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.
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7 Best Independent Living Communities in Santa Maria, CA
The cost of independent living in Santa Maria is about $3,481 per month. To find the best independent living for your preferences and budget, browse these 7 options. Read 79 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 Arroyo Grande, Nipomo and Pismo Beach.
Santa Maria Independent Living Facilities | 79 Reviews
Showing 6 communities
Last Updated: 12/20/24
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Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
2020 Photos available
8.5
Review score
24 reviews
SMT is a very fine asst living home for residents. The staff could not be better. They attend to allow needs with their best attraction. They also make a point of finding new activities for and pleasure. I...
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.
Santa Maria Terrace — located in sunny Santa Maria, California — provides the best value with our apartments, including an abundance of amenities and a large range of services. Whether you want to simplify your life or need assistance with daily tasks, Santa Maria Terrace offers something for...
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
2222 Photos available
55 Floor plans available
8.9
Review score
15 reviews
I recommend The Oaks at Nipomo Assisted Living to anyone looking for an assisted living facility in Nipomo, California, for their loved one. The staff and residents are very friendly, at The Oaks, and...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, 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.
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.
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
1616 Photos available
1313 Floor plans available
7.9
Review score
40 reviews
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.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, 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.
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.
Conveniently located between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is a campus-style retirement community that provides a wide spectrum of care. Enjoy being near golf courses, wineries, the Veteran's Administration Building and Marian Regional Medical Center. Take...
2525 Photos available
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Active Adult Apartments – The Towbes WayVilla del Sol is where the 55+ can seize the day. Nestled in beautiful Santa Maria, Villa del Sol offers a fresh take on senior living. Developed by the award-winning firm, The Towbes Group, every detail fosters a sharp new look in senior living.This...
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.
1212 Photos available
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.
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Viewing 1-6 out of 6 communities
Cost of independent living in Santa Maria, CA
The average cost of senior living in Santa Maria is $3,481 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Rosemary, CA with an average of $3,481 per month.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Santa Maria, CA vs. nearby cities
Santa Maria, CA
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Santa Maria, CA vs. the state and national average
Santa Maria, CA
U.S. national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Santa Maria vs. other types of senior living
Independent Living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Santa Maria, CA by room type
Semi-Private
Studio
1 Bedroom
2 Bedroom
Detached Cottage/Bungalow
Average cost of Independent Living in Santa Maria over time
Santa Maria, CACA stateNational
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.
Your Guide to Paying for Care
Plan for and know your options for how to cover long-term care expenses.
Your Guide to VA Benefits
The VA provides two veterans benefits that can be used to offset the costs of long-term care.
Medicare and Medicaid
Understand the difference between these two public pay options, and what they cover.
What families are saying about independent living in Santa Maria
Recent reviews for independent living in Santa Maria
The Oaks at Nipomo
4.9
I was looking for a place for Dad when he started to need more care with ADLs and becoming more confused. And also looking for a higher standard of professionalism. Dad feels cared for and loved at the memory care unit at the Oaks. In his last residence Dad did not participate in the ...
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Fountain Square of Lompoc
4.0
The employees are very friendly and caring to be good. I don't see too many activities and I've seen multiple patients wandering around with no shoes. There were other patients sitting in their own urine while eating lunch. We did tell an employee, but they didn't do anything. I'm not sure if ...
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Santa Maria Terrace
4.5
As council president I field a lot of issues involving residents. Most complain about cost and lack of some service like medical or the food. I work with all staff as much as possible if I can find them. Service in dining is sometimes slower than need be. I hear complaints occasionally about ...
Read more
Santa Maria independent living services and amenities
These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Santa Maria independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Santa Maria, 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 Maria 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 Maria partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Santa Maria, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
33.3%
20.1%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
50%
33.5%
No sugar
No sugar
50%
30.2%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
50%
32.8%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
16.7%
8.5%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
Availability of select dining options in Santa Maria 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 Maria communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Santa Maria, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
50%
35.7%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
50%
42.7%
Room service
Room service
66.7%
36.2%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
50%
17%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
Availability of select programs and activities in Santa Maria 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 Maria offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Santa Maria, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
66.7%
44.2%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
50%
27.8%
Community service programs
Community service programs
50%
32.2%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
66.7%
47.2%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
83.3%
48.3%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
66.7%
53.5%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
50%
42.1%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
66.7%
37.1%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
50%
40.7%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
66.7%
46.5%
Live performances
Live performances
66.7%
46.2%
Dances
Dances
66.7%
31.9%
Fitness center
Fitness center
33.3%
39.2%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
66.7%
45.7%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
Frequently Asked Questions
The Oaks at Nipomo, Santa Maria Terrace and Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria are the top-rated independent living facilities near Santa Maria, California. See full list of communities.
There are 7 independent living facilities near Santa Maria, California. See the full list.
More questions?
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
Independent Living in Cities Near Santa Maria
- Arroyo Grande, California
- Nipomo, California
- Pismo Beach, California
- Lompoc, California
- Avila Beach, California
- Oceano, California
- Grover Beach, California
- Orcutt, California
- Edna, California
- Vandenberg Village, California
- Mission Hills, California
- Vandenberg AFB, California
- Casmalia, California
- Los Ranchos, California
- Miles, California
- Woodlands, California
- Verde, California
- Guadalupe, California
- Sisquoc, California
- La Salle, California
More options near Santa Maria, California
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