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22 Assisted Living Facilities near Santa Barbara, CA

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10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Santa Barbara, CA

Last Updated: 2/21/25

If you’re looking for assisted living in Santa Barbara, our local senior living advisors can help you find a safe, welcoming community for you or your loved one. Whether you’re searching for luxury assisted living in Santa Barbara or sticking to a budget, we’ll work with you to understand the cost of assisted living in Santa Barbara.

From there, we’ll show you the best assisted living communities in Santa Barbara for your family member’s budget, lifestyle, and personal care needs. With 22 assisted living facilities in the Santa Barbara area, A Place for Mom makes it easier to find a secure and social community for this next stage of life.

We are also serving Assisted Living facilities in surrounding neighborhoods like Eastside, Alta Mesa and San Roque Parks.
You may also consider nearby communities such as Goleta, Isla Vista or Mission Canyon.

Santa Barbara Assisted Living Facilities | 225 Reviews

Showing 22 communities
Last Updated: 2/21/25
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Average starting price of Assisted Living in Santa Barbara, CA is $4,819/month. Learn more
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Types of care available in Santa Barbara, CA

Assisted Living

Average starting price $4,819/month
Average starting price $5,120/month
Average starting price $5,120/month
Average starting price $5,009/month
Average starting price $3,954/month
Average starting price $2,138/month
Recent reviews of Assisted Living in Santa Barbara, CA
Wellness Care Senior Living at Ojai in Oak View, CA
5.0

My mom has been at Autumn Years for over a year now. They have been unfailingly warm and helpful, to us as well as to her. We took care of Mom for two years and understood that it wouldn't be an easy matter to work with her emotional swings, yet the staff at Autumn Years has been beyond wonderful. There always seems to be some activity going on, yet the staff gently encourages the residents to participate, never pushing. I can sense Mom's comfort with knowing her own routine and feeling cared for. Deirdre [last name removed], the director, has always taken care of everything with efficiency and kindness. I really can't recommend this facility highly enough.

Pacifica Senior Living Santa Barbara
5.0

So grateful to all! You helped my family when we were going through difficult times. My loved one is stable and happy in the community. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

At Home in Santa Barbara
4.8

Our A Place For Mom Rep made finding a new place for mom as simple as can be. He was so nice, we needed a quick move and A Place For Mom and At Home in Santa Barbara accommodated. We looked at four other places, two were like nursing homes or hospitals and very expensive, far above our budget. One facility that was very nice had amenities that were not practical for my mom. For the price and location At Home in Santa Barbara seems like the best value for us. The staff turned us on to the shuttle that transports residents to the doctors, which has been so helpful. We are very happy with At Home. To be honest this place wouldn't be for everybody, it is pretty bare bones, but it's always clean, the residents are well fed, and I've never smelled a bad smell. I feel like it is a really good place but it's not fancy; very practical and well taken care of.

Cliff View Terrace

1020 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
Photo of Cliff View Terrace
9
9 Photos available
9.6
Review Score
27 reviews

My loved one has passed away last year. But she was in a great location and facility at the end. Based on the experience we had with Cliff View Terrace we would 100% recommend this community to other...

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care

Cliff View Terrace residents become part of our family. Our goal is for our residents to feel that Cliff View Terrace is home. The luxurious yet comfortable accommodations and caring staff with decades of experience distinguish Cliff View Terrace as the premier facility in Southern California. ...

... Read more

Villa Santa Barbara

227 E Anapamu St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
16
16 Photos available
3
3 Floor plans available
9.4
Review Score
67 reviews

Based on living in other communities the best I've lived in.

Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
See all Sonida Senior Living communities

Live life in style at Villa Santa Barbara, where residents can soak up the Southern California sun and enjoy desired amenities and services fit for the American Riviera. Our goal is to enrich the lives of our residents by providing an environment that is physically, mentally, spiritually and...

