Pacific Grove Senior Living

    551 Gibson Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950
    4.3 · 29 reviews
    • Independent living
    • Assisted living
    • Skilled nursing
    AnonymousCurrent/former resident
    4.0

    Warm staff, nice views, caveat

    I moved into this historic Pacific Grove senior building and overall I'm pleased: the staff are exceptional-warm, responsive and dignified-my apartment is clean, well-laid-out and has a lovely Monterey Bay/garden view, and the location is unbeatable near downtown and the hospital. It's dog-friendly, offers hospice/assisted services, and feels homey with thoughtful touches. That said, ownership turnover and some administrative disarray left an unsettled period, activities are uneven or sparsely attended at times, and older units had venting/mold issues (new ownership is addressing many fixes). Pricing changed after my first year, so value depends on meal inclusion and current rates. I feel well cared for and would recommend it with the caveat to confirm recent management improvements and activity offerings before you commit.

    Pricing

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    Amenities

    4.28 · 29 reviews

    Overall rating

    1. 5
    2. 4
    3. 3
    4. 2
    5. 1
    • Care

      3.6
    • Staff

      4.2
    • Meals

      3.7
    • Amenities

      4.3
    • Value

      3.2

    Location

    Map showing location of Pacific Grove Senior Living

    About Pacific Grove Senior Living

    Pacific Grove Senior Living, holding state license 277209241, sits in Pacific Grove, CA, at 551 Gibson Ave, and brings together many options for older adults, whether someone needs independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term respite care, or even post-acute and skilled nursing services, since the community has a 26-bed, Medicare-certified facility with private rooms that each have a TV and phone, and an experienced, round-the-clock nursing staff ready to manage more complex medical situations, including special support for memory care and rehabilitation with help for seniors and their families who want to get back to their best possible health and independence. The building's got that historic Victorian style and scenic, coastal charm with ocean breezes and nice views, while the surroundings include shops, restaurants, and places to walk, so if someone likes being close to the action or just enjoys a pretty place that's easy to get to, there's a good mix here. Residents find the building secure, with emergency response systems, regular safety and wellness checks, and supervisors always present; the apartments and community spaces have elevators, wheelchair access, and common areas like a lobby, lounge, living room, garden, and even a coffee bar, library, and outdoor garden.

    People who've lived or visited here have given the place an overall score of 8.9 and it's been marked as one of the Best of Senior Living and an All-Star community, with a few awards for dining, activities, and friendliness, and one thing folks seem to notice is the fresh meals prepared by real chefs and meal planners, served in an elegant dining room, plus the happy staff and residents who strike up conversations in cozy sitting areas, the community garden, or out on walking paths. Pets are allowed here-dogs and cats, so long as they're not too big (though they don't allow birds), and there's plenty for animal lovers to enjoy within certain rules, making it possible for many to bring a piece of home along. Residents enjoy access to cleaning, housekeeping, laundry, and linen services, plenty of parking with both a lot and off-street options, package receiving and recycling, on-site management and maintenance, and high-speed internet throughout.

    For those who want to keep busy, Pacific Grove Senior Living has a long list of activities, including art and exercise classes, music, educational events, outings, literary and game rooms, seasonal and holiday happenings, volunteer opportunities, intergenerational events, and a calendar full of social gatherings and themed parties, not to mention fitness and wellness programs in their own center, so folks really have choices for how to spend their days. The staff offer assistance with daily tasks as needed, with respect for privacy and comfort, and work hard to create a supportive, friendly environment, from the front entrance and elegant dining spaces to private bedrooms and lounges; the whole place is getting upgrades, so improvements are ongoing, and tours are available for anyone wanting to see how folks live, dine, and pass their days here. Payment is flexible with checks, credit cards, private pay, and acceptance of state benefits programs, and the community is verified by a biannual state review and through A Place for Mom, so families can expect up-to-date licensing and safety. Pacific Grove Senior Living is a full-service retirement community with many options, offering a level of care and support that's recognized by families, residents, and review groups alike.

    People often ask...

