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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 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
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10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Pajaro Dunes, CA

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Assisted living costs in Pajaro Dunes average about $4,657 per month. To find the best assisted living options for your needs and budget, browse through 18 communities in Pajaro Dunes. Our detailed directory has 142 reviews, photos, and lists of available services, amenities, and activities. Assisted living is ideal for seniors who need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing and eating, and prefer a social setting to pursue their interests. These communities offer a variety of dining options, as well as housekeeping services to eliminate daily stresses.

As you explore assisted living near you, you may also want to consider assisted living options in areas like You may also consider nearby communities such as Monterey, Gilroy and Aptos.

Pajaro Dunes Assisted Living Facilities | 142 Reviews

Showing 18 communities
Last Updated: 5/9/25
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Photo of Vista Harden Ranch
1111 Photos available
9.2
Review score
37 reviews
9.2
Review score
37 reviews
5 star
52%
4 star
35%
3 star
8%
2 star
0%
1 star
5%
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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 Merrill Gardens at Gilroy
2424 Photos available
66 Floor plans available
9.1
Review score
45 reviews
9.1
Review score
45 reviews
5 star
62%
4 star
20%
3 star
9%
2 star
7%
1 star
2%
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Staff is very friendly. People are complaining about how repetitive the menu is since [name removed] left. I would like to add to my review about pricing. Although the rent fees are very reasonable, the cost...
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 Gilroy is a gated senior community set on a tranquil five-acre tract near downtown Gilroy. Enjoy a plethora of relaxing activities and attractions — art and food festivals, boating, hiking areas, golf and shopping. The team provides a high level of services in addition to...
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Photo of Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
1414 Photos available
8.9
Review score
35 reviews
8.9
Review score
35 reviews
5 star
56%
4 star
29%
3 star
3%
2 star
6%
1 star
6%
See all reviews
It's location and the alcoves of small places for sitting, reading, and views. It is a beautiful building. Oh, the other thing, is the ability for the residents to have as much independence as possible. 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.
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community is a beautiful community located in the center of all the action. We are within walking distance of the Santa Cruz Wharf, beach and boardwalk. Our beautiful building has a charming personality—and a fascinating past—all its own. Sunshine Villa, A...
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Photo of Westwind Memory Care
66 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
8.0
Review score
5 reviews
8.0
Review score
5 reviews
5 star
60%
4 star
40%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Caring staff. Good housekeeping. Sometimes communication could be better. Overall, I would recommend Westwind Memory Care to others.
Provides: Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
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 Westwind Memory Care assisted living community is located in the gorgeous city of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, California. This area is known for its natural beauty and its proximity to Monterey Bay. Seniors who love the water and all things nature will love the Santa Cruz atmosphere. The...
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Photo of Aegis of Aptos
1616 Photos available
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
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.
Aegis of Aptos is one of the Santa Cruz areas newest assisted living communities. Located just minutes from beautiful Monterey Bay, Aegis provides high quality assisted living services in a specially designed environment. Innovative programs, and high staffing ratios enable us to provide the...
Photo of Paradise Villa
44 Photos available
5 star
0%
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0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
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 the communityWelcome to Paradise Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care. Our senior living community is pleasantly located in Santa Cruz, California, on 17th Avenue. We’re a dignified and affordable solution for families seeking assisted living care in the area. For over 40 years we’ve...
Photo of Montecito Manor
5 star
75%
4 star
17%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
8%
See all reviews
WHEN VISITING MY GRANDFATHER I WAS GREETED WITH A SMILE AND WAS DELIGHTED TO SEE HOW CLEAN THE FACILITY WAS. EVERYONE I PASSED HAD A SMILE AND WAS SUPER NICE MY GRANDFATHER LOOKED SO HAPPY AND WAS ENJOYING...
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.
Montecito Manor Montecito Manor is an assisted living community located in the scenic mountainside town of Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, California. This residence is a specialized memory care center for seniors living with dementia and Alzheimer's. The center is near Flodberg Park and several...
Photo of Christian Home Care
5 star
50%
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0%
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50%
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Mom enjoys the food. I was impressed by their kindness and cleanliness of the home, and their attitude. They take her to get her hair done and to doctor’s appointments. She gets to watch her baseball games,...
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
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.
Care Homes: Residential 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.
Christian Home CareChristian Home Care is located in Castroville, CA in Monterey County. This residential care home provides you with a peaceful and quiet place to live. Monterey County offers much to residents and guests, including the Bixby Creek Bridge, Pinnacles National Park, Cannery Row,...
Photo of De Un Amor
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.
See details
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
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.
Care Homes: Residential 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.
Songbird in the Country is a residential care home located in the tranquil neighborhoods of Salinas CA in Monterey County. The amazing landscape coupled with the peacefulness of our community is set to offer nothing short of satisfaction and peace of mind to our residents. Our community takes joy...
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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
5 star
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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.
Capitola ManorCapitola Manor is a uniquely beautiful and welcoming assisted living community nestled within Santa Cruz, CA. The landscaped community has much to offer in the way of being a home away from home. Trees and shrubs surround the property, which gives way to a peaceful and quiet setting...
Photo of Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc.
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
50%
2 star
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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.
Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc.Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc. is an assisted living community that is located in the town of Soquel, CA. Soquel is located in the Santa Cruz area. Living in Soquel you definitely get the small town feel but are still close enough to the big city lifestyle of the Santa Cruz...
Photo of Live In Serenity
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.
The Chateau Guest Home is a quaint assisted living community located in the bustling city of Santa Cruz, CA. Santa Cruz is a beautiful seaside community with a lot of great amenities. It is also a tourist destination, making it an ideal location for an assisted living community, and that's why...
Photo of Santa Cruz Alzheimer's Association
Provides: Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
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.
Photo of Valley Haven III
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.
Photo of Dominican Oaks
5 star
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I've lived here for two years and I am very pleased with my life here. The community is very friendly and supportive. There are many activities offered here to keep our bodies and minds busy. Many of the...
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.
Photo of Maple House
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.

