Santa Barbara Assisted Living

The median cost of assisted living in Santa Barbara for a single-occupancy apartment is $3,700/month (Genworth - 2013). This monthly cost typically includes rent, utilities, dining, housekeeping and transportation.

Often referred to as “The American Riviera,” Santa Barbara lies 90 minutes northwest of Los Angeles, nestled between a stunning beachfront coastline reminiscent of the Mediterranean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, which create a dramatic backdrop for the city. Thousands of tourists visit Santa Barbara each year to enjoy the many world-class attractions and amenities within the city.

Seniors who choose assisted living in Santa Barbara enjoy some of the best Southern California has to offer, including access to a dynamic cultural arts scene, scenic natural beauty and first-class, resort-style living.

Santa Barbara Recreation

In keeping with the city’s rich maritime history, the Santa Barbara Waterfront is a vibrant stretch of local restaurants, shops and artists. The two most popular waterfront destinations are Stearns Wharf, a 130-year old structure home to the Ty Warner Sea Center natural history museum, and The Harbor, whose pier offers some of the best boat watching in the city.

Seniors enjoying assisted living in Santa Barbara take a break from sun and surf by visiting some of the area’s scenic attractions. The Santa Barbara Mission is considered one of the most beautiful Missions in California and has continued to actively function as a church since its founding in 1786. Visitors spend hours exploring the Mission’s sprawling grounds and Spanish-style architecture.

Santa Barbara Activities

Home to several institutions of higher learning, most notably the University of California at Santa Barbara, the city is full of intellectual pursuits. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History displays collections of Prehistoric Native American life, while the Santa Barbara Museum of Art has an impressive collection of Asian artifacts. The Santa Barbara Zoo offers fun for all ages and is considered one of the best small zoos in the country.

Residents of assisted living in Santa Barbara who seek friends and fun head to one of two senior centers: The Carrillo Recreation Center or the Louise Lowry Davis Recreation Center. The Centers offer a wide range of programs and activities, including dance classes, lawn bowling and hobby groups.

Santa Barbara Medical Facilities

Seniors enjoying assisted living in Santa Barbara appreciate the peace of mind of knowing that quality medical care is just a short ride away at the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Serving Santa Barbara since 1888, the 408-bed teaching hospital with over 600 doctors and nurses is the largest of its kind between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The hospital is well known for its neurosurgical, cardiac and oncology programs, as well as for operating the Cottage Center for Advanced Imaging and MacDougall Eye Center.

Santa Barbara Transportation

Travel in and around Santa Barbara is easy and affordable by bus. The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) operates mass transit in the city with public transportation running from communities of assisted living in Santa Barbara to the city’s many popular attractions. All buses are wheelchair accessible and reduced fare cards are available for seniors.

Cost of Assisted Living in Santa Barbara

Beautiful Santa Barbara is far and away one of the most desirable cities in which to live, and it is no wonder many seniors wish to find assisted living housing here. Depending on the size, location and services provided by an assisted living community, monthly fees for a private one-bedroom unit can cost as little as $1,750 or as much as $5,700.

The median monthly price for assisted living in the area is $3,725.* Seniors should prepare to spend $44,700 annually for assisted living in Santa Barbara.

Find Assisted Living in Santa Barbara

Assisted living in Santa Barbara offers seniors intimate, resort-style retirement living in a scenic beachfront community. Learn more about local housing options by visiting our Santa Barbara Assisted Living page.

*Genworth Financial 2011 Cost of Care Survey.

Written by senior housing writer Jacqui Howell.