    State of California Inspection Reports

    60

    Inspections

    6

    Type A Citations

    21

    Type B Citations

    3

    Years of reports

    30 Jul 2025
    Identified missing staff training after a fire alarm around 8:30 AM that required a fire department response, and noted a safety deficiency affecting residents.
    • § 9058
    • § 87412
    05 Jun 2025
    Identified interference by staff with residents' receipt of notices in mailboxes and with watching an upcoming event; residents were allowed to watch the event.
    • § 87468.2(a)(3)
    30 Jul 2025
    Found that the allegation that a qualified administrator was not present was not supported, since a designated substitute managed when the administrator was away. Found that the allegation that not enough staff were available during meals was not supported, as two staff members were available to assist with meals.
    10 Jul 2025
    Investigated the allegation that staff are not adhering to residents' contracts; found it to be unsubstantiated.
    10 Jul 2025
    Investigated an allegation that no qualified food service consultant was employed; found that a licensed food dietitian is employed. Investigated the allegation that disaster drills were not conducted quarterly on each shift; found that the disaster drill requirement was not met.
    • § 1569.695(c)
    30 May 2025
    Identified that the eviction notice was not submitted to the Department and that the operation ran under a plan not approved by the Department.
    • § 87224(f)
    • § 87208(a)
    28 May 2025
    Identified that staff interfered with residents receiving notices by removing mail from their mailboxes, including an activity notice scheduled for 05/19/2025.
    • § 87468.2(a)(3)
    09 Apr 2025
    Found that the call light system in the care area did not operate as required.
    • § 87303(i)(1)
    • § 9058
    21 Mar 2025
    Conducted an unannounced health-and-safety check; met with the maintenance director, administrator notified but not present; emergency lighting reviewed and residents observed; no deficiencies noted; concluded with an exit interview.
    • § 9058
    10 Apr 2025
    Investigated complaints found garbage was not picked up and was removed by staff after nonpayment; emergency lighting was nonfunctional; plumbing issues and water damage noted; construction caused early-morning disturbances with loud music. Mold was not observed; quarterly fire drills were not conducted as required; residents’ rate increases occurred on their anniversary dates; no evidence of staffing shortages delaying repairs; no deficiencies were issued.
    • § 87468.1(a)(2)
    • § 87303
    • § 1569.695
    09 Apr 2025
    Found that on 02/16/2025 an elevator broke down with a resident inside and remained stuck for about 30 minutes before staff responded. Identified that the elevator was last serviced in 2021, the permit expired in 2022, there is no recorded next service date, and emergency-call responses were delayed.
    • § 87303
    • § 87411(a)
    09 Apr 2025
    Found insufficient evidence to prove staff failed to keep the automatic front door functioning; the door stopped on 01/29/2025, was repaired, and replaced by 03/03/2025. Found sufficient evidence that residents were not kept at a comfortable temperature, with 02/13/2025 observations of space heaters at 90 degrees and a dining area temperature of 65.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • § 87303(b)(1)
    21 Jan 2025
    Identified that the elevator was out of service for a period, potentially affecting residents on the upper floor, and that space heaters were used to heat the dining room due to the lack of a heating unit. Also identified that the emergency disaster plan was incomplete, not addressing transportation, staff, and residents for emergencies and drills.
    • § 87303(a)
    • § 87212(b)(2)
    • § 87303(b)(1)
    30 Dec 2024
    Found that the allegation that staff did not prevent a resident from creating a hostile environment for others in care was unfounded after reviewing records and interviewing the administrator.
    24 Oct 2024
    Determined that staff enacted a significant change to the plan of operation affecting residents' services without proper approval.
    • § 87208(a)
    11 Dec 2024
    Reviewed an unannounced visit to amend and collect the original report, met with the administrator to explain the purpose, and conducted an exit interview; no tour was conducted.
    04 Dec 2024
    Found no evidence that residents were retaliated against for complaints. Found meals arriving twice weekly, with no expired food observed and refrigeration maintained until preparation and service.
    04 Dec 2024
    Investigated an allegation that staff did not keep premises free from pests; records showed a vermin problem existed and pest control was increased to twice weekly. Found insufficient evidence to determine whether the allegation occurred or not.
    04 Dec 2024
    Found that the complaint alleging staff did not provide a comfortable environment for residents was unfounded because the resident involved was not under licensing supervision.
    04 Dec 2024
    Found that the complaint alleging problems with the Admission Agreement, mold, disrepair, and lack of dignity in care was unfounded, since the involved resident is not under licensing supervision.
