Best Assisted Living Communities in San Diego

taylor shuman Taylor Shuman Senior Tech Expert & Editor

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With over 1.38 million people, San Diego is the second-most populous city in California and the eighth-most populous city in the United States. Approximately 13.3 percent of San Diego residents, or roughly 183,000 people, are 65 years or older.1

While this figure is lower than the average number of seniors nationwide (16.8 percent), there’s still a substantial need for retirement facilities in the city. Fortunately, San Diego is home to dozens of high-quality assisted living communities. If you’re currently searching for assisted living for yourself or someone close to you, we know that it can be difficult to find the perfect place among so many good options. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best assisted living communities in San Diego, California, and help you find the perfect assisted living community for yourself or a loved one.

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  • 1. Pacifica Senior Living Bonita

    Resort-Style Amenities South of the City

    STARTING PRICE

    $2,695 per month

    ADDRESS

    3434 Bonita Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91910

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front entrance to Pacifica Senior Living Bonita.

    Image Source: Pacifica Senior Living Bonita.

    Highlights

    • Assisted living, memory care, and respite care options
    • Emergency call pendant for each resident
    • Live piano performances in the fireside lounge
    • Large outdoor spaces and walking trails

    Overview

    Pacifica Senior Living Bonita is one of 23 Pacifica Senior Living communities in Southern California, four of which are less than an hour’s drive from downtown San Diego. Located in Chula Vista, Pacifica Senior Living Bonita is 15 minutes south of downtown San Diego, just outside of the hustle and bustle of the city. Along with state-of-the-art assisted living facilities and staff, Pacifica Senior Living Bonita offers memory care and respite care for residents.

    Did You Know?

    Did You Know? Respite care provides much-needed relief to friends and friendly members who provide regular assistance to seniors or people with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

    At Pacifica Senior Living Bonita, you can expect all the standard services associated with assisted living care, including ADL assistance, medication management, and weekly housekeeping. Bonita is also stacked with luxury amenities, such as an on-site movie theater, a spa, a salon, and a library. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy a large, landscaped courtyard, as well as multiple gardens and walking paths with plenty of available seating. Online reviews frequently commend the community for its cleanliness and friendly staff.

  • 2. HarborView Senior Assisted Living

    Boutique Facilities For Seniors at Every Stage of Life

    STARTING PRICE

    $4,400 per month

    ADDRESS

    2360 Albatross St, San Diego, CA 92101

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    One of the gardens outside of HarborView Senior Assisted Living.

    Image Source: HarborView Senior Assisted Living.

    Highlights

    • Assisted living, memory care, hospice care, and respite care
    • Renovated 1927 Italian Renaissance home
    • Beautiful gardens and views of San Diego Bay
    • Various room sizes and configurations to choose from

    Overview

    HarborView Senior Assisted Living goes out of its way to provide a luxurious lifestyle to seniors in need of daily support. From the beautifully renovated facilities to the elegant gardens and walking paths, HarborView feels like a slice of European refinement in the heart of San Diego, just minutes from the waterfront and Balboa Park. In addition to the beauty on the grounds, HarborView’s interior features 30 unique, charming, and fully furnished rooms. Former residents and family members often cite the unique, historic home and grounds as some of the top reasons they chose HarborView over the alternatives.

    While it’s easy to get swept away by the beauty of this boutique assisted living community, HarborView also offers residents top-tier amenities and services. Rooms are available for single adults and couples, while the staff is available 24/7 to help with your needs. HarborView also maintains a high-end security system and a secured perimeter with monitored access so that residents will feel safe at all times.

  • 3. Torrey Pines Senior Living

    Upscale Southern California Living at an Affordable Price

    STARTING PRICE

    $3,500 per month

    ADDRESS

    13101 Hartfield Ave, San Diego, CA 92130

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    An overhead view of the Torrey Pines Senior Living facilities.

    Image Source: Torrey Pines Senior Living.

    Highlights

    • Independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term care, and skilled nursing
    • More affordable pricing structure than similar communities in the area
    • 40 to 50 on-site and off-site activities every week
    • Adjustable assistance to meet the needs of each resident

    Overview

    Torrey Pines Senior Living is on the northern outskirts of San Diego, just minutes away from Del Mar Beach and the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Though Torrey Pines is in a suburban area with plenty of nearby shopping, it’s surrounded on all sides by nature, including public parks, walking paths, and golf courses. Torrey Pines makes it even easier to enjoy all that the area has to offer, with weekly shuttle bus excursions for groups and scheduled transportation opportunities for individuals.

