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A California paradise known for its beaches, warm ocean breezes, and endless entertainment opportunities, San Diego is a wonderful place for seniors to retire. Resort-style San Diego assisted living communities with luxe amenities await future residents who may benefit from this level of care.
This all-inclusive guide to assisted living in San Diego contains helpful information about assisted living communities in A Place for Mom’s network, such as the costs of assisted living in San Diego and over 1,000 community reviews. We also discuss how seniors typically pay, what can be expected at these communities, and the local laws and regulations overseeing San Diego’s assisted living facilities.
Types of care available in San Diego, CA
Assisted Living
White Sands facility has everything from independent living to skilled nursing. They have a lot of activities to offer, it is in a really beautiful location. We could not be happier with our decision, we know our mother is safe there. The food is excellent with a wide range of choices. The rooms are very nice and adequate, they have many options to choose from. Our loved one has a beautiful view.
There are not a ton of activities at La Costa but my aunt does participate in a few. She has a patio and enjoys going outside. The staff are very nice and helpful. I have not tried the food but my aunt seems to like it and it seems to have a lot of nutrients.
It was the best! I was treated with love ans respect, great food, if I ever run away from home this is where I will come! Thank for taking great care of me!
16061 Avenida Venusto, San Diego, CA 92128
Newly constructed, the separate Memory Care Suites building on Silvergate’s beautiful retirement campus provides seniors with a higher level of award-winning care in a secure, nurturing environment. Our “Neighborhood Design” eliminates long hallways for a more familiar home-like setting. Drawing...
After researching many facilities in San Diego, we easily made the decision to place our mom at Silvergate Rancho Bernardo. No doubt, it was the best of the facilities we toured. The well-thought-out design...
5308 Monroe Avenue, San Diego, CA 92115
Atria Collwood is a senior residence located in the famous city of San Diego, California. Residents here enjoy access to highly qualified doctors, specialists, hospitals and medical centers. This active city features beautiful coastal views, great fishing, sailing, and many ways to stay active....
The friendliness of the staff gets a 5+. (There have been 2 or 3 cooks since my mom has been there and the current one is not the best). It's a very personal choice but Atria has been a great fit for my mom....
4518 54th Street, San Diego, CA 92115
Located in the heart of San Diego, the 123-apartment community offers studio & one bedroom apartments each with a private bathroom and individual climate control to ensure your comfort. We encourage you to bring your own furnishings and decoration to make you apartment your own. Residents feel...
The staff is very attentive to the residents and notice things that might become problems. I would and have recommended Stellar Care to others I know.
12979 Rancho Penasquitos Blvd, San Diego, CA 92129
Set among the canyons and nature preserves of northern San Diego County, with a central location off Interstate 15, Pacifica Senior Living Rancho Peñasquitos is a vibrant senior living community designed to help older adults find greater well-being.This independent and assisted living community...
I would recommend to others, gladly. Place for Mom helped me so much in our family's difficult journey. My Place for Mom advisor has been helping a good friend of mine with her mother's issues. Thank you...
800 Lantern Crest Way, Santee, CA 92071
At Lantern Crest Senior Living, we offer a variety of community features. Residents can enjoy regular off-site adventures and excursions. Cats and dogs are allowed in private quarters. Our property is conveniently located near accessible public transportation. We offer free wi-fi and high speed...
The staff is really friendly and know most everyone by name. They get along well with the residents and each other. Some even sing going around the halls and into the rooms. Housekeeping is weekly and done...
5219 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92117
Redefine your independence with more time for what you want to do.Here at our assisted living community, you get to redefine your independence, pursue your favorite hobbies and live your life your way. Whether that’s connecting with new friends or trying something new like yoga, you have choices...
We moved my sister in in February. I received notice today that her both her rent and her Level of Care monthly charges are going up by almost [amount removed] on 7/1! I'm in shock! This is an older...
12515 Springhurst Dr, San Diego, CA 92128
Sunrise of Sabre Springs is an assisted living and memory care community. Residents can live in Assisted Living without care and age in place, adding in care as needed. Every resident receives a customized care plan that addresses their individual needs by a designated care manager who get to...
