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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!
7541 Milky Way Point, San Diego, CA 92120
didnt take dogs , loved owner ,and place very nice and clean, decorates, lots room,alert,friendly but ,caregiver on prem spoke no english had 2 call owner..loved it 2nd choice,owner very friendly.
3540 Mount Acadia Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92111
The Pavilion at Tecolote Canyon was born from the vision of local San Diego families who wanted to build a senior living community of our own. The Pavilion has been designed to create a living style that incorporates San Diego’s amazing weather, excellent gardening climate, and the amazing sense...
3540 Mount Acadia Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92111
The Pavilion at Tecolote Canyon was born from the vision of local San Diego families who wanted to build a senior living community of our own. The Pavilion has been designed to create a living style that incorporates San Diego’s amazing weather, excellent gardening climate, and the amazing sense...
4615 Sauk Ave, San Diego, CA 92117
6288 Wenrich Drive, San Diego, CA 92120
7108 Werner St., San Diego, CA 92122
2335 Camino de Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108
2337 Camino del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108
4282 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92117
Beautiful setting that is well-kept and spotless here at Canyon Villas. There are so many amazing amenities, and I especially like the complimentary morning classes like Aqua Fit. I went here for my father,...
6667 Wandermere Ct, San Diego, CA 92120
Del Cerro Manor I, II, and III are pristine residential care facilities, each featuring six beds, a main living room for socializing, a private dining room for entertaining, beautiful landscaping, and a lush garden environment. The luxury of warmth in these private facilities surpass all others...
5211 Joan Court, San Diego, CA 92115
Things have been going very well here! Things were a little rocky to start, but the staff have all been very friendly and accommodating when helping my loved one get settled in. The staff are very personable...
Noble living is a residential care home located in the peaceful neighborhoods of San Diego CA in San Diego County. The tranquil nature of our location coupled with a stunning landscape offers our residents a wonderful place they can call home and an awesome place to visit for their family and...
2690 Cowley Way, San Diego, CA 92110
We have made the decision to take Mom out of the place although the experience has been great! Mom has been doing well there and I really liked the fact that they were willing to take her dog because I...
Donlen Guest Home is an independent living community located in beautiful San Diego, California. With a reputable and respectable name in the community, we thrive to always bring a friendly, professional attitude to each and every elderly patient. As a recognized senior care provider, Donlen...
8738 Covina St., San Diego, CA 92126
Emmaus Care I in San Diego, California offers its residents convenience and comfort. Two assisted living centers sit right next to each other nearby grocery stores, a movie theatre, park, and churches. One building has six rooms in it, and the other has seven. Our entire staff makes sure each...
10265 Saluda Avenue, San Diego, CA 92126
3739 Millikin Ave, San Diego, CA 92122
3664 Governor Dr., San Diego, CA 92122
3880 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122
Belmont Village brings more than two decades of experience to its peerless Independent Living, Assisted Living and award-winning Memory Care. Nestled in the heart of the beautiful seaside village of La Jolla, our newest community in San Diego County will offer the unique balance of innovative,...
3532 Governor Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
We will always remember Lucy's by the Park for their kindness, service and love for our Mother. The staff always dealt with family members professionally. Our Mother lived at Lucy's by the Park for many...
Lucy's by the ParkLucy’s by the Park is a residential care home located in sunny San Diego, California in San Diego County. This ocean side community has plenty of recreational activities where you can enjoy the amazing sunshine while participating in your favorite activity. Whether you enjoy...
6893 Radcliffe Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
4752 Lake Forest Ave, San Diego, CA 92117
4752 Lake Forest Ave, San Diego, CA 92117
3522 Mercer Lane, San Diego, CA 92122
I like the fact that they are very clean. The food is good. There are no activities. They need to spend more time helping her walk and being active. They could help her walk and help her to being more...
Located in the heart of the beautiful San Diego, California, University City Guest Home 1 is the leading facility for assisted senior living. Our kind staff provides the kind of care that your loved one needs to lead a fulfilling life, even in an assisted living environment. If you are looking...
5706 Tulane St., San Diego, CA 92122
6217 Acorn Street, San Diego, CA 92115
This is truly a wonderful community. Everybody here is very friendly and welcoming. I know she is getting the best care here. The community looks great, everything is very well maintained. The staff is very...
Aacorn Oaks is an assisted living facility located in a quiet neighborhood in San Diego, CA. Assisted living is for those that are unable to live in independent living but don't need as much medical assistance as those in a nursing home. Our staff still provides 3 cooked meals a day, light...
7867 Lake Andrita Ave., San Diego, CA 92119
This community is very nice and well kept with staff that are attentive and careful . The staff clean my mom's room and serve her good food. Mom seems to always be taken care of, she has not complained while...
Lake Murray Health Care Center provides quality care for persons who, in their golden years, are still capable of handling their physical needs but require assistance with the daily tasks of living. Our sincere concern for personal care, social interactions and spiritual well being of our...
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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