Best Independent Living near me in San Diego, California

San Diego, CA, is located in southern California, near the Mexican border. The city is known for its excellent weather, stunning beaches, and a variety of attractions that make it a popular tourist destination. As part of San Diego County, which itself has nearly 3.3 million people, the city enjoys a delightful Mediterranean climate year-round. But San Diego is much more than just beaches and sunshine. Its long association with the US Navy has earned it the nickname "America's Finest City," and the historic USS Midway Museum, an aircraft carrier turned museum, is a must-see for any history buff. San Diego has also emerged as a hub for healthcare and biotechnology, attracting top talent and businesses from around the world. So, whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation, a taste of history, or a glimpse into the future of medicine, San Diego has something to offer everyone.

Costs of Independent Living in San Diego, CA

Although the pricing data on independent living specifically isn't well documented in San Diego according to the Genworth Cost of Care survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living for San Diego is $5,983. Independent living is usually about the same price but slightly less. However, the costs of Independent Living can vary depending on the facility, the level of care needed, and the amenities offered.

Average Income in San Diego, CA

The average income in San Diego, is around $69,504 which is similar to the state average in California of about $69,504 per year. However, San Diego offers a lower cost of living compared to other major cities in the country.

Ranking of San Diego among Top Cities in California

San Diego is ranked as one of the top cities in California. According to various sources, it has been ranked as the 22nd best place to live in the U.S. San Diego enjoys a strong reputation as a top California city, especially for its outdoor lifestyle, tourism appeal, and overall quality of life.

Top Independent Living Facilities in San Diego, CA

Some of the top Independent Living facilities in San Diego, CA include:

These facilities prioritize the well-being and comfort of their residents, offering various amenities, personalized care services, and engaging activities.

Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon

4.9

444 Prescott Ave, California 92020

Memory Care

Independent Living

Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon is a vibrant community that offers a range of living options, including independent living. What really stands out is their focus on activities and community engagement. Residents enjoy chair yoga, exercise classes, and dance sessions, which helps keep them active and engaged. The staff is highly praised for being friendly and attentive, with many residents and families highlighting their warmth and helpfulness.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$11,456 / mth

Go to provider page

Vi at La Jolla Village

4.7

8515 Costa Verde Blvd, California 92122

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Vi at La Jolla Village is a Life Plan Community, sometimes called a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), that gives older adults a way to age in place with a safety net of care options. Residents start out in independent living—think apartments with access to a salt-filtered pool, fitness classes, and a packed calendar of activities—but if needs change, they can move into assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing, all on the same campus.

Estimated Pricing

$4,494–$10,891 / mth

Go to provider page

Julie'S Elderly Care

4.6

9041 Inverness Rd, California 92071

Memory Care

Independent Living

Julie’s Elderly Care is one of those places that feels more like a real home than a facility. It’s a small, private house where only six residents live together, so everyone gets a lot of attention. Families talk about how the staff is always the same familiar faces—just four people, and someone is there around the clock. Each resident has their own bathroom, which is a detail that makes daily life easier and more private.

Estimated Pricing

$3,457–$9,149 / mth

Go to provider page

Sunrise of La Jolla

4.4

810 Turquoise St, California 92109

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sunrise of La Jolla feels more like a community than an institution. Residents get help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders, but there's also a strong focus on keeping people active and engaged. The staff includes personal care assistants who help with walking and mobility, and there are nurses on site for health needs. Families mention that the team is friendly and attentive, and the place itself is kept clean and welcoming.

Estimated Pricing

$3,318–$8,365 / mth

Go to provider page

Paradise Valley Manor and Health Care Center

4.4

2575 E 8th St, California 91950

Memory Care

Independent Living

Paradise Valley Manor and Health Care Center is one of those rare places where the staff actually seem to know the residents as people, not just room numbers. Their team covers a lot: skilled nursing, rehab (including physical, occupational, and speech therapy), long-term care, and memory support. Several families mention therapists by name—like Angie in OT and Mary in speech—who go out of their way to help residents regain independence.

Estimated Pricing

$3,819–$11,716 / mth

Go to provider page

Paradise Village a Generations Community

4.4

2700 E 4th St, California 91950

Memory Care

Independent Living

Paradise Village in National City is a large senior living community that feels more like a small neighborhood than a facility. It covers 12 acres and offers a mix of independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents have a choice of floor plans, including studios and one-bedrooms, and can bring pets along, which is a big plus for many families. The staff is led by Senior Executive Director Bill Lawson, who is known locally for being approachable and visible around the community.