Cost of assisted living in Pajaro Dunes, CA

The average cost of senior living in Pajaro Dunes is $4,657 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Gonzales, CA with an average of $3,930 per month.

Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Pajaro Dunes, CA vs. nearby cities

Pajaro Dunes, CA
$4,657/mo

Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Pajaro Dunes, CA vs. the state and national average

Pajaro Dunes, CA
$4,657/mo
U.S. national average
$4,674/mo

Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Pajaro Dunes vs. other types of senior living

Assisted Living
$4,657/mo
$4,905/mo

Median monthly costs of Assisted Living in Pajaro Dunes, CA by room type

Semi-Private
$6,225/mo
Studio
$6,090/mo
1 Bedroom
$6,524/mo
2 Bedroom
$6,300/mo

Average cost of Assisted Living in Pajaro Dunes over time

Pajaro Dunes, CACA stateNational

Ways to pay for Assisted Living in Pajaro Dunes, CA

Paying for assisted living 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 assisted living in Pajaro Dunes.

What families are saying about assisted living in Pajaro Dunes

Recent reviews for assisted living in Pajaro Dunes

Ivy Park at Salinas

5.0
Friendly staff, clean facility, and proactive. I would recommend to others. I picked this community because of the atmosphere and pricing.

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

Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community in Santa Cruz, CA

4.6
The facility is circular and beautifully Victorian surrounding a sunny lush garden courtyard. Setting is on a hill three blocks from the ocean. There is always a friendly receptionist close to the entrance to greet you and who always answers the phone when you call. Everyone one on the staff ...
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Pajaro Dunes review score based on 28 family reviews

8.8
Review score18 facilities28 reviewsWrite a review
This proprietary review score is based on 28 reviews of 18 Pajaro Dunes assisted living communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.
The Pajaro Dunes review score informs your search by letting you see at a glance how assisted living residents and family members rate assisted living in your area. Compare review scores in multiple locations to understand how overall satisfaction rates differ from city to city. Based on recent reviews, the maximum possible score is 10.Methodology: How we calculate our city review scores

