Best Independent Living near me in Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz, CA, is a picturesque coastal city located on the Pacific Ocean in Northern California. Known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant boardwalk, and a strong sense of community, Santa Cruz offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. The city is renowned for its relaxed, laid-back atmosphere and has a reputation for being a hub of cultural and outdoor activities.

Costs of Independent Living in Santa Cruz

The cost of independent living in Santa Cruz varies depending on the facility and level of service provided. On average, residents can expect to pay between $3,500 and $5,000 per month. This range includes basic amenities and accommodations, but additional services and luxury options may increase the cost.

Average Income in Santa Cruz

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Santa Cruz is approximately $85,000 per year. This figure reflects the economic diversity of the city and is influenced by the local cost of living and employment opportunities.

Ranking of Santa Cruz among Top Cities in California

Santa Cruz is often ranked favorably among top cities in California for its quality of life, natural beauty, and community spirit. While not as populous as major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles or San Francisco, it is highly regarded for its coastal charm and relaxed lifestyle. It frequently ranks within the top 20 cities for livability in California.

Top Independent Living Providers/Facilities in Santa Cruz, CA

Aegis of Aptos
Sunrise of Santa Cruz
The Terrace at Santa Cruz
Aegis Living Santa Cruz
Dawn House

Dominican Oaks

4.5

3400 Paul Sweet Rd, California 95065

Memory Care

Independent Living

Dominican Oaks is a senior living community with 206 apartments, tucked behind Dominican Hospital. It's known locally for its active, social atmosphere—think daily exercise classes, group outings, and a packed events calendar. Residents get three fresh-cooked meals a day, weekly housekeeping, and laundry, so daily chores are off their plate. Each apartment has a full kitchen and private patio, which is a big plus for folks who still like their independence.

Estimated Pricing

$3,955–$12,771 / mth

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Alexandria Victoria

4.4

226 Morrissey Blvd, California 95062

Memory Care

Independent Living

Alexandria Victoria is a small, family-run care home that feels more like a real house than an institution. Rosie and John, along with Adrien and a close-knit team, are the main people families mention by name in their reviews—they’re hands-on, and you’ll see them around every day.

Estimated Pricing

$3,955–$12,771 / mth

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Rachelle's Home II

4.3

109 Behler Rd, California 95076

Memory Care

Independent Living

Rachelle's Home II stands out for its diverse range of services, offering assisted living, independent living, nursing home, and memory care. This allows families to find the right level of support for their loved ones under one roof. The community is known for its social activities, arts and crafts, education programs, and health and wellness initiatives, which foster a sense of connection among residents.

Estimated Pricing

$3,041–$10,063 / mth

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Maple House II

4.2

2000 Brommer St, California 95062

Memory Care

Independent Living

Maple House II feels more like a cozy home than a big institution. The staff is around 24/7, and they help with the basics—things like bathing, getting dressed, and making sure medications are taken on time. If your parent has memory issues, they do have special support for dementia, including activities to help keep minds active and reduce stress. Meals are home-cooked and they can adjust for special diets, which is a relief if your loved one has diabetes or food allergies.

Estimated Pricing

$3,955–$12,771 / mth

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Woodland Senior Apartments

4.2

3050 Dover Dr, California 95065

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Woodland Senior Apartments isn’t flashy, but it’s a solid pick if your parent values a low-key, neighborly environment over bells and whistles. The place is mainly for folks 62 and up who want their own space but appreciate a sense of community. You won’t find a big staff with name tags or a ton of organized care—this is more independent living with a few helpful features.

Estimated Pricing

$3,955–$8,107 / mth

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Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

4.1

80 Front St, California 95060

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sunshine Villa feels more like an old-fashioned hotel than a typical care facility, with its Victorian architecture and garden courtyard that residents and families mention often. The staff are generally described as upbeat, friendly, and attentive—people say they’re quick to help if someone looks lost or needs a hand. Meals are a highlight here: there’s a restaurant-style dining room, and the kitchen is known for accommodating special diets.

