See all

Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

80 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Assisted Living · Memory Care

Write a review

For residents and staff
(831) 459-8400
For pricing and availability
(831) 703-8925
Page info provided by
, 

Last updated Nov 24, 2025

About Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community is an Assisted Living community in the Santa Cruz area that also offers Memory Care. Costs for this community start at $4,600/mo, which is lower than the cost of care in the Santa Cruz area of $5,595/mo.

Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community, stands as a beacon of warmth and care, nestled in a vibrant neighborhood known for its inviting atmosphere and scenic views. The community is ideally positioned within walking distance of the Santa Cruz Wharf, beach, and boardwalk, offering residents the chance to enjoy the coastal beauty and engaging local attractions. The charming building, with its rich history, provides a delightful backdrop for those who call it home.

At Sunshine Villa, the focus is on delivering exceptional care and medical services tailored to each resident's unique needs. The community prides itself on offering comprehensive assisted living and memory care services, ensuring a seamless transition as care needs evolve over time. Residents benefit from a wide array of health care services, including 24-hour supervision, medication management, and assistance with daily living activities, all provided by a dedicated team of professionals committed to exceeding expectations.

The neighborhood surrounding Sunshine Villa is rich with amenities and conveniences. Residents have access to a variety of dining options, such as the nearby Las Palmas Taco Bar and Firefly Coffee House, both less than a mile away. For medical needs, the Family Medicine: Westside Center at Palo Alto Medical Foundation is conveniently located just 0.8 miles away, and CVS Pharmacy is within easy reach. This community is further enhanced by its proximity to parks and green spaces, offering a serene environment for relaxation and recreation.

Reviews from residents and their families highlight the community's dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment. The commitment to fostering a vibrant lifestyle is evident in the daily activities and programs designed to engage and inspire residents. With a focus on personal connections and a nurturing atmosphere, Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community, is more than a place to live—it's a place to thrive.


AI-generated description based on Seniorly's proprietary data. Contact a Seniorly representative to learn more.

About Merrill Gardens Senior Living

Average Rating
4.3
(38 reviews)

Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community is a member of the Merrill Gardens Senior Living portfolio of communities. Established in 1993, Merrill Gardens, a fifth-generation family-owned company, spaning 66 locations across 19 states. With over 20 years of senior living expertise, Merrill Gardens is led by CEO Tana Gall, and has led the organization to be recognized by the Great Place to Work Institute. Some communities have earned design awards, and Merrill Gardens is overall recognized for its tech integration. In collaboration with Google, 1,000 Nest Hub Max devices were installed in Washington communities in 2020, combating isolation and facilitating virtual engagement. Committed to keeping seniors connected and active, Merrill Gardens promotes aging in place with signature programming, offering a satisfaction guarantee. Merrill Gardens Senior Living communities have an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Seniorly.

See all Merrill Gardens Senior Living communities

Pricing for Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

Pricing starts from
$4,600/mo

Your monthly costs at Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community will vary depending on room type and the level of care needed. Click the button above to connect with your Seniorly Local Advisor for more accurate pricing.

Request a tour at Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

Wed
3
DEC
Thu
4
DEC
Fri
5
DEC
Mon
8
DEC
Tue
9
DEC
Wed
10
DEC
Thu
11
DEC
Fri
12
DEC
Mon
15
DEC
Morning (between 8AM and 12PM)

Reviews for Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

9.8
Seniorly Community Score
Based on Seniorly's proprietary scoring, including 71 reviews across the web.

What families are saying

We’ve gathered and summarized real family reviews from across the internet for you. Contact a Seniorly representative for details.
Sunshine Villa, an assisted living and memory care facility in Santa Cruz, CA, receives mixed reviews from residents and their families. Many praise the facility for its friendly and compassionate staff, who are often described as attentive and caring. The facility is noted for its beautiful Victorian architecture, clean environment, and a variety of activities, including exercise classes, musical programs, and outings. Residents appreciate the scenic location and the sense of community. However, some reviews highlight significant concerns. Several residents and their families report issues with high costs, unexpected fees, and billing errors. There are complaints about high staff turnover, which affects the consistency of care. Some reviewers express dissatisfaction with the quality of food and the handling of dietary needs. Concerns about inadequate response times to emergency calls and insufficient training in dementia care are also mentioned. The facility's management receives criticism for being dismissive and unresponsive to concerns, with some describing a bullying attitude. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated some issues, such as limited visitation and meal service disruptions. Despite these challenges, many residents and families remain satisfied with the overall care and environment, recommending Sunshine Villa for its supportive staff and engaging activities. However, potential residents are advised to carefully consider the costs and specific care needs before choosing Sunshine Villa.
Activities
Care Services
Cleanliness
Facilities
Dining Services
Resident Satisfaction
Staff
Value
Reviews left on Seniorly
Add a review and help other families
There are currently no reviews here for this community.
Write a review

Care offered at Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

Care services

  • Mild cognitive impairment
  • Medication management
  • Dementia care

Amenities at Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

  • Furnished
  • Emergency Alert System
  • Move-in coordination
  • Concierge
  • Meal preparation and service
  • Special dietary restrictions
  • Professional chef
  • Community-sponsored activities
    Happy hour, Cooking classes, Live dance or theater performances, Holiday parties, Dances, Art classes, Has karaoke, Trivia games, Live well programs, Has birthday parties, Has wii bowling, Has garden club
  • Pet-friendly
    Dogs, Cats
  • Faith Based
    Devotional activities on site, Devotional activities offsite

Ask a local senior living advisor a question

Seniorly offers a free consultation with a local senior living advisor who lives in your area and knows all the information about senior living communities near you. So go ahead and ask - they're here to help!

