About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2025 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2025 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2025 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

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Assisted living costs in Rancho Santa Margarita average about $4,172 per month. To find the best assisted living options for your needs and budget, browse through 200 communities in Rancho Santa Margarita. Our detailed directory has 897 reviews, photos, and lists of available services, amenities, and activities. Assisted living is ideal for seniors who need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing and eating, and prefer a social setting to pursue their interests. These communities offer a variety of dining options, as well as housekeeping services to eliminate daily stresses.

As you explore assisted living near you, you may also want to consider assisted living options in areas like You may also consider nearby communities such as Laguna Beach, Corona and Riverside.

Rancho Santa Margarita Assisted Living Facilities | 897 Reviews

Showing 134 communities
Last Updated: 12/24/25
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Photo of Lighthouse III
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
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Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Adelanto Covenant Care
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It's very good. He is happier than where he was. They are all very nice. I like the owner. I am very happy with them, they are excellent.
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Photo of Valley Residential Elderly Care II
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Valley Residential Elderly Care II is an assisted living and residential care facility located in the quiet community of Laguna Niguel, CA. Our facility is a home to your loved ones while they remain with us. We offer assistance in a variety of daily tasks to help your elderly and senior parents...
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Photo of The Covington
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I would tell others that it is a great community for independent living. It is very secure with a private gate. It is an upscale community. Our experience was during the pandemic. The staff are...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living, Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Photo of A Verona Court IV
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Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
A Verona Court IV is a senior home living community located in ten different locations in the Laguna Niguel and Laguna Hills areas covering the Orange County of California. Each of the senior living homes offers the most upscale, quick, reliable and responsive services to maintain their stance as...
Photo of A Verona Court IX
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Orange County has long been one of the most livable places in the United States. It is safe, friendly, and the sea breeze moves gently inland into the hills on a daily basis. For someone who has worked hard their entire life and is now spending their golden years in increasing discomfort...
Photo of A Verona Court
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Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Verona Court is a six-bed residential community for seniors providing quality assisted living to those physically challenged or have special needs, in an elegant and tranquil residential setting in Laguna Niguel, California. Verona Court, set up in the hills, three miles form the beach has five...
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Cost of assisted living in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

The average cost of senior living in Rancho Santa Margarita is $4,172 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Meadowbrook, CA with an average of $3,693 per month.

Assisted living costs in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, vs. nearby cities

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
$4,172/mo

Assisted living costs in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, vs. state and national averages

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
$4,172/mo
U.S. national average
$4,706/mo

Assisted living costs in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, vs. other senior living options

Assisted Living
$4,172/mo
$5,668/mo

Assisted living costs in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, by floor plan type

Semi-Private
$5,013/mo
Private
$5,905/mo
Studio
$6,420/mo
1 Bedroom
$6,664/mo
2 Bedroom
$8,452/mo

Senior living costs in Rancho Santa Margarita vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column communityType: Community type
Column destination: Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Column state: California
Column national: U.S.
Community typeRancho Santa Margarita, CACaliforniaU.S.
Assisted Living$4,172/mo$4,515/mo$4,706/mo
Memory Care$5,668/mo$5,484/mo$4,956/mo
Independent Living$4,479/mo$4,717/mo$4,162/mo
Assisted Living
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA:$4,172/mo
California:$4,515/mo
U.S.:$4,706/mo
Memory Care
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA:$5,668/mo
California:$5,484/mo
U.S.:$4,956/mo
Independent Living
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA:$4,479/mo
California:$4,717/mo
U.S.:$4,162/mo
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Assisted living costs in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly assisted living costs have shifted over the past five years in Rancho Santa Margarita and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent quarterly averages of what seniors actually paid after moving into A Place for Mom partner communities.

