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

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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Paradise Assisted Care

3.6

2177 17th Ave, California 95062

Memory Care

Independent Living

Paradise Assisted Care, also known as Paradise Villa, stands out for its blend of practical support and a relaxed, coastal vibe. They offer both assisted living and a secure memory care wing for folks with dementia or Alzheimer's. Residents get help with things like medication, bathing, and dressing, but the staff also put real effort into making daily life enjoyable—think live music, art projects, and gentle exercise.

Estimated Pricing

$3,987–$8,457 / 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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Cobblestone Manor

3.3

450 Dufour St, California 95060

Memory Care

Independent Living

Cobblestone Manor at 450 Dufour St is a smaller, locally run senior care home that's been around since about 2010. They offer several types of care under one roof: assisted living, memory care, and even some nursing support. It's not a big facility—according to public listings, it looks like there's just one main operator, which usually means a more personal touch. The staff size is small, so residents likely get to know the same faces day in and day out.

Estimated Pricing

$3,955–$12,771 / mth

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Darwin House

3.4

707 Darwin St, California 95062

Memory Care

Independent Living

Darwin House at 707 Darwin St is one of those places that flies under the radar—you won't find flashy ads or a big online presence, but locals know it as a solid option for seniors who want a smaller, more personal setting. It's licensed as an adult residential home, which means it's not a huge facility but more of a house-like environment where residents get help with daily routines, meals, and medication reminders.

Estimated Pricing

$3,955–$12,771 / 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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Live In Serenity

3.6

1340 17th Ave, California 95062

Memory Care

Independent Living

Live In Serenity is a small, home-like senior care community with just 8 residents, so it feels more personal than the larger facilities around Santa Cruz. The staff here get to know each person well—families often mention that the caregivers notice changes quickly and are responsive if something seems off. They offer assisted living, independent living, and memory care, so residents can stay even as their needs change.

Estimated Pricing

$3,955–$8,457 / mth

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Rillera Guest Homes

3.7

115 Gera Ct, California 95076

Memory Care

Independent Living

Rillera Guest Homes at 115 Gera Ct is a small, family-style assisted living spot where residents get a lot of personal attention. It’s not a big facility—think more like a cozy house with a handful of seniors, which means staff really get to know everyone. They help with the basics: bathing, getting dressed, moving around, and making sure medications are taken on time. There’s always someone around, day or night, so you don’t have to worry about your parent being left alone if they need help.

Estimated Pricing

$3,041–$10,063 / mth

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