Sunshine Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care

From ~5 years of state inspection records, as of October 2026. How the score works · Report a data error

Why we like it

• Santa Cruz Wharf walkability

  Located at 80 Front St in downtown Santa Cruz, the building is within walking distance of the Wharf, with restaurants, shops, and medical facilities close by.

• Dedicated memory care wing

  Garden House is a separate memory care area with the Inspire Connection program, built on a Montessori approach designed around dementia residents' capabilities.

• SafelyYou fall-prevention partnership

  The memory care program partners with SafelyYou, a named fall-detection and prevention platform — a concrete, facility-specific safety measure.

• Family-owned operator

  Merrill Gardens is family-owned, not a publicly traded REIT. Worth factoring into expectations around staffing continuity and operational accountability.

• Serious safety concerns

  10 serious and 7 minor citations across 45 state inspections, with 9 verified complaints. Read the state's full inspection reports and press on what's been fixed before deciding.

• Pricing discrepancy to verify

  Facility-verified pricing starts around $4,600/month, but the website currently lists $5,395 as the starting rate. Confirm current pricing and exactly what's included before planning.

• Large 132-bed community

  At 132 beds, this is one of the larger facilities in the area. Ask specifically about caregiver-to-resident ratios and how consistent your loved one's daily care team will be.

Pricing

Pricing is estimated, please contact the facility to confirm.

Where you'll live

Amenities & Services

Frequently asked questions

How safe is Sunshine Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care?

Sunshine Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care has a FYI Safety Score of 3.4 out of 10, based on California state inspection records. 17 state citations and 9 verified complaints have been documented since 2021 across 45 inspections.

How much does Sunshine Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care cost?

Sunshine Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care starts at $4,600 per month. Contact the facility directly for current pricing, room availability, and care-level costs.

Does Sunshine Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care offer memory care?

Yes, Sunshine Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care offers Memory Care services. Care types available include: Assisted Living, Memory Care.

Does Sunshine Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care accept Medi-Cal?

Sunshine Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care is not currently listed as a participant in the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) program for Medi-Cal.

When was Sunshine Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care last inspected?

The most recent state inspection visit to Sunshine Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care was on 2026-07-09. The facility has received 45 total inspection visits on record.

How many violations does Sunshine Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care have?

Sunshine Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care has 17 state citations and 9 verified complaints since 2021 across 45 inspections. Our FYI Safety Score for this facility is 3.4 out of 10, which accounts for the severity and recency of these findings.

How long has Sunshine Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care been in operation?

Sunshine Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care has been licensed for 6 years in Santa Cruz, California, with a licensed capacity of 132 beds.

Facility Details

License data from the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. View full state record

Nearby facilities

• The Maple House$5,600/mo
• Hanover Guest Home$4,750/mo
• Westwind Memory Care$5,750/mo
• Alexandria Victoria$5,850/mo
• Alexandria Victoria 2$5,850/mo
• Twin Lakes Manor$5,400/mo

Do you manage Sunshine Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care?

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