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.

Devoted Caregivers San Diego

4.1

3450 Bonita Rd #103, California 91910

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Devoted Caregivers San Diego is the kind of place families in the South Bay turn to when an aging parent needs a little extra help, but you want them to stay in their own home. They focus on in-home support—things like help with bathing, dressing, meal prep, and making sure medications aren’t missed. You’ll often hear the name Yazmin come up in reviews; she leads the team and is known for being hands-on and quick to respond when families call with questions or concerns.

Estimated Pricing

$4,494–$10,891 / mth

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Parkway Village

4.1

735 Arcadia Ave, California 91950

Memory Care

Independent Living

Parkway Village, also known as Paradise Village or Parkview Memory Care at Paradise Village, is one of the more lively senior communities in National City. What stands out right away is how active and social the place feels—there are always residents out and about, chatting, joining activities, or just enjoying the common spaces. The staff here have a reputation for being approachable and genuinely knowing the residents by name, which makes a big difference.

Estimated Pricing

$3,819–$6,578 / mth

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Westmont of La Mesa

4.1

9000 Murray Dr, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

Westmont of La Mesa is the kind of place that looks impressive when you walk in—lots of natural light, modern spaces, and a real sense of activity. What families usually notice first is how friendly and present the staff are. Residents get help with daily needs like bathing, medication reminders, and meals, but the approach is pretty individualized. There’s a full-time nurse on staff, and therapists come in as needed.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$14,078 / mth

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Grossmont Gardens Memory Care

4.1

4960 Mills St, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

Grossmont Gardens Memory Care stands out for its personalized approach to care. Families appreciate the staff's attention to detail and kindness, with caregivers like Alice and Christina making a significant impact on residents' lives. The facility offers a range of activities, including creative arts and music programs, which help engage residents and foster a sense of community.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$8,312 / mth

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Lo-Har Senior Living

4.1

768 Dorothy St, California 92019

Memory Care

Independent Living

Lo-Har Senior Living is a smaller, home-like community focused on seniors who need extra support, especially those living with dementia or Alzheimer's. The staff here includes registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and medication technicians who are on-site or on-call 24/7. That means residents get help with things like bathing, dressing, medication management, and mobility, including Hoyer lift transfers if needed.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$11,456 / mth

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Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill

4.1

2567 2nd Ave, California 92103

Memory Care

Independent Living

If you’re looking at Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill for your parent, here’s what stood out to me after digging around. First, it’s not just another senior community—it’s got a real neighborhood vibe, right in the heart of Bankers Hill, with easy walks to shops, Balboa Park, and even harbor views from the rooftop deck[2][3]. The building itself mixes modern touches with cozy, traditional design, so it feels more like a home than an institution[2].

Estimated Pricing

$3,318–$8,365 / mth

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Waterford Terrace Retirement Community

4.1

5580 Aztec Dr, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

Waterford Terrace Retirement Community is known around La Mesa for its friendly, low-key atmosphere and practical approach to senior living. The community focuses on independent living, but families should know that assisted living and memory care are handled through outside providers, not by Waterford’s own staff.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$14,078 / mth

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New dawn senior care home

4.1

789 Skyview St, California 92020

Memory Care

Independent Living

New Dawn Senior Care Home feels more like a family home than an institution. It's a small, residential place where staff get to know each resident personally. People mention that the home is always tidy and that meals are both nutritious and homemade—one reviewer even singled out their bean, bacon, and chorizo soup. The staff are described as genuinely caring and attentive, not just going through the motions.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$11,456 / mth

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The Montera

4.1

5740 Lake Murray Blvd, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

The Montera feels more like a lively neighborhood than a traditional senior facility. Residents talk about the koi pond and the outdoor patio lights—little touches that make the place feel welcoming and relaxed. The staff gets a lot of praise for being friendly and attentive, and several families mention that management is easy to reach and genuinely supportive.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$14,078 / mth

Go to provider page

Pacifica Senior Living

4.0

1775 Hancock St ste 200, California 92110

Memory Care

Independent Living

Pacifica Senior Living on Hancock Street is one of those places that feels more like a tight-knit neighborhood than a facility. They offer several levels of support, so whether your loved one is still pretty independent or needs more hands-on help, they can usually stay in the same community as their needs change.

Estimated Pricing

$3,318–$10,891 / mth

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BayView Senior Assisted Living

3.9

3219 Cañon St, California 92106

Memory Care

Independent Living

BayView Senior Assisted Living feels more like a cozy home than a big facility. The building itself used to be a convent, so it has a calm, peaceful atmosphere, and the views of the bay and ocean are something families mention a lot.

Estimated Pricing

$3,318–$8,365 / mth

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Canyon Villas

3.9

4282 Balboa Ave, California 92117

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Canyon Villas at 4282 Balboa Ave isn’t your typical senior community. Locals know it for its relaxed, home-like feel and the way staff treat residents more like family than clients. The grounds are well-kept, with plenty of sunny spots for walking or sitting outside—something that comes up often in family reviews. Meals are homemade and served three times a day, and they’re willing to accommodate special diets if needed.

Estimated Pricing

$3,318–$6,738 / mth

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El Cajon Senior Towers

3.9

180 Ballantyne St, California 92020

Independent Living

El Cajon Senior Towers is an independent living apartment building for older adults, not an assisted living or nursing facility. Residents live in their own units and manage their own daily routines, but the building is designed with seniors in mind. This means features like elevators, accessible bathrooms, and emergency call systems are standard. The staff mainly handle property management, maintenance, and general support—there isn’t a dedicated care team or medical staff on site.

Estimated Pricing

$4,494–$6,761 / mth

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San Diego TLC

3.9

8117 Jefferson St, California 91945

Independent Living

Assisted Living

San Diego TLC on Jefferson Street is a small, locally-run senior living home that offers both assisted and independent living for older adults in Lemon Grove. The place feels more like a home than a facility, with a focus on keeping residents active and engaged. Residents can take part in social gatherings, arts and crafts, and even educational workshops—there’s always something going on to keep minds and spirits up.

Estimated Pricing

$3,831–$6,330 / mth

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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

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