    04 Dec 2024
    Found the allegations that the heater and elevator were in disrepair and staff were not available unfounded, since the resident involved is not under licensing supervision.
    12 Nov 2024
    Identified a deficiency during an unannounced annual inspection; conditions were generally clean and safe, with proper food storage, medications secured, and staff and resident records up to date.
    • § 87208(a)
    28 Oct 2024
    Found no deficiencies after safety checks, water temperature regulation review, and a resident interview at the site; staff interviews and records requests completed. Exit interview conducted.
    18 Oct 2024
    Found residents lacked hot water on 10/14, 10/15, and 10/17 in the South Wing Building, with water around 97–98°F, because the boiler stopped heating and needed a manual reset; the igniter was not working properly, causing intermittent hot water.
    • § 87303(e)(2)
    15 Oct 2024
    Found that a resident was unlawfully evicted. Found that admission agreements were not followed, with a Three-Day Notice to Pay or Quit issued on August 16, 2024, instead of the required 90-day written notice.
    • § 87224(a)(1)
    • § 1788(a)(31)
    10 Jun 2024
    Identified ongoing hot water and heating failures in the south wing since 05/25/24 due to a malfunctioning boiler igniter; water temperature measured around 92-95 degrees, and one resident reported recently taking a cold shower.
    10 Jun 2024
    Investigated the allegation that the facility lacked hot water and heat since 05/25/24, found issues with the boiler igniter causing intermittent hot water and heating in the south wing, and confirmed these conditions affected residents.
    • § 87303(a)(2)
    • § 87303(a)
    11 Apr 2024
    Found that a resident reported a bathroom ceiling leak repaired by staff, with two patches observed and no active leaks at the time. Found insufficient evidence to prove the violation occurred, and no deficiencies were cited.
    11 Apr 2024
    Found that a resident's ceiling leak had been repaired, and at the time of inspection, no active leaks were present; the allegation regarding the leak was unsubstantiated.
    14 Mar 2024
    Investigated three concerns—staff assistance with medications, mobility support, and adherence to a modified diet—and found no conclusive evidence to prove the concerns occurred.
    21 Dec 2023
    Found residents' rooms and common areas were clean and safe, with required furnishings and safety features in place. Food storage was proper and emergency supplies were available, and staff files plus the disaster plan were reviewed; no deficiencies were cited.
    14 Mar 2024
    Investigated the allegation that staff did not assist a resident with OTC medications, finding the resident had been appropriately supported after recent changes. Also reviewed and found no evidence that staff failed to assist with mobility or did not follow a resident's modified diet plan.
    21 Feb 2024
    Investigated a case involving a staff member and a resident, collecting receipts, a police report, a roommate and caretaker agreement, text-message photos, and power of attorney documents. No deficiencies cited; an exit interview was conducted.
    21 Feb 2024
    Investigated an incident involving staff and a resident, collected relevant documents, communications, and additional details from the director, with no deficiencies cited.
    15 Feb 2024
    Found the allegation that there was no running water in the independent cottages for about 10 hours on December 5–6, 2023 to be not supported by a preponderance of evidence. Residents in the assisted living section did not experience a water shortage.
    15 Feb 2024
    Found that services in the admissions agreement, including 24-hour emergency response with nurse oversight, were provided. Found that food service met required standards, with adequate quantity and quality, proper storage, and residents reporting that the meals were adequate.
    15 Feb 2024
    Determined that staff provided the services outlined in the admissions agreement and that food service met health and safety standards, with food being sufficient and properly stored; concluded that there is no evidence to support violations of these standards.
    18 Jan 2024
    Found that heating stopped working on 1/5/24; maintenance contacted a heating company the same day and portable heaters were provided for five rooms. Offered alternative furnished guest rooms during the outage and observed residents in their rooms; no deficiencies were observed.
    18 Jan 2024
    Confirmed that a heating system malfunction affected five resident rooms, leading to the use of portable heaters and alternative guest rooms until repairs were made; no deficiencies were observed during the visit.
    21 Dec 2023
    Found four specific allegations—pressure sores due to staff negligence; skin lacerations due to staff negligence; bruising from rough handling; and staff spoke inappropriately. Evidence did not establish these events occurred as alleged.
    21 Dec 2023
    Identified a disrepair issue due to an active water pipe leak in the ceiling of the underground resident parking area, forming a puddle about 20 by 10 feet and over an inch deep that was not marked or blocked.
