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10 Best Independent Living Communities in Santa Cruz, CA

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If you’re looking for independent living in the Santa Cruz area, our local senior living advisors can help you each step of the way. From affordable independent living for seniors to luxury options, we’ll work with you to understand the cost of independent living in Santa Cruz. From there, we’ll show you the best independent living communities for your lifestyle, interests, and budget.

Discover unique independent living amenities, social activities, dining, and more independent living benefits. With 213 independent living facilities in Santa Cruz, A Place for Mom makes it easier to find your new, maintenance-free home.

We are also serving Assisted Living facilities in surrounding neighborhoods like Seabright, Morgan Hill - Western and West San Carlos / Burbank.
You may also consider nearby communities such as San Jose, Watsonville and Scotts Valley.

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top3CommunitiesWithLinks: Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community, Westmont of Morgan Hill and Belmont Village San Jose
zipAveragecost: $5,798

Santa Cruz Independent Living Facilities | 2924 Reviews

Showing 213 communities
Last Updated: 4/1/26
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Photo of Brookdale Scotts Valley
1010 Photos available
44 Floor plans available
8.8
Review score
40 reviews
8.8
Review score
40 reviews
5 star
41%
4 star
38%
3 star
13%
2 star
3%
1 star
5%
See all reviews
The location is excellent, close to large shopping centers, but very quiet. The grounds are lovely and the apartments are very nice. The staff are wonderful - caring and helpful. The food is really good, and...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Fewer Chores, More FunDo you want to experience a retirement rich in exciting events, activities and programs and free from the burden of household chores like cooking, cleaning, laundry and yard work? If that sounds like something you want for your life, we have good news. Your dream retirement...
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Photo of Fremont Hills
1313 Photos available
8.7
Review score
74 reviews
8.7
Review score
74 reviews
5 star
60%
4 star
22%
3 star
8%
2 star
7%
1 star
3%
See all reviews
We were extremely happy with this facility and would recommend 100%. Staff was caring and the facility was very clean. Activities were engaging. The food was terrific and they welcomed family members to...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Welcome to Fremont Hills Assisted Living. We are proud to be Fremont's premier Assisted Living and Memory Care community. Fremont Hills Assisted Living is where residents can enjoy life and their families can have peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones are being cared for with dignity and...
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Photo of Cogir of Vista Terrace
55 Photos available
88 Floor plans available
8.6
Review score
10 reviews
8.6
Review score
10 reviews
5 star
40%
4 star
50%
3 star
0%
2 star
10%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Value for the money and the staff is very friendly, improvements could be made on the temporary entrance due to construction. It is very hard to pick up a resident.
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Welcome to Vista Terrace of Belmont Senior Living!We offer both independent and assisted living. We offer studios, one-bedrooms and two-bedroom apartments, many have lovely views of the bay area and also the Belmont hills, and some of our apartments have charming walk-out terraces. Pets are...
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Photo of Sunrise of Sunnyvale
1313 Photos available
44 Floor plans available
8.6
Review score
63 reviews
8.6
Review score
63 reviews
5 star
65%
4 star
22%
3 star
6%
2 star
2%
1 star
5%
See all reviews
I really liked Sunrise very much and the staff is excellent! We are not having to leave for any reason other than my dad's wife is breaking the rules there. I wish they could be a little more lenient where...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
About Sunrise of SunnyvaleCommunity & Location Highlights:Convenient location in beautiful Sunnyvale, CANear El Camino HospitalRooftop garden with stunning views of the surrounding regionConvenient access via Highways 85, 101, 880 and 280Minutes from Sunnyvale Town Center, featuring Macy's...
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Photo of Oakmont of Burlingame
1414 Photos available
55 Floor plans available
8.6
Review score
26 reviews
8.6
Review score
26 reviews
5 star
69%
4 star
27%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
4%
See all reviews
The staff is amazing. The sales was great but weren't fully transparent on explaining the points etc. the move in was not super smooth or organized but we managed fine. The place is clean and there are...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Our Burlingame location has enriched the lives of many seniors and their families throughout our 7 years in the community. Sunrise is the pioneer of gold-standard Senior Living and continues to pave the path as we celebrate our 40th year! With our Assisted Living, tiered Memory Care...
