6724 Gaviota Ave, Los Angeles, CA 91406
To contact a resident: (310) 776-0477
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
The Cottages of Lake Balboa 1 Costs & Pricing
At The Cottages of Lake Balboa 1, the monthly costs for housing reflect a premium compared to both Los Angeles County and the broader state of California. For a semi-private room, residents can expect to pay $4,500, significantly higher than the county average of $3,349 and the state average of $3,333. When considering private rooms, the cost rises to $5,000, which again surpasses local and state averages of $4,197 and $3,939 respectively. The most notable difference is seen in the one-bedroom accommodations priced at $7,000 per month - well above Los Angeles County's average of $4,603 and California's average of $4,340. These figures suggest that while The Cottages offers unique amenities or services justifying their rates, prospective residents should weigh these higher costs against other available options in the area.
| Floor plans | The Cottages of Lake Balboa 1 | Los Angeles County | California |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Private | $4,500 | $3,349 | $3,333 |
| Private | $5,000 | $4,197 | $3,939 |
| 1 Bedroom | $7,000 | $4,603 | $4,340 |
Memory care communities with a similar price nearby
Overall Review of The Cottages of Lake Balboa 1
Pros
The staff are really caring and loving toward all residents.
The grounds are lovely and the facility has a warm, home-like atmosphere.
The management is responsive and genuinely cares about residents.
Dave and Justin are amazing and clearly care about the people they serve.
The staff and owners show real care for residents, with home-cooked meals as a highlight.
The cottages provide amazing activities and are accommodating to residents’ needs.
The level of care is top-of-the-line, making residents feel safe and well cared for, including those with dementia.
The facility has been described as a lifesaver that lets families regain their normal lives.
Clarendon Senior Living is top-notch and helps reduce the burden of visiting care, with convenient locations.
Families feel 100% confident in the care their loved ones receive.
Cons
The management and owner are extremely unethical in their business practices.
The owner pushed tenants out of their homes to double his profit.
They gave very little notice about a near-doubling rent increase and failed to provide a detailed cost breakdown.
The staff were disheartened by the owner's tactics and the lack of pay increases.
They cannot trust this company or management, as they are only out for themselves and do not care about the residents.
They park on local streets, obstructing views and access, which is inconsiderate to homeowners.
The cost is a downside and there is a lack of onsite medical staff after the day shift.
Review
The Cottages of Lake Balboa 1 is best suited for families seeking a warm, home-like senior living environment with a proven emphasis on memory-care and personal attention. This community appeals to residents who respond well to a calm, intimate atmosphere, where caregivers treat the home like a family space rather than a clinical setting. Flexible room options and reasonably priced rates make it practical for couples or individuals who want comfort without sacrificing value. It also fits families navigating a care transition, since the team has demonstrated the ability to adapt as a resident’s needs shift, from more intensive supervision toward a degree of assisted independence.
On balance, the strongest positives center on the care culture and the ambiance. The grounds and interiors feel welcoming, and staff are repeatedly described as caring, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to residents’ well-being. Families highlight strong dementia-focused programming that yields meaningful time with loved ones, safety, and safety-driven routines. The executive and administrative staff are frequently praised for responsiveness, and the facility’s multi-room layout accommodates different budgets and privacy preferences without sacrificing the sense of a single-family home. In short, for those who prize warmth, personal attention, and thoughtful activities, the Cottages largely deliver.
Nevertheless, governance and pricing reliability emerge as serious concerns in a critical minority of reviews. One account accuses the owner and management of unethical practices, including a substantial rent increase with little to no breakdown of the underlying costs, followed by a push to relocate financially strained tenants. That kind of experience erodes trust and makes transparent, detailed pricing essential. For families who demand crystal-clear financial stewardship and predictable budgeting, these red flags warrant deep, independent verification before any commitment is made. The risk here is not the quality of care alone, but the integrity of the business practices supporting it.
Another practical note involves neighborhood dynamics rather than resident care. Several reviewers mention parking pressures caused by staff and visitors on surrounding streets, with cars blocking views and access. While this does not speak to care quality, it can affect the overall experience and may strain neighbor relations. For families sensitive to a quiet residential environment and straightforward access, these logistics are worth confirming up front, including visitor parking arrangements and any designated drop-off zones.
When care is the central priority, the Cottages consistently shows value: a patient, home-like setting, attentive caregivers, and a program that emphasizes meaningful activity and dementia-specific strategies. The ability to accommodate different room sizes and maintain reasonable rates adds to the practicality for families managing budgets and multiple levels of care within one plan. Those considering this option should weigh the reliable warmth and personalized attention against governance concerns and neighborhood logistics. In this light, touring with a prepared checklist, pricing transparency, caregiver-to-resident ratios, dementia-care specifics, and parking policies, will make the decision decisive.
Ultimately, The Cottages of Lake Balboa 1 can be an excellent match for families prioritizing a nurturing, home-like environment with strong dementia care and flexible accommodations. It is not the right fit for those who require unwavering pricing transparency or who cannot tolerate questions about governance, or for families for whom street parking friction is unacceptable. Prospective buyers should compare it with nearby options such as Clarendon Senior Living, visit at different times, speak with current families, and demand a clear, itemized cost breakdown. With due diligence, this community can deliver the trusted, compassionate care that families seek in a Lake Balboa setting.
































Delving into the Inner World of Dementia: Insights into Thoughts and Awareness
Five Subtle Dementia Indicators to Observe: An In-Depth Guide to Understanding “Does My Mom Have Dementia?”
Dementia, Paranoia, and Caregiver Guidance: Understanding the Connection











