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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!
4633 Denwood Road, La Mesa, CA 91942
All around they are a benchmark for other places. I viewed and interviewed a lot of places and this one was great.
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...
2567 Second Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
The community is in a beautiful neighborhood, and the community is beautiful also. The director is amazing and very caring. The staff is amazing and I can't say anything bad about this community. I would...
Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill gives discerning seniors a casual elegance and sophistication found only in the prestigious Bankers Hill neighborhood of downtown San Diego. Downtown retirement living has never been this good — or as much fun — as it can be at Merrill Gardens! Merrill Gardens at...
2340 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
My mom only got to experience about eight weeks at St. Paul's memory care. During that short stay the staff showed dedication and commitment and took the time to know her personality and find things that...
Nestled in the heart of Bankers Hill, St. Paul’s Villa offers supportive oversight and a range of services for the senior who is no longer comfortable living at home by providing personal care support in our assisted living. We have created a home-like atmosphere through our resident centered,...
12277 Berea Court, Poway, CA 92064
We recently moved our mother here, after a bad experience at a commercial assisted-living facility, and we -- and she -- couldn't be happier. This is by no means a clinical setting; it is more like a family...
Silver Oaks South is a senior residential care home located in the small city of Poway, CA and in San Diego county. Poway was just recently made a city in 1980. Poway is local to the Black Mountain Open Space Park and the Carmel Mountain Ranch, offering much to do in terms of entertainment. The...
7630 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
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...
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...
7450 Olivetas Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
The meals and dining service has been excellent, and they have really great activities for us to participate in. Based on my experience so far I would recommend the White Sands community to others.
Waking up each morning and taking a morning stroll along the coastline before joining friends for a round of golf at the Torrey Pine Golf Course or an outing to the Museum of Contemporary Art. End the day dining alfresco as you watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. For the residents of White...
14740 Via Fiesta, San Diego, CA 92127
My Dad was so well cared for here. He loved his staff, loved the delicious food, and thought his apartment overlooking the open space in Santa Luz was so nice. He loved to look out his windows at the view....
At Casa Aldea Senior Living, a beautifully designed boutique Assisted Living and Memory Care community uniquely located near the communities of Rancho Santa Fe and Santaluz in San Diego, CA, expect the extraordinary. Casa Aldea ensures senior living is firmly in the 21st Century with its...
16925 Hierba Dr, San Diego, CA 92128
The community is friendly. The apartment is spacious and bright. Daily exercise classes are offered to promote continued movement. The location is very convenient with banks, stores and eateries within...
Nestled in the exclusive community of Rancho Bernardo, The Remington Club is a vibrant, independent, and assisted living community surrounded by serene gardens, breathtaking mountain views, and centrally located near shopping and restaurants. Our newly refreshed common spaces provide...
6665 Decanture Street, San Diego, CA 92120
We chose Noble Living because of the limited clientele and the staff was super friendly! The caregivers are very respectable, caring and very pleasant. We love how they make our Dad feel like family!
6665 Decanture Street, San Diego, CA 92120
We chose Noble Living because of the limited clientele and the staff was super friendly! The caregivers are very respectable, caring and very pleasant. We love how they make our Dad feel like family!
5289 Lodi St, San Diego, CA 92117
My wife has been a guest here for 7 years. During this time she has received compassionate care from a competent staff. They prepare nutritious home cooked meals. New owners began upgrading the house inside...
Nestled in breathtaking San Diego California in a serene neighborhood on Lodi Street is Baron's Residential Care Inc. We offer assisted living and a Micro-Community which consists of a residential care facility, as well as Alzheimer's care and hospice. Our senior residents feel secure in knowing...
9724 Eucalyptus Ct, Santee, CA 92071
Lilac Chateau has provided outstanding care to my 89 year old father for the past year. We thank our lucky stars that we found this senior care residence. The executive director, [name removed] and her...