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Westmont of Santa Barbara

190 Viajero Dr, Goleta, CA 93117

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
18
18 Photos available
4
4 Floor plans available
9.4
Review Score
36 reviews

[name removed] the new director has turned Westmont around for the better. He has brought a new and refreshing energy to Westmont. He is proactive and understands and truly cares for the needs of his...

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
See all Westmont Living communities

Mariposa at Ellwood Shores Assisted Living in Santa Barbara County is a warm, inviting senior living community designed for your comfort and care.Here, you’ll find Independent and Assisted Living as well as Memory Care options, with amenities and activities designed to promote optimum well-being...

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Oak Cottage of Santa Barbara

1820 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
11
11 Photos available
8.0
Review Score
4 reviews

Our & [name removed]'s experiences with Oak Cottage, we feel, were very good. We found workers there sincere about their assignments and willing to be helpful.

Provides: Memory Care
See all Integral Senior Living Management Group communities

Welcome home to The Oak Cottage of Santa Barbara, providing individualized residential care for seniors living with age-related cognitive impairment, specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Emphasis is placed on respect for our residents, and acceptance of who they are today, as they...

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Pacifica Senior Living Santa Barbara

325 W Islay St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
10
10 Photos available
4
4 Floor plans available
2.0
Review Score
59 reviews

Thank you for keeping my sister and I connected. I appreciate the video chats and love that you make it available for her. Even though I am out of state, I feel very connected to her, thanks to staff.

Provides: Memory Care
See all Pacifica Senior Living communities

Residents of Pacifica Senior Living Santa Barbara, (formerly)Alexander Court Memory Care, thrive in amenity rich surroundings that are combined with sophisticated programming .We take a Sensory Integration approach to memory care. This program encourages residents to participate; enhances their...

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Alexander Gardens

2120 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
9
9 Photos available
4 reviews

It is a lovely facility. It is an older estate donated by the family years ago to be an assisted living home. It almost could operate as a bed and breakfast, it is that nice. A couple of things we learned...

Provides: Assisted Living

Alexander Gardens is a spectacular historic home nestled in the Mission area of downtown Santa Barbara, amongst lush, stunning gardens. Concern for the care and needs of seniors has been a hallmark of Alexander Gardens, since the original family built 'casitas' for their elderly loved ones....

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Villa Alamar Memory Care

45 E Alamar Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
7
7 Photos available
2 reviews

From what we have been able to see of the community it is very clean, and the staff members we have encountered are very friendly. As of lately they are starting to bring back the activities, the residents...

Provides: Memory Care

Villa Alamar opened in 1996 and quickly became the golden standard of memory care in Santa Barbara, California. Its architectural features are uniquely suited for the care of residents living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia: Here, residents enjoy freedom to continuously explore and...

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Wood Glen Senior Living

3010 Foothill Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
10
10 Photos available
5 reviews

LOVE Wood Glen Hall! A perfect place for family/loved ones. We pre-viewed 9 other facilities in the SB area for our mother and this is the ONLY one that felt like home. The ambiance is cheerful, full of...

Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living

Nestled in the foothills with a spectacular view of the blue Santa Barbara Mountains, cooled by ocean breezes, ringing with the genial laughter of family and friends, and typifying the gracious, relaxed and respectful service you are right to expect, Wood Glen Hall is a home you can make your...

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Villa Blanca, LLC

6272 Avenida Ganso, Goleta, CA 93117

8.5
Review Score
2 reviews

Having experienced a number of RCFEs for loved ones in California, Villa Blanca “VB” is exceptional. I was impressed by their business operations, legal compliance and administration. VB’s staff offers...

Provides: Memory Care, Care Homes

Villa Blanca is a family owned and operated Residential Care Facility located in a prime Goleta location. We are committed to providing outstanding care to the seniors, while encouraging the highest level of independence. We believe in promoting feeling of self worth and purpose of life.Villa...

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Maravilla Senior Living Community

5486 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93111

8.0
Review Score
6 reviews

My mother has been in independent living at Maravilla for about 5 years already. The grounds, landscaping, and staff haven wonderful. She likes all the walking paths, and has made good friends. There is a...