    • § 87303(a)
    21 Dec 2023
    Investigated allegations of a resident developing pressure sores due to staff negligence, sustaining skin lacerations from staff, being handled roughly, and being spoken to inappropriately; all allegations were found to be unsubstantiated.
    20 Jun 2023
    Found that the stairway lighting issue had already been investigated and its findings delivered, and that the emergency disaster plan was being followed. An exit interview with the administrator was conducted.
    10 Jun 2023
    Found that the allegation of no licensed nurse on site was unfounded and dismissed; hot water was unavailable in one wing, but showers remained available in another.
    20 Jun 2023
    Reviewed a concern about stairway lighting raised during a complaint investigation; confirmed that the issue had already been addressed and findings had been provided.
    10 Jun 2023
    Found no evidence to support the allegation that the facility was without a nurse; also, residents were not threatened with eviction and appeared to be cared for adequately.
    25 May 2023
    Investigated the allegation that staff applied the emergency disaster plan during storms and power outages and that mobile emergency lighting was placed in stairwells during a March 2023 outage, and found the allegation unsubstantiated.
    25 May 2023
    Confirmed that staff followed emergency procedures during recent storms and power outages, with no deficiencies identified regarding the facility’s disaster preparedness.
    25 Apr 2023
    Identified that the emergency disaster plan, in place since November 2022, was applied during recent storms and power outages, with the generator and procedures reviewed. Found that no residents were injured as a direct result of poor lighting and no deficiencies were observed.
    25 Apr 2023
    Reviewed emergency procedures and facility response during recent storms, with no injuries resulting from poor lighting; allegations regarding lighting issues were unsubstantiated.
    22 Feb 2023
    Found an unannounced case management visit with COVID-19 screening continuing and staff wearing masks. Observed residents having lunch in the dining area and others in their rooms, with one resident receiving hospice; adequate food supply with deliveries 3-4 days per week, dining area remodeling underway with no notice of plans to alter it; residents interviewed and an exit interview conducted with a staff member.
    22 Feb 2023
    Confirmed that COVID-19 screening and masking protocols remained in place; observed residents dining and relaxing, with one resident on hospice, adequate food supplies, ongoing food deliveries, and a dining area being remodeled without prior notice to regulators.
    06 Feb 2023
    Found an unannounced case management visit with COVID screening and masking in place; residents were dining, taking part in a language class, and resting in their rooms. Noted an adequate food supply with deliveries 3–4 times weekly, four residents on hospice, and interviews with residents and regional leadership; memos, menus, a newsletter, and an activities calendar were reviewed; no deficiencies observed.
    06 Feb 2023
    Confirmed that COVID-19 safety protocols, including mask-wearing and screening, remained in place; observed residents participating in various activities, with no deficiencies noted during the visit.
    15 Dec 2022
    Found a 2-day supply of perishable food and a 7-day supply of non-perishable food on site, with COVID-19 screening in place and staff masked. Found residents dining in the dining room and a holiday program in the lounge, with two residents receiving hospice services; no deficiencies observed.
    15 Dec 2022
    Confirmed continued COVID-19 safety protocols, good food supply, and residents engaging in activities, with no deficiencies observed during the visit.
    19 Sept 2022
    Verified identification and understanding of California Title 22 requirements during a telephone interview for change of ownership, with a signed LIC 809 and photo ID obtained, and confirmed familiarity with operation, admissions policies, staffing requirements, restricted health conditions, general provisions, emergency preparedness, complaints and reporting, and pre-licensing readiness for a 150-capacity residence with 62 residents.
    19 Sept 2022
    Confirmed that the applicant and administrator understood regulatory requirements related to facility operation, staffing, emergency preparedness, and other key areas during a telephone interview for change of ownership at a residential care facility serving elderly residents.
    12 Sept 2022
    Identified a clean, well-maintained setting with secure medication storage, adequate food supplies, functioning safety systems, and posted safety notices; 62 residents were in care (45 independent living, 17 assisted living), and on-site skilled nursing was not toured. Pre-licensing completed with no deficiencies.
    12 Sept 2022
    Confirmed that the facility was clean, well-maintained, and properly equipped with resident safety and emergency systems in place, with no deficiencies identified during the inspection.

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