Best Nursing Home near me in Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara, located on the picturesque central coast of California, is renowned for its stunning beaches, Spanish architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Often referred to as the "American Riviera," the city embraces a Mediterranean climate, offering residents and visitors a pleasant environment. With a rich history and a blend of upscale amenities and natural beauty, Santa Barbara is a sought-after destination for those seeking a high quality of life.

Costs of Nursing Home in Santa Barbara:

The costs of nursing home care in Santa Barbara, CA, can vary based on factors such as location, facility amenities, and level of care provided. On average, nursing home costs in this region tend to be relatively high compared to national averages. It's advisable for individuals and families to explore different facilities, their services, and associated costs to make informed decisions that align with their financial capabilities and the level of care required.

Average Income in Santa Barbara:

Santa Barbara boasts a higher-than-average income level, reflecting the affluence of its residents and the overall prosperity of the region. The city's residents enjoy a diverse economy, including sectors such as tourism, technology, and healthcare. The above-average income contributes to the overall quality of life in Santa Barbara, providing residents with the means to access various services and amenities.

Ranking of Santa Barbara among Top Cities in California:

Santa Barbara consistently ranks among the top cities in California, owing to its desirable lifestyle, cultural offerings, and economic stability. Its picturesque setting, mild climate, and a blend of urban and natural attractions contribute to its high standing. The city's commitment to environmental sustainability and community well-being further solidifies its position among the top cities in the state.

Top Nursing Home Providers/Facilities in Santa Barbara, CA:

Buena Vista Care Center
The Californian of Santa Barbara
Next Best Home
Oak Cottage of Santa Barbara Memory Care
Mission Park Healthcare Center

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

Go to provider page

Next Best Home

3.7

216 E Gutierrez St a, California 93101

Memory Care

Independent Living

Next Best Home isn’t a typical care facility—it’s more like a guide for families who are sorting through the maze of senior housing options in Santa Barbara. They don’t actually run assisted living or memory care homes themselves. Instead, they help you understand what’s out there, explain the differences between care types, and connect you directly with local providers.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

Go to provider page

Mission Park Healthcare Center

4.3

623 W Junipero St, California 93105

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Mission Park Healthcare Center is a skilled nursing facility that's been around for a while in Santa Barbara. The staff here includes registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, and therapists—physical, occupational, and speech—who work with residents needing short-term rehab after a hospital stay, as well as those who need longer-term nursing care. The center has 138 beds and tends to have a steady census, usually around 100 residents a day.

Estimated Pricing

$3,880–$9,198 / mth

Go to provider page

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

Go to provider page

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

Go to provider page

Valle Verde

4.5

900 Calle De Los Amigos, California 93105

Memory Care

Independent Living

Valle Verde stands out in Santa Barbara because it feels less like a facility and more like a real neighborhood. The campus is spread over 63 acres, with mature gardens and single-level garden homes, so it doesn’t have that institutional feel you get in some places.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

Go to provider page

Covenant Living at the Samarkand

4.5

2550 Treasure Dr, California 93105

Memory Care

Independent Living

Covenant Living at the Samarkand is a well-established senior community in Santa Barbara that offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care, all on one campus. Residents here don’t just get help with daily needs—they have access to a full calendar of activities, from creative arts workshops to fitness classes and fireside outdoor dining.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

Go to provider page

Friendship Manor

4.2

6647 El Colegio Rd, California 93117

Nursing Home

Friendship Manor is a non-profit retirement community that has been serving seniors in the Goleta area since 1973. They focus on providing a supportive environment where seniors can live independently and enjoy various activities. The staff is known for being warm-hearted and making a significant difference in residents' lives. While they offer some assisted living services, their primary focus is on providing affordable housing and simple services to seniors who might not qualify elsewhere.

Estimated Pricing

$7,329–$10,960 / mth

Go to provider page

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

Go to provider page

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

Go to provider page

CalmCare At Home Nursing Skills

4.1

1807 Cliff Dr, California 93109

Nursing Home

CalmCare At Home Nursing Skills stands out for families who want a nurse-driven approach without the overhead of a big agency. They’re not a huge operation, and that’s part of the appeal—care feels more personal. Instead of sending whoever’s available, they focus on matching you with a nurse who fits your needs and personality. Their team includes registered nurses who handle everything from medication management to wound care and post-surgery recovery.

Estimated Pricing

$5,174–$9,198 / mth

Go to provider page

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

Go to provider page

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital

4.2

400 W Pueblo St, California 93105

Nursing Home

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital isn’t just a hospital – it’s the medical backbone for much of the Central Coast. Locals know it as the place you go for anything from a broken arm to complex heart surgery, and it’s where many area doctors train through its residency programs. The hospital is known for its Level I adult trauma center (the only one between LA and San Jose), a comprehensive stroke center, and a children’s medical center that draws families from across the region.

Estimated Pricing

$5,174–$9,198 / mth

Go to provider page

Channel Islands Post Acute

4.4

3880 Via Lucero #1605, California 93110

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Channel Islands Post Acute isn’t your typical nursing home. What stands out right away is their in-house therapy team—these are full-time staff, not rotating contractors, so your parent will see the same familiar faces throughout their rehab or stay. They focus on really getting to know each resident’s needs, and families are encouraged to be part of the process, especially if the goal is to return home.

Estimated Pricing

$3,649–$9,198 / mth

Go to provider page

Talk to an advisor

Need help caring for an elder loved one? We've got you covered.

Free consultation with a Senior Advisor
Compare pricing for senior services
Comprehensive planning for you loved one

or call us directly at 1-800-22-OLERA

Important things to know about Nursing Home

Nursing Homes: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Skilled Nursing Facility

Added: Jun 1, 2023

4 min read

Last modified: Nov 26, 2023

The terms “skilled nursing facility” and “nursing home” are often used interchangeably. Technically different services, they..

Learn more