Very friendly and helpful staff. The facility is very homey with a lot of enriching activities. The room sizes are nice and we really like the layout which makes it very comfortable for my mom.
955 Grand Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
My dad was previously a resident at Oakmont of Pacific Beach for a short time. I can't say enough how good the experience was. I am an emergency room physician and I have a lot of experience with Assisted...
13075 Evening Creek Dr S, San Diego, CA 92128
The Belmont Village facility at Sabre Springs is located in the attractive residential community of Poway. Situated in northeast San Diego County, Poway is known as 'The City in the Country' and prides itself on the fact that much of the area is preserved as dedicated open space. With great views...
Much better than I expected. Staff are very friendly and responsive to individual needs. Restaurant menu and serving staff We are in one of the smaller one bedroom apartments and it is perfect for us....
9431 Reagan Road, San Diego, CA 92126
Cozy Cove - a home of the elderly, is a labor of love, knowledge and skills. Its proud owners are both healthcare workers and confident in rendering care and training its staff. They take this business seriously without any shortcuts in following the state protocols.We are centrally located and...
We had been to Cozy Cove-A Home for the Elderly, a memory care facility in San Diego, CA, when we were seeking for a similar facility for mother, who is currently residing at [removed]. The Cozy Cove-A Home...
10603 Rancho Bernardo Road, San Diego, CA 92127
ActivCare 4S Ranch is a full-service memory care community that provides specialized assisted living for those with Alzheimer's or related dementias.As pioneers in memory care, ActivCare has been enhancing life for those with memory loss for more than 30 years. It's our sole focus.Purpose-built...
My husband who has Alzheimer's, has been a resident at ActivCare at 4S Ranch for [time frame removed]. Before I placed my husband in their care, I researched and visited at least 15 facilities in my area. ...
13101 Hartfield Ave, San Diego, CA 92130
Do more of what you love every day.At our continuing care retirement community (CCRC), you’ll have the lifestyle you want, plus care if you need it with assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing all on one campus.With several floorplans to choose from, including studio, one-bedroom and...
We were so impressed with the nurses & caregivers at Torrey Pines ~ clearly overworked, but doing their best to get to all residents, and always kind & cheerful to my father and family. The front office...
2440 Grand Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109
Located in Pacific Beach just minutes away from Mission Bay Park, ActivCare Mission Bay is a specialized memory care community for those with memory loss that opened in 2014. ActivCare Mission Bay is home to a vibrant community of residents who enjoy a daily schedule of activities designed for...
I first visited this facility shortly before it opened over 10 years ago. Revisiting it for a family member, I found it to be a very pleasant & safe environment, & very convenient to many outings. The staff...
3223 Duke St, San Diego, CA 92110
Golden Living is located in the Loma Portal area of San Diego, just west of Mission Bay. Golden Living is conveniently located near several large shopping areas and numerous doctor's offices. Golden Living strives to make all of their residents feel at home by urging residents to decorate their...
The staff provides quality care in a professional manner. The staff is outstanding. I am grateful to this facility for their continued consistent respectful care for the patients and inclusion of the family.
7630 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Welcome to Monarch Cottage La Jolla!About Us:Monarch Cottage La Jolla is a premier, senior living community focused on providing exceptional services to residents with memory impairments such as Alzheimer’s, dementia or other cognitive impairment, or who need assisted living services, respite...
Deciding to entrust your family member to strangers is a big leap of faith, regardless of situation or cost. I visit Monarch regularly and see how our mom is treated. I've seen my mom open up and re-engage...
8292 Run of the Knolls, San Diego, CA 92127
If your loved one is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you will discover that our Rancho Santa Fe Villa Assisted Living Facility offers an unprecedented level of personalized attention and care. You will also appreciate the value of knowing that the world around the person you...
The beautiful home at Rancho Santa Fe Villa was always kept spotless and clean. Located in an exclusive residential community, it was a very clean facility at all times. The staff was very caring and...
