Merrill Gardens at Huntington Beach (2025)

A local developer praised its design as “cottage style facility with exterior stone and lap siding elements reminiscent of the surrounding beach community.” Inside, residents enjoy a trellised dining area, private dining room, bistro with grand piano and pool table, a library, movie theatre, fitness center, salon, and wellness spaces.

Merrill Gardens at Huntington Beach Design & Architecture

• Exterior & Landscaping: The façade features beach-inspired stonework and lap siding, complemented by a main plaza with a stacked-stone barbecue, bocce court, and cascading fountain

• Interior Features: Includes a cozy library, café bistro, hair salon, fitness center, movie theatre, and an activity center. A memory care wing named Garden House offers its own courtyard patio and basalt fountain in a retro-homelike atmosphere

• Residences: The community offers studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, washers/dryers, private patios or decks, and modern finishes .

Care Levels

Merrill Gardens at Huntington Beach offers a seamless continuum of care across three tiers:

1. Independent Living
   Ideal for self-sufficient seniors who want maintenance-free living—no yard work or chores—while enjoying a vibrant social environment

2. Assisted Living
   Offers 24/7 staffing, help with daily activities (dressing, medication, meals), wellness programs, and scheduled transportation

3. Memory Care (Garden House)
   Designed for residents with dementia or cognitive impairment, featuring safe, secured spaces, round‑the‑clock supervision, skilled nursing support, and homelike shared spaces.

Amenities & Services

On‑Site Amenities

• Full-service restaurant-style dining (7 am–7 pm)

• Anytime Dining program

• Private dining room for family events

• Bistro and café bar

• Hair & beauty salon

• Fitness center & wellness classes

• Movie theatre with plush seating

• Library and cozy lounges

• Courtyards, patios, BBQ and bocce areas

• Activity rooms and scheduled events

Support Services

• 24‑hr staffing and call systems

• Wellness monitoring and medication management

• Weekly housekeeping, maintenance, and laundry

• Scheduled transportation to appointments and community outings

• Concierge services

Pet-Friendly Environment

• Allows residents to bring small pets, with access to outdoor paths

Neighborhood & Access

Situated just off the San Diego Freeway and Pacific Coast Highway, Merrill Gardens offers a quintessential Surf City USA lifestyle

Nearby highlights include:

• Huntington Beach and its iconic pier

• Golden View & Central Park, Oak View Park

• Local markets, boutiques, and dining

• Proximity to Huntington Beach Hospital (1.3 mi), Orange Coast Memorial (3 mi), Kindred Hospital, and multiple clinics

• Community events like Surf City Nights, Farmers Market, SoCal Independent Film Festival, and holiday boat tours

• Old World Village nearby for dining and shopping

Pricing & Floor Plans

• Floor Plans: Studios, 1-bed, and 2-bed apartments with kitchens, washers/dryers, patios, and modern design touches .

• Pricing (May 2025):

  • Assisted Living studio: from $4,995/month

  • One-bedroom: from $5,750/month

  • Two-bedroom: from $7,400/month

• Additional fees apply for care add-ons, type of care level, and memory care programming.

Community Life & Activities

Guided by an Active Living Program Director, the community hosts a diverse schedule:

• Fitness classes, music performances, movie nights

• Art workshops, book clubs, games, outings around town

• Cultural events linked to Huntington Beach’s rich community calendar

Regular field trips make the most of local events and resources, while staff-led programs foster social interaction and meaningful engagement.

Resident & Family Feedback

Ratings:

• Caring.com: 4.5/5 based on 15 reviews

• Birdeye (Google): 4.3/5 from 14 reviews

• Seniorly: 9.9/10 community score

Common Praise:

• Attentive, friendly staff and supportive atmosphere

• Clean, well-maintained spaces with modern amenities

• Active, engaging lifestyle and strong sense of community

• Pet‑friendly environment with indoor/outdoor flexibility

Areas of Concern:

• A few negative comments mention food quality, inconsistent care in memory support, elevated staff turnover, and transparency in care billing

• Some family feedback indicates variable experiences depending on care needs; due diligence is advised for memory care placement

Summary & Considerations

Merrill Gardens at Huntington Beach stands out for its coastal-inspired design, full continuum of care, robust amenities, and vibrant community life. The supportive “active aging” approach encourages residents’ independence and social engagement. Its prime location offers easy access to coastal attractions, parks, events, and medical services.

However, prospective residents—especially those needing memory care—should evaluate current conditions via a personalized tour, discuss caregiving protocols, meal options, and budget realities thoroughly to ensure fit.

Next Steps

To explore the community:

1. Schedule a Tour – Contact them at (714) 408‑9659 or via their website to see the property firsthand.

2. Attend a Community Event – Experience daily life and speak directly with residents.

3. Discuss Care Plans & Budget – Clarify monthly costs based on unit type and level of care.

4. Compare with Other Options – Visit nearby senior living communities to assess culture, feel, and service differences.

Conclusion

Merrill Gardens at Huntington Beach offers a vibrant, well-rounded senior living solution combining comfort, care, community, and coastal charm. For families seeking a welcoming and enriching environment for themselves or loved ones, it remains a compelling option—especially for independent and assisted living residents. Memory care candidates would benefit from careful assessment of their specific needs and follow-up on care consistency