64124Lopez, Luisa A.
Mydor's Open Guest Home IV
RC
Santa Maria
441125Mydor's Open Guest Home, INC.
Mydor's Open Guest Home, INC. I
RC
Santa Maria
641225Mydor's Open Guest Home INC.
Mydor's Open Guest Home, INC. II
RC
Santa Maria
6425Mydor's Open Guest Home, INC.
Mydor's Open Guest Home, INC. III
RC
Santa Maria
65125Mydor's Open Guest Home, INC.
Oani Home Care For The Elderly, INC.
RC
Santa Maria
64115Oani Home Care For The Elderly, INC.
Oani Home Care Rcfe
RC
Santa Maria
64119Shirley Cabeliza Oani
Orcutt Board And Care Home
RC
Santa Maria
6410836Yague, Annie V. & Nelson S.
Pedflor's Residential Care II
RC
Santa Maria
61Pedflor Alejandro 1 LLC
Royal Care Home
RC
Santa Maria
65128Vea, Leilanie A.
Silver Hills Rcfe
RC
Santa Maria
6425Sepulveda, Alfonsito D. & Jovina C.
Sunrise Care-Home For The Elderly
RC
Santa Maria
64128Pineda, Jerry L.
Superior Residential Care Facility For The Elderly
RC
Santa Maria
64523So Hu, Eric
Superior Residential Care For The Elderly II
RC
Santa Maria
642122So Hu, Eric
Tina's Gentle Care Homes I
RC
Santa Maria
6423Tina's Gentle Care Homes, INC.
Tina's Gentle Care Homes II
RC
Santa Maria
6423Tina'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
63144Villa-Care Homes, INC.
Villa-Care Home II
RC
Santa Maria
63114Villa-Care Homes, INC.
Villa-Care Home III
RC
Santa Maria
634Villa-Care Homes, INC.
Villa-Care Home IV
RC
Santa Maria
63134Villa-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.

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.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

Overview of Magnolia and Primrose

Magnolia and Primrose is a sanctuary of comfort and attentive care, dedicated to enriching the lives of its residents. They feature well-appointed accommodations designed to promote both independence and a sense of community, fostering social engagement and a fulfilling lifestyle. With a team of compassionate professionals, they provide round-the-clock assistance while ensuring a warm and nurturing environment where residents feel cherished and empowered.

Magnolia and Primrose caters to the unique needs of its residents with unwavering dedication. The care home prides itself on offering personalized care plans, fostering a sense of autonomy while ensuring assistance with daily activities.

Contact Magnolia and Primrose

The Oaks at Nipomo

177 Mary Ave, Nipomo, CA 93444
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.

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.