2211 Massachusetts Avenue, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Monte Vista Village is a charming senior community in Lemon Grove, CA, in San Diego County. We offer excellent assisted living and independent living options. Located amongst 7.5 acres of land (including a stunning tiered waterfall), Monte Vista Village is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy...
Lovely grounds. Kind and caring staff. Good food. Nice amenities and fun activities . I would highly recommend Monte Vista Village to others looking.
5740 Lake Murray Boulevard, La Mesa, CA 91942
Tucked away on a gorgeous property in La Mesa, CA, just minutes from downtown San Diego, The Montera defines care-focused senior living. From well-appointed studio and one bedroom apartments, to personalized care plans designed for each Assisted Living resident, to rejuvenating short-term stays,...
It is a great place, My father really likes it. The food is really good and he likes the entertainment. Convenient parking is very limited? It has been good. They have some very strict rules about...
5480 Marengo Ave, La Mesa, CA 91942
Lease by October 29 and get $1,000 off your rent for the first three months. THAT’S A SAVINGS OF $3,000!*We are continuing to admit new Residents, where possible and appropriate, to help residents and families in need. We will do all we can to help those who are in need of our services now and...
I don't require medical care. I'm home-bound in my apt so I don't see the grounds or activities. Everyone I do see are very nice. Still having problems getting 1 meal a day delivered to me. ( after 18...
4960 Mills St, La Mesa, CA 91942
Lease by October 29 and get $1,000 off your rent for the first three months. THAT’S A SAVINGS OF $3,000!*We are continuing to admit new Residents, where possible and appropriate, to help residents and families in need. We will do all we can to help those who are in need of our services now and...
Wonderful people and care at Memory Care. They were very understanding when [name removed] would block the public restroom (his "office"). He kept climbing out of bed and trying to sleep on floor, so they...
9000 Murray Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942
The Westmont of La Mesa is a beautiful community that is kept clean and has friendly staff working there. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this community to other families who...
2045 Skyline Drive, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Sungarden Terrace is family owned for over 19 years and takes great pride in providing excellent care in a warm, nuturing environment. Some of our staff have been with us since our doors opened. Our reviews are all 4 and 5 star reviews focusing on great care, a family-like atmosphere, excellent...
We were enthralled by the welcoming atmosphere of Sungarden Terrace Assisted Living and Memory Care from the minute we entered. The building has been meticulously maintained and is constructed to make...
4633 Denwood Road, La Mesa, CA 91942
Casa De Vida Senior LivingCasa De Vida Senior Living is a world-class residential care home that is situated in the sparkling city of Los Angeles, CA in the sprawling County of Los Angeles. Our responsive community overlooks the iconic Hollywood sign. Three mountains reaching up to 3000m surround...
All around they are a benchmark for other places. I viewed and interviewed a lot of places and this one was great.
299 Prospect Place, Coronado, CA 92118
Welcome to Coronado's Luxurious Senior Living! Thank you for your interest in Coronado Retirement Village. We are a family owned & operated licensed community that offers high Secure (Memory) Care. With beautiful views of San Diego Bay and the historic Coronado Bridge, our residents enjoy the...
Hello! My family highly recommends Coronado Retirement Village as a wonderful place for our 89-year-old mother to live. She has her own private room with a large window, private bathroom and shower, and...
810 Turquoise Street, San Diego, CA 92109
About Sunrise of La JollaCommunity & Location Highlights:Conveniently located in San Diego, CAClose to Scripps Memorial Hospital La JollaGorgeous views of the Pacific oceanNear La Jolla Country Club and La Jolla's downtownSunrise of Pacific Beach in San Diego, California, provides exclusive...
I highly recommend this facility to others. The food is really good. The décor is very nice and perfectly suited to the tastes of my mother's generation. The high ceiling in her room is nice. The staff are...
According to A Place for Mom’s 2023-2024 proprietary data, the average price families pay for San Diego assisted living communities is $5,100 per month.[01] This includes room and board, care fees, and add-ons that families paid to our partner communities.
Costs in assisted living vary depending on location, floor plan, care services, and specific amenities. For example, pet rent or choosing a larger floor plan may lead to additional monthly costs.
