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Find all of the sunshine, sand, and entertainment you could want in San Diego, California. Healthy and active seniors — looking towards the next exciting phase of their lives — often find their ideal independent living communities in this popular coastal city. Through A Place for Mom’s partner communities, seniors can find resort-style apartments and condos, daily enriching experiences, amenities, and much more.
We can help you find the independent living community that matches your unique preferences. This all-inclusive guide to San Diego independent living contains detailed information on the 15 communities in A Place for Mom’s partner network within a 10-mile radius of the San Diego city center. Read about independent living community costs, payment tips, as well as local senior living regulations and demographics. Sections also include information on local, senior-specific programs and senior resources in San Diego.
Types of care available in San Diego, CA
Independent 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.
My loved one has recently made the move into this community and so far I have no complaints of how things had been going for him. He has had a few health problems but other than that the experience has been pleasant for him. The staff have done a great job at staying organized in his care plan and are always attentive to his needs. I would defiantly recommend this place to anyone interested.
Love my apartment! Most residents are wonderful people, have made lots of nice friends. Food is great. I love that I'm surrounded with people that are fun and you can have conversations with them. I love that I no longer have to cook or clean. I still drive and am able to park my car in gated underground parking. Great place!
14740 Via Fiesta, San Diego, CA 92127
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...
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....
16925 Hierba Dr, San Diego, CA 92128
Nestled in the exclusive community of Rancho Bernardo, The Remington Club strives to offers the finest in independent, assisted and skilled nursing services and outpatient therapy. Our close proximity to shopping, combined with our wonderful activities and social programs, make The Remington Club...
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...
2340 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
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,...
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...
6132 Gullstrand Street, San Diego, CA 92122
Undoubtedly, Casa Aldea at University City Village is a unique senior living community. I could sense the kind, inviting vibe this establishment emanates as soon as I came through the doors—the same vibe I...
4633 Governor Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
Town Park Villas is a fantastic senior living complex that puts its inhabitants' happiness and well-being first. It struck me as I went through the facility's descriptions and evaluations how much focus was...
2835 Clairemont Dr, San Diego, CA 92117
Cerro Pueblo in San Diego, CA is ready for you to call it home. These apartments are located on Clairemont Ct. in San Diego. From availability to location, the leasing staff is ready to assist you in finding...
4226 Utah St, San Diego, CA 92104
North Park Sunshine is a particularly exceptional community for older citizens. This community offers its inhabitants a friendly and inviting atmosphere, from its lovely surroundings to its caring personnel....
1455 2nd Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
I've met several happy residents who wish they'd come here sooner. Choice activities were underway when I had a tour planned for my father, who now resided at [removed]. I enjoyed the Management's kind...
8569 Innsdale Lane, San Diego, CA 92114
Ohana Home Care, located in San Diego, California, with breathtaking views, is a licensed elder care facility that provides safe, economical, and culturally-specific supported living for seniors, similar to...
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...
2635 2nd Ave, San Diego, CA 92103-6552
Everybody's very attentive. It's definitely an excellent price for the services they provide. My mom is in the independent living section. They definitely keep people involved with activities. They have...
6333 Rancho Mission Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
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...
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...
2404 Loring St, San Diego, CA 92109
When my parents were looking for a place to live, I went to Wesley Palms Retirement Community, and I absolutely love it! This place has excellent personnel. A cheery smile welcomed me and I was made to feel...
849 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla, CA 92037
Casa de Manana is luxury for less than you might think…..A no entrance fee policy allows you to invest or enjoy your savings. Casa de Manana’s reasonable monthly fee covers meals, housekeeping, linens, home maintenance and all utilities (except telephone and cable TV). There is an on-site health...
This community is great for me as it is close to the ocean and within walking distance to La Jolla Village. The staff are friendly and helpful. The food is good and they offer a good variety. The community...
7720-7780 Belden Street, San Diego, CA 92111
My tour of the facility went well. It is a nice community with kind people. They offer many great activities for their residents. The room we were looking was a semi-private room. My only problem with the...
