Best Independent Living near me in Goleta, California

Goleta, California, is a coastal city located in Santa Barbara County. Known for its beautiful beaches, scenic landscapes, and proximity to the University of California, Santa Barbara, Goleta offers a mix of suburban and rural living. It has a mild Mediterranean climate, making it an appealing location for retirees looking for a relaxed lifestyle near the Pacific Ocean.

Costs of Independent Living in Goleta

The average cost of independent living in Goleta, CA, ranges from $2,500 to $4,500 per month, depending on the size of the living space, amenities, and the level of care needed. This cost can vary based on the location and the facility's services offered.

Average Income in Goleta

The average income in Goleta, CA, is approximately $60,000 to $75,000 per year, reflecting the city's mix of residents, including university staff, retirees, and working professionals.

Ranking of Goleta among Top Cities in California

Goleta ranks among the top cities in California for its high quality of life, excellent climate, and proximity to the University of California, Santa Barbara. However, its cost of living is higher than the state average due to its desirable coastal location and suburban charm.

Top Independent Living Providers/Facilities in Goleta, CA:

The Samarkand
Villa Santa Barbara
Casa Dorinda
Hillside House
Heritage House Senior Living

Heritage House-An Assisted Living Community

4.1

5200 Hollister Ave, California 93111

Memory Care

Independent Living

Heritage House stands out for its small, tight-knit community feel—there are only about 60 residents, so it never feels overwhelming or impersonal. Families often mention how the staff really know each resident, not just by name but by their routines and quirks. The team here has a reputation for being experienced and genuinely attentive, with a high staff-to-resident ratio. That means more hands-on help, whether it’s with medication, daily routines, or just lending an ear.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

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Mission Villa

4.1

321 W Mission St, California 93101

Memory Care

Independent Living

Mission Villa isn’t one of those massive, impersonal senior homes—you’ll notice right away it’s a smaller, close-knit place where staff actually know the residents by name. Their standout feature is a 3:1 staff-to-resident ratio, which is rare and means people get real attention, not just rushed check-ins. They focus mostly on assisted living and memory care, so if your loved one needs help with daily tasks or has dementia, they’re equipped for that.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

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Rancho Franciscan Senior Apartments

4.1

221 Hitchcock Way, California 93105

Independent Living

Rancho Franciscan Senior Apartments is a spot I often recommend for older adults who want to stay independent but prefer a community setting. The apartments are designed for folks 62 and up, and you’ll find mostly one- and two-bedroom layouts. They don’t offer medical care or daily help with things like bathing or meals—this is truly independent living. What stands out is how easy daily life can be here: there’s an elevator for those who don’t do stairs, laundry on-site, and plenty of parking.

Estimated Pricing

$3,880–$6,905 / mth

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Villa Alamar

4.1

45 E Alamar Ave, California 93105

Memory Care

Independent Living

Villa Alamar focuses almost entirely on memory care, especially for people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The place feels more like a home than a facility—there are open pathways, lots of natural light, and secure courtyards where residents can safely wander or sit outside. Their staff is trained to help with everything from bathing and dressing to medication management, and families mention that the caregivers are patient and genuinely attentive.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

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Assisted Home Health and Hospice

4.1

115 E Micheltorena St, California 93101

Memory Care

Independent Living

Assisted Home Health and Hospice stands out in Santa Barbara because they cover a wide range of in-home medical and non-medical needs, all under one roof. They’ve been around for over 23 years locally, and their staff includes registered nurses, physical therapists, and caregivers who actually come to you—whether that’s your house, a senior living community, or even a hospital.

