For seniors and families exploring senior living in the Santa Cruz and Soquel area, a brand-new option is taking shape along the coast: The Porter at Soquel, an 82-apartment senior living community set to open in the first quarter of next year. Still under construction but already drawing strong interest, The Porter offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care in a warm, coastal setting. With its thoughtful design, strong focus on wellness, and family-run management style, it promises to be one of the most compelling senior communities in the region.
What sets The Porter apart is more than its ocean proximity or its modern facilities. It’s the philosophy behind the community—a family-driven commitment to senior care, meaningful engagement, and personalized support that allows residents to live with dignity, security, and purpose. The following in-depth overview breaks down everything families need to know before scheduling a tour or reserving an apartment.
A Family-Owned Vision for Senior Living
Unlike many senior living communities operated by large corporate chains, The Porter is managed by Kason, a small, family-owned and operated company based in Vacaville, California. The company has an origin story rooted in love and dedication. It began when Atlanta Reyes, a longtime executive director of a senior community, received a promise from her son, Jason: once he finished college, he would build her a community of her own to run. He fulfilled that promise, and one community quickly grew into a collection of 15 across the state—all still operated with a hands-on, family mindset.
This family-run approach shapes the culture of The Porter at every level. Rather than rotating executives or remote decision-makers, residents benefit from a leadership team that prides itself on knowing residents personally, supporting staff directly, and fostering a genuine sense of belonging. For families who value warmth, consistency, and authenticity, this approach is a refreshing alternative to corporate senior housing.
Three Levels of Living: Independent, Assisted, and Memory Care
The Porter is designed to support seniors through multiple stages of aging, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care within a single community. This structure gives residents the ability to “age in place,” staying in the same apartment even as their needs evolve.
Independent living appeals to adults who want freedom, convenience, and an active lifestyle without the burdens of home maintenance. Residents enjoy the privacy of their own apartments while benefiting from weekly housekeeping, weekly laundry service, chef-prepared meals, community events, and scheduled transportation. It’s ideal for those who want to live independently but prefer a supportive, community-oriented environment.
Assisted living at The Porter offers all the independence of the IL lifestyle while layering in personalized support. Residents receive help with activities of daily living—bathing, dressing, grooming, medication reminders, mobility assistance, and more—based on an individualized care plan. Staff can assist with two-person transfers and Hoyer lift needs when appropriate, making The Porter suitable for a wide range of physical and health conditions. The goal is always to maintain independence for as long as possible, with thoughtful, unobtrusive care.
Memory care provides a safe, structured, and nurturing environment for residents living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The Porter includes 23 memory care apartments, both private and shared, designed to maximize comfort, visibility, and safety. A specially trained care team leads therapeutic daily routines, engages residents through tailored activities, and provides extensive family support. With more than half of these apartments already reserved before opening, memory care is expected to be in high demand.
We’re All In This Together
A Lifestyle Designed Around Wellness and Engagement
The Porter’s lifestyle philosophy centers on connection, vitality, and meaningful engagement. Dining plays a major role in that experience. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals with seasonal menus, served restaurant-style in an inviting dining room. A first-floor bistro offers an all-day ice cream counter, along with a wine bar and coffee bar—spaces designed to encourage spontaneity, conversation, and a little indulgence.
Social and recreational programming is equally robust. Residents can participate in art classes, walking groups, book clubs, guest speaker events, cultural outings, volunteer opportunities, and educational workshops. Fitness offerings are tailored to different activity levels and may include stretching, strength training, tai chi, or other movement-based programs designed to improve balance, boost confidence, and support brain health. Daily events create a rhythm of engagement that helps residents stay mentally sharp and emotionally connected.
Amenities throughout the community reinforce this balanced, wellness-driven lifestyle. The Porter includes an art studio, a fitness and wellness room, a library and media room, a garden patio, landscaped walking paths, and even a putting green. A full salon and spa allows residents to enjoy haircuts, nail care, and grooming services without leaving the building. These amenities reflect a holistic understanding of wellbeing—one that encompasses physical health, mental engagement, and personal expression.
A Strong Network of Local Healthcare and Community Partnerships
Residents at The Porter benefit from the community’s established relationships with local healthcare providers and senior-serving organizations. Having these partnerships in place helps ensure smooth transitions, better coordination of care, and convenient access to medical support.
The Porter has already engaged with the Santa Cruz senior roundtable and similar groups, building connections that will help residents integrate seamlessly into the surrounding community. This local integration is especially valuable for seniors who need reliable transportation to appointments, or who benefit from coordinated care among multiple providers.
Apartment Homes Filled With Light and Comfort
One of the most distinctive architectural features of The Porter at Soquel is the 10-foot ceilings and expansive windows found in every apartment. Natural light plays a crucial role in mood, memory, and overall cognitive health, especially for older adults, and these bright interiors reflect that understanding.
Independent and assisted living apartments range from 439 to 613 square feet for studios and 636 to 924 square feet for one-bedroom layouts. Each residence includes a kitchenette (with the exception of memory care units), generous storage space, and modern, accessible design. Many units feature large walk-in closets and open floor plans that feel both comfortable and spacious.
Memory care apartments offer both private studios and shared layouts, each designed for ease of navigation, safety, and comfort. Shared units include a single shared bathroom with private sleeping spaces separated by a wall, giving residents privacy while maintaining a secure design. Private studios range from 306 to 440 square feet, balancing simplicity with warmth.
Opening Timeline and Pre-Leasing Information
Construction at The Porter is progressing quickly, with the community expected to open sometime between January and March of next year. Tours are available by appointment for families who want a preview of the community’s design, floor plans, and amenities. The reservation process is already underway, and memory care—due to its limited number of apartments—is filling fast.
For families planning ahead for a move in early 2025, now is an ideal time to secure placement, ask questions, and begin planning next steps.
A New Standard for Coastal Senior Living
The Porter at Soquel isn’t just another senior living building—it’s a thoughtfully curated experience that blends family-run warmth with modern design and comprehensive care. Seniors who want to remain independent while enjoying ocean-adjacent living will appreciate its atmosphere, while those who need assisted living or memory care will find security, compassion, and individualized support.
From its storybook origins to its range of lifestyle amenities, The Porter offers a fresh, uplifting approach to senior living in coastal California. For older adults seeking a community that prioritizes dignity, health, engagement, and connection, The Porter at Soquel represents a new standard worth exploring.