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
See all Senior Resource Group communities

At Maravilla, you’ll find every retirement lifestyle you could wish for. A full-service community located in scenic Santa Barbara, Maravilla’s beautifully designed campus offers 32 cottages, 60 Senior Residences, 155 Independent Living residences, 108 Assisted Living Suites, and a secured...

... Read more

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Mission Villa

321 W Mission St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Provides: Memory Care, Care Homes

Mission Villa is a new facility with all the design features that are currently considered necessary for the safety and well-being of residents afflicted with all types of dementias including Alzheimer’s disease. Because Of the many specialized needs of the dementia/Alzheimer’s resident,...

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At Home in Santa Barbara

1801 Bath St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

3 reviews

We recently moved my father from a hospital in Tucson where he had been treated for recurrent pneumonia and urinary tract infections. We had also been informed that he had quite a bit of confusion but had...

Provides: Memory Care, Care Homes

At Home In Santa Barbara is a 14 bed assisted living home  located in the center of Santa Barbara.  We are about a mile from the Santa Barbara Mission and the beach.One of the greatest advantages of At Home In Santa Barbara is our ability to offer specialized services to...

... Read more

Fisher House

2324 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

1 review
Provides: Memory Care, Care Homes

The Fisher House is a gracious private home located in beautiful Santa Barbara close to downtown. Efaie McFarland owner/administrator maintains a harmonious household, nourishing her residents with outstanding home cooked meals daily and lots of Pet Assisted Therapy. The Fisher House is two...

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The Samarkand

2550 Treasure Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

2 reviews
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living

A nationally accredited continuing care retirement community, The Samarkand’s scenic 16-acre campus offers views of both the beautiful blue Pacific and the Santa Ynez Mountains. We offer a residential setting for every aspect of retirement. Residential styles availableCottages, villas and...

...

Villa Riviera

1621 Grand Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Provides: Assisted Living

Mesa Care

2424 Calle Soria, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Provides: Memory Care, Care Homes

Mesa Care is a family operated residential care facility for the elderly specially designed to create an atmosphere witch you or your loved ones would enjoy at home. Our goal is to provide a secure, healthy, and caring environment for our residents. We are committed to the dignity of the...

... Read more

Vista Del Monte

3775 Modoc Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

4 reviews

They are very good but they are more expensive. My parents chose it years ago. First they went to the independent living and then the assisted living and then my father went in to the skilled nursing. They...

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living

Your Home

3223 Vista Arroyo, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

1 review

Beautiful private residence with gorgeous gardens and landscaping. But the rooms were very small which really didn't matter because they have no availability. Plus they have two little dogs that bark a...

Provides: Memory Care, Care Homes

Welcome to “Your Home”, the six bed facility with over an acre of spacious privacy and lovely ocean views. Our happy home is located by Hope Ranch, a most desirable area in Santa Barbara. Along with the breathtaking ocean views are covered patio verandas, an Amish gazebo, spa deck, large grass...

... Read more

Comforts of Home Senior Care

16 San Dimas Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93111

Provides: Memory Care, Care Homes

Comforts of Home Senior Care

16 San Dimas Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93111

Provides: Memory Care, Care Homes

Heritage House

5200 HOLLISTER AVE., Santa Barbara, CA 93111

2 reviews

Finding Heritage House was the best thing that happened to our family when we needed to find an Assisted Living facility for our mother. Prior to moving to Heritage House she lived at Maravilla and our...

Provides: Assisted Living

The Good Shepherd, LLC

6268 Aberdeen Ave, Goleta, CA 93117

10
10 Photos available
Provides: Memory Care, Care Homes

My wife is a Certified Nurse Assistant and after many years of helping patients in a rehabilitation hospital and then individual clients in their homes, she wanted to open a facility that would focus more on the needs of residents than the business of the facility itself. We renovated our home to...