Estimated Pricing

$3,880–$8,499 / mth

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Retirement Solutions

4.0

3419 State St, California 93105

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Retirement Solutions at 3419 State St isn’t your typical senior living provider. They focus on both assisted and independent living, but what stands out is their hands-on approach to helping families navigate the maze of care options. Instead of cookie-cutter packages, they spend time getting to know each resident’s background and preferences—whether that means supporting someone who’s still active and driving, or helping a senior who needs a little more day-to-day help.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$6,905 / mth

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Villa Caridad

4.0

4202 Calle Real, California 93110

Independent Living

Villa Caridad is a senior apartment community tucked behind St. Vincent’s campus, offering affordable, independent living for older adults in Santa Barbara. It’s not an assisted living facility—residents here are typically healthy, active seniors aged 62 and up who want a safe, social place to call home without the high price tag. The building itself is cheerful, with local art on the walls and lots of natural light from skylights.

Estimated Pricing

$3,880–$6,905 / mth

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Peterkin Residence For-Elderly

4.0

234 Uhlan Ct, California 93103

Memory Care

Independent Living

Peterkin Residence For-Elderly is a smaller, residential care home in Santa Barbara that’s known for its hands-on approach. The staff is available 24/7, and they help with everything from medication reminders to bathing and getting dressed. Residents don’t have to worry about cooking or cleaning—meals and housekeeping are included, and the food is often described as fresh and sometimes organic.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

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Heritage Court at The Samarkand

3.9

2566 Treasure Dr, California 93105

Memory Care

Independent Living

Heritage Court at The Samarkand stands out because it’s part of a larger, established community with a unique history—this place used to be a boys’ school, then a luxury hotel, then military housing, and now it’s a senior community with a real sense of place. What’s different here is the range of care under one roof: independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

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Cliff View Terrace

3.9

1020 Cliff Dr, California 93109

Memory Care

Independent Living

Cliff View Terrace is one of those places that tries to blend the feel of a boutique hotel with the practical needs of seniors who need more than just a little help. The building itself is more upscale than most—think polished wood, chandeliers, and fresh flowers in the common areas. But what matters most is how they handle day-to-day care.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

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Mesa Care, RCFE

3.9

2424 Calle Soria, California 93109

Memory Care

Independent Living

Mesa Care, RCFE feels more like a family home than a facility. It’s run by a local team, including a licensed administrator who’s also a California registered nurse with two decades of geriatric experience. That means residents benefit from hands-on medical oversight, not just basic supervision.

Estimated Pricing

$3,880–$8,499 / mth

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Assisted Living Websites

3.8

126 E Haley St, California 93101

Memory Care

Independent Living

Assisted Living Websites isn’t a care home—it’s more like a matchmaking and information hub for families trying to figure out senior living in Santa Barbara. They don’t run a facility themselves, but instead help families sort through the maze of local options. If you’re overwhelmed by choices—assisted living, memory care, independent living—they’ll connect you with someone who knows the local scene and can help narrow things down.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$8,499 / mth

Go to provider page

Great Retirement Solutions

3.7

463 Los Feliz Dr, California 93110

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Great Retirement Solutions focuses on helping older adults in Santa Barbara with both assisted and independent living, but there’s not a lot of public info about their day-to-day operations or who’s in charge. Unlike some places that have big campuses or lots of amenities, this provider seems to be a smaller, more local option. That can be good if your parent wants a quieter setting or more personal attention, but it also means you might not find as many reviews or details online.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$6,905 / mth

Go to provider page

Santa Barbara-assistedliving

3.7

27 W Anapamu St #285, California 93101

Memory Care

Independent Living

Santa Barbara-assistedliving is a bit different from the typical senior care provider in town. Instead of running a single residence, they act more like a local matchmaker for families—connecting you with a range of care options in the Santa Barbara area, from assisted living and independent living to memory care and nursing homes. This means you’re not locked into just one building or care style.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

Go to provider page

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Important things to know about Independent Living

Independent Living: A Guide to Choosing Ideal Communities for Seniors

Added: Jun 1, 2023

4 min read

Last modified: Nov 26, 2023

Seniors in independent living manage their day-to-day lives on their own. There is no staff to help with personal care

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