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
Senior Living Home

10 Best Independent Living Communities in Pajaro Dunes, CA

Answer a few questions to get personalized results
Who are you searching for?

The cost of independent living in Pajaro Dunes is about $4,621 per month. To find the best independent living for your preferences and budget, browse these 23 options. Read 135 reviews, see photos, and learn about amenities that make independent living the ideal next step for adults 55+ who wish to enjoy friendships and hobbies without the hassle of cooking and home maintenance.

As you explore independent living near you, you may also want to consider options in areas like You may also consider nearby communities such as Monterey, Santa Cruz and Salinas.

Pajaro Dunes Independent Living Facilities | 135 Reviews

Showing 21 communities
Last Updated: 5/23/25
Sort by
Filter by
Review Score
Distance
See communities with
Amenities
Providers
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%
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...
See details
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%
See all reviews
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...
See details
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...
See details
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%
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.
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 Valley Heights
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.
Valley Heights, a privately owned “Apartment Community” for Independent Seniors, provides accommodation and services to meet the needs and expectations of active seniors. Valley Heights provides services that eliminate the time consuming tasks of everyday life. Our clean, spacious apartments come...
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 Independence Square
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.
Photo of Paloma Del Mar Senior Apt
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: 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.
Inline cta image

Our free advisors can help

  • Compare local facilities
  • Determine care type
  • Schedule tours
  • Evaluate pricing
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: 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
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
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
50%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
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 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
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
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 La Posada
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.
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.
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.
Photo of Garfield Park Village
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.

Cost of independent living in Pajaro Dunes, CA

The average cost of senior living in Pajaro Dunes is $4,621 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Hollister, CA with an average of $4,101 per month.

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

Pajaro Dunes, CA
$4,621/mo

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

Pajaro Dunes, CA
$4,621/mo
U.S. national average
$4,104/mo

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

$4,905/mo
Independent Living
$4,621/mo

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

Semi-Private
$6,050/mo
Studio
$5,959/mo
1 Bedroom
$6,524/mo
2 Bedroom
$6,300/mo

Average cost of Independent Living in Pajaro Dunes over time

Pajaro Dunes, CACA stateNational

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 Pajaro Dunes

Recent reviews for independent living in Pajaro Dunes

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

Whispering Pines Inn, LLC in Hollister, CA

5.0
Whispering Pines Inn has devotedly served the San Benito County for over 26 years. The management & staffs are caring & very responsive to their elderly residents. Being a caregiver is not an easy task. You have to have the heary & compassion which I have seen with the employees as well ad ...
Read more

Westmont of Morgan Hill

4.5
In August, we will have been in residence at Westmont for nine years. The Facility Director, was first to greet us, and he made us feel very welcome. We were initially attracted by the beauty of the facility and its location in Morgan Hill Since then, we have become even more fond of the ...
Read more

Pajaro Dunes independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Pajaro Dunes independent 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 dietary accommodations in Pajaro Dunes 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 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
9.5%
20.7%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
14.3%
34.6%
No sugar
No sugar
9.5%
31.1%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
28.6%
33.7%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
9.5%
9.8%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Pajaro Dunes 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 Pajaro Dunes communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Pajaro Dunes, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
9.5%
36.7%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
14.3%
43.7%
Room service
Room service
9.5%
37.2%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
9.5%
17.5%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Pajaro Dunes 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 Pajaro Dunes offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Pajaro Dunes, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
19%
45.1%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
14.3%
28.4%
Community service programs
Community service programs
9.5%
32.9%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
23.8%
48.1%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
23.8%
49.1%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
19%
54.3%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
14.3%
43.1%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
9.5%
38.2%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
19%
41.8%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
23.8%
47.4%
Live performances
Live performances
23.8%
47%
Dances
Dances
14.3%
32.8%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
23.8%
46.6%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

There are 23 independent living facilities near Pajaro Dunes, California. See the full list.

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

Photo cta image

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.
Back to top