8585 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa, CA 91941
She really loves it. It's very clean and they are friendly. They always have things going on. The food seems to be good. We haven't had any problems with the laundry, except mom would like stuff ironed and...
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,...
7971 Culowee St, La Mesa, CA 91942
Our speciality is providing quality care at resonable rates. Villa La Mesa offers modest, homelike accommodations nestled in a very quiet residential area of 'Old' La Mesa. With a total licensed capacity of twenty-nine (29) residents, Villa La Mesa is small enough to offers a warm, homelike...
Two relatives have lived there for a length of time (at different times). They were both happy there. One played the piano for residents. The main building is an older home, kept up well. Residents can feel...
727 E St, San Diego, CA 92101
4118 Adams Ave # 2, San Diego, CA 92116
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,...
7717 Tommy Dr, San Diego, CA 92119
4075 54th St, San Diego, CA 92105
3912 Albatross, San Diego, CA 92103
With so many distinctive features, the simple elegance of Santa Fe Villas offers the ideal combination of stylish comfort, conveniences and detailed custom amenities.Santa Fe Villas Apartment homes for seniors 55+ offer roomy, carefully designed living spaces that embody all the elegant features...
3630 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103
The average monthly price that families paid for San Diego independent living facilities in 2022 was $4,328 per month. This number comes from A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, and the price reflects the average monthly cost of room and board in addition to any add-on fees, entrance fees, or care costs.
Costs of independent living typically include monthly rent for the senior’s dwelling, utilities, activities, and sometimes meals. Some communities are all-inclusive, meaning that all costs are reflected in one monthly price. Other communities, however, charge additional fees for extra services. Personal services, pet rent, and admission fees may come at additional costs.
Independent living prices in San Diego can vary depending on location, services, and the size of the senior’s floor plan. Some San Diego independent living communities offer assisted living and skilled nursing care on the same campus. That way if a resident’s care needs ever change, they won’t need to move. Some communities take this a step further and are licensed as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (or CCRCs). In these cases, entrance fees may apply to cover future care costs. Stand-alone independent living communities may not have entrance fees, as they do not provide senior care.
The following cost figures represent average starting costs for independent living communities in the area. Please note that starting costs don’t necessarily include care costs, entrance fees, and any add-on service fees.
45.77 miles from you
Your zip code
18.14 miles from you
While the costs of independent living aren’t covered by public pay methods, such as Medicare or Medicaid, seniors have many options to fund their senior living lifestyle. Combinations of personal resources can typically be used to cover the costs of rent at an independent living community, while Medicare and Medicaid may help cover the costs of in-home care services.
Personal assets, such as savings accounts, Social Security benefits, and investments can be used to help cover monthly expenses at independent living communities. Seniors that own property or have life insurance have more options to help cover their senior living costs:
Since they are basically like senior apartments with more amenities, stand-alone independent living communities in California don’t need to be licensed as a senior care community. However, if the community shares a campus with other senior care facilities, such as assisted living and memory care units, or is a part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community (or CCRC), then licenses may apply.
In California, CCRCs or senior care facilities must have a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (or RCFE) license through the California Department of Social Services, also known as the CDSS. With this license, the senior care facility must comply with the following regulations:
Like renting a house or apartment, the owners of independent living communities must provide their renters with safe and well-maintained housing. The following are some examples of regulations a person can expect at a stand-alone independent living community in California:
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landlords must agree to reasonable accommodations and modifications for persons with disabilities. Accommodations and certain structural modifications of common areas must be paid for by the landlord, while some structural modifications to an individual unit should be paid for by the renter.
Accommodations involve changes to community procedures that might restrict disabled individuals from access if not changed. Some examples of accommodations include the following:
Modifications involve changes to the structure of building common areas or individual units, for example:
The following are some other protections granted to renters under the Americans with Disabilities Act (or ADA):
The California Department of Social Services (or CDSS) inspects facilities once each year and within 10 days of receiving a complaint. For senior independent living communities that are licensed as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (or CCRCs), their inspection reports are available to the public via the CDSS Care Facility Search. To use this search, scroll down to “Search By Facility Group,” select “Elderly Assisted Living,” select the “Facility Type” and “San Diego County,” and then click on the search button. You can also search by facility name or address.
