Occupancy rate
60%
18% lower than California average
California average: 73%
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.
Assisted Living Home
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
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.
Capacity and availability
High-capacity home
May provide extensive amenities, services and programs.
Total beds
330
This home usually has availability
Lower occupancy suggests more openings may be available.
Occupancy rate
59.7%
Residents per day
197
Occupancy rate
59.7%
Residents per day
197
330-bed community
A large-scale community that may provide a wide range of amenities, services, and structured programs.
4 years in operation
An established community with some operational experience and growing routines.
Walk Score: 20 / 100
Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.
BBB Rating: A+ (Not Accredited)
An independent rating from the Better Business Bureau based on factors such as complaint history, transparency, and business practices.
How BBB ratings work
How BBB ratings work
About this community
Occupancy
18% lower than California average
Occupied beds
197 / 330
Average residents
87 per day
License details
Facility type
Residential Care Elderly
Status
Licensed
Licensed
Issuance
September 10, 2021
County:
SANTA BARBARA
Additional licensing details
Awards:
Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® Credentialed Community, Bronze Level, Great Place to Work 2024-2025
Ownership & operating entity
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is legally operated by MG AT SANTA MARIA, LP ; SHI-IV MERRILL GP, LLC ; M.
Safety & Compliance
Care Services
Memory Care
Independent Living
Licensed Nurses/CNAs
24-Hour Staffing
All Levels of Care
Additional Policies & Features
Housekeeping:
Yes
Amenities & Lifestyle
Programs & Activities
Specific Programs
Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Pricing & Financial Information
Starting Price$3,300
What does this home offer?
Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed
Room Sizes: 410 / 426 / 436 / 449-557 / 552-654 / 577 / 619 / 665 / 932 / 779 / 982 / 1071 / 1289 sq. ft
Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Building Type: 3-story
Transportation Services
Fitness and Recreation
Types of Care at Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
Assisted Living
Independent Living
Memory Care
Inspection History
In California, the Department of Social Services (for assisted living facilities) and the Department of Public Health (for nursing homes) conduct inspections to ensure resident safety and regulatory compliance.
11 visits
California average: 16 visits
Breakdown by visit type
6 total complaint visits
5 other visits
Other visits include regulatory visits that are not routine inspections or complaint investigations, such as administrative check-ins, follow-up reviews, or licensing-related visits.
California average
13 total complaint visits
7 other visits
Show Inspection Reports
5 complaint investigations
Investigations can have many visits.
California average: 10 complaint investigations
4 official inspections
California average: 4 official inspections
2 total citations
Citations indicate regulatory violations. A higher number implies the facility had several areas requiring improvement.
California average: 10 citations
1 serious citation
A violation that poses an immediate risk to resident health or safety, or represents a substantial failure to comply with licensing requirements.
California average: 3 serious citations
1 moderate citation
A violation that does not pose an immediate risk to resident health or safety but requires correction to remain in compliance.
California average: 4 moderate citations
Latest inspection
Date:September 17, 2025
Type:Annual Inspection
7 deficiencies
Deficiencies indicate regulatory issues. A higher number implies the facility had several areas requiring improvement.
Inspection Report Summary for Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
Most inspections found no deficiencies, and several complaint investigations were unsubstantiated, reflecting generally good compliance with regulations. The most recent report from September 17, 2025, was clean with no deficiencies noted. Earlier reports included some isolated issues such as facility disrepair in January 2024 and a substantiated complaint in May 2022 about unsafe conditions during renovations causing resident respiratory distress. A serious event occurred in November 2023 when the facility was fined $500 for failing to prevent a resident’s elopement that led to injury. Overall, the facility appears to have addressed past problems, with recent inspections showing improvement and no new deficiencies.
Compare Assisted Living around Santa Maria The information below is reported by the California Department of Social Services and Department of Public Health.
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
Atria Walnut Creek
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.
NH
Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
Walnut Creek
200
-
40
67.5%
5
27
3
26
WG MONTEGO HEIGHTS SH LP; ATRIA MANAGEMENT CO LLC
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
Peninsula Pointe by Cogir
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.
NH
Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
Rolling Hills Estates
121
-
74
34.7%
1
3
2
1
CADENCE SL PALOS VERDES LLC/SRE DVM, PV, LLC
Studio / 1 Bed
Brookdale at Home Hemet
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.
Hemet
-
A+
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Living Spaces & Floor Plans
Merrill Gardens At Santa Maria 2
Merrill Gardens At Santa Maria1 2
Merrill Gardens At Santa Maria2 2
Merrill Gardens At Santa Maria3 2
Places of interest near Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
2.5 miles from city center — 0.91 miles to nearest hospital (Advanced Women's Health of the Central Coast)
1220 N Suey Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Calculate Travel Distance to Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
Add your location
Guides for Better Senior Living
Care Cost Calculator: See Prices in Your Area
Nursing Home Data Explorer
Don’t Wait Too Long: 7 Red Flag Signs Your Parent Needs Assisted Living Now
The True Cost of Assisted Living in 2025 – And How Families Are Paying For It
Understanding Senior Living Costs: Pricing Models, Discounts & Financial Assistance
Financial Aid for California Seniors
Get financial aid guidanceContact Us
Planning a tour? Check our touring checklist.
Thinking of living here? We can help you speak to a current resident
Looking for a job? Apply for Open Positions at Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
Thinking about senior living? Use our bidding system to get competitive quotes from the best homes in your area.
Touring Checklist for Senior Living
Touring a community? Use this expert-backed checklist to stay organized, ask the right questions, and find the perfect fit.
Location
Community Spaces and Overall Environment
Services
Staffing
Accommodations
Finances
Other Notes
0/250
Send Checklist to Your Email
We'll send you a PDF version of the touring checklist.
Feedback