    What makes Torrey Pines Senior Living especially appealing is its affordable pricing. Considering that residents get to enjoy quality dining, large rooms, private patios, and care that can be adjusted to meet specific requirements, Torrey Pines is a great value. The staff host as many as 50 activities per week involving a broad range of hobbies and interests, ensuring that every resident can take part in something they enjoy. Reviews often praise the friendly and knowledgeable staff and recommend Torrey Pines to seniors in need of independent or assisted living, as well as more comprehensive care options.

  • 4. Sunrise of La Jolla

    Excellent Dining and Care in a Pet-Friendly Community

    STARTING PRICE

    $4,800 per month

    ADDRESS

    810 Turquoise St, San Diego, CA 92109

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front entrance of the Sunrise of La Jolla.

    Image Source: Sunrise of La Jolla.

    Highlights

    • Sunrise Live with Purpose program helps keep residents engaged
    • Pet-friendly suites and facilities
    • Emergency call buttons in every suite
    • Quality dining experience with varied menu options

    Overview

    Just steps away from the picturesque Bird Rock Waterfront, the Sunrise of La Jolla retirement community is truly designed with seniors in mind. From the comfortable layout of the dining room to the suites arranged with built-in safety features, everything at Sunrise of La Jolla is perfect for older adults who need daily assistance. Plus, the community is a great option for couples or seniors with pets; many communities within the family of Sunrise Senior Living even have communal “mascots” for seniors who want the therapeutic company of a dog or cat without the added responsibility.

    When looking at reviews of this community, the dining experience immediately stands out. The expert chefs at Sunrise of La Jolla create a nutritious, well-balanced menu that gives you plenty of options from one day to the next. Residents can also expect seasonal favorites, daily snacks, and even custom, made-to-order meals. In addition to high-end dining, residents get to enjoy the Sunrise Live with Purpose program, which encourages seniors, visiting friends, and family members to enjoy activities and social events every day of the week.

  • 5. St. Paul’s Plaza

    Hotel Living Away From the City

    STARTING PRICE

    $2,892 per month

    ADDRESS

    1420 E Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91913

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The sign outside of St. Paul’s Plaza.

    Image Source: St. Paul’s Plaza.

    Highlights

    • Winner of multiple local awards and recognitions
    • In-house restaurant and sports bar
    • Beauty salon and wellness center with heated pool, gym, and dance studio
    • Affordable accommodations and services

    Overview

    It can be easy to get confused about what St. Paul’s offers, as they have different locations throughout San Diego and the surrounding area that each offer a range of services, from independent living to child care. However, St. Paul’s Villa is the assisted living and memory care community located on the southeastern edge of Chula Vista. A frequent winner of local awards for its quality staff, administration, and facilities, St. Paul’s Villa is an excellent and affordable option for seniors who don’t mind living a little farther away from the city.

    FYI:

    FYI: Assisted living communities located outside the city center are often more affordable, though living farther away might make it a little harder for friends and family in the city to visit regularly.

    St. Paul’s Villa is an age-in-place community, which means that you can continue to live in the same apartment even as your needs change. This makes it easier for seniors who need additional support as the years go by, but want the comfort of knowing that they can keep their current living space indefinitely. St. Paul’s Villa also features tons of amenities to promote physical activity, as well as a restaurant and sports bar for fine dining and nightly entertainment. Reviews of St. Paul’s Villa frequently mention the beautiful, hotel-like atmosphere and the responsiveness of staff to personal requests.

  • 6. Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill

    Modern apartments in the Heart of the City

    STARTING PRICE

    $5,200 per month

    ADDRESS

    2567 2nd Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Some of the apartment buildings at Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill.

    Image Source: Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill.

    Highlights

    • Great location for seniors who want to stay in the city
    • Anytime dining gives residents more freedom with their schedule
    • Large apartments with modern designs and furnishings
    • Daily activities to keep residents physically and socially active

    Overview

    Just three blocks from Balboa Park and a short drive from San Diego Bay, Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill is an ideal location for those who enjoy city living with a touch of nature close by. While Merrill Gardens is a little more expensive than other assisted living facilities in San Diego, it offers an experience like no other. Not only is it within walking distance of great shopping, dining, and entertainment, but residents also have plenty of in-house amenities to enjoy.

    Merrill Gardens features spacious, pet-friendly apartments with private balconies. It’s also one of the few assisted living communities in San Diego that allows for “anytime dining.” Rather than sticking to a strict meal schedule, residents can enjoy in-house dining whenever it suits them. If that wasn’t enough, Merrill Gardens has large, beautiful living areas and meeting spaces for residents and their families. It’s also among the best-reviewed assisted living communities in the city, with many reviewers applauding the great food and social atmosphere.

  • 7. Canyon Villas

    Peaceful Assisted Living in Clairmont

    STARTING PRICE

    $4,790 per month

    ADDRESS

    4282 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92117

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front entrance at Canyon Villas.

    Image Source: Canyon Villas.

