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
VERIFIED PARTNER

Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

CompareSaveShare

1220 Suey Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454

For pricing & availability:
(866) 374-4058
9.4
Review score
46 reviews
Add review
9.4
Review score
46 reviews
5 star
60%
4 star
33%
3 star
7%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
8.8
Review score
2607 reviews
61 facilities
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
CompareSaveShare
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
1616 Photos available
1313 Floor plans available
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria in google map
street view of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

Get pricing & check availability

Please enter a valid name.

Please enter a valid email address.

Please enter a valid 10-digit phone number.

By sharing your contact information, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You also consent to receive texts and calls from us and our community customers, including telemarketing and/or advertising, even if your number is on a Do Not Call list. Outreach may be during quiet hours under all applicable laws, auto-dialed, or may use pre-recorded or artificial voice. Your consent is not a condition to using our service. Msg and Data Rates may apply. Msg frequency varies. Text HELP for Help. Text STOP for Stop.

Anonymous
-
Child of resident/client
5.0
Review for Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
I moved my parents into one of their cottages. Two bed/two baths. They are very happy there. Staff friendly and considerate. Only complaint would be the food. Nothing fancy just plain with lots of chicken and little variety. I would have expected better meals due to the cost. But they're c

About the facility
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

In the heart of Santa Maria, you’ll find the perfect paradise for retirement. This community offers resort-like amenities within a home-like environment. Neutral colors and stone hearths are throughout the community, providing a comforting and inviting atmosphere for residents. Nearby, residents can visit various parks, restaurants, and easily accessible health care services at the local medical campus. Their prime location enables residents to do everything they’d like.

This beautiful community is a proud member of Merrill Gardens — a fifth-generation family company that understands the importance of providing a family-like atmosphere for retirement. With roots dating back to the 1890s, you can trust them to care for you or your loved one. Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria offers a variety of retirement options to meet your unique needs and lifestyle. Choose from independent living, assisted living, and memory care options.

Community Amenities and Services

The goal is to help residents lead fulfilling lives built around each individual’s pleasures and hobbies. That is exactly why the incredible activities calendar is driven by residents’ interests. From fitness classes and game nights to TED talks and cooking classes, the community is dedicated to keeping residents active and engaged in every way. With the...

Read more

Senior living options offered

Assisted Living

Memory Care

Independent Living

Pricing
for Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

Total monthly costs depend on room type, select services, and the level of care needed.

Base fees by care type

Assisted Living

Unlock pricing
Studio
Starting at $XXXX/mo
Unlock pricing
1 Bedroom
Starting at $XXXX/mo
Unlock pricing
2 Bedrooms
Starting at $XXXX/mo

Memory Care

Unlock pricing
Studio
Starting at $XXXX/mo

Independent Living

Unlock pricing
Studio
Starting at $XXXX/mo
Unlock pricing
1 Bedroom
Starting at $XXXX/mo
Unlock pricing
2 Bedrooms
Starting at $XXXX/mo
Unlock pricing
Detached Cottages / Bungalows
Starting at $XXXX/mo
*Prices quoted are monthly rental charges and are provided by the communities themselves. Actual prices may differ due to one-time fees, timing and care services required. Speak with your Senior Living Advisor to learn more.

Tours
at Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

Select tour type
Select preferred date
Select preferred time

Compare

Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

1220 Suey Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454

Amalia's Residence II
Amalia's Residence II

1206 Kensington Avenue, Santa Maria, CA 93454

The Oaks at Nipomo community entrance
The Oaks at Nipomo

177 Mary Ave, Nipomo, CA 93444

Santa Maria Terrace
Santa Maria Terrace

1405 E Main St, Santa Maria, CA 93454

9.4
Review score
46 reviews
9.4
Review score
46 reviews
5 star
60%
4 star
33%
3 star
7%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
9.5
Review score
13 reviews
9.5
Review score
13 reviews
5 star
69%
4 star
23%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
8%
9.1
Review score
21 reviews
9.1
Review score
21 reviews
5 star
66%
4 star
19%
3 star
10%
2 star
5%
1 star
0%
8.7
Review score
26 reviews
8.7
Review score
26 reviews
5 star
34%
4 star
27%
3 star
31%
2 star
4%
1 star
4%
Studio
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
Studio
--
Studio
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
Studio
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
1 bedroom
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
1 bedroom
--
1 bedroom
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
1 bedroom
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
2 bedrooms
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
2 bedrooms
--
2 bedrooms
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
2 bedrooms
--