The following cost figures represent average monthly starting costs for assisted living in the area. Starting costs don’t always include additional fees and full care costs.
45.77 miles from you
Your zip code
15.39 miles from you
Paying for assisted living in San Diego, California, can be done in a variety of ways. Seniors can use personal finances, public resources, or a combination of both to cover the costs related to assisted living. You can browse our guide to payment methods below.
Seniors and their families have a variety of ways to finance the costs of assisted living in San Diego using their personal assets. The following resources explain some common ways seniors and their families cover the costs associated with assisted living:
Assisted living facilities in San Diego must be licensed by the California Department of Social Services, also known as the CDSS. The CDSS is responsible for regulating and monitoring assisted living facilities and all other senior care facilities, often referred to in California as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE). The CDSS also licenses any Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) — facilities that offer a spectrum of senior care services, from independent living and assisted living to memory care and skilled nursing care.
In a few cases, a community can operate as an RCFE without a license. These exceptions include:
All licensed assisted living facilities in California must assess a senior via interviews and by reviewing their health records before welcoming them as a resident. Once a senior moves in, these facilities must comply with the following regulations:
The CDSS inspects facilities once a year. To renew a license, an assisted living facility must provide continuing education for community administrators. In addition, the CDSS must inspect a facility within 10 days of receiving a complaint.
Licensed assisted living facilities and their inspection reports are available to the public via the CDSS Care Facility Search. Scroll down to “Search By Facility Group” and select “Elderly Assisted Living.” Next, you can select the “Facility Type” and San Diego County, then click on the search button. You can also search by facility name or address.
California Department of Public Health contact information
California Department of Public Health
1616 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95899
Phone: 916-558-1784
Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/
San Diego County still has COVID-19 guidelines in place to help protect its residents. The most current recommendations for individuals include staying current with COVID-19 vaccines and getting tested if symptoms are suspected. For the most part, mask-wearing is not required. However, if you have COVID-19 symptoms, had a recent positive test, or have been exposed to the virus, San Diego County asks that you wear a mask in public. Masks are also required in at-risk settings such as long-term care, senior care, and health care centers.
Read the most recent San Diego County COVID-19 guidelines here.
Vaccinations. San Diego County encourages all citizens to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
Masking. Masks aren’t required in public unless you have COVID-19, have been exposed to COVID-19, or are visiting an at-risk setting.
Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
Assisted living in San Diego offers the supportive care seniors need, while giving them access to luxe amenities, an ever-interesting coastal lifestyle, and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Read on to learn more about what you can expect from assisted living communities in San Diego.
Many of San Diego’s assisted living facilities offer multiple senior care services in a single location. Some facilities offer on-site memory care, some exist within an independent living community, and others offer a full range of services. Many assisted living communities even offer on-site therapies, like physical, speech, and occupational therapy. Facilities with all care types on one campus are sometimes called Continuing Care Retirement Communities (or CCRCs). It’s worth noting that assisted living facilities licensed as CCRCs usually have an initial buy-in fee in addition to the monthly cost of room, board, and care services.
Whether licensed as a CCRC or not, assisted living communities that offer multiple levels of care on one campus enable seniors to age in place worry-free. Seniors who choose these facilities can rest assured their evolving needs will be met, and they likely won’t have to move again if their care needs change.
Seniors who choose assisted living facilities in San Diego are set up to enjoy beautiful weather and a variety of perks. Activities offered by the community, such as fitness classes, volunteer programs, and live on-site entertainment, make for enriching social experiences. Visits to local museums, outings to sunny beaches, and lively tours of SeaWorld San Diego also await residents who want to maximize each moment.
Luxe amenities are also found in many of San Diego’s assisted living communities. Residents can enjoy on-site fine dining experiences, including full table service in community restaurants with meals crafted by professional culinary chefs.
Many communities also offer the following amenities:
Perhaps the most iconic feature of San Diego are its many beaches. Seniors will find several assisted living communities that take advantage of this idyllic landscape by providing ocean views, pools, and short walking paths to the nearest sandy beaches. Some even offer exclusive, private beach access and rooftop decks overlooking the ocean. These unique features of the San Diego assisted living lifestyle allow residents to soak up the California sunshine and relax to the sound of the crashing waves, all while receiving care in the community of their choice.