    Highlights

    • Affordable plans for couples
    • Quiet neighborhood with plenty of walking paths
    • Nurses available 24/7
    • Hotel-style housekeeping and amenities

    Overview

    Located in Clairmont, Canyon Villas offers a quiet, beautiful location for seniors to retire. While it may not have some of the luxuries you can find at other assisted living facilities in the area, it still provides everything you need to live comfortably. Moreover, the owners are very straightforward about everything you can expect upfront. This means there are no surprises once you’ve signed on the dotted line.

    Canyon Villas offers high-quality dining and comfortable apartments for either one or two occupants. It’s a particularly good option for couples, as you can add a second occupant to your apartment for less than $1,000 per month. Plus, housekeeping goes the extra mile to make sure your room is fully stocked with clean towels, sheets, and toiletries, with standard rounds available twice a week and daily visits available for seniors with higher needs. Online reviews consistently praise the housekeeping and nursing staff for their dedication to providing the best possible care to residents.

  • 8. Lucie’s Shady Rest

    Small Home Environment For ADL Support

    STARTING PRICE

    N/A

    ADDRESS

    7142 Bobhird Dr, San Diego, CA 92119

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front entrance at Lucie's Shade Rest.

    Image Source: Lucie's Shade Rest.

    Highlights

    • Homey, informal environment
    • Small number of residents encourages lasting social bonds
    • Beautiful garden and patio area
    • 24-hour emergency call button

    Overview

    Lucie’s Shady Rest lies just east of the Mission Trails Regional Park, giving residents easy access to walking and hiking trails and the peace of suburban life. But what truly sets this assisted living apart from the alternatives in San Diego is its home-away-from-home feeling. Rather than occupying an apartment or hotel-style building with dozens or even hundreds of other residents, you’ll share a small home with just a few other seniors.

    Lucie’s Shady Rest is ideal for seniors looking for assisted or independent living without the formalities found in a larger facility. While there are still nurses on call, activities, live entertainment, and fresh meals prepared daily, Lucie’s Shady Rest offers a more relaxed and informal living environment. So, if you’re looking for a more intimate setting for activities of daily living (ADL) support, Lucie’s Shady Rest is the perfect solution.

  • 9. Wesley Palms Retirement Community

    Quiet Suburban Living With a Focus on Community

    STARTING PRICE

    $3,715 per month

    ADDRESS

    2404 Loring St, San Diego, CA 92109

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front entrance at Wesley Palms Retirement Community.

    Image Source: Wesley Palms Retirement Community.

    Highlights

    • Housing accommodations for nearly every style and budget
    • Superior cuisine offered in the dining room or on the outdoor terrace
    • Multiple transportation options for individuals and groups
    • Resident-run groups and services

    Overview

    Wesley Palms Retirement Community occupies a sizable residential neighborhood north of Pacific Beach and just a few blocks from Kate Sessions Park. The community offers dozens of different housing options, ranging from small, budget-friendly studio apartments to larger, detached houses with private patios. Regardless of the accommodations you choose, you can enjoy all of the same communal luxuries as your neighbors, including restaurant-style dining, 24-hour security, and weekly housekeeping. Reviews repeatedly commend Wesley Palms for its high-quality food and facilities.

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: The quality of food is a common concern for seniors moving into a retirement community for the first time, so make sure to do your research on the available dining options beforehand.

    One of the most unique things about Wesley Palms Retirement Community is the commitment to engaging residents with their neighbors and the community. In addition to art, learning, and music programs, Wesley Palms recruits volunteers from the community to run various services, including the in-house library, Palm Tree Store, and food committee. This can help residents feel actively involved in their community and inspired to take part in many different groups and activities.

  • Pacifica Senior Living Bonita
  • HarborView Senior Assisted Living
  • Torrey Pines Senior Living
  • Sunrise of La Jolla
  • St. Paul’s Plaza
  • Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill
  • Canyon Villas
  • Lucie’s Shady Rest
  • Wesley Palms Retirement Community

How We Chose the Best Assisted Living in San Diego

Picking the right assisted living for yourself or a family member is no small decision. There are various factors you’ll need to consider, including your family’s budget and your or your loved one’s desired lifestyle. This is why we put so much care, attention, and research into finding the best assisted living communities in San Diego, California.

When choosing the best assisted living communities in San Diego, we examined and compared the following criteria:

  • Cost: We focused our search on communities that offer the best value. In other words, the value for each facility on our list either matched or exceeded its prices. We also searched for some of San Diego’s most affordable options.
  • Medical care: The degree of medical care can vary from one community to the next. Many of the best facilities have medical personnel on standby.
  • Reviews: While good reviews don’t guarantee good quality, we consider assisted living communities that consistently receive positive reviews from trusted sources.
  • Amenities: Having more amenities doesn’t always mean having better amenities, but many of the best assisted living communities offer a wide array of services and perks designed for seniors.
  • Location: We selected communities with accessibility and proximity to shopping and entertainment, which can greatly improve the quality of life for residents.
  • Staff size: We chose assisted living communities with high staff-to-patient ratios.