... Read more
Viewing 1-22 out of 22 communities

Cost of assisted living in Santa Barbara, CA

The average cost of senior living in Santa Barbara is 4,819 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Lompoc, CA with an average of 3,504 per month.

Monthly average assisted living cost comparisons
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Ways to pay for in ,

Paying for may seem daunting, but knowing all your options can be empowering. Read about the many private and public payment options that families use to pay for in Santa Barbara.

Related senior services in Santa Barbara, California

Financial assistance

Transportation

Health care

Senior activities

In Santa Barbara, California, seniors have access to local offices and organizations that may help them obtain financial assistance for senior care, including:

Financial assistance

In Santa Barbara, California, seniors have access to local offices and organizations that may help them obtain financial assistance for senior care, including:

Transportation

Santa Barbara, California, is somewhat car dependent. Seniors can expect to need a car for most errands. Transit options in Santa Barbara include bus routes, train routes, and a public paratransit service. Seniors may receive fare discounts. Santa Barbara has a somewhat limited biking infrastructure and is somewhat walkable.

Health care

Santa Barbara offers several health care providers for seniors wanting to be proactive about their health or for seniors seeking treatment for chronic conditions. The area has several hospitals, including Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Senior activities

Santa Barbara, California, is known as “The American Riviera.” Seniors in Santa Barbara will enjoy a Mediterranean climate and a city full of art and culture. Stearns Wharf, the city’s top attraction, offers breathtaking views, and seniors can enjoy a water taxi ride to appreciate the scenery. Seniors interested in history or religion will appreciate a tour of the Old Mission Santa Barbara at a discounted rate. This active mission is home to Franciscan Friars and was founded in 1786.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living is long-term care for seniors who are generally active and independent, but who require increased supervision and help with some daily tasks. Staff can assist residents with activities of daily living like dressing, bathing, and medication management. Assisted living is also a good option for seniors seeking more socialization. Services and amenities in assisted living facilities often include:

  • Housekeeping
  • Nutritious meals and snacks
  • Help with personal care
  • Laundry
  • Social activities and outings
  • 24-hour emergency response
Complete guide to assisted living

 

Learn More About Assisted Living in Santa Barbara, CA

 

Retirement in Santa Barbara means living near a beach and never being far from art fairs, historic structures, or gorgeous mountain vistas. Dubbed “The American Riviera,” this coastal California town is known for its Mediterranean climate and distinctive Spanish Revival Colonial architecture.

In Santa Barbara, assisted living communities provide personal care services in settings typically ranging from private apartments to shared rooms, often with restaurant-style dining and activities based on residents’ interests. Designed to promote independence among seniors who don’t require 24-hour skilled nursing care, assisted living is a good option for retirees who need help with some daily tasks and would like to live a socially fulfilling, active lifestyle.

Cost of Assisted Living in Santa Barbara, CA

The median monthly cost of assisted living in Santa Barbara, California is about $3,300 in the city proper and $3,400 within the metropolitan area. The median monthly cost of assisted living in the state of California is around $4,100.

 

Learn More About Santa Barbara, CA

 

Cost of Living

 

The total household expenses associated with living in Santa Barbara are rated 10 points above the national average. Grocery and other essential costs are also rated above average.

Index Scores

All index scores are based on a scale that has the national average set at 100. A score of 200 indicates that the cost is twice as expensive as the national average, while a score of 50 indicates that the cost is half as expensive.

Household Expenses Health Care Insurance Entertainment Grocery Clothing
110 106 113 111 113 109

 

Income and Housing

Median income age 45-64 Median income age 65+ Median household income Average individual income Median employee salary Average property tax One-bedroom apartment gross rent estimate
$104,029 per year $65,728 per year $79,344 per year $42,094 per year $47,191 per year $8,462 per year $1,323 per month

 

 

Local Hospitals

 

The top hospitals that service Santa Barbara include:

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital

  • Facility type: nonprofit, short-term acute care
  • Bed count: 360+
  • Specialties: emergency department, ICU, joint replacement

Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital

  • Facility type: nonprofit, short-term acute care
  • Bed count: 20+
  • Specialties: emergency department, joint replacement, inpatient surgery

 

 

Weather and Climate

 

Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean climate, with warm winters and cool summers, is one of the most desirable in the country and is often ranked accordingly. Ocean breezes help moderate temperatures throughout the year. Most of Santa Barbara’s rainfall occurs during winter, whereas summers are mostly dry, and humidity remains relatively low during every season, particularly winter.

