Best Senior Communities near me in Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz, located on the central coast of California, is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene, and pleasant Mediterranean climate. This coastal city is a popular destination for...

Santa Cruz, located on the central coast of California, is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene, and pleasant Mediterranean climate. This coastal city is a popular destination for retirees due to its relaxed atmosphere, scenic views, and active outdoor lifestyle. The community is characterized by its historic boardwalk, local dining options, and strong sense of local culture.

Costs of Senior Communities in Santa Cruz

The cost of senior communities in Santa Cruz can vary widely depending on the type of care and amenities provided. On average, assisted living facilities in Santa Cruz cost between $4,500 and $6,500 per month. Independent living options typically range from $3,000 to $5,000 per month, while nursing homes can exceed $7,000 per month.

Average Income in Santa Cruz

As of the latest data, the median household income in Santa Cruz is approximately $80,000 per year. This figure reflects the city’s relatively high cost of living, which is consistent with its status as a desirable coastal location with a high quality of life.

Ranking of Santa Cruz Among Top Cities in California

Santa Cruz is generally ranked as a mid-sized city within California. It is well-regarded for its quality of life and natural beauty, though it may not rank as highly as larger metropolitan areas like San Francisco or Los Angeles in terms of overall economic opportunities or population size. However, it often scores well in rankings related to quality of life and outdoor activities.

Top Senior Communities Providers/Facilities in Santa Cruz, CA

The Terrace at Santa Cruz
Aegis of Aptos
Paradise Villa
Sunrise of Santa Cruz
Brookdale Scotts Valley

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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Santa Cruz Post Acute

4.0

1115 Capitola Rd, California 95062

Nursing Home

Assisted Living

Santa Cruz Post Acute isn’t just another care facility—it’s a fixture in the local senior care landscape, known for its mix of skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Families often mention the staff’s warmth and the facility’s lively atmosphere, though experiences can be mixed. Some reviewers highlight attentive nurses and aides who go out of their way to help with daily needs, while others note concerns about staffing levels and communication.

Estimated Pricing

$3,955–$12,771 / mth

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Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center of Santa Cruz

4.0

2900 Chanticleer Ave, California 95065

Nursing Home

Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center of Santa Cruz isn’t your typical hospital. Families here often mention how it feels more like a boutique birthing center than a big medical complex. The staff includes both board-certified OB-GYNs and certified nurse-midwives, so families can choose between a more traditional or holistic approach to childbirth.

Estimated Pricing

$8,761–$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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