Best Independent Living near me in Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara, located in California, is a picturesque coastal city known for its Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches, and Spanish architecture. Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. The city is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, upscale boutiques, and a variety of outdoor activities, making it an attractive destination for residents seeking a high quality of life.

Costs of Independent Living in Santa Barbara:

Independent living costs in Santa Barbara can be relatively higher compared to other regions. The city's desirable location and amenities contribute to the overall expenses, including housing, utilities, and healthcare. It's essential for individuals considering independent living in Santa Barbara to carefully assess their budget and explore various options to ensure a comfortable and sustainable lifestyle.

Average Income in Santa Barbara:

Santa Barbara boasts a relatively affluent community, with a higher-than-average income level. The city's economic landscape includes a mix of industries, from tourism and hospitality to technology and finance. Residents often enjoy a comfortable standard of living, but it's crucial to consider the cost of living when evaluating income levels in the area.

Ranking of Santa Barbara among Top Cities in California:

Santa Barbara consistently ranks among the top cities in California, known for its scenic beauty, cultural offerings, and quality of life. While specific rankings may vary, the city's popularity as a desirable place to live is reflected in its positive reputation statewide.

Top Independent Living Providers/Facilities in Santa Barbara, CA:

Serenity House Assisted Living
Villa Riviera
Maravilla Senior Living
Vista del Monte
Wood Glen Hall
Valle Verde
Casa Dorinda
Alexander Gardens Assisted Living
Samarkand
The Oak Cottage of Santa Barbara

Garden Court

4.2

1116 De La Vina St, California 93101

Memory Care

Independent Living

Garden Court stands out for its long-standing staff and deep roots in Santa Barbara. The leadership team is unusually stable—Christopher Tucker has served as Executive Director for over a decade, bringing experience from both local and national senior care settings, plus a strong academic background in public health and education.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$8,499 / mth

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Garden Court at Villa Santa Barbara

4.2

227 E Anapamu St, California 93101

Memory Care

Independent Living

Garden Court at Villa Santa Barbara is a senior living community that feels more like a modern apartment complex than a traditional care facility. They offer independent living for those who want to simplify their lives and assisted living for folks who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication. The staff is on-site 24/7, and they have a licensed nurse available for a good chunk of the day, which is reassuring for families.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

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Mariposa at Ellwood Shores

4.2

190 Via Jero, California 93117

Memory Care

Independent Living

Mariposa at Ellwood Shores is a senior living community in Goleta that feels more like a close-knit neighborhood than a facility. Residents here can choose from assisted living, independent living, or memory care, and many families say the staff go out of their way to make everyone feel at home. Mark and Sam, who help run things, are often mentioned by name in reviews for their hands-on approach and genuine care.

Estimated Pricing

$4,283–$6,479 / mth

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Oak Cottage of Santa Barbara Memory Care

4.2

1820 De La Vina St, California 93101

Memory Care

Independent Living

Oak Cottage of Santa Barbara really focuses on memory care, especially for folks living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. They’re not just another big facility—they break things up into three smaller neighborhoods, so it feels more like a home than an institution. What stands out is how much they personalize things. Staff here are called 'care partners,' and they go through ongoing certified training specifically for memory loss.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

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Pacifica Senior Living Santa Barbara

4.2

325 W Islay St, California 93101

Memory Care

Independent Living

Pacifica Senior Living Santa Barbara offers a range of services including memory care and respite care, focusing on providing a secure and supportive environment for residents. They have a variety of amenities such as outdoor common areas, on-site beauty services, and activities both on and off-site. The facility also provides meals, transportation, and various therapies like physical and speech therapy.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

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Wood Glen Hall

4.2

3010 Foothill Rd, California 93105

Memory Care

Independent Living

Wood Glen Hall has been a familiar name in Santa Barbara for decades, especially for families looking for something a little more personal than the big chains. Tucked just off Foothill Road, it’s a nonprofit that feels more like a community than a facility. Residents get help with daily needs—things like medication reminders, meals, and bathing—but the real draw is the atmosphere. Staff are around 24/7, and many families mention how approachable and attentive they are.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$8,499 / mth

