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 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 Santa Monica, CA

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

If you’re looking for independent living in the Santa Monica 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 Monica. 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 67 independent living facilities in Santa Monica, 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 Studio City, Los Feliz and Universal City.
You may also consider nearby communities such as Los Angeles, Pasadena and Long Beach.

Santa Monica Independent Living Facilities | 859 Reviews

Showing 68 communities
Last Updated: 8/27/25
Sort by
Filter by
Review Score
Distance
See communities with
Amenities
Providers
Photo of Garden of Palms
88 Photos available
8.5
Review score
20 reviews
8.5
Review score
20 reviews
5 star
63%
4 star
23%
3 star
5%
2 star
9%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Savant of West Hollywood made the transition smooth and quick! The process was fast and stress-free, and I truly appreciate [name removed] assistance throughout. The care providers are so gentle with my mom,...
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.
Every aspect of living at Garden of Palms has been planned to ensure maximum enjoyment and comfort...We provide an enriching lifestyle that enhances both the physical and emotional well-being of our residents. A warm attractive setting, marvelous meals, supportive programs, security and...
See details
Photo of The Cottages at Melrose Gardens
55 Photos available
5 star
36%
4 star
37%
3 star
27%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
This is a really special community it is a wonderful place. My mother is doing very well so far and I am very pleased with all they have done for us. Very smooth transition moving into the community. 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.
The Cottages at Melrose Gardens When disorientation and memory loss begin to affect a person's life, basic needs become ever more complex. At The Cottages Alzheimer's Program, we provide a gentle, compassionate environment that minimizes confusion while maximizing security, health and enjoyment...
Photo of Melrose Gardens
88 Photos available
5 star
40%
4 star
50%
3 star
0%
2 star
10%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
As with all communities, make sure you go there yourself and never depend on the staff to be the sole source of care for your loved one. Stop by at different times, different days, ask questions, follow up....
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.
Melrose Gardens is a unique, vibrant community for adults seeking a healthy, dynamic and satisfying retirement lifestyle. From the moment you enter Melrose Gardens, you'll appreciate our enlivening approach to retirement. Our gracious residence exudes Southern California warmth and hospitality...
Photo of Belmont Village Encino
1414 Photos available
77 Floor plans available
8.7
Review score
40 reviews
8.7
Review score
40 reviews
5 star
35%
4 star
44%
3 star
12%
2 star
2%
1 star
7%
See all reviews
Belmont Village Encino/ Sherman oaks has been very accommodating for my mother. The staff is great. The care is great, highly recommend.
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.
Belmont Village of Encino, California is located in the tree-lined residential areas of Encino and Sherman Oaks in the San Fernando Valley. This prime location is convenient for senior living with healthcare facilities and providers, places of worship, and excellent restaurants. And for shopping...
See details
Photo of Westmont of Culver City
9.1
Review score
17 reviews
9.1
Review score
17 reviews
5 star
85%
4 star
5%
3 star
5%
2 star
5%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Westmont of Culver City had extremely helpful, knowledgeable and compassionate staff. Apartment sizes are excellent. Washer and dryer in the unit was a huge plus. Entire building and all units as well as...
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
Photo of Westminster Towers
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.
Photo of Ocean House
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all 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.
Santa Monica's most magnificent, premier retirement community, offering breathtaking views and ocean front living. Ocean House features 121 elegant, full-service senior apartments. This exquisite, 10-story community is situated on approximately one acre of prime ocean front land, overlooking the...
Photo of Monte Carlo Apartments
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 Cheviot Hills Golden Manor
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: 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.
Inline cta image

Our free advisors can help

  • Compare local facilities
  • Determine care type
  • Schedule tours
  • Evaluate pricing
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 Fountianview At Gonda Westside
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.
Photo of Beverly Hills Gardens
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
100%
See all 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.
Photo of Ciela
99 Photos available
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.
This is your time.Ciela is your place.If you live life on your own terms, make your own choices and have abundant energy, you’re probably determined to keep it that way, no matter your age or ability.But too often, the transition to living with assistance feels like you can’t be you anymore: that...
See details
Photo of Ciela
99 Photos available
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.
This is your time.Ciela is your place.If you live life on your own terms, make your own choices and have abundant energy, you’re probably determined to keep it that way, no matter your age or ability.But too often, the transition to living with assistance feels like you can’t be you anymore: that...
See details
Photo of Beverly Hills Loving Care
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
Photo of Rossmore Housing Plaza
5 star
22%
4 star
22%
3 star
34%
2 star
22%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
They really are a great facility! They work so incredibly hard to accomodate needs, and fix any issues. They communicate really well, too. I visit twice a week, and have no complaints about their care or...
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.
Sunny Hills welcomes you at the front door with familiar sights, sounds and aromas of home. There are freshly baked cookies at the Bistro, lively conversations in the parlor, laughter in the library and a helping hand when you need it.
Photo of Sunny Hills Assisted Living and Memory Care
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.
Photo of Sunny Hills Assisted Living and Memory Care
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.
Photo of Ladera Vista
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 The Pinnacles at Burton
9.0
Review score
5 reviews
9.0
Review score
5 reviews
5 star
67%
4 star
22%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
11%
See all reviews
My mom was only under their care for two weeks as she passed just two weeks after moving there.. they freshly painted her room, put in new carpet and fixed some minor repairs before she moved in. The staff...
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.
Since 1978, we have offered a great alternative for seniors who may need additional assistance with their daily routines, medication management, bathing and dressing or personal hygiene, yet do not require the intensive services of a skilled nursing facility.  With the assistance of our...
See details
Photo of Beverly Hills Carmel Inc. North
5 star
22%
4 star
78%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I have found Carmel to be a very comfortable, friendly and helpful facility. It is very clean, the staff and management treat residents with respect and show a sincere interest in each resident. The food is...
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.
 Since 1978, we have offered a great alternative for seniors who may need additional assistance with their daily routines, medication management, bathing and dressing or personal hygiene, yet do not require the intensive services of a skilled nursing facility.  With the assistance of...
Photo of Wilshire Vista Manor/Beverly Hills Senior Care
5 star
17%
4 star
0%
3 star
25%
2 star
8%
1 star
50%
See all reviews
The Wilshire Vista Manor is a great place. It is conveniently located and well managed. The staff is friendly, caring and professional. My loved one sleeps most of the time, so, I don't know exactly about...
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.
Photo of Westside Jewish Ctr Apartments
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.