Lauren Ross
Lauren Ross
Santa Cruz Seniorly Advisor
  • 5 (7 reviews)
  • Families helped: 1272
  • 12 years of experience
  • Top advisor: 2025
    • Need help sooner?
    Call us at (831) 703-8925

    Senior living tools

    Explore all senior living tools

    Seniorly Neighborhood Insights for Santa Cruz, CA (95060)

    Discover crucial neighborhood insights from reputable sources like census.gov and epa.gov. Remember, this data offers a general overview of the area and might not reflect the area immediately surrounding the property.

    Total population: 47,266

    34% of population is 50+ years old, 15% is 65+ years old
    The poverty rate is 8% higher for this region compared to the California state average, which is 12%

    Diversity

    2% of population identify themselves as Black, 7% as Asian, 18% as Hispanic, and 78% as White

    Nearby communities recommended for you

    Verified
    Aegis Living Aptos 1

    Aegis Living Aptos

    125 Heather Terrace, Aptos, CA 95003Assisted Living, Memory Care
    Aegis Living Aptos is a vibrant senior living community nestled in the beautiful surroundings of Heather Terrace. This charming neighborhood offers a harmonious blend of majestic redwood forests and the serene sea, creating an idyllic setting for residents. The community is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, with friendly neighbors who actively participate in inclusive neighborhood event...
    ...Read more
    From $6,030
    /mo
    9.9
    Verified
    Brookdale Scotts Valley 1

    Brookdale Scotts Valley

    100 Lockwood Lane, Scotts Valley, CA 95066Assisted Living
    Brookdale Scotts Valley is a vibrant senior living community that offers a comprehensive range of care and medical services. Residents can enjoy peace of mind knowing that the dedicated staff is available 24/7 to address emergencies and provide assistance with activities of daily living. The community offers personalized care, including medication management and coordination with healthcare provid...
    ...Read more
    From $4,015
    /mo
    9.8
    Verified
    Dominican Oaks 1

    Dominican Oaks

    3400 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95065Assisted Living
    Nestled in a tranquil and wooded setting, Dominican Oaks is a vibrant senior living community dedicated to the well-being and happiness of its residents. With a focus on providing exceptional care and medical services, this community ensures peace of mind for both residents and their families. Situated next to one of the area's most comprehensive medical centers, Dominican Hospital, residents have...
    ...Read more
    From $4,890
    /mo
    9.5
    Verified
    Westwind Memory Care 1

    Westwind Memory Care

    160 Jewell Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Assisted Living, Memory Care
    Westwind Memory Care stands as a beacon of compassionate senior living, nestled in a vibrant neighborhood that offers a harmonious blend of serene living and accessible amenities. This large community is designed to provide exceptional care and medical services, ensuring that residents receive the attention and support they need to thrive. With a focus on personalized care, Westwind Memory Care of...
    ...Read more
    From $5,750
    /mo
    9.3
    Paradise Assisted Care Corp 1

    Paradise Assisted Care Corp

    2177 17Th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062Assisted Living
    Nestled along the picturesque Santa Cruz coastline, Paradise Villa offers a welcoming environment for seniors seeking a vibrant and fulfilling community life. With a strong emphasis on care and medical services, this senior living community ensures that residents receive the support and attention they deserve. The dedicated team at Paradise Villa provides a comprehensive range of health care servi...
    ...Read more
    From $3,800
    /mo
    8.4
    Rachelle's Home Iii 1

    Rachelle's Home Iii

    4101 Fairway Drive, Soquel, CA 95073Assisted Living
    Nestled in the heart of California, Rachelle's Home III offers a welcoming and nurturing environment for its residents. This medium-sized senior living community is dedicated to providing exceptional care and medical services, ensuring peace of mind for both residents and their families. The community is equipped with a comprehensive range of health care services, including a 24-hour call system, ...
    ...Read more
    From $3,800
    /mo
    7.3

    Maple House Ii

    2000 Brommer Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95062Assisted Living
    Nestled in the heart of California, Maple House II stands as a beacon of comfort and care for its residents. This medium-sized senior living community is thoughtfully designed to provide a nurturing environment with a focus on comprehensive care and medical services. Residents benefit from a robust array of healthcare services, including a 24-hour call system, supervision, and assistance with dail...
    ...Read more
    From $3,850
    /mo
    7.3
    Valley Haven III 1

    Valley Haven III

    2266 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062Assisted Living, Memory Care
    Valley Haven III offers a welcoming and supportive environment for seniors, focusing on exceptional care and medical services. Located at 2266 Chanticleer Avenue, this medium-sized community provides an array of health care services, including a 24-hour call system, supervision, assistance with bathing, dressing, and transfers, as well as medication management. Additionally, the community is well-...
    ...Read more
    From $3,500
    /mo
    8.6
    Explore more communities in Santa Cruz

    FAQ

    Disclaimer

    Seniorly is not affiliated with the owner or operator(s) of Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community. The information above has not been verified or approved by the owner or operator. For exact details, connect to a Seniorly Local Advisor in Santa Cruz by calling (831) 703-8925. There is no cost for this service. We are compensated by the community you select.
    Are you an owner or operator of this community?

    Claim this profile to update pricing and community information.

    Explore top cities near Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

    AptosBen LomondCapitolaFreedomLos GatosScotts ValleySoquelWatsonville