About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2024 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory 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. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2024 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2024 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia.
Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Home Care Home care relies on trained aides to provide companionship and non-medical care for seniors living at home. Complete guide to home careBest of 2024 Home Care Winners
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
More About Veterans Benefits
Senior Living Awards
How Our Service Works
Caregiver ResourcesAdd Review(866) 374-4058
Talk to a local advisor for FREE
10 Best Independent Living Communities in Santa Barbara, CA
If you’re looking for independent living in the Santa Barbara 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 Barbara. 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 17 independent living facilities in Santa Barbara, 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 Montecito, Goleta and Carpinteria.
You may also consider nearby communities such as Montecito, Goleta and Carpinteria.
Santa Barbara Independent Living Facilities | 174 Reviews
Showing 15 communities
Last Updated: 12/24/24
Sort by
Filter by
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
99 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
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.
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. ...
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
1616 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
9.4
Review score
88 reviews
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.
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...
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
1818 Photos available
44 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
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.
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...
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
99 Photos available
5 star
50%
4 star
25%
3 star
25%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
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
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.
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....
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
1010 Photos available
5 star
80%
4 star
0%
3 star
20%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
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
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.
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...
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
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 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...
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.
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
50%
2 star
0%
1 star
50%
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living, Nursing Homes
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.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
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...
-independent-living-santa-barbara-ca.jpg?t=web_apfm_community_thumbnails_dl)
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
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.
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.
Our free advisors can help
- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
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.
5 star
25%
4 star
25%
3 star
25%
2 star
25%
1 star
0%
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
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.
5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
To: "Room for improvement" 1. Our residential unit has the microwave below the counter. I do not know that all units have this arrangement, but they are being upgraded and remodeled constantly. 2. ...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
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.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
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.
Viewing 1-15 out of 15 communities
Cost of independent living in Santa Barbara, CA
The average cost of senior living in Santa Barbara is $5,010 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Maricopa, CA with an average of $4,280 per month.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Santa Barbara, CA vs. nearby cities
Santa Barbara, CA
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Santa Barbara, CA vs. the state and national average
Santa Barbara, CA
U.S. national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Santa Barbara vs. other types of senior living
Independent Living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Santa Barbara, CA by room type
Semi-Private
Studio
1 Bedroom
2 Bedroom
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.
Your Guide to Paying for Care
Plan for and know your options for how to cover long-term care expenses.
Your Guide to VA Benefits
The VA provides two veterans benefits that can be used to offset the costs of long-term care.
Medicare and Medicaid
Understand the difference between these two public pay options, and what they cover.
What families are saying about independent living in Santa Barbara
Recent reviews for independent living in Santa Barbara
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 ...
Read more
Alexander Gardens in Santa Barbara, CA
4.7
Alexander Gardens is by far the most peaceful, beautiful, and friendly place I've seen. My mom loved being there, and the staff went above and beyond to make Mom feel at home. The grounds are the most beautiful and tranquil and amazing that I've seen in any other resident facility that I ...
Read more
Cliff View Terrace in Santa Barbara, CA
5.0
The care home is an immaculate, beautiful facility and the staff is very professional and many of them have been there since the 80s. Our family is so happy with the great care there. Also, as I understand it, it's the only care home in Santa Barbara that has a physician on staff and he's board ...
Read more
Santa Barbara independent living services and amenities
These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Santa Barbara independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Santa Barbara, 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 Barbara 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 Barbara partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Santa Barbara, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
6.7%
20%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
26.7%
33.4%
No sugar
No sugar
13.3%
30.9%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
26.7%
32.8%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
6.7%
7.7%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
Availability of select dining options in Santa Barbara 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 Barbara communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Santa Barbara, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
26.7%
35.8%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
26.7%
42.6%
Room service
Room service
33.3%
36.1%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
13.3%
16.9%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
Availability of select programs and activities in Santa Barbara 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 Barbara offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Santa Barbara, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
40%
44.4%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
26.7%
27.7%
Community service programs
Community service programs
20%
32.1%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
26.7%
48.3%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
40%
48.9%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
33.3%
53.9%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
40%
42.2%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
33.3%
36.9%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
33.3%
40.8%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
33.3%
46.6%
Live performances
Live performances
33.3%
46.3%
Dances
Dances
20%
31.8%
Fitness center
Fitness center
20%
38.9%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
40%
46.1%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
Frequently Asked Questions
Cliff View Terrace, Westmont of Santa Barbara and Villa Santa Barbara are the top-rated independent living facilities near Santa Barbara, California. See full list of communities.
There are 17 independent living facilities near Santa Barbara, California. See the full list.
More questions?
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
Independent Living in Cities Near Santa Barbara
- Montecito, California
- Goleta, California
- Carpinteria, California
- Santa Ynez, California
- Hope Ranch, California
- Summerland, California
- Oak View, California
- Ojala, California
- Ortega, California
- Ellwood, California
- Cachuma Village, California
- Casitas Springs, California
- Mission Canyon, California
- Matilija Springs, California
- Dulah, California
- Old Town, California
- Sandyland Cove, California
- Serena, California
- Toro Canyon, California
- Serena Park, California
More options near Santa Barbara, California
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.
Back to top