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 2024 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 2024 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 2024 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 Independent Living Communities in Santa Cruz County, CA

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The cost of independent living in Santa Cruz County is about $5,522 per month. To find the best independent living for your preferences and budget, browse these 11 options. Read 69 reviews, see photos, and learn about amenities that make independent living the ideal next step for adults 55+ who wish to enjoy friendships and hobbies without the hassle of cooking and home maintenance.

As you explore independent living near you, you may also want to consider options in areas like You may also consider nearby communities such as San Jose, Santa Cruz and Sunnyvale.

Santa Cruz County Independent Living Facilities | 69 Reviews

Showing 10 communities
Last Updated: 12/19/24
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Photo of Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
1414 Photos available
8.9
Review score
33 reviews
8.9
Review score
33 reviews
5 star
58%
4 star
27%
3 star
3%
2 star
6%
1 star
6%
See all reviews
The facility is clean, attractive and in a nice location. Staff are bright, cheerful, friendly and helpful. Food is good and plentiful. The care my wife has received is outstanding, and she's happy. They...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
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.
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community is a beautiful community located in the center of all the action. We are within walking distance of the Santa Cruz Wharf, beach and boardwalk. Our beautiful building has a charming personality—and a fascinating past—all its own. Sunshine Villa, A...
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Photo of Brookdale Scotts Valley
1010 Photos available
44 Floor plans available
8.5
Review score
30 reviews
8.5
Review score
30 reviews
5 star
44%
4 star
33%
3 star
17%
2 star
3%
1 star
3%
See all reviews
Their price was better. I also had experience with [facility removed] and was not that happy with them. I would say they are good. My complaint is they're short staffed. Sometimes the call button would not...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent 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.
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.
Fewer Chores, More FunDo you want to experience a retirement rich in exciting events, activities and programs and free from the burden of household chores like cooking, cleaning, laundry and yard work? If that sounds like something you want for your life, we have good news. Your dream retirement...
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Photo of Paradise Villa
44 Photos available
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
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0%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
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.
About the communityWelcome to Paradise Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care. Our senior living community is pleasantly located in Santa Cruz, California, on 17th Avenue. We’re a dignified and affordable solution for families seeking assisted living care in the area. For over 40 years we’ve...
Photo of Aegis of Aptos
1616 Photos available
5 star
0%
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0%
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Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
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.
Aegis of Aptos is one of the Santa Cruz areas newest assisted living communities. Located just minutes from beautiful Monterey Bay, Aegis provides high quality assisted living services in a specially designed environment. Innovative programs, and high staffing ratios enable us to provide the...
Photo of Dominican Oaks
7.0
Review score
1 review
7.0
Review score
1 review
5 star
0%
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0%
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0%
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I've lived here for two years and I am very pleased with my life here. The community is very friendly and supportive. There are many activities offered here to keep our bodies and minds busy. Many of the...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent 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.
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.
Photo of Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc.
5 star
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0%
3 star
50%
2 star
50%
1 star
0%
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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.
Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc.Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc. is an assisted living community that is located in the town of Soquel, CA. Soquel is located in the Santa Cruz area. Living in Soquel you definitely get the small town feel but are still close enough to the big city lifestyle of the Santa Cruz...
Photo of Valley Haven III
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 Maple House
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 Live In Serenity
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.
The Chateau Guest Home is a quaint assisted living community located in the bustling city of Santa Cruz, CA. Santa Cruz is a beautiful seaside community with a lot of great amenities. It is also a tourist destination, making it an ideal location for an assisted living community, and that's why...
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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.
Capitola ManorCapitola Manor is a uniquely beautiful and welcoming assisted living community nestled within Santa Cruz, CA. The landscaped community has much to offer in the way of being a home away from home. Trees and shrubs surround the property, which gives way to a peaceful and quiet setting...
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Cost of independent living in Santa Cruz County, CA

The average cost of senior living in Santa Cruz County is $5,522 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Pajaro Dunes, CA with an average of $4,406 per month.

Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Santa Cruz County, CA vs. nearby counties

Santa Cruz County, CA
$5,522/mo

Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Santa Cruz County, CA vs. the state and national average

Santa Cruz County, CA
$5,522/mo
U.S. national average
$4,035/mo

Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Santa Cruz County vs. other types of senior living

$6,275/mo
Independent Living
$5,522/mo

Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Santa Cruz County, CA by room type

Semi-Private
$6,300/mo
Studio
$4,618/mo
1 Bedroom
$5,593/mo
2 Bedroom
$7,465/mo

Discover the many ways to pay for senior living

Planning ahead can better position you to make good choices for your loved one’s care in the future. But if your aging family member needs care now, there are ways to finance the cost of long-term care through a combination of approaches.

What families are saying about independent living in Santa Cruz County

Recent reviews for independent living in Santa Cruz County

Golden Heritage Living in San Jose, CA

5.0
This place is an excellent facility that specializes in the care of Chinese speaking people. It is well maintained and the staff is always ready to help. My mom lived there until she passed .

Sunrise of Sunnyvale

5.0
I took a tour with [name removed] , what a sweetheart. She was professional, knowledgeable and represented the company well. I am looking a ways out, but defiantly my first choice. I was very impressed. They also have a great Asian infused menu.

Sunrise of Cupertino in Sunnyvale, CA

4.8
Everyone from the receptionist to the administrators to the caregivers has been very kind and does their best to make my husband feel comfortable and at home. Our experience was a bit different because at first he was just going to be a temporary stay, but then it turned out to be permanent. ...
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Santa Cruz County independent living services and amenities

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

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Santa Cruz County independent living

Independent living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Santa Cruz County partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Santa Cruz County, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
20%
20.1%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
20%
33.5%
No sugar
No sugar
20%
30.2%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
50%
32.8%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Santa Cruz County independent living

Our independent living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Santa Cruz County communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Santa Cruz County, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
10%
35.7%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
20%
42.7%
Room service
Room service
20%
36.2%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
20%
17%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Santa Cruz County independent 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 independent living communities in Santa Cruz County offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Santa Cruz County, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
30%
44.2%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
30%
27.8%
Community service programs
Community service programs
20%
32.2%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
40%
47.2%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
40%
48.3%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
30%
53.5%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
30%
42.1%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
20%
37.1%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
30%
40.7%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
40%
46.5%
Live performances
Live performances
40%
46.2%
Dances
Dances
20%
31.9%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
40%
45.7%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunrise of Sunnyvale, Belmont Village San Jose and Westmont of Morgan Hill are the top-rated independent living facilities near Santa Cruz County, California. See full list of communities.

There are 11 independent living facilities near Santa Cruz County, California. See the full list.

The best independent living facilities near you in Santa Cruz County, California are Sunrise of Sunnyvale, Atria Willow Glen and Atria Evergreen Valley. These independent living communities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews.

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