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Vista Del Monte Retirement Community

4.2

3775 Modoc Rd, California 93105

Memory Care

Independent Living

Vista Del Monte is the kind of place where residents aren’t just cared for—they’re kept busy, connected, and genuinely engaged. The staff here help with day-to-day needs like medication management, bathing, and dressing, but what stands out is how much life happens outside those basics. There’s a fitness and aquatic center with a hydrotherapy pool, and the art studio is always buzzing with woodworking or watercolor projects.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

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Age In Place Santa Barbara

4.2

426 E Figueroa St, California 93101

Memory Care

Independent Living

Age In Place Santa Barbara stands out because it’s run by Susan Dickinson, who’s known in the local community as a hands-on advocate and problem-solver for seniors. Instead of just offering standard care, Susan gets involved in everything from helping families remodel homes for safety to personally guiding people through tricky transitions—like moving from one living situation to another.

Estimated Pricing

$3,880–$8,499 / mth

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Comforts of Home Senior Care

4.2

16 San Dimas Ave, California 93111

Memory Care

Independent Living

Comforts of Home Senior Care is a small, family-run care home that really feels like a home, not an institution. Trina and Gary, who run the place, are mentioned by name in nearly every review—families talk about how hands-on and attentive they are, even with residents in their 90s and beyond. The staff cooks meals from scratch (people rave about the food), and they help with everything from daily routines to getting to doctor appointments.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

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The Californian of Santa Barbara

4.2

2225 De La Vina St, California 93105

Memory Care

Independent Living

The Californian of Santa Barbara stands out for its smaller, home-like setting and hands-on rehab services. Unlike many larger facilities, it has just 68 beds, so residents often get to know the staff and each other. Families mention the rehab team is especially attentive—one reviewer said their mom recovered from knee surgery faster than expected, thanks to the therapists and nurses. The rooms are described as spacious and nicely decorated, which is not always the case in skilled nursing.

Estimated Pricing

$3,880–$9,198 / mth

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Casa Dorinda

4.2

300 Hot Springs Rd, California 93108

Memory Care

Independent Living

Casa Dorinda is a well-established senior living community that offers several levels of care under one roof, so residents don’t have to move if their needs change. They provide independent living, assisted living, memory care for dementia, and skilled nursing. The staff includes licensed nurses and aides, with nurses on site around the clock. According to recent data, residents get about 5.2 hours of nursing care per day, which is above average for the area.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

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Abundant Care

4.2

698 Zink Ave, California 93111

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Abundant Care at 698 Zink Ave stands out for its intimate, family-run approach to assisted living. Unlike larger facilities, each home is limited to just six residents, which means your loved one gets truly personal attention. The owners—Timothy, Anna, and Daniel—are hands-on and known in the Santa Barbara community for their warmth and responsiveness. Staff are certified, trained, and described by families as gentle and patient.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$6,905 / mth

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Pilgrim Terrace Homes

4.1

649 Pilgrim Terrace Dr, California 93101

Independent Living

Pilgrim Terrace Homes is a senior community that goes well beyond just providing apartments. Residents here live in either one- or two-bedroom units, all geared toward low- to very-low income older adults. What stands out is the daily free lunch program—meals are cooked in a commercial kitchen right on site, using produce grown in their own urban farm.

Estimated Pricing

$3,880–$6,905 / mth

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Tree of Life Retirement Home

4.1

5364 Berkeley Rd, California 93111

Memory Care

Independent Living

Tree of Life Retirement Home is a small, family-style board-and-care home that’s best suited for seniors who need more hands-on help, especially those with dementia or physical limitations. The setting is quiet and homey—think private bedrooms, home-cooked meals, and a slower pace. Staff are known for being attentive and tailoring care to each resident’s needs.

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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