Estimated Pricing

$3,955–$12,771 / mth

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Westwind Memory Care

4.1

160 Jewell St, California 95060

Memory Care

Independent Living

Westwind Memory Care on Jewell Street isn’t your typical senior living spot. Families say the first thing you notice is how clean and open it feels—no odd smells, no clutter, just a calm, welcoming vibe. The building is purpose-built for memory care, so the layout is easy to navigate, and residents aren’t just tucked away; they’re encouraged to enjoy secure outdoor patios and gardens.

Estimated Pricing

$3,955–$12,771 / mth

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Maple House

4.0

410 Pennsylvania Ave, California 95062

Memory Care

Independent Living

Maple House on Pennsylvania Ave is a smaller, locally-run assisted living home that’s been serving Santa Cruz families for years. They focus on hands-on, 24-hour support for older adults who need help with daily routines like bathing, dressing, and managing medications. The staff are known for being attentive and responsive—many families mention that caregivers really get to know each resident, which helps with everything from meal preferences to recognizing early changes in health.

Estimated Pricing

$3,955–$12,771 / mth

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Villa Santa Cruz

3.9

2435 Felt St, California 95062

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Villa Santa Cruz at 2435 Felt St isn’t your average senior care facility. They offer both assisted and independent living, plus skilled nursing, so residents can stay even as their needs change. What stands out is their smaller, home-like setup—residents often mention that it feels more like a close-knit community than an institution. Staff turnover is reportedly low, and several caregivers have been there for years, which matters when you want familiar faces caring for your loved one.

Estimated Pricing

$3,955–$12,771 / mth

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Front St Residential Care

3.8

126 Front St, California 95060

Memory Care

Independent Living

Front St Residential Care isn’t your typical senior facility—it’s actually designed for adults under 60 who are living with developmental, mental health, or physical disabilities. That’s a big difference from the usual Santa Cruz options, which mostly focus on older adults. The place is licensed for 47 residents, making it one of the larger adult residential facilities in the area.

Estimated Pricing

$3,955–$12,771 / mth

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Santa Cruz Supported Living

3.8

1414 Soquel Ave #210, California 95062

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Santa Cruz Supported Living provides assisted living, independent living, nursing home services for senior elders in the Santa Cruz, CA area. To find the right care for you loved one, connect with one of our senior care experts.

Estimated Pricing

$3,955–$12,771 / mth

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Valley Haven

3.8

2266 Chanticleer Ave, California 95062

Memory Care

Independent Living

Valley Haven at 2266 Chanticleer Ave isn’t a flashy, mega-facility. It’s a medium-sized, locally run place where the staff actually knows the residents by name. Families mention the team is attentive—one daughter wrote about how her mom was kept clean, well-fed, and engaged right up until her passing at 101. That kind of detail is rare. The staff helps with medication, bathing, dressing, and mobility, and they’re trained for memory care too.

Estimated Pricing

$3,955–$12,771 / mth

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Arbor Cove Senior Commons

3.8

84 Blackburn St, California 95060

Independent Living

Arbor Cove Senior Commons is a unique community that offers independent living for seniors aged 62 and over. Located near the beautiful Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge, it provides a serene environment with opportunities for bird watching. The community is sponsored by CCH and owned by Neary Lagoon Senior Housing, Inc., focusing on affordable housing for very low-income seniors. Services include housekeeping, on-site meal programs offering one to two meals a day, and laundry facilities.

Estimated Pricing

$3,987–$8,107 / mth

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Hanover Guest Home

3.7

813 Hanover St, California 95062

Memory Care

Independent Living

Hanover Guest Home stands out for its small, home-like setting and long-standing local presence. It's not a flashy place—it's an older house, and you won't find a packed activity calendar or luxury amenities. But families who want a quieter, more personal environment often appreciate that. The staff, including owners Marsha and Ramon Belleza, are known for being hands-on and approachable, with Marsha listed as a partner and main contact.

Estimated Pricing

$3,955–$12,771 / mth

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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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