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Photo of Ivy Park at Monterey
1818 Photos available
44 Floor plans available
8.5
Review score
25 reviews
8.5
Review score
25 reviews
5 star
60%
4 star
16%
3 star
16%
2 star
0%
1 star
8%
See all reviews
What we like the most about Ivy Park is the location, cleanliness and the staff. Yes, we would recommend this community to other families based on the experience we have had so far.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
While Sunrise of Monterey opened in 2009, Sunrise Senior Living has been in business for over 30 years, serving as a pioneer in providing outstanding care in a home-like environment for seniors. At Sunrise of Monterey, we have several neighborhoods that allow us to serve the various needs of our...
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Photo of Vista Harden Ranch
1111 Photos available
8.5
Review score
41 reviews
8.5
Review score
41 reviews
5 star
49%
4 star
32%
3 star
10%
2 star
2%
1 star
7%
See all reviews
All of these facilities are at max capacity and I know the staff does the best they can for the amount of residents they have in memory care. Over all I'm pleased with there efforts in memory care facility...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
At our community, you can do more of what you love.If you’re living a mostly independent lifestyle, but you could use an extra hand with some of your day-to-day activities, our retirement community with both assisted living and memory care could be right for you. Here it’s all about choices—your...
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Photo of The Cottages of Carmel
1515 Photos available
8.5
Review score
21 reviews
8.5
Review score
21 reviews
5 star
81%
4 star
14%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
5%
See all reviews
Warm, friendly,supportive; truly delightful living! Nice apartments clean no odors various sizes, from smaller to larger modern fridge, shower, etc well maintained
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
If you or a loved one is looking for the perfect place to rest and relax, then The Cottages of Carmel will offer you the best experience possibly if you are seeking memory or living care. Here at The Cottages of Carmel, we pride ourselves on giving your choices that will allow you to live your...
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Photo of MorningStar of Hayward
1010 Photos available
44 Floor plans available
8.5
Review score
52 reviews
8.5
Review score
52 reviews
5 star
41%
4 star
38%
3 star
13%
2 star
2%
1 star
6%
See all reviews
Very simple and solid management. Food was good . Great activities. Management was consistent and caring. Wish they had not passed management onto [name removed]
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
At Casa Sandoval, we promote independence through a vibrant, active and healthy senior living community.Our decisions and actions are rooted in an understanding of our residents’ needs, animated by the precepts within the MorningStar mission and core values (Casa Sandoval is managed by...
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Photo of Oakmont of Silver Creek
1111 Photos available
1212 Floor plans available
8.4
Review score
21 reviews
8.4
Review score
21 reviews
5 star
66%
4 star
10%
3 star
10%
2 star
0%
1 star
14%
See all reviews
My dad is a resident at Oakmont and is truly cared for. Every staff member treats him with kindness and respect as if he was family. Oakmont is a gorgeous facility, the food is wonderful, and they maintain ...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
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Photo of Ivy Park at Pleasanton
2020 Photos available
66 Floor plans available
8.4
Review score
24 reviews
8.4
Review score
24 reviews
5 star
51%
4 star
29%
3 star
8%
2 star
8%
1 star
4%
See all reviews
Wonderful place. All staff were caring and got to know my brother. His room was well kept, cleaned regularly. They made us feel welcomed when we came to visit. He didn't participate in many of the activities...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Sunrise of Pleasanton is an Assisted Living and Memory Care community in Pleasanton, CA.
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Photo of Merrill Gardens at Willow Glen
1111 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
8.3
Review score
70 reviews
8.3
Review score
70 reviews
5 star
39%
4 star
36%
3 star
16%
2 star
6%
1 star
3%
See all reviews
Whenever I have a question or request everyone is beyond helpful. I am so appreciative of the kindness and caring of [removed names] and all the staff. It is not always easy being patient with seniors. But...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Set in San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood, Merrill Gardens at Willow Glen offers easy senior living in a modern building with large apartments. Enjoy the small-town feel and being within walking distance of outdoor cafes, coffee shops, boutiques and bookstores. The high-ceilinged, airy building...