Active promotion

No

Active promotion

No

Active promotion

No

Active promotion

No

Pet friendly

Yes

Pet friendly

Yes

Pet friendly

Yes

Pet friendly

Yes

Care types offered

3

Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living

Care types offered

2

Memory Care, Residential Care Home

Care types offered

3

Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living

Care types offered

1

Assisted Living

Amenities
at Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

Healthcare Services

  • Staffing & Ancillary Services
  • Memory Care
  • Medication Management
  • Incontinence Care
  • Non-Ambulatory Care

Meals & Dining

  • Vegetarian
  • Room Service
  • Meals Provided
  • Professional Chef
  • Guest Meals
  • Low / No Sodium
  • Restaurant Style Dining
  • Anytime Dining

Room Amenities

  • Wheelchair Accessible Showers
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Wi-Fi/high-speed internet
  • Cable or Satellite TV
  • Air Conditioned
  • Full kitchen
  • Bath Tubs
  • Kitchenette
  • Private patio, deck, or balcony
  • Ground Floor Units

Community Amenities

On-site dining options

  • Private Dining Room
  • Café or Bistro

Transportation & parking

  • Transportation at Cost
  • Property Convenient to Public Transit
  • Uncovered Parking
  • Resident Parking Available
  • Complimentary Transportation

Pets

  • Dogs Allowed
  • Cats Allowed
  • Weight Limit (lbs)

Common areas

  • Outdoor Common Areas
  • Outside Patio
  • Central Fireplace
  • Barber Shop
  • Meeting Room
  • Beauty Salon
  • Library
  • TV Lounge
  • Indoor Common Areas
  • Computer or Media Center

Recreational areas

  • Swimming Pool
  • Billiards Lounge
  • Game Room
  • Raised Garden Beds
  • Jacuzzi
  • Arts and Crafts Center
  • Piano or Organ
  • Movie or Theater Room

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Grocery Shopping and Errands
  • Beautician
  • Laundry Service / Drycleaning

Languages spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Activities

  • Dances
  • Cooking Club
  • Live Dance or Theater Performances
  • Tai Chi
  • Devotional Activities On-Site
  • BBQs or Picnics
  • Water Aerobics
  • Yoga / Chair Yoga
  • Pet-focused Programs
  • Wii Bowling
  • Devotional Activities Offsite
  • Art Classes
  • Other Religious Services
  • Men's Club
  • Forever Fit
  • Trivia Games
  • Stretching Classes
  • Karaoke
  • Brain fitness / Dakim
  • Birthday Parties
  • Wine Tasting
  • Day Trips and Outings
  • Walking Club
  • Educational Speakers / Life Long Learning
  • Protestant Services
  • Activities On-site
  • Catholic Services
  • Holiday Parties
  • Live Musical Performances
  • Choir / Singing Club
  • Christian Services
  • Bridge Club
  • Activities Off-site
  • Live Well Programs
  • Gardening Club
  • Visiting Chaplain or Priest
  • Cooking Classes
  • Happy Hour
  • Book Club
  • Cards / Pinochle Club