 

Seasonal Temperatures

January Average January Maximum January Minimum
53.1°F 65.4°F 40.8°F

 

July Average July Maximum July Minimum
67°F 76.7°F 57.3°F

 

Air Quality

  • Relative Air Quality Index: 68

This index is based on a scale that has the national average set at 100. A score of 200 indicates twice the presence of air pollutants than the national average, while a score of 50 indicates half the presence.

Precipitation

  • Average Annual Precipitation: 16.93”

 

 

Demographics and Values

 

Population Statistics

Median age Percent of population over 65 Population Population Density Average Household Size
35 18.0% 193,292 500.8 per square mile 2.58

 

Race & Ethnicity

American Indian or Alaskan Native Asian Black Hispanic or Latino Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Two or More Races White (not Hispanic or Latino)
0.7% 3.9% 1.3% 36.5% 0.2% 3.6% 56.2%

These figures were taken from the most recent U.S. Census.

 

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity

These scores were taken from the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.

  • Non-discrimination laws in Santa Barbara, CA: 30/30
  • Overall inclusivity: 100/100

 

2016 Presidential Election

Democratic Republican Other
60.61% 31.88% 7.5%

 

 

Arts, Culture, Entertainment, and Recreation

 

If your ideal retirement is lounging on a beach, surrounded by art fairs, historic structures, and mountain vistas, look no further than Santa Barbara. This coastal California town has been dubbed “The American Riviera,” largely due to its Mediterranean climate and distinctive Spanish Revival Colonial architecture.

One of Santa Barbara’s most popular tourist destinations is its Waterfront neighborhood, which sits just southeast of downtown and features beachside restaurants and stores along Cabrillo Boulevard, as well as West Beach and the marinas of Santa Barbara Harbor. Here you’ll also find Stearns Wharf, one of the oldest piers in California and now home to several dining spots, museums, souvenir shops, a candy shop, and an ice cream parlor. As you head inland from the Pacific shore toward the Santa Ynez Mountains, you’ll encounter the historic landmark Mission Santa Barbara, a religious outpost founded by Franciscan Friars in the late 1700s. The old chapel and surrounding park attract many of the town’s sightseers, and the Mission grounds still serve as a place of worship today.

Both residents and visitors of Santa Barbara have seemingly endless opportunities to celebrate the town’s local art and history. In addition to Santa Barbara’s Museum of Art, Botanic Garden, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Museum of Natural History and accompanying Sea Center, the city hosts a range of festivals, such as the annual Summer Solstice Parade, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, a street-painting event outside the Mission called I Madonnari, and the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show along the beach. Santa Barbara is also known for its classical music culture, with professional symphony and opera groups performing throughout the year. Notable theaters throughout town include the Arlington, Lobero, and Granada, as well as the Santa Barbara Bowl, a large amphitheater built into a canyon in the Riviera neighborhood.

Transportation

The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) provides bus service throughout the city and surrounding areas as well as shuttles in the Downtown and Waterfront neighborhoods. As Santa Barbara is a bicycle-friendly town, the MTD encourages riders to bring their bikes onto buses, which are equipped with bicycle racks. Easy Lift Transportation is a nonprofit organization serving the Santa Barbara area with paratransit for seniors or residents with limited mobility.

Frequently asked questions

Cliff View Terrace, Palms at Bonaventure and Westmont of Santa Barbara are the top-rated assisted living facilities near Santa Barbara, California. See full list of communities.

There are 22 assisted living facilities near Santa Barbara, California. See the full list.

More questions?

Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.