Estimated Pricing

$3,819–$11,716 / mth

Go to provider page

Parkview Memory Care at Paradise Village

4.4

735 Arcadia Ave, California 91950

Memory Care

Independent Living

Parkview Memory Care at Paradise Village stands out in National City for its warm, neighborly feel and a staff that genuinely gets to know each resident. Families say the team is gentle and patient, often mentioning how staff members remember not just names but personal quirks and preferences. The memory care wing is organized, clean, and feels more like a friendly apartment complex than an institution.

Estimated Pricing

$3,819–$11,716 / mth

Go to provider page

Sun & Sea Manor

4.4

740 7th St, California 91932

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sun & Sea Manor is a smaller, home-like senior care community that specializes in memory care, but also offers assisted living. The first thing families notice is the welcoming staff—people consistently mention how friendly and down-to-earth they are, both during tours and in day-to-day care. The place itself is not fancy or sprawling, but it’s kept very clean and has lots of plants and gardens that residents seem to enjoy.

Estimated Pricing

$2,168–$15,654 / mth

Go to provider page

Lantern Crest

4.4

8549 Graves Ave, California 92071

Memory Care

Independent Living

Lantern Crest on Graves Ave in Santee is one of those places locals have heard about—sometimes for its resort-like look, sometimes for the stories that circulate in the senior care community. The campus itself is modern and spacious, with plenty of common areas, a library, and a wellness room. Residents can choose from independent living, assisted living, and memory care, so the place draws a mix of folks: some still active and social, others needing daily help.

Estimated Pricing

$3,457–$9,149 / mth

Go to provider page

Good Samaritan Retirement Center

4.4

1515 Jamacha Way, California 92019

Independent Living

Good Samaritan Retirement Center on Jamacha Way has a reputation in El Cajon for being a genuinely caring spot for local seniors. It's not flashy, but families say the staff really pays attention – people mention nurses, caregivers, and even administrators (like Susan, who gets called out by name) for being patient and kind. Residents get help with the basics: bathing, dressing, managing meds, and there's always someone around if help is needed, day or night.

Estimated Pricing

$4,494–$6,761 / mth

Go to provider page

Wesley Palms Retirement Community

4.4

2404 Loring St, California 92109

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Wesley Palms Retirement Community isn’t just another senior living spot in San Diego—it’s a place where residents can actually shape their own daily lives. They offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care, so people can get more help as their needs change, without having to move again. The staff includes 24/7 caregivers and healthcare professionals, with experience in handling everything from medication management to advanced dementia care.

Estimated Pricing

$3,318–$6,738 / mth

Go to provider page

Angels Guest Home

4.4

9208 Bellagio Rd, California 92071

Memory Care

Independent Living

Angels Guest Home on Bellagio Road is a small, residential care home that feels more like a family house than an institution. The staff-to-resident ratio is low, so residents get a lot of personal attention—things like help with bathing, getting dressed, and reminders for medication. I’ve seen residents who need walkers or wheelchairs move around easily, since the home is all on one level and set up for accessibility.

Estimated Pricing

$3,457–$9,149 / mth

Go to provider page

La Vida Real

4.4

11588 Via Rancho San Diego, California 92019

Independent Living

Nursing Home

La Vida Real feels more like a lively neighborhood than a traditional senior residence. Tucked into Rancho San Diego, it's known locally for its Spanish-style buildings, palm-lined paths, and a layout that encourages residents to get outside and mingle. The community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care, so folks can stay put even if their needs change.

Estimated Pricing

$4,494–$11,456 / mth

Go to provider page

Caluya's Residential Care

4.3

2835 E Plaza Blvd, California 91950

Memory Care

Independent Living

Caluya's Residential Care in National City offers a warm, home-like environment for seniors. They focus on helping residents maintain a balanced quality of life with assistance in daily activities, medication management, and transportation for medical purposes. The facility is licensed for six residents, providing a personalized and intimate setting. While specific staff details aren't available, the emphasis is on creating a safe and nurturing space where residents can thrive.

Estimated Pricing

$3,819–$11,716 / mth

Go to provider page

Talk to an advisor

Need help caring for an elder loved one? We've got you covered.

Free consultation with a Senior Advisor
Compare pricing for senior services
Comprehensive planning for you loved one

or call us directly at 1-800-22-OLERA

Important things to know about Independent Living

Independent Living: A Guide to Choosing Ideal Communities for Seniors

Added: Jun 1, 2023

4 min read

Last modified: Nov 26, 2023

Seniors in independent living manage their day-to-day lives on their own. There is no staff to help with personal care

Learn more