California Department of Public Health
1616 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
Phone: 916-558-1784
Seniors in San Diego independent living communities are encouraged to follow the city’s COVID-19 guidelines. The most current recommendations for San Diego residents include staying current with COVID-19 vaccines and getting tested if they have related symptoms. In most public places, people aren’t required to wear masks. 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 long-term care, senior care, and health care centers, but they aren’t required in independent living communities.
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.
Facility cleanliness. Surfaces and shared items are routinely cleaned and disinfected with hospital-grade disinfectant. [07]
Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
Active seniors in San Diego have much to take advantage of in independent living communities. Resort-style facilities, an array of on- and off-site enriching experiences, and easy access to care services await seniors who retire in San Diego.
Seniors can have the ultimate oceanside retirement when they choose an independent living facility in San Diego. Maintenance-free living and pet-friendly policies allow seniors to enjoy the comforts of home, release the responsibility of homeownership, and take advantage of luxe amenities.
Relax and rejuvenate in full-service salons and spas, or take a few laps in saltwater-filtered, heated pools. Take advantage of 24-hour concierge services, private access to walking paths, and the comforts of a gated community. Seniors can also stroll through private gardens, relax in therapeutic whirlpools, or even use their community’s own putting green.
When it’s time to dine, enjoy nutritious meals in on-site bistros or take a seat in an oceanfront dining room and order a five-course meal. Several communities offer arranged transportation, and some even take residents directly to San Diego’s unique restaurants. Other communities even have private dining rooms on campus where residents can host family gatherings and parties.
Evenings in San Diego’s independent living communities have much to offer. Seniors can watch their favorite movies in cozy on-site theaters or join social events in the community ballrooms. Sipping on wine from northern California vineyards is another popular evening pastime, after which residents can store their favorite bottles via a personal wine storage service.
Retiring in San Diego enables seniors to pick from a range of independent living housing options. Independent living apartments seem to be the most common option in this desirable area. Ranging from studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, San Diego independent living apartments come in both affordable and resort-style price ranges.
In these independent living apartment layouts, seniors can find private patios or balconies that provide them with their own space to enjoy the balmy sea breeze. These apartments may also include useful storage spaces, like spacious walk-in closets or storage units off the balcony. Similar to standard apartments, kitchens are typically included in the floor plan, whether it’s a kitchenette or a full kitchen.
Options reminiscent of traditional homes are also available to seniors in San Diego. Several independent living communities offer senior-specific neighborhoods with stand-alone homes, from patio homes to villas with ocean views. Many hold up to two bedrooms and two bathrooms and have plenty of storage space, allowing seniors to avoid the hassle of paring down their possessions that moving into a small apartment may require. These types of independent living homes have large living areas, fully equipped kitchens, dining rooms, and patios or balconies. Some are even located closer to the coastline, providing seniors with their own private view of the ocean.
When seniors aren’t maximizing their retirement in the city, they can find just about anything their hearts desire within the walls of their new apartments, condos, or small coastal homes. Many San Diego independent living communities have busy social and recreational calendars to keep each day exciting. From volunteer programs to on-site musical performances and parties, everyone can join in on something that interests them.
Some communities have established senior-led committees and clubs, enabling seniors to take some ownership in their new neighborhood. Others offer on-site worship services for different denominations, so seniors can fulfill their spiritual needs close to home. Foster lifelong learning by sitting in on lectures from visiting professors and other experts, take a fine art class, or help plan next year’s community garden setup. Additionally, active seniors can join the latest on-site fitness program that’s typically hosted by a professional instructor.
Many of San Diego’s independent living facilities are on the same properties as other senior living types. Some share a campus with assisted living and memory care communities, while others are a part of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (or CCRCs) that host all care types on one campus. When seniors choose an independent living community like this, they can find comfort in knowing they can access care as their needs evolve — without ever having to move to a new facility.
Some independent living facilities are also conveniently located near hospitals and medical centers, bringing peace of mind to residents and their families should urgent health care needs arise. Many senior independent living communities even offer access to on-site health care assessments.
