Pacific Meadows sits at 5315 Carmel Valley Road in Monterey, California, and stands as a senior housing project built in 1992, spread across 8 acres of landscaped grounds with views looking out toward the Pacific Ocean, and the place brings a certain calm with those views and the ocean air. The community has 200 apartments in a mix of Studio, One Bedroom, and Two Bedroom/One Bath floor plans, and every unit comes with insulated double-paned windows, heaters, energy-saving lights, water-saving fixtures, emergency call systems, top freezer/refrigerators, and electric range/ovens, all aimed at making life easier and safer. Residents pay affordable rents and get utilities within the property, which helps with staying on a budget, and there are cottages too, giving folks a bit more space if they want it. The buildings use solar panels, so there's an effort to be efficient with energy. Folks who come here can live on their own if they're generally active and healthy, and for those who need more, the place offers a continuum of care-independent living, assisted living, memory support (including Alzheimer's care), skilled nursing, and short-stay rehabilitation, which gives some peace of mind for residents planning ahead.
The atmosphere is warm and friendly, with a focus on helping people find community, and there's a steady schedule of activities like bingo, bridge, poker, exercise groups, movie nights, dance classes, monthly potlucks, and weekly lunches if someone wants to join in, and the grounds have nicely improved landscaping and new patios, which makes getting outside pleasant. There are two libraries, a refurbished community room with a flat-screen TV, and shared spaces for parties and social gatherings, so people who like to be with others have choices, and people who like to keep to themselves can do that too. The staff, including folks named Travis, Marita, and Jennifer, help manage the property and support residents, with HumanGood as the parent organization keeping things in order. Pets are allowed, so long as residents follow the rules, and there's a non-smoking policy with set areas for folks who need them. The property supports people with disabilities by offering housing accommodations or changes as needed through a reasonable accommodation policy. Pacific Meadows has been recognized as a Best Continuing Care Retirement Community by U.S. News & World Report, though nothing's perfect here. Still, with affordable options, common area amenities, emergency systems, and a steady attention to wellness, residents seem to find a balance between staying independent and having a measure of security, and anyone interested can visit the staff, facilities, and talk with residents to see if it fits what they're looking for.
