
39 Assisted Living Facilities near Santa Cruz, CA
There are 39 Assisted Living Facilities in the Santa Cruz area, with 11 in Santa Cruz and 28 nearby.
The average cost of assisted living in Santa Cruz is $4,122 per month. This is higher than the national median of $3,595. Cheaper nearby regions include Scotts Valley with an average starting cost of $3,695.
To help you with your search, browse the 135 reviews below for assisted living facilities in Santa Cruz. On average, consumers rate assisted living in Santa Cruz 3.9 out of 5 stars. Better rated regions include Scotts Valley with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.
Caring.com has helped thousands of families find high-quality senior care. To speak with one of our Family Advisors about assisted living options and costs in Santa Cruz, call (855) 863-8283.
Top 10 Assisted Living Facilities in Santa Cruz, CA
Paradise Villa
Sunshine Villa
Alexandria Victoria
Twin Lakes Manor
Hanover Guest Home
The Maple House II
Brookdale Scotts Valley
BonHomie I
BonHomie II
Harmonie Home
Terraces of Los Gatos
Aegis of Aptos
Saratoga Retirement Community
Cedar Creek Alzheimer's & Dementia Ca...
Montecito Manor
Seaview Guest Home
Los Gatos Meadows
De Un Amor
Wesley House III
Our Lady of Fatima Villa
Blossom Hill Gardens
Connly Care Home
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Santa Cruz
Situated on Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, California, features beaches, wharfs, and open space for all to enjoy. For seniors specifically, there are also 47 assisted living facilities in the area. Of these communities, 20 are in Santa Cruz and 27 are located in nearby regions such as Scotts Valley, Aptos, Soquel, Lomond, Watsonville, Freedom, Saratoga, San Jose and Los Gatos. These facilities fall under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Santa Cruz
-
Weather is ideal in Santa Cruz for seniors, offering 262 sunny days each year. The region gets precipitation on just 46 days. The Sperling Comfort Index is also excellent at 86 out of 100 (the national average is 54). High temperatures in the summer are a comfortable 72 degrees Fahrenheit, while lows in the winter stay above freezing at 42 degrees.
- According to the American Lung Association, Santa Cruz receives an A grade for ozone. However, particle pollution is a problem. Here, the ALA gives Santa Cruz an F. This is a concern for seniors with respiratory conditions.
- Cost of living is high in Santa Cruz, 107.7 percent higher than the average for the rest of the U.S., which could hinder seniors. While housing is the biggest factor, transportation and health costs influence the percentage, too, with each sitting at five percent higher than the U.S. average.
- Like all other areas of the state, Santa Cruz does not offer much tax relief. California fully taxes public and private pension incomes, as well as whatever you withdraw from retirement accounts. Social Security, however, isn’t taxed.
- Crime is an issue in Santa Cruz. The city rates at 67.6 for violent crime and 64.3 for property crime, based on a scale of one to 100. The national averages, for comparison, are 31.1 and 38.1, respectively. Seniors and their families might want to ensure that the ALF they select can provide extra security.
- The Santa Cruz area is home to world-class medical facilities, including Dominican Hospital and the Santa Cruz Surgery Center, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.
Paying for Assisted Living in Santa Cruz
Average Monthly Costs
Cities in California
Assisted Living costs in Santa Cruz start around $4,122 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of assisted living is $4,000 per month, according to the latest figures from Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey.
It’s important to note that assisted living rates in Santa Cruz and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Santa Cruz
Currently, Santa Cruz doesn’t participate in the Assisted Living Waiver program. However, seniors might qualify for assistance through other programs and waivers, such as the Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver or Community Based Adult Services (CBAS) program.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in California page.


More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in California page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz and the surrounding area are home to numerous government agencies and non-profit organizations offering help for seniors searching for or currently residing in an assisted living community. These organizations can also provide assistance in a number of other eldercare services such as geriatric care management, elder law advice, estate planning, finding home care and health and wellness programs.
To see a list of free assisted living resources in Santa Cruz, please visit our Assisted Living in California page.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in California are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in California page for more information about these laws.


Assisted Living near Santa Cruz, CA
Other Options in Santa Cruz, CA
Recent Reviews of Assisted Living in Santa Cruz
-
Review of Alexandria Victoria
My husband has moved into Alexandria Victoria. It's a wonderful home. They're pretty well known in the community. They're wonderful people, and the food is wonderful. They have two homes on Morriss... Read more
-
Review of Sunshine Villa
Sunshine Villa is a smaller community; it has about a hundred residents. The main building is an old Victorian with rooms off of it. It has a beautiful activity room, the dining hall is nicely done... Read more
-
Review of The Maple House II
I'm moving my dad to Maple House II. They have been great with helping me set things up, they were right on top of things, and actually listened to me. They can take care of my dad appropriately. P... Read more
Helpful Articles
-
11 Signs It Might Be Time for Assisted Living
The decision to help an aging adult move out of a current home is a complex one -- both emotionally and practically. Above all, you want the person to be safe and well. How can you all feel more co...
-
Nursing Home, Assisted Living, or Independent Living?
The first step to finding the best senior housing for your loved one is to understand what type of care facility is the best fit. There are six main types of residential elder care options: _[Inde...
- Assisted Living or In-Home Care?
- Assisted Living Checklist: What to Look for, What to Ask
- Cost of Assisted Living
-
How to Pay for Assisted Living
As you're weighing senior care options for your loved one, cost is likely a top factor. The good news? Depending on what care your loved one needs, assisted living can be much more affordable than ...
-
How Levels of Care Affect Assisted Living Cost
If you're shopping for assisted living, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the levels of care, as the monthly rate for assisted living will depend on the level of care that the resident requi...
- Tips on Moving to Assisted Living