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Photo of Sonnet Hill Senior Living
77 Photos available
8.3
Review score
12 reviews
8.3
Review score
12 reviews
5 star
33%
4 star
42%
3 star
17%
2 star
8%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
They seemed to have a lot of activities planned. My dad didn't really participate and again I didn't really get to see anything. The price is a 5 given what's included in the price- they even included...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Our ideas and practices are anchored in The Poetry of Aging, our platform for living at Sonnet Hill.Like a poem, each person has their own pace, style and personality. We truly believe that there is no right or wrong way to be yourself.As lifespans get longer and research gets deeper, we are able...
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Photo of Pacifica Senior Living Union City
1616 Photos available
44 Floor plans available
8.3
Review score
237 reviews
8.3
Review score
237 reviews
5 star
80%
4 star
15%
3 star
3%
2 star
0%
1 star
2%
See all reviews
A little shaky on the communicating now that he's there. The sales team didn't skip a beat. [name removed] and [name removed] have been top tier. The nurses are superb in the memory care and the...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Pacifica Senior Living Union City is an assisted living senior community that is located in Union City, California. What makes our community unique is its program that is designed to enrich the body, mind, and soul. For the mind, Pacifica Senior Living Union City offers services such as...
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Photo of Ivy Park at Salinas
1414 Photos available
44 Floor plans available
8.2
Review score
24 reviews
8.2
Review score
24 reviews
5 star
54%
4 star
42%
3 star
4%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Mom loves the food. Staff is kind and helpful. Hallways smell like urine sometimes. Hard to communicate with staff and management when doctor changes medication rx.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Make yourself at home at Sunrise Villa Salinas in Salinas, California. Nestled in the gorgeous Salinas Valley, Sunrise Villa Salinas distinctive architecture and design combines elegance with the warm, inviting comforts of home. A central courtyard features a breathtaking garden and landscaped...
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Photo of Landmark Villa
3232 Photos available
8.2
Review score
36 reviews
8.2
Review score
36 reviews
5 star
33%
4 star
39%
3 star
6%
2 star
11%
1 star
11%
See all reviews
We would not think of moving. This is affordable. Affordability was my main concern and that was met. Apartment size is nice for two people. The best part is the care staff. My wife, who is paraplegic, likes...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
We offer a home like setting and cheerful smiles from our professional staff who greet you everyday. Our caring staff offers the assistance you need while respecting your independence. Our peaceful setting, restaurant style dining experience, activities and beautiful setting combine to create...
Photo of Brookdale Redwood City
88 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
8.1
Review score
74 reviews
8.1
Review score
74 reviews
5 star
39%
4 star
36%
3 star
12%
2 star
5%
1 star
8%
See all reviews
Staff is very pleasant and helpful. Although seems short of staff. Cleanliness I would say is a 3 right now partly due to ongoing construction as Windows and sliders are being replaced and some units...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Make the Most of Your Golden YearsOur warm and welcoming independent and assisted living community is nestled in one of the most scenic areas of the San Francisco Bay. With a convenient location between Palo Alto and San Mateo, you can embrace all the natural beauty and wonder California has to...
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Photo of Merrill Gardens at Campbell
1212 Photos available
55 Floor plans available
8.0
Review score
19 reviews
8.0
Review score
19 reviews
5 star
42%
4 star
48%
3 star
5%
2 star
0%
1 star
5%
See all reviews
I chalked it up to my naivety, but it's important for people to realize the costs continue to increase. I thought there might be some rent increases eventually, but many other costs continue to be added. In...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Merrill Gardens at Campbell is luxurious, modern and convenient. Take advantage of being connected to a wellness center in addition to free Wi-Fi throughout the building. Good Samaritan Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Medical Center are also nearby. Most apartments in this modern retirement home...
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Photo of Campbell Village
11 Photo available
8.0
Review score
23 reviews
8.0
Review score
23 reviews
5 star
44%
4 star