Reviews

for Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

9.4Review score46 reviews
9.4
Review score
46 reviews
5 star
60%
4 star
33%
3 star
7%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
Merrill Gardens
8.8
Review score2607 reviews61 communities
Write a review
A Place for Mom has scored Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria with 9.4 out of 10 using our proprietary review score based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time, Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria has 46 reviews with an average "overall experience" of 4.5 out of 5.
Overall Experience
4.5
Cleanliness
4.5
Friendliness
4.6
Care Services
4.6
Staff
4.2
Meals & Dining
4.3
Activities
4.6
Value for Cost
4.3
A Place for Mom has scored Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria with 9.4 out of 10 using our proprietary review score based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time, Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria has 46 reviews with an average "overall experience" of 4.5 out of 5.
Parent company
Merrill Gardens
8.8
Review score2607 reviews61 communities
Logo for Merrill Gardens
Filters
Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer
Care Received
Verified Review
A Place For Mom has verified the person writing the review and their connection to the community.
1-20 of 46 reviews
Anonymous - Family/friend
Independent Living
November 20, 2025
5.0
Verified Review
Review for Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
I moved my parents into one of their cottages. Two bed/two baths. They are very happy there. Staff friendly and considerate. Only complaint would be the food. Nothing fancy just plain with lots of chicken and little variety. I would have expected better meals due to the cost. But they're content and that's what is important. Of all I toured Merrill Gardens met all their needs.
Katie H - Family/friend
Assisted Living
October 7, 2025
4.0
Verified Review
our families experience
The paperwork was challenging. Once paperwork was in it's been good. Need to stay on top of them to get anything finished. Older will have a challenge with this.
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
October 17, 2025
Hi Katie, thank you for your honest feedback. We will pass this along to the team.
Emir - Family/friend
Assisted Living
September 11, 2025
5.0
Verified Review
Merrill Gardens Impression
The entire staff is friendly and make an effort to get to know all the residents. The administrators are very quick to ask questions if anything comes up, and are very responsive to any concerns we have.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Care Services
5
Activities
5
Staff
5
Meals & Dining
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
September 24, 2025
Hi Emir, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review. We strive to provide exceptional service and are glad to hear you've had a positive experience with our team. We value your feedback and appreciate your support.
Ginny R - Family/friend
Assisted Living
September 9, 2025
5.0
Verified Review
New Beginnings at 90yo
The staff was very helpful from the front desk, intake staff and nurse. Certainly there is paperwork and an assessment but all went smoothly. Once moved in the residents welcomed my mother in law into the community. She also likes the menu so she can choose what she would like to eat that day. She especially likes the salmon dinner. The caregivers have been very helpful walking her to the dining room as she was getting acquainted with where everything is located. Highly recommend Merrill Gardens.
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
September 24, 2025
Hi Ginny, thank you for your kind review! We are dedicated to providing exceptional care and a welcoming community for our residents. We are thrilled to hear that your mother-in-law is settling in well. Thank you for recommending us!
Anonymous - Family/friend
Independent Living
June 13, 2025
5.0
Verified Review
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
I would rate them five on everything. They've been absolute phenomenal with my sister who is permanent resident there now.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Care Services
5
Activities
5
Staff
5
Meals & Dining
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
June 27, 2025
Hi There, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this review! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything.
Anonymous - Family/friend
Independent Living
March 4, 2025
5.0
Verified Review
Merrill Gardens, a safe and friendly environment for your loved ones as they age
Administrative staff - 0 (I expect this will get better, now that there's new management. [name removed] was really just terrible.) Food, quality and options, over the last few months, really declined. It does seem to be improving. .Activities N/A - since my mom passed away my dad is not participating in the activities at all. Oh yes, we would recommend this community to other families. It was really great while my mom was still very active. She declined very quickly due to dementia in the last three or four months. She passed away the end of [date removed]. But yes, it was a wonderful facility when she was using it to its full extent. My dad just is kind of a couch potato and doesn't want to socialize or do anything.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
2
Staff
1
Meals & Dining
3
Anonymous - Family/friend
Assisted Living
August 20, 2024
4.0
Verified Review
Caring staff. Nice facility. Great events.
What we like about Merrill Gardens is the overall cleanliness and staff and I would recommend this community to other families based on the experience I have had.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
4
Care Services
4
Activities
5
Staff
5
Meals & Dining
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
December 6, 2024
Hi There, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this review! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything.
Anonymous - Family/friend
Independent Living
April 2, 2024
4.0
Verified Review
Our experience with Merrill Gardens Santa Maria
Overall cleanliness is very good however the staff is not given the time to change water for mopping in between apartments so if your not first on the route you have dirty water. Staff seem very good however management is very corporate and get around to you at their convenience and seem to assume that the residents all have some memory issues. Same two main meals for lunch and dinner and the other choices never change. The cost for a guest is now $17 for breakfast and $ 20 for both lunch and dinner. The food is average at best the service is sub par. She really doesn't participate they are the same as any retirement facility no real imagination. When entering she was told there would be increases annually but never have they been more then 3% - her first year increase was 10%.
