
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.
| Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria | AL IL MC | Santa Maria | 330
Facility
330
CA AVG
104
Rank
#44 / 1644 | Yes |
20
Facility
20
CA AVG
57
Rank
#1841 / 2087 | 90
Facility
90
CA AVG
81
Rank
#398 / 1400 | 13 | 6
Facility
6
CA AVG
13
Rank
#650 / 1388 | 1
Facility
1
CA AVG
3
Rank
#412 / 1160 | 4
Facility
4
CA AVG
12
Rank
#1074 / 1500 | 59.7% | A+ | Mg At Santa Maria, LP, Shi-IV Merrill Gp, LLC, And M | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed |
| Magnolia and Primrose | AL MC | Santa Maria | 14
Facility
14
CA AVG
104
Rank
#1292 / 1644 | No |
7
Facility
7
CA AVG
57
Rank
#1985 / 2087 | 88
Facility
88
CA AVG
81
Rank
#513 / 1400 | 7 | 4
Facility
4
CA AVG
13
Rank
#525 / 1388 | 2
Facility
2
CA AVG
3
Rank
#599 / 1160 | 15
Facility
15
CA AVG
12
Rank
#436 / 1500 | 64.3% | - | Senior Living Resources | - |
| The Oaks at Nipomo | AL IL MC | Nipomo | 122
Facility
122
CA AVG
104
Rank
#549 / 1644 | Yes |
43
Facility
43
CA AVG
57
Rank
#1501 / 2087 | 59
Facility
59
CA AVG
81
Rank
#1301 / 1400 | 5 | 34
Facility
34
CA AVG
13
Rank
#1282 / 1388 | 9
Facility
9
CA AVG
3
Rank
#1029 / 1160 | 8
Facility
8
CA AVG
12
Rank
#689 / 1500 | 78.7% | - | Nipomo Oaks, Gp Of Nipomo Oaks Ops LP And Westmont Lvng | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed |
| Santa Maria Terrace | AL MC RC | Santa Maria | 140
Facility
140
CA AVG
104
Rank
#418 / 1644 | Yes |
24
Facility
24
CA AVG
57
Rank
#1793 / 2087 | 59
Facility
59
CA AVG
81
Rank
#1301 / 1400 | 23 | 32
Facility
32
CA AVG
13
Rank
#1271 / 1388 | 13
Facility
13
CA AVG
3
Rank
#1092 / 1160 | 6
Facility
6
CA AVG
12
Rank
#851 / 1500 | 68.6% | - | Oceano Senior Living, Inc | Studio / 1 Bed |
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.
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.
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.
Operated by Oceano Senior Living, Inc. , Santa Maria Terrace is an assisted living, memory care, and respite care community on East Main Street in Santa Maria, California. Sanjuana Enriquez serves as the administrator. The community is about 1.5 miles from downtown Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County. It has been operating for 6 years.
The mid-rise community has 140 beds with studio and one-bedroom apartments. It currently operates at about 69% occupancy. The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 24, which is car-dependent. Most errands and outings require a vehicle.
Residents receive support with activities of daily living, along with dining, housekeeping, and transportation services. Fitness classes, recreational activities, scheduled outings, entertainment, and specialised programs are all part of daily life. The community also welcomes pets, so residents can move in with a companion animal.
State inspections have shown mixed results over time. A recent review found the community in full compliance with operational, safety, staffing, medical, and emergency preparedness requirements. Earlier complaint investigations identified concerns involving medication management, staffing, personal care, and cleanliness, which the community has since addressed. Families touring Santa Maria Terrace can ask how these areas are monitored as part of the community’s daily operations.
Ranking Methodology
How we rank these assisted living communities
Every community above is evaluated across six weighted categories using public data including state inspection records, review platforms, BBB profiles, and operator-published materials.
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.
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.