22%
3 star
26%
2 star
4%
1 star
4%
See all reviews
The staff was friendly and accommodating. When I had requests, there was an attempt to meet the request. My brother was able to meet with the Senior Doc representative soon after he moved in. When we needed...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Campbell Village is owned by Premier Senior Care Group. A family operated company whose mission is to create a family-style atmosphere, providing quality care with compassion and understanding. We strive to assure our residents have a safe environment, healthy lifestyle and happiness.  ...
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Photo of Villa Fontana Retirement Community
77 Photos available
8.0
Review score
8 reviews
8.0
Review score
8 reviews
5 star
74%
4 star
13%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
13%
See all reviews
At Villa Fontana it's a Filipino crew and all speak English. Mom is not doing well and they seem to be going out of their way to treat her well. I would definitely recommend Villa Fontana! Their ice cream...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Here at Villa Fontana Retirement we understand the importance of family. In fact this senior living facility is family owned, so they go from one family to another. Our property is recently remodeled and a beautiful place to live right here in San Jose, CA. We have been in business for 20 years...
Photo of Oakmont of San Jose
77 Photos available
1010 Floor plans available
8.0
Review score
29 reviews
8.0
Review score
29 reviews
5 star
55%
4 star
28%
3 star
3%
2 star
7%
1 star
7%
See all reviews
Don't believe everything you read in online reviews, even this one. Go visit every single place you are considering. Visit more than once, at different times of day and on different days. Every person is...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
See details
Photo of Belmont Village Sunnyvale
1313 Photos available
88 Floor plans available
8.0
Review score
45 reviews
8.0
Review score
45 reviews
5 star
40%
4 star
47%
3 star
11%
2 star
2%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
We've been very pleased with Belmont Villages facility, staff, food, rooms, etc. All of it has helped make it such a great experience. We felt very comforted knowing Mom was there. Yes, we would recommend...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
The community of Belmont Village of Sunnyvale is conveniently located between San Jose and San Francisco, in the heart of Silicon Valley. The facility is situated in a prime residential area, assisted living residents have easy access to shopping, restaurants, healthcare facilities and places of...
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Photo of Palo Alto Commons
88 Photos available
8.0
Review score
8 reviews
8.0
Review score
8 reviews
5 star
62%
4 star
25%
3 star
13%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I'm very happy with the Commons. Mom is happy. The food is good, location is fair. The staff are great. It's a wonderful place. It is very expensive.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Palo Alto Commons is family owned and has been operating since 1990. Providing premier assisted living, Alzheimer’s/dementia care and exclusive, specialized higher levels of care in a lovely, residential setting. A month to month rental structure allows for flexibility and peace of mind. Our...
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Photo of Aegis Living Fremont
2222 Photos available
8.0
Review score
5 reviews
8.0
Review score
5 reviews
5 star
80%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
20%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
The staff, the food, the community are top notch. Aegis Fremont is the leaders in memory care. My parents are so happy living there and I have such piece of mind from the company's top down leadership. So...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Nestled in the beautiful tri-city valley, Aegis of Fremont is a new, luxuriously appointed assisted living community. Our building is designed on a smaller scale so it is more homelike and promotes socializing between staff and residents. With such amenities as aromatherapy, massage, a full...
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Photo of Cadence Millbrae by Cogir
1010 Photos available
7.9
Review score
41 reviews
7.9
Review score
41 reviews
5 star
34%
4 star
42%
3 star
12%
2 star
7%
1 star
5%
See all reviews
I think Cadence has been a healthy clean environment that has disappointed me occasionally when they failed to show up in time for my dad. The food is bland and while it looks good on the menu and the plate...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Cadence Millbrae is ideally located across the street from Green Hills park and just 5 blocks from downtown Millbrae. Currently undergoing a top-to-bottom renovation, Cadence Living is transforming this majestic Spanish Colonial beauty into one of the most desirable lifestyle communities in all...
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Cost of independent living in Santa Cruz, CA

