951 S. Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
310 beds • Est. 2021 (4 years) • Get directions
MorningStar of Pasadena has 11 state citations (6 serious, 5 minor) and 7 verified complaints across 41 inspections since 2021. The most serious substantiated incident involved a resident with dementia left unattended in the facility shuttle for nearly 6 hours in November 2023; the resident was hospitalized and the responsible employee was dismissed. In 2023, inspectors also verified that a non-memory-care resident was relocated during plumbing repairs into the locked memory care unit, which did not meet that resident's individual accommodation needs. In 2021, inspectors confirmed the facility failed to submit required COVID lab reports for unvaccinated employees and residents for several weeks; staff acknowledged the lapse and assigned a dedicated team to ensure timely submissions. A separate 2023 inspection found COVID mitigation failures, including kitchen staff not wearing masks and the dining room remaining open during an active outbreak. The most recent investigation, in October 2025, examined allegations of staff financial manipulation of residents; all 11 staff interviewed denied the allegations.
Morningstar of Pasadena is a 310-bed luxury senior living community currently under construction at 955 South Fair Oaks Avenue, slated to open in late summer 2026. The five-story building, designed by KTGY architects, will offer independent living with studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms in a contemporary aesthetic.
Located in a residential neighborhood near Arlington Garden, Old Town Pasadena, and the Rose Bowl, the community promises chef-led dining, a swimming pool and hot tub, a fitness center, theater/chapel, rooftop terrace, and multiple dining venues. MorningStar is a faith-centered organization that emphasizes a service excellence initiative called Radiance.
Brand-new construction with contemporary design
A ground-up five-story building designed by KTGY architects with Aneka Interiors. Everything will be current — no retrofitted older building. The renderings show rooftop terraces, a pool, multiple dining venues, and modern apartment layouts.
Prime Pasadena location near Old Town
South Fair Oaks Avenue puts residents within 1.3 miles of Old Town Pasadena, near the Pasadena Playhouse, Arlington Garden, and the Rose Bowl. Walkable neighborhood access to shops, restaurants, and cultural venues — not isolated on a campus.
Multiple dining venues, not just a cafeteria
The community plans a bistro, main dining room, fine dining option, and private dining room. For a community this size, multiple dining environments prevent the cafeteria feel that plagues many large senior living facilities.
Companion living option to reduce costs
MorningStar offers a companion living arrangement where two unrelated people of the same sex share a suite. This extends savings while providing built-in social connection — a practical option worth exploring.
Below-average safety record
The FYI Safety Score™ is 5.2 out of 10 (Below Average), based on state inspection data. With 6 serious citations and 7 substantiated complaints, this record raises questions for a community still in its early years. Ask management directly about their inspection history and what steps they've taken to address issues.
Only 4 years of operation despite the polish
Licensed in September 2021, Morningstar of Pasadena is still a young community. The luxury branding is slick, but four years is limited track record. Ask about resident satisfaction data, staff turnover, and occupancy trends.
310 beds is a very large community
This is one of the biggest senior living communities in the area. Even with premium amenities, the sheer scale means busy dining rooms, crowded elevators, and a hotel-like atmosphere. If intimate and home-like matters to your family, visit with that lens.
Premium pricing for a premium location
Pasadena real estate plus luxury positioning equals premium costs. Check the pricing section carefully and understand the full monthly cost picture, including any additional care fees, before scheduling a tour.
Pricing is estimated, please contact the facility to confirm.
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951 S. Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105
Get directionsLicense data from the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. View full state record
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$4,823/mo
starting