Rancho Santa Margarita, CACA stateNational

Assisted living cost trends in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

The table below shows how monthly assisted living costs in Rancho Santa Margarita have changed in the last two years and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent averages of actual costs paid by seniors who moved into A Place for Mom partner communities in 2023 and 2024.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column location: Location
Column cost2024: 2024 average cost
Column cost2023: 2023 average cost
Column percentChange: Percent change
Location2024 average cost2023 average costPercent change
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA$5,565/mo$5,819/mo-4.4%
California$5,659/mo$5,368/mo+5.4%
National$5,375/mo$5,129/mo+4.8%
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
2024 average cost:$5,565/mo
2023 average cost:$5,819/mo
Percent change:-4.4%
California
2024 average cost:$5,659/mo
2023 average cost:$5,368/mo
Percent change:+5.4%
National
2024 average cost:$5,375/mo
2023 average cost:$5,129/mo
Percent change:+4.8%
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Ways to pay for Assisted Living in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Paying for assisted living may seem daunting, but knowing all your options can be empowering. Read about the many private and public payment options that families use to pay for assisted living in Rancho Santa Margarita.

What families are saying about assisted living in Rancho Santa Margarita

Recent reviews for assisted living in Rancho Santa Margarita

Monterey Peninsula III in Corona, CA

3.8
My dad's only been there about a month and a half. Overall, I'd have to say a four out of five. There were a lot of factors taken into account: location, convenience. I am very happy with their helpfulness and their ability to answer questions Their patients, including my father, are ...
Read more

Monterey Peninsula IV in Corona, CA

5.0
This community just worked our perfectly, our loved one was from Hawaii and they were familiar with the their food traditions which was nice. It was very clean. and the staff members were great, we thought it was a really good value and the care excellent.

Priority Care Senior Living in Mission Viejo, CA

4.8
my sister had brain cancer...they were wonderful during her rough days! gave me peace of mind

Reviews mention these favorite features of communities

Warm and friendly staff. Many reviews mention the kindness and caring nature of the staff at various communities, including Watermark Laguna Niguel and Sunrise of Mission Viejo. Residents and their families appreciate the warm greetings and helpful attitudes displayed by the community's team members.
Quality dining experiences. Throughout the reviews, the importance of good food stands out as a major factor in overall satisfaction with the communities. For example, at Atria Golden Creek and Meridian at Laguna Hills, residents look forward to their meals and comment on the accommodation of dietary restrictions.
Engaging activities. Communities offer a wide range of activities for residents, as mentioned in reviews for Atria Golden Creek and Meridian at Laguna Hills. These activities include social events, educational programs, and fitness classes, allowing residents to stay active and engaged.
Well-maintained facilities. Reviews consistently mention cleanliness and upkeep as a priority, with some commenting specifically on the private rooms and group areas. For example, at Belmont Village Aliso Viejo and Ivy Park of Wellington, residents appreciate the pristine environments and updated features.
Effective communication between families and staff. Families and residents value clear and open communication, as mentioned in reviews for Atria Golden Creek and Meridian at Laguna Hills. Staff members are responsive and keep families informed about their loved ones' care and well-being.
Sense of community and friendliness. Several reviews mention the welcoming atmosphere and sense of community among the residents at their specific communities, including Capistrano Senior Living and Belmont Village Aliso Viejo. Many residents and families note that it feels like a large, caring family.
AI generated from the text of family reviews

Rancho Santa Margarita review score based on 137 family reviews

8.1
Review score132 facilities137 reviewsWrite a review
This proprietary review score is based on 137 reviews of 132 Rancho Santa Margarita assisted living communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.
The Rancho Santa Margarita review score informs your search by letting you see at a glance how assisted living residents and family members rate assisted living in your area. Compare review scores in multiple locations to understand how overall satisfaction rates differ from city to city. Based on recent reviews, the maximum possible score is 10.Methodology: How we calculate our city review scores

Rancho Santa Margarita review score compared against nearby cities

8.1
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA132 facilities
8.1
Mission Viejo, CA232 facilities
8.2
Lake Forest, CA224 facilities