The average cost of senior living in Santa Cruz is $5,798 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Marina, CA with an average of $4,484 per month.

Independent living costs in Santa Cruz, CA, vs. nearby cities

Santa Cruz, CA
$5,798/mo
$5,816/mo

Independent living costs in Santa Cruz, CA, vs. state and national averages

Santa Cruz, CA
$5,798/mo
U.S. national average
$4,022/mo

Independent living costs in Santa Cruz, CA, vs. other senior living options

$6,420/mo
Independent Living
$5,798/mo

Independent living costs in Santa Cruz, CA, by floor plan type

Semi-Private
$3,500/mo
Studio
$4,332/mo
1 Bedroom
$5,547/mo
2 Bedroom
$7,239/mo
Detached Cottage/Bungalow
$6,395/mo

Senior living costs in Santa Cruz vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column communityType: Community type
Column destination: Santa Cruz, CA
Column state: California
Column national: U.S.
Community typeSanta Cruz, CACaliforniaU.S.
Independent Living$5,798/mo$4,505/mo$4,022/mo
Assisted Living$5,453/mo$4,369/mo$4,564/mo
Memory Care$6,420/mo$5,271/mo$4,801/mo
Independent Living
Santa Cruz, CA:$5,798/mo
California:$4,505/mo
U.S.:$4,022/mo
Assisted Living
Santa Cruz, CA:$5,453/mo
California:$4,369/mo
U.S.:$4,564/mo
Memory Care
Santa Cruz, CA:$6,420/mo
California:$5,271/mo
U.S.:$4,801/mo
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Independent living costs in Santa Cruz, CA, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly independent living costs have shifted over the past five years in Santa Cruz and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent quarterly averages of what seniors actually paid after moving into A Place for Mom partner communities.

Santa Cruz, CACA stateNational

Independent living cost trends in Santa Cruz, CA

The table below shows how monthly independent living costs in Santa Cruz have changed in the last two years and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent averages of actual costs paid by seniors who moved into A Place for Mom partner communities in 2023 and 2024.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column location: Location
Column cost2024: 2024 average cost
Column cost2023: 2023 average cost
Column percentChange: Percent change
Location2024 average cost2023 average costPercent change
Santa Cruz, CA$3,986/mo$4,108/mo-3.0%
California$3,684/mo$3,630/mo+1.5%
National$3,257/mo$3,166/mo+2.9%
Santa Cruz, CA
2024 average cost:$3,986/mo
2023 average cost:$4,108/mo
Percent change:-3.0%
California
2024 average cost:$3,684/mo
2023 average cost:$3,630/mo
Percent change:+1.5%
National
2024 average cost:$3,257/mo
2023 average cost:$3,166/mo
Percent change:+2.9%
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Discover the many ways to pay for senior living

Planning ahead can better position you to make good choices for your loved one’s care in the future. But if your aging family member needs care now, there are ways to finance the cost of long-term care through a combination of approaches.

What families are saying about independent living in Santa Cruz

Recent reviews for independent living in Santa Cruz

Golden Heritage Living in San Jose, CA

5.0
This place is an excellent facility that specializes in the care of Chinese speaking people. It is well maintained and the staff is always ready to help. My mom lived there until she passed .

Ivy Park at Monterey

4.9
Our 98 year old mother moved into Ivy Park this past spring. She really enjoyed the lovely environment; her apartment, the facility and its’ grounds. The staff members were all warm, kind, caring, patient and respectful. Our mother’s condition did fail after a few months due to her underlying ...
Read more

The Parkview in Pleasanton, CA

5.0
The food the staff and the activities are all great my mom is very happy here. I would recommend this community to others.

Santa Cruz independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Santa Cruz independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Santa Cruz, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Santa Cruz independent living

Independent living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Santa Cruz partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Santa Cruz, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
11.3%
20.3%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
30.5%
34%
No sugar
No sugar
27.2%
31.4%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
33.3%
33.4%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
10.3%
7.8%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Santa Cruz independent living

Our independent living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Santa Cruz communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Santa Cruz, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
25.8%
36.4%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
31%
43.4%
Room service
Room service
25.4%
36.8%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
15.5%
17.2%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Santa Cruz independent living

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered independent living communities in Santa Cruz offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Santa Cruz, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
32.9%
45.3%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
20.7%
28.3%
Community service programs
Community service programs
17.4%
32.7%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
33.3%
49.2%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
34.3%
49.8%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
38%
54.9%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
26.8%
43%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
26.3%
37.6%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
28.6%
41.6%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
31.5%
47.4%
Live performances
Live performances
33.3%
47.2%
Dances
Dances
16.9%
32.4%
Fitness center
Fitness center
22.1%
39.7%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
32.9%
46.9%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community, Westmont of Morgan Hill and Belmont Village San Jose are the top-rated independent living facilities near Santa Cruz, California. See full list of communities.
There are 213 independent living facilities near Santa Cruz, California. See the full list.
The best independent living facilities near you in Santa Cruz, California are Atria Sunnyvale and Atria Park of San Mateo. These independent living communities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews.
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