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

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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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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Alexander Gardens

4.3

2120 Santa Barbara St, California 93105

Memory Care

Independent Living

Alexander Gardens stands out for its warm, home-like feel and a staff that seems to know residents by name, not just by room number. Instead of a sprawling, impersonal facility, you’ll find a historic Santa Barbara house with a courtyard garden and walking paths where residents gather for tai chi or simply enjoy the sun. The staff includes caregivers like Lupe, who’s mentioned by name in reviews and is known for her genuine attention to detail and kindness.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / 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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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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At Home In Santa Barbara

4.3

1801 Bath St, California 93101

Memory Care

Independent Living

At Home In Santa Barbara is one of those places locals quietly recommend when someone asks about memory care. Tucked into a residential stretch on Bath Street, it feels more like a big family home than a facility. The community is small—just 12 residents—so staff and residents tend to know each other by name, and families say that makes a difference. Most people move here for memory care, and the staff are used to supporting folks with dementia or cognitive challenges.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / 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

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Casa Mountain View

3.5

1260 Mountain View Rd, California 93109

Memory Care

Independent Living

Casa Mountain View is a smaller senior living home in Santa Barbara that focuses on making residents feel comfortable and genuinely listened to. The staff is known for being approachable and quick to respond, whether you’re calling with questions or visiting in person. They put a lot of effort into making transitions smoother for new residents—families mention that the team is patient and open about what to expect, which helps with the stress of moving a parent.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

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Casa Omega

3.7

310 Camino del Remedio, California 93110

Memory Care

Independent Living

Casa Omega is a small, home-like care home that serves up to six residents at a time, which means your loved one gets more personal attention than at larger facilities. Staff help with everyday needs like bathing, dressing, and getting in and out of the shower. Meals are home-cooked and they’ll adjust the menu for things like diabetes or high blood pressure if you ask. There’s a mobile hairdresser who comes in, and residents can also get help with laundry and housekeeping.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

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Casa San Miguel

4.2

803 Cambria Way, California 93105

Memory Care

Independent Living

Casa San Miguel is a small, home-like place that’s been caring for seniors in Santa Barbara for over 20 years. It’s not a big facility—just six residents at a time—so it feels more like a family home than an institution. The house itself is cozy, with private bedrooms (some even open right onto the back porch) and a big garden where residents and their families can relax or enjoy a visit. There’s a fireplace, a piano, and shelves full of books if your parent likes to read or listen to music.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

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El Patio Gardens Senior Community

3.6

4011 Via Lucero, California 93110

Independent Living

Assisted Living

El Patio Gardens Senior Community is a mid-sized senior living option in Santa Barbara that offers both independent and assisted living. The property is more of a senior apartment complex than a traditional assisted living facility, so it’s best for older adults who are fairly independent but want some support and a social environment. The monthly rates range from about $3,600 to $6,900, which is in line with other local options.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$6,905 / mth

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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

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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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Homecare Casa Linda

3.6

4744 Avalon Ave, California 93110

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Homecare Casa Linda feels more like a family home than a facility, which is something you don't always find in Santa Barbara. They’re licensed for just six residents, so everyone gets a lot of personal attention. Staff help with the basics—bathing, dressing, getting around—but they also handle medication management and coordinate rides for doctor visits. Meals are homemade and can be tailored for folks with diabetes or other special diets.

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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