Cleanliness
3
Friendliness
4
Value for Cost
4
Care Services
4
Staff
4
Meals & Dining
3
Richard D - Resident/client
Independent Living
February 23, 2024
5.0
Verified Review
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
Everything is working out pretty well so far. Staff is doing a good job and are very friendly.
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
February 27, 2024
Hi Richard, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review! Please let us know if we can do anything else moving forward.
Anonymous - Toured community
Assisted Living
July 10, 2023
5.0
Verified Review
Tour experience
We toured with Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria. We thought that it was an amazing property that offered a lot of great amenities to the residents. Unfortunately, they did not offer respite care which is what we needed at the time.
Anonymous - Family/friend
Independent Living
March 14, 2023
3.0
Verified Review
My review of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
The hallways need better cleaning. Their 'in house' transportation is mostly the city. I was there over the winter holidays and there were several days where there was no one at the front desk of the "newer" building. I understand people need time off but not having anyone at the front desk and leaving it as an honor system is extremely poor as most any resident will open their door if knocked on.
Cleanliness
4
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
4
Activities
4
Staff
4
Meals & Dining
3
Erin S - Family/friend
Independent Living
May 25, 2022
4.0
Verified Review
A good community with friendly staff and friendly people
I would highlight the friendly staff and friendly people that live there. They do offer weekly housekeeping services, and transpiration to appointments and outings (at a cost). They don't offer a bunch of activities, but there is a good staff to resident ratio. My loved one likes the food; and overall I would recommend Merrill Gardens at Santa Monica to other people.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
3
Care Services
4
Activities
3
Staff
5
Meals & Dining
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
June 3, 2022
Hi Erin, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review. We appreciate it greatly.
anonymous - Family/friend
Assisted Living
February 11, 2022
5.0
Verified Review
Highly recommend
We chose Merrill Gardens because they had available space at the time we needed it and also I could see it was very clean, it smelled good, and all of the staff who helped us were extremely friendly and helpful. We really appreciated how upfront and honest they were with us. They have different tiers of care, they have independent living, assisted living, as well as memory care. So as needs change, you are able to increase the amount of help you are getting without having to move. I would recommend to others who are looking.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Care Services
5
Activities
5
Staff
5
Meals & Dining
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
June 3, 2022
Hi there, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review. We are happy to hear that you would recommend it to others.
Susan R - Family/friend
Independent Living
October 1, 2021
5.0
Verified Review
A wonderful experience
Everything has been great so far, and even though we have not been able to have a meal there ourselves we do know our loved one is really enjoying them. She also really enjoys the activities going on. The value for cost is great
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
4
Value for Cost
5
Activities
5
Staff
4
Meals & Dining
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
June 3, 2022
Hi Susan, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review. It's great to hear that your loved one is enjoying Merrill Gardens.
Anonymous - Family/friend
Memory Care
November 10, 2018
5.0
Tour Merrill Gardens, Santa Maria to appreciate the option.
My family member is doing well at Merrill Gardens, Santa Maria. The entire building is immaculate. The food services are great. Great effort is made to provide stimulating and enjoyable activities. The grounds are lovely...quiet, secure, and beautiful with numerous places to sit out in the fresh air. There is a pool; aquatic exercise is offered. There are two libraries, and there is computer access for those who do not have a personal computer. Every effort is made to create and upbeat and welcoming environment. It is not inexpensive, but the cost is less than half the cost of any facility in Santa Barbara or Santa Ynez. Fresh coffee, warm cookies, and bags of freshly popped popcorn are waiting in the lobbies all day!
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
3.5
Care Services
5
Activities
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
November 15, 2018
Hi There, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review.
Anonymous - Toured community
Memory Care
May 26, 2018
5.0
Clean, welcoming, happy residents, very accommodating staff. Price difference between a studio and 1 bedroom seems disproportionate.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
March 15, 2024
Hi There, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this review! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything.
Anonymous - Toured community
Memory Care
March 10, 2018
5.0
Merrill Gardens is a terrific facility. Beautiful grounds, professional staff. It is a welcoming, friendly facility. My contact [name removed] was excellent. He was very helpful, informative and answered my questions. The price was high for our budget but would be well worth it for others looking for a home.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
March 15, 2024
Hi There, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review.
Anonymous - Toured community
Memory Care
January 24, 2018
5.0
We couldn't find a fault with what we saw. We have always heard how expensive Merrill Gardens is, but all we saw was value for our money!
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
January 29, 2018
Thank you for providing us with this review! We are so pleased to hear that you saw the value that is offered at Merrill Gardens.
Anonymous - Toured community
Memory Care
October 5, 2017
4.0
This the best of the communities that we have looked at and it seems to be within our budget.
Cleanliness
4
Friendliness
4
Value for Cost
4
Anonymous - Toured community
Memory Care
August 21, 2017
3.0
Verified Review
Just to big for my dad
This community was really nice they did a great job with my tour and they were able to answer all my question, I just felt my dad would be better off in a smaller more home like atmosphere.
Cleanliness
3
Friendliness
3
Value for Cost
3
Viewing 1-20 out of 46 reviews