Lilac Chateau is assisted living for Seniors. Owned and operated by Kimberly Withers, RN, BSN,. Kimberly has an extensive background in Geriatric-Psych Nursing and Specializes in caring for residents with Dementia. She has a wonderful, caring and loving staffs. We're able to Accept: Ambulatory...
5720 Old Carmel Valley Road, San Diego, CA 92130
We are very happy with Westmont The staff are extremely friendly, always available to help when needed, the facility is gorgeous, lots of classes, happy hour is amazing and beautifully decorated often with live music, the residents are also very fri...
5720 Old Carmel Valley Road, San Diego, CA 92130
We are very happy with Westmont The staff are extremely friendly, always available to help when needed, the facility is gorgeous, lots of classes, happy hour is amazing and beautifully decorated often with live music, the residents are also very fri...
17067 Coyote Bush Drive, San Diego, CA 92127
if you need a safe, warm and caring place for your loved one look no further. [name removed] and her staff were amazing and having mom here helped relieve the grief and guilt we felt having to place our mom...
Garden Abode is a senior living facility located in scenic San Diego, CA. We are family-owned and operated. We pride ourselves on our outstanding care of the elderly and the aesthetic environment of our facility. Our licensed facility offers exquisite accommodations and has a beautiful view of...
9903 Businesspark Avenue, San Diego, CA 92131
It's been a pleasure getting to know The Glen at Scripps Ranch and finding a new home for my Uncle while working with amazing people. We've been to the Glen in recent months, with my parents now living in a...
18655 W Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA 92127
After I retired, my daughter felt it was important for her to live nearby in case my wife and I might need some assistance. That was nice of her, but I was disappointed to find out later that she had turned...
10566 Gabacha Drive, San Diego, CA 92124
3474 Angwin Drive, San Diego, CA 92123
Your family member is truly our treasure at A Timeless Treasure, where we set the standard for first-rate senior living and care services on the sunny and beautiful West Coast in San Diego where beautiful palm trees and gentle breezes go together. We believe you'll see a different level of...
3474 Angwin Drive, San Diego, CA 92123
Your family member is truly our treasure at A Timeless Treasure, where we set the standard for first-rate senior living and care services on the sunny and beautiful West Coast in San Diego where beautiful palm trees and gentle breezes go together. We believe you'll see a different level of...
2997 Melbourne Drive, San Diego, CA 92123
Number one choice- he found them warm and caring, professional.
Located in Sierra Mesa, California, Mission Homes II offers intermediate care to seniors who need just that bit of extra help to remain independent. We offer a home, not an institution, were you may live in beautiful surroundings and have access to the services of an urban community. Our...
2828 Meadow Lark Dr, San Diego, CA 92123
Most of the staff was fantastic. She really liked them and I did too. I interacted with the physical therapists, and the nurses and doctors. They were very good about communication. They doted on her, and if...
6333 Rancho Mission Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
Our Dad spent 5 1/2 years at Nazareth House. During that time, we visited almost every. We observed interaction between many caregivers and residents. From not only our experience with Dad but others, the...
Nazareth House San Diego is committed to offering active elders personalized assistance, supportive services, and compassionate care in a Catholic, spirit-centered, loving community. Your safety, care, and assistance are assured while your independence is encouraged.The focus at Nazareth House is...
7029 Hillsboro Street, San Diego, CA 92120
Toured May12. Only $2200. Get to see director Sat or Sun.
4670 Twain Ave, San Diego, CA 92120
The staff members are very friendly and it is clear that they are all very caring people. Our loved one the second she moved in felt right at home which gives us some peace of mind.
Sunbeam is a residential care home located in the major city of San Diego, California. The popular city is along the beautiful Pacific Ocean. The area is vibrant with numerous museums, lighthouses, and the famous San Diego Zoo. San Diego is an exciting place to live and an inviting place for...
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
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18.14 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.
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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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.
Silvergate Rancho Bernardo, Silvergate Retirement Residence - Fallbrook and Paradise Village 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 4,609 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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