Best Independent Living near me in Santa Maria, California

Santa Maria, located in California's picturesque Central Coast region, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and vibrant community spirit. Known for its agricultural roots, the city is nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara County, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. Santa Maria boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, making it an inviting place for residents seeking a relaxed lifestyle. With a rich cultural scene, including annual events like the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival, the city provides a welcoming and family-friendly environment.

Costs of Independent Living in Santa Maria:

The cost of independent living in Santa Maria, CA, varies depending on factors such as the type of housing, amenities, and location. Generally, the city offers a range of options to accommodate different budgets, with independent living communities providing various services and features. Prospective residents can explore the diverse offerings to find a suitable and affordable independent living arrangement that aligns with their preferences and financial considerations.

Average Income in Santa Maria:

As of the latest available data, the average income in Santa Maria, CA, reflects the economic diversity of the community. Residents enjoy a mix of employment opportunities, including those in agriculture, healthcare, and local services. The city's average income levels contribute to the affordability of independent living options, providing residents with the means to access a variety of services and amenities.

Ranking of Santa Maria among Top Cities in California:

While Santa Maria may not top the list of the largest or most metropolitan cities in California, its unique character and quality of life make it a desirable place to live. The city's ranking among top cities in California is influenced by factors such as community engagement, natural beauty, and cultural offerings. Residents often appreciate Santa Maria's balance between urban convenience and a close-knit community atmosphere.

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

ABC Senior Living Community
Harmony Gardens
Pacific Village
Sunflower Senior Living
Villa Riviera
Cypress Court
Oakwood Residence
Bella Vista Senior Living
Mirabella Gardens
Oak Park Manor

These independent living providers in Santa Maria, CA, offer a range of amenities and services tailored to the needs and preferences of seniors seeking a supportive and active lifestyle.

Tina's Gentale Care Home

4.5

1625 Rowland Dr, California 93454

Memory Care

Independent Living

Tina's Gentle Care Home on Rowland Drive is a small, home-like place where staff really get to know the residents. People who've moved their parents here say the caregivers treat everyone like family, and you can tell by the way they go out of their way to make folks comfortable. Meals get good reviews—residents seem to eat well and look healthier after settling in. The house is clean and feels welcoming, not institutional.

Estimated Pricing

$2,471–$6,300 / mth

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Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

4.4

1220 N Suey Rd, California 93454

Memory Care

Independent Living

Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria feels more like a lively neighborhood than a typical senior facility. Residents can choose from apartments or even cottages, which gives families flexibility if their parent prefers more privacy or a homier setting. The staff is on-site around the clock, and they help with things like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders if needed.

Estimated Pricing

$2,471–$9,509 / mth

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Villa Care Homes

4.3

938 W Bunny Ave, California 93458

Memory Care

Independent Living

Villa Care Homes on Bunny Ave doesn’t feel like an institution—it’s more like a real home, just with a bit more help around. With only six residents at a time, everyone knows each other, and the staff can actually spend time with each person. Families mention how the atmosphere is lively and welcoming, not stuffy or silent. Meals get a lot of praise, especially from folks who are picky eaters or need special diets—staff work with families to make sure food is right for each resident.

Estimated Pricing

$2,471–$9,509 / mth

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Magnolia and Primrose Care Homes

4.3

4630 Song Ln, California 93455

Memory Care

Independent Living

Magnolia and Primrose Care Homes feels more like a welcoming home than a facility. Families often mention the warm, personal touch from staff—many say the caregivers genuinely get to know residents and support families through tough times. The place itself is small and has a calm, peaceful vibe, with a layout that reminds some visitors of a cozy bed and breakfast.

Estimated Pricing

$2,471–$9,509 / mth

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Hillview Residence

4.3

3705 Hillview Rd, California 93455

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Hillview Residence isn’t one of those sprawling, corporate-run senior homes you see advertised everywhere. It’s a medium-sized community that feels more like a neighborhood than an institution. Families often mention how approachable and friendly the staff are—one reviewer highlighted how their father received attentive care at a price that felt reasonable compared to other options in Santa Maria.

Estimated Pricing

$2,471–$5,541 / mth

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Villa del Sol Apartments

4.2

1311 W Battles Rd, California 93458

Independent Living

Villa del Sol Apartments is a 55+ independent living community that feels more like a friendly neighborhood than a retirement complex. Residents talk about the helpfulness of staff—Marissa, the manager, and Roxanna, her assistant, get special mentions for being patient and attentive during the move-in process and beyond.