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Percentage of San Diego seniors over the age of 65, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
San Diego seniors can choose from several nationally ranked hospitals and senior-specific centers.
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.[10]
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla provides general and surgical care. They’re nationally ranked for care, including cardiology and orthopedics.[10]
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.[10]
While 93% of independent living communities in A Place for Mom’s network provide scheduled transportation, San Diego has a variety of public transportation options available to seniors. This enables local seniors to explore nearby attractions at their leisure.
Through San Diego Public Transportation’s program, called PRONTO, passengers can buy their tickets online via an app. Their trolleys, trains, and buses are wheelchair accessible via ramps and lifts. In addition, they offer discounted fares for seniors 65+.
Browse the following transportation options for San Diego residents:
San Diego also has transportation options designed with seniors in mind.
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
San Diego has something for everyone to enjoy. Endless entertainment awaits — lounge on sandy beaches or visit your new favorite cafes and restaurants. Plan a relaxing cruise or attend an exciting event at the Port of San Diego. From popular and unique restaurants with every cuisine imaginable to senior centers and sports arenas, seniors will find something to make each day of their new lifestyle as fulfilling as they’d like.
Among San Diego’s most popular restaurants are seafood fine dining experiences, unique steakhouse environments, wonderful Mediterranean spots, and more. Seniors are also encouraged to enjoy San Diego’s lively sports scene or participate in America’s favorite pastime by attending a San Diego Padre’s baseball game in Petco Park. View the latest professional football or soccer games at Balboa Stadium, or even catch a rugby or lacrosse game at Snapdragon Stadium.
San Diego is also home to several performing arts centers — such as The Old Globe, the Civic Theater, and the Balboa Theater — which host shows from local and famed musicians, as well as world premiere theatrical productions.
Active independent living residents can also take advantage of the scenic biking and hiking trails throughout San Diego. Mission Trails Regional Park and the San Diego River Trail lend themselves to both activities, offering views and wildlife sightings. There are also a variety of golf courses for seniors to enjoy, including Torrey Pines Golf Course, Balboa Park golf course, and more. San Diego even has the Ed Brown Center for Active Adults, a senior center where residents can enjoy boxing, tai chi, and dance parties.
For more laid-back enjoyment, San Diego has plenty of public libraries to choose from. In fact, almost every suburb has its own branch of the public library, making it incredibly easy to find your favorite authors. The Mira Mesa Senior Center is a place to enjoy exclusive activities, socialize with peers, and sign up for continuing education programs and community college classes. The City of San Diego’s AgeWell Services even hosts a senior lounge and lunch at Balboa Park for older adults to socialize and relax.
Of course, seniors also have an abundance of gorgeous beaches to choose from, including La Jolla Shores and Cove. Natural beauty, stunning views from the rocky cliffs, unique shops and restaurants, and marine life sightings await. Day trips to Coronado Island are also popular, where coastal cafes, sandy beaches, and more are available to visitors.
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, cafes, and much more are all located in the park.
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, with ever-changing exhibits, weekly events, and discounted admission fees for seniors. Or, stroll through Old Town San Diego, a popular downtown area full of historic landmarks and unique shops.
Seniors who are new to the area may want to explore San Diego’s most popular attractions. SeaWorld San Diego and the San Diego Zoo are just a couple among many must-see places. Many of San Diego’s tourist attractions are also wheelchair accessible and make accommodations for people with disabilities. These accessible attractions offer tour scripts, accessibility guides, and wheelchair rentals with limited availability.
Monte Vista Village, Silvergate Retirement Residence - Fallbrook and Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near San Diego, CA. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in San Diego is 4,440 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). Sex by age by veteran status for the civilian population 18 years and over (B21001) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Social Security Administration. Supplemental security income.
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.
Intergenerational Housing for Senior Citizens, California Civil Code § 51.3.5 (1988 & rev. 2017).
California Department of Justice. (2003, November). Legal rights of persons with disabilities, 4th edition.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus disease (2019) preparedness checklist for nursing homes and other long-term care settings.
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.
Walkscore. (2022). Living in San Diego.
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