Review subcategories for Rancho Santa Margarita assisted living

When assisted living residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 137 reviews of 132 Rancho Santa Margarita assisted living communities. This chart helps you compare Rancho Santa Margarita resident and family assisted living satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA averageNational average
Cleanliness
4.1
4.1
Friendliness
4.1
4.1
Care services
3.7
3.8
Staff
4.0
4.0
Meals & dining
3.7
3.6
Activities
3.7
3.7
Value for cost*
3.7
3.7
0.01.02.03.04.05.0
*Learn more about cost details

Rancho Santa Margarita assisted living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Rancho Santa Margarita assisted living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Rancho Santa Margarita, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select care services in Rancho Santa Margarita assisted living

Assisted living communities offer a variety of care services and visiting health care providers to meet seniors’ health needs. The chart below shows the percentage of assisted living partners in Rancho Santa Margarita that offer these care services compared to the percentage of partners that offer them nationally.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CANational
Full medication management
Full medication management
41.7%
52.5%
Doctor on call
Doctor on call
47.7%
33.9%
24-Hour awake staff
24-Hour awake staff
45.5%
96.1%
Diabetic care
Diabetic care
100%
97.6%
*Visiting health care professionals
*Visiting health care professionals
59.8%
56.7%
Home care agency on-site
Home care agency on-site
9.8%
30.1%
Non-ambulatory care
Non-ambulatory care
78%
96.7%
Respite or short term stays
Respite or short term stays
44.7%
47.6%
Hospice available on-site
Hospice available on-site
71.2%
52.5%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
*Including nurse, dentist, OT, PT, speech or podiatrist

Availability of select dementia care services in Rancho Santa Margarita assisted living

Our community partners provide many services to keep residents with dementia or other memory concerns safe and engaged. Below, take a look at what percentage of Rancho Santa Margarita Assisted Living partners offer the selected dementia care services compared to the percentage of partners nationally.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CANational
Dementia behaviors care
Dementia behaviors care
61.4%
51.4%
Specialized memory care training for staff
Specialized memory care training for staff
13.6%
32.6%
Secured community and/or wander guard
Secured community and/or wander guard
50.8%
41.1%
Memory care only community
Memory care only community
9.8%
13.7%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Rancho Santa Margarita assisted living

Assisted living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Rancho Santa Margarita partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
8.3%
27.3%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
15.2%
41%
No sugar
No sugar
15.2%
37.6%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
38.6%
36.2%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
6.8%
17.5%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Rancho Santa Margarita assisted living

Our assisted living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Rancho Santa Margarita communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
9.8%
31.6%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
12.1%
42.4%
Room service
Room service
12.1%
36.8%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
9.1%
18.1%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Rancho Santa Margarita assisted living

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered assisted living communities in Rancho Santa Margarita offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
12.1%
46.4%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
11.4%
31.1%
Community service programs
Community service programs
10.6%
30.5%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
30.3%
49.5%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
18.9%
49.4%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
52.3%
52.4%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
9.1%
41.4%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
9.1%
35.5%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
11.4%
38.1%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
15.9%
46.9%
Live performances
Live performances
16.7%
47%
Dances
Dances
9.8%
30.6%
Fitness center
Fitness center
8.3%
24.6%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
14.4%
46.1%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

State regulations for assisted living in Rancho Santa Margarita

Safety is a primary concern when seniors and their families look for assisted living. Each state has its own laws and inspection processes to help ensure seniors reside in a safe environment and receive quality care. Learning about California assisted living regulations will help you understand how assisted living communities in Rancho Santa Margarita protect seniors.
Learn about California assisted living regulationsDownload the Guide to Senior Living Licensure and Inspection Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Atria Golden Creek, Atria San Juan and Goodmornings Home Care are the top-rated assisted living facilities near Rancho Santa Margarita, California. See full list of communities.
There are 200 assisted living facilities near Rancho Santa Margarita, California. See the full list.
The best assisted living facilities near you in Rancho Santa Margarita, California are Atria Golden Creek, Menifee Senior Living and Sunny Rose Senior Living. These assisted living communities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews.
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The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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