How to Find the Right Assisted Living Community for You

Finding the right assisted living community can prove challenging, especially if you’re unsure of which amenities and services you want. There are many factors to consider, but with a plan to narrow down your choices, you can find the best place for you.

To help you in your search, we’ve provided a few tips that should make the process a bit easier:

  • Figure out why you need assisted living: If you’re already looking for an assisted living community, you probably have a good idea why it’s the best option for you. That said, it’s still worth it to list everything you need help with. For example, are you able to get in and out of chairs on your own? Do you struggle to remember when to take medication? Or do you simply like the idea of having help nearby whenever you need it? Knowing exactly what you need will help narrow down your choices to those that best fit your personal requirements.
  • Know your financial limits: While it can be tempting to pull out all the stops and sign up for a luxury experience, consider your financial limitations in the future. Your savings might afford you certain luxuries now, but what about five or 10 years from now? Make sure your budget includes a long-term plan to see you through your retirement. It’s also important to remember that Medicare and Medicaid generally don’t cover the costs of assisted living, so you’ll want to make sure you can cover the costs with personal savings, long-term care insurance, or other benefits.
  • Talk to friends and family: There’s a good chance that you know someone who knows someone who lives in an assisted living facility. So, contact people who can offer a firsthand account of their experience. Consulting friends and family can help you find a location that works for everyone in your life.
  • Visit more than one assisted living facility: We always recommend seeing an assisted living community in person before you make a decision. While assisted living communities provide much-needed services, they may not represent themselves honestly online. So, visit the ones you like in person; you might find that the in-person experience is totally different from the impression you got from the community website or even online reviews.
  • Ask about qualifications: There’s nothing wrong with asking about facility and staff qualifications. From medical staff to administrators, you’ll want to know that you’re putting yourself in experienced hands. Additionally, you should make sure that the facility has the proper certifications to provide elder care in the state of California.
  • Trust your instincts: At some point, you’re going to have to decide where to spend your retirement. You’ll likely have a few good choices in front of you, and you may not be sure how to proceed. If this happens to you, do your best to go with your gut. Typically, if one community gives you a better impression than the others, it’s probably a good fit for you.

What’s Living in San Diego Like for Seniors?

There’s a reason why so many seniors choose San Diego as their home during retirement. From the beautiful weather to the ample health care facilities, San Diego is a great place for seniors to live comfortably. Here are some reasons why thousands of seniors enjoy San Diego living:

  • Climate: Like much of Southern California, San Diego has a relatively mild climate throughout the year. You can expect temperatures in the mid-70s (Fahrenheit) during the summer months and high 50s to low 60s during the winter months. This makes it easy to enjoy outdoor activities and pick out clothes that’ll be comfortable at virtually any time of year.
  • Entertainment: While most assisted living communities offer plenty of activities and in-house entertainment options, San Diego is also great for local excursions. Some of the most popular options include golf courses and walking trails, as well as well-known attractions like Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.
  • Health care: Assisted living communities offer some health care support to complement more formal clinics and hospitals. Fortunately, San Diego is home to some of the best medical facilities in the country, including UC San Diego Health and Scripps Health.
  • Cost of living: San Diego indeed has a higher cost of living than the national average, especially when it comes to housing. However, California is one of many states that doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, which can help make it easier to pay for assisted living or similar accommodations.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in San Diego, California?

Property is generally the most expensive cost seniors will encounter in San Diego, and this typically extends to assisted living communities and apartments. Genworth estimates that the median monthly cost of assisted living in San Diego is $7,468, more than 20 percent higher than the national average of $5,892 per month.2 This means that older adults in San Diego will need to ensure that they have ample savings or long-term care insurance to supplement Social Security and other retirement benefits.

While costs are generally higher in San Diego than in the rest of the country, you need to consider that many of your expenses will be included in the cost of assisted living. For example, most communities include utilities, cable, internet, housekeeping, transportation, and food as part of their monthly rate. This means that, unless you frequently go out to shop or enjoy dining outside of the community, you won’t have too many additional expenses.

For most older adults in an assisted living community, doctor’s appointments or any health care services not provided by in-house medical staff will be the highest expense. Fortunately, San Diego’s health care costs are 22 percent lower than the national average. This may make it easier for some seniors to justify the higher cost of assisted living in San Diego.

Citations
  1. United States Census Bureau. (2022). QuickFacts: San Diego city, California.

  2. Genworth. (2022, Jun 2). Cost of Care Survey.

Written By:
Taylor Shuman
Senior Tech Expert & Editor
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