Pajaro Dunes review score compared against nearby cities

8.8
Pajaro Dunes, CA18 facilities
8.7
Watsonville, CA18 facilities

Review subcategories for Pajaro Dunes assisted living

When assisted living residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 28 reviews of 18 Pajaro Dunes assisted living communities. This chart helps you compare Pajaro Dunes resident and family assisted living satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.
Pajaro Dunes, CA averageNational average
Cleanliness
4.5
4.5
Friendliness
4.5
4.6
Care services
4.1
4.2
Staff
4.4
4.5
Meals & dining
3.9
4.1
Activities
4.0
4.1
Value for cost*
4.0
4.1
0.01.02.03.04.05.0
*Learn more about cost details

Pajaro Dunes assisted living services and amenities

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

Availability of select care services in Pajaro Dunes assisted living

Assisted living communities offer a variety of care services and visiting health care providers to meet seniors’ health needs. The chart below shows the percentage of assisted living partners in Pajaro Dunes that offer these care services compared to the percentage of partners that offer them nationally.
Pajaro Dunes, CANational
Full medication management
Full medication management
61.1%
52.6%
Doctor on call
Doctor on call
22.2%
33.7%
24-Hour awake staff
24-Hour awake staff
77.8%
98.5%
Diabetic care
Diabetic care
100%
99.1%
*Visiting health care professionals
*Visiting health care professionals
44.4%
56.9%
Home care agency on-site
Home care agency on-site
27.8%
30.1%
Non-ambulatory care
Non-ambulatory care
88.9%
98.9%
Respite or short term stays
Respite or short term stays
33.3%
48%
Hospice available on-site
Hospice available on-site
50%
53.1%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
*Including nurse, dentist, OT, PT, speech or podiatrist

Availability of select dementia care services in Pajaro Dunes assisted living

Our community partners provide many services to keep residents with dementia or other memory concerns safe and engaged. Below, take a look at what percentage of Pajaro Dunes Assisted Living partners offer the selected dementia care services compared to the percentage of partners nationally.
Pajaro Dunes, CANational
Dementia behaviors care
Dementia behaviors care
66.7%
51.5%
Specialized memory care training for staff
Specialized memory care training for staff
16.7%
32.6%
Secured community and/or wander guard
Secured community and/or wander guard
55.6%
41.2%
Memory care only community
Memory care only community
33.3%
13.6%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Pajaro Dunes assisted living

Assisted living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Pajaro Dunes partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Pajaro Dunes, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
11.1%
27.2%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
22.2%
40.7%
No sugar
No sugar
16.7%
37.4%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
38.9%
35.8%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
11.1%
15.8%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Pajaro Dunes assisted living

Our assisted living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Pajaro Dunes communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Pajaro Dunes, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
16.7%
31.4%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
22.2%
42.4%
Room service
Room service
11.1%
36.5%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
16.7%
18.2%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Pajaro Dunes assisted 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 assisted living communities in Pajaro Dunes offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Pajaro Dunes, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
27.8%
46.4%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
22.2%
31.2%
Community service programs
Community service programs
11.1%
30.4%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
38.9%
49.7%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
33.3%
49.3%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
27.8%
52.5%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
22.2%
41.3%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
11.1%
35.1%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
27.8%
37.9%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
33.3%
46.8%
Live performances
Live performances
33.3%
47%
Dances
Dances
22.2%
30.2%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
33.3%
46%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

State regulations for assisted living in Pajaro Dunes

Safety is a primary concern when seniors and their families look for assisted living. Each state has its own laws and inspection processes to ensure seniors reside in a safe environment. Learning about California assisted living regulations will help you understand how assisted living communities in Pajaro Dunes protect seniors.

Learn about California Assisted Living regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

Madonna Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care, Westmont of Morgan Hill and The Cottages of Carmel are the top-rated assisted living facilities near Pajaro Dunes, California. See full list of communities.

There are 18 assisted living facilities near Pajaro Dunes, California. See the full list.

The best assisted living facility near you in Pajaro Dunes, California is Westmont of Morgan Hill. This assisted living community received the highest ranking based on verified family reviews.

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