AssistedLiving.fyi
Introducing the FYI Safety Score — every facility rated on state inspection data

Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens

851 2nd St

Santa Monica, CA 90403

128 beds • Est. 2006 (19 years)


FYI Safety Score

7.4 Fair

2 citations in the last 2 years and 5 older across 20 inspections. 5 substantiated complaints on file. Last inspected in May 2025.


Why we like it

Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens is a 128-bed assisted living community at 851 Second Street in Santa Monica, operated by Brookdale Senior Living — the largest senior care company in the United States. The community offers personalized assistance with meals, housekeeping, and daily routines, with 24/7 staff and emergency alert systems.

Amenities include a fitness center, library, cafe/bistro, pet-friendly policy, courtyard and garden, and a full complement of on-site services.

  • Santa Monica location — walkable and connected

    Second Street in Santa Monica puts residents within reach of the beach, parks, shopping, dining, and excellent healthcare. This is one of the most desirable zip codes in LA for active senior living.

  • Backed by the largest senior living company in the US

    Brookdale operates thousands of communities nationwide. That scale means standardized safety protocols, corporate training programs, and financial stability. You're not betting on a single-location operator.

  • 19 years of continuous operation at this location

    Licensed since 2006, this community has a substantial track record in the same location. Ask about long-tenured staff and how the community has evolved over nearly two decades.

  • Comprehensive amenity package

    Emergency alert systems, fitness center, library, cafe, courtyard and garden, pet-friendly policy, and beauty/barber shop — all in one place. The basics are well covered without needing to go off-site.

  • Corporate operation feels corporate

    Brookdale is publicly traded and operates at massive scale. The experience can feel standardized rather than personal. Ask about the on-site executive director's tenure, staff-to-resident ratios, and how much local autonomy the team has.

  • Santa Monica pricing matches the zip code

    This is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in LA. The premium location comes with premium costs. Review the pricing section carefully and understand what's included versus what incurs additional fees.

  • 128 beds means a busy community

    Dining rooms, hallways, and common areas will reflect the scale. If your loved one is easily overwhelmed by noise and activity, visit during peak hours to see if the energy level is manageable.


Pricing

Assisted Living

Suite$5,730/mo

Pricing is estimated, please contact the facility to confirm.

Have updated pricing?


Where you'll live

851 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Get directions

Amenities & Services

24-Hour Staff
Emergency Call System
Dining
Housekeeping
Transportation
Activities Program
Fitness Center
Beauty Salon
Library
Courtyard
Pet Friendly
Wi-Fi

Frequently asked questions

How safe is Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens?
Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens has a FYI Safety Score of 7.4 out of 9.9, our proprietary score based on California state inspection records. 7 state citations and 5 verified complaints have been documented since 2021 across 20 inspections.
How much does Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens cost?
Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens starts at $5,730 per month. Contact the facility directly for current pricing, room availability, and care-level costs.
Does Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens offer memory care?
Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens does not currently list Memory Care. Care types available include: Assisted Living.
Does Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens accept Medi-Cal?
Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens is not currently listed as a participant in the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) program for Medi-Cal.
When was Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens last inspected?
The most recent state inspection visit to Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens was on 2025-05-01. The facility has received 20 total inspection visits on record.
How many violations does Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens have?
Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens has 7 state citations and 5 verified complaints since 2021 across 20 inspections. Our FYI Safety Score for this facility is 7.4 out of 9.9, which accounts for the severity and recency of these findings.
How long has Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens been in operation?
Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens has been licensed for 19 years in Santa Monica, California, with a licensed capacity of 128 beds.

Facility Details

Facility Type
Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE)
License Number
197606682
Size
128 beds (Large Community (50+ beds))
Licensed Since
June 26, 2006 (19 years)
Licensee
Blc Gardens-Santa Monica Lh Llc
Administrator
Ralph Balbin
Phone
(310) 393-2260
Address
851 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90403

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


Do you manage Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens?

Claim your listing to verify pricing, add real photos, and respond to your FYI Safety Score. Free for small facilities.

$5,730/mo

starting

Visit website