Neighborhoods
around Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

See what the neighborhood has to offer and what’s nearby:
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria in google map

Tips for evaluating your community options

Safety is a primary concern when seniors and their families look for Assisted Living. To ensure that a community meets your needs and expectations, we recommend that seniors and family members:

  • Know California’s regulations for memory care. Each state has its own laws and inspection processes to ensure seniors reside in a safe environment. Depending on your state, you may even be able to look up inspection reports for the communities you’re considering. Learn more about California’s regulations for memory care and download the Guide to Senior Living Licensure and Inspection Reports.

  • Tour the location. Touring allows you to speak to current residents and staff, and it helps you confirm the accuracy of the community description and photos. Use our touring checklist to help guide your visit.

  • Confirm the availability of required services. Before committing, make sure that the community offers all the services your loved one needs, and that those services can be provided within your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions
about Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria offers Studio, 1 Bedroom and 2 Bedrooms. Learn more.
A Place for Mom has scored Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria 9.4 out of 10 using our proprietary review score.   We assign review scores to give a more reliable view into senior living communities and home care agencies. Our review scores prioritize reviews that are recent — the past 24 months — because we know families need current information when choosing senior care.   Those with many recent, positive reviews receive a high review score, while providers with few recent reviews — regardless of how positive — receive a lower review score. Communities with no recent reviews will not have a review score, even if older reviews are positive. The maximum A Place for Mom review score a community can receive is 10 points.
Call (805) 928-2662 to reach a resident at Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria.
Similar communities nearby

Find Assisted Living

The Oaks at Nipomo community entrance

The Oaks at Nipomo

177 Mary Ave, Nipomo, CA 93444
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
9.1
Review score
21 reviews
9.1
Review score
21 reviews
5 star
66%
4 star
19%
3 star
10%
2 star
5%
1 star
0%
Studio, 1bd, 2bd, Semi-Private
Photo of Alder House

Alder House

295 Alder Street, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
Studio

The features and amenities that are displayed on this page contain marketing information provided by the community. A Place for Mom has not confirmed the completeness of the provided information, and cannot guarantee its accuracy. If you become aware of any information that should be updated or noted, please contact A Place for Mom. A Place for Mom uses the term “assisted living” to indicate that the community provides some level of assistance with daily living activities. It does not indicate that the facility meets official state requirements for level of care.

Back to top