Cost of independent living in Santa Monica, CA

The average cost of senior living in Santa Monica is $4,741 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Florence-Graham, CA with an average of $4,283 per month.

Independent living costs in Santa Monica, CA, vs. nearby cities

Santa Monica, CA
$4,741/mo

Independent living costs in Santa Monica, CA, vs. state and national averages

Santa Monica, CA
$4,741/mo
U.S. national average
$3,951/mo

Independent living costs in Santa Monica, CA, vs. other senior living options

$5,361/mo
Independent Living
$4,741/mo

Independent living costs in Santa Monica, CA, by floor plan type

Semi-Private
$5,582/mo
Studio
$7,157/mo
1 Bedroom
$9,343/mo
2 Bedroom
$13,556/mo
Detached Cottage/Bungalow
$8,295/mo

Senior living costs in Santa Monica vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column communityType: Community type
Column destination: Santa Monica, CA
Column state: California
Column national: U.S.
Community typeSanta Monica, CACaliforniaU.S.
Independent Living$4,741/mo$4,434/mo$3,951/mo
Assisted Living$4,343/mo$4,287/mo$4,515/mo
Memory Care$5,361/mo$5,249/mo$4,761/mo
Independent Living
Santa Monica, CA:$4,741/mo
California:$4,434/mo
U.S.:$3,951/mo
Assisted Living
Santa Monica, CA:$4,343/mo
California:$4,287/mo
U.S.:$4,515/mo
Memory Care
Santa Monica, CA:$5,361/mo
California:$5,249/mo
U.S.:$4,761/mo
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

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 Santa Monica

Recent reviews for independent living in Santa Monica

Leisure Vale Assisted Living in Glendale, CA

5.0
Facility seems a good place for [name removed], well organized and staff are accommodating.

Foothill Retirement in Tujunga, CA

4.4
What our family likes the most about the Foothill Retirement community is all the team work between the staff members working there. Friendly and staff that will help care for my mom's needed especially having the understanding to care for dementia seniors. Staff also understands family's ...
Read more

Garden of Palms in Los Angeles, CA

5.0
Garden of Palms community is absolutely lovely. The meals and dining service is excellent, and they activities they have for the residents are also excellent. We would absolutely recommend this community to others.

Santa Monica independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Santa Monica independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Santa Monica, 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 Monica 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 Monica partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Santa Monica, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
34.3%
17.2%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
46.3%
28.9%
No sugar
No sugar
40.3%
26.7%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
37.3%
28.2%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
10.4%
6.5%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Santa Monica 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 Monica communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Santa Monica, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
35.8%
30.7%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
40.3%
36.6%
Room service
Room service
43.3%
31%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
22.4%
14.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Santa Monica 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 Monica offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Santa Monica, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
44.8%
38.4%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
23.9%
24%
Community service programs
Community service programs
20.9%
27.8%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
46.3%
41.8%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
49.3%
42.6%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
43.3%
46.9%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
34.3%
36.5%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
25.4%
31.9%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
41.8%
35.4%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
46.3%
40.5%
Live performances
Live performances
46.3%
40.2%
Dances
Dances
28.4%
27.3%
Fitness center
Fitness center
26.9%
34.1%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
44.8%
40%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunrise of Beverly Hills, Sunrise of Westlake Village and Studio Royale by Cogir are the top-rated independent living facilities near Santa Monica, California. See full list of communities.

There are 67 independent living facilities near Santa Monica, California. See the full list.

The best independent living facilities near you in Santa Monica, California are Sunrise of Beverly Hills, Sunrise of Westlake Village and Studio Royale by Cogir. These independent living communities received the highest rankings 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