Estimated Pricing

$3,422–$5,541 / mth

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AAA Kindness Care

4.2

3811 Dominion Rd, California 93454

Memory Care

Independent Living

AAA Kindness Care is a small, family-run senior care home tucked away on Dominion Road, a bit outside the busy parts of Santa Maria. Folks who’ve visited or had loved ones here talk most about the warm, almost extended-family feel. Owners Charles and Amparo Hunt are often mentioned by name—residents and families say they’re hands-on, approachable, and genuinely invested in the people who live here.

Estimated Pricing

$2,471–$9,509 / mth

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Grace Residential Care

4.2

515 E Bunny Ave, California 93454

Memory Care

Independent Living

Grace Residential Care on Bunny Ave is one of those places that feels more like a big, extended family than a facility. They handle a range of needs—everything from basic help with daily routines to full memory care and even nursing home-level support. The building itself is modest, but the vibe is warm and personal. Pricing is pretty transparent, with studios starting around $2,500 and private rooms for higher care going up to $9,000, so you know what to expect up front.

Estimated Pricing

$2,471–$9,509 / mth

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Independent Living Resource Center Santa Maria

4.1

222 W Carmen Ln, California 93458

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC) in Santa Maria isn’t your typical senior care spot—it’s a hub for people of all ages and disabilities who want to live life on their own terms. Instead of focusing only on older adults, ILRC works with anyone facing barriers to independence, whether that’s due to disability, age, or circumstance. Their team—many of whom have lived experience with disability—helps folks navigate everything from finding accessible housing to learning daily living skills.

Estimated Pricing

$2,471–$5,541 / mth

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Senior Living Resources

4.1

4620 Song Ln, California 93455

Memory Care

Independent Living

Senior Living Resources at 4620 Song Lane is a small, home-like care community run by people who really know the senior care world. Margie Halsell, the owner, has been working with older adults for over 35 years and is certified in dementia care—she’s even a master trainer for the Best Friends Approach, which is a hands-on, relationship-focused way of supporting people with memory loss. Her team includes family members and long-time staff, so there’s a real sense of continuity and familiarity.

Estimated Pricing

$2,471–$9,509 / mth

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Serene Villa Senior Care

4.1

1935 Noroeste Ave, California 93458

Memory Care

Independent Living

Serene Villa Senior Care is a small, family-run home that feels more like a cozy house than a facility. With only six residents at a time, everyone gets a lot of personal attention. The owners and staff have over 30 years of experience caring for seniors, and they're known around Santa Maria for being hands-on and genuinely involved. Meals are home-cooked three times a day, and they'll work with your parent's doctor if special diets are needed.

Estimated Pricing

$2,471–$9,509 / mth

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Santa Maria Terrace

4.0

1405 E Main St, California 93454

Memory Care

Independent Living

Santa Maria Terrace stands out for families who want a real sense of community and flexibility in care. The staff here aren’t just caregivers—they’re a diverse team, including multilingual professionals and even those trained in American Sign Language, which makes a difference for residents with varied backgrounds. You’ll find both independent and assisted living, plus memory care and short-term respite stays.

Estimated Pricing

$2,471–$9,509 / mth

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Ave's Board & Care Home

3.9

111 Crescent Ave, California 93455

Memory Care

Independent Living

Ave's Board & Care Home is a small, residential care home in Santa Maria that focuses on hands-on support for seniors who need help with daily routines. The place isn’t flashy, but it’s known for being practical and attentive. Staff help with bathing, dressing, medication reminders, and meals—especially for folks with dietary restrictions. It’s a tight-knit setup, so residents get to know the caregivers and each other.

Estimated Pricing

$2,471–$9,509 / mth

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Hummel Village Senior Residence

3.9

4468 Hummel Dr #106, California 93455

Independent Living

Hummel Village Senior Residence is a practical, apartment-style independent living community in Orcutt, CA, that feels more like a neighborhood than a facility. Residents live in their own units—some with kitchenettes, living rooms, and even dens—so it’s easy to keep a sense of independence and privacy. The staff handles housekeeping, meals, utilities, and even gardening, which takes a lot of daily chores off residents’ plates[3].

Estimated Pricing

$3,945–$5,494 / 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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