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Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Percentage of the San Diego population that is 65+[04]
Senior residents in San Diego have access to several nationally ranked hospitals and senior health care centers, several of which are located near San Diego’s assisted living facilities.
UC San Diego Health – La Jolla and Hillcrest Hospitals are teaching hospitals that provide general and surgical care. They’re nationally ranked for several areas of adult care, including cancer surgeries, cardiology, and their geriatric clinic.[06]
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla provides general and surgical care. They’re nationally ranked for care including cardiology and orthopedics.[06]
Sharp Memorial Hospital is nationally ranked for lung surgery and urology. This hospital also provides general medical and surgical care, in addition to having geriatric specialists and several senior resource centers.[06]
Many of San Diego’s assisted living communities offer scheduled transportation to residents and their visitors for exploring, running errands, and traveling to appointments. Across A Place for Mom’s partner communities, 84% offer complimentary transportation and 48% offer transportation at cost.
San Diego Public Transportation also has a program called PRONTO that enables riders to buy their tickets online through an app. Their trolleys, trains, and buses are wheelchair accessible via ramps and lifts. In addition, public transportation options in San Diego have discounted fares for seniors 65+.
Browse these other transportation options for San Diego citizens:
San Diego also has transportation options designed with seniors in mind.
San Diego is a moderately walkable city, although car transportation is still necessary to access most of the city. The scores below are based on San Diego’s accessibility of different transportation methods. The highest and best possible score is 100, meaning that higher numbers indicate a popular and easy-to-use method of getting around San Diego.
53
37
43
Endless entertainment awaits seniors in San Diego, California. From lounging on sandy beaches to finding new favorite restaurants and museums, seniors can find something to make each outing a memorable experience.
Live entertainment, whether via a sporting event or theatrical performance, is a wonderful way to enjoy retirement in San Diego. The San Diego Padres games in Petco Park are just one part of the city’s lively sports scene. View the latest professional football or soccer games at Balboa Stadium, or catch a rugby or lacrosse game at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego is also home to several performing arts centers — such as The Old Globe or the Civic Theater — where seniors and their families can view shows from local musicians or catch world premiere theatrical productions.
Of course, San Diego offers an abundance of popular beaches to choose from, including La Jolla Shores and Cove, located near unique shops and restaurants. Natural beauty, stunning views from the rocky cliffs, and marine life sightings await. Day trips to Coronado Island are also full of possibilities and unique experiences, from lounging on the breathtaking Coronado Beach to sipping coffee in coastal cafés.
Seniors have many options for exploring local history, many of which have accessibility options for people with disabilities. For example, Balboa Park — San Diego’s 1,200-acre backyard with dozens of museums — offers scooter and wheelchair rentals, though availability is limited. The Comic-Con Museum, the San Diego Museum of Art, breathtaking gardens, tropical trails, cafés, and much more are all located in the park. San Diego’s AgeWell Services even hosts a senior lounge and senior lunch at Balboa Park for seniors to socialize and relax.
Many other museums are also accessible, like the USS Midway Museum, which offers wheelchair rentals, tour scripts, and guides. The San Diego History Center is another popular museum about local history and doesn’t have an admission fee. San Diego also has its own Natural History Museum, where seniors can find ever-changing exhibits, weekly events, and a discounted admission fee. Or, seniors can stroll through Old Town San Diego, which is a popular downtown area full of historic landmarks and unique shops.
Monte Vista Village, Silvergate Retirement Residence - Fallbrook and Silvergate Rancho Bernardo are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near San Diego, CA. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in San Diego is 4,552 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): San Diego city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
State of California Health and Human Services Agency. Department of Social Services. (2008). Manual of Policies and Procedures Community Care Licensing Division: Residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFE), Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Weather Spark. (2022). Average temperature in San Diego.
U.S. World and News Report. (2022). Best hospitals in San Diego, California.
Walk Score. (2022). Living in San Diego.
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