Independent Living in Chula Vista, California

For families looking for senior care for an elder loved one, independent living in Chula Vista, California is a great option. Independent living is a type of retirement community that allows...

For families looking for senior care for an elder loved one, independent living in Chula Vista, California is a great option. Independent living is a type of retirement community that allows seniors to maintain their independence while also having access to various amenities and activities. Unlike assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, independent living is best suited for seniors who do not require significant medical care or supervision.

Chula Vista, California offers a variety of independent living options for seniors. Some of the top facilities in the city include St. Paul's Plaza, Fredericka Manor, and Villa Bonita Senior Living. The costs of independent living in Chula Vista are generally in line with the average for California. However, the average income in Chula Vista is slightly lower than the state average. Despite this, Chula Vista ranks among the top cities in California for its pleasant climate, diverse population, and high quality of life.

La Cruz Senior Care

3.9

1882 Euclid Ave, California 92019

Memory Care

Independent Living

La Cruz Senior Care is a small, home-like senior care facility in El Cajon with space for just six residents, so it feels much more personal than the larger communities. They focus on assisted living, and it looks like they also help people who need more hands-on support—things like medication reminders, help with bathing, dressing, and getting around if someone isn’t very mobile.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$8,340 / mth

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Point Loma Estates Memory Care - A Sinceri Senior Living Community

4.3

3423 Channel Way, California 92110

Memory Care

Independent Living

Point Loma Estates Memory Care is a smaller, purpose-built community focused on supporting older adults with memory loss, including Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. The staff here really get to know each resident—it's not the kind of place where folks get lost in the shuffle. Nurses are on staff around the clock, and a doctor is always on call, so medical concerns are handled promptly.

Estimated Pricing

$3,318–$10,891 / mth

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San Diego Community Living Services

3.6

8282 University Ave, California 91942

Independent Living

San Diego Community Living Services (SDCLS) is not your typical senior care provider. They focus on helping adults with disabilities and seniors live more independently, mostly in their own homes or apartments. Instead of a facility setting, SDCLS offers hands-on support—things like daily living skills, community navigation, and help with appointments or errands. Staff work one-on-one with clients, following detailed support plans tailored to each person’s needs and goals.

Estimated Pricing

$4,324–$7,424 / 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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Friendship Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

3.2

902 Euclid Ave, California 91950

Memory Care

Independent Living

Friendship Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center isn’t flashy, but it’s a place where a lot of long-term staff stick around and know the residents by name. Most of the reviews from families and people who’ve stayed there mention that the staff—everyone from housekeeping to the nurses—treat folks with respect and patience. There’s a special shout-out to Shayne in social services and several PT staff (Ron, Jessica, Lisa, Angie, Alex) for going above and beyond.

Estimated Pricing

$3,819–$11,716 / 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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Grossmont Gardens Senior Living

4.2

5480 Marengo Ave, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

Grossmont Gardens Senior Living is one of those places locals talk about when someone needs more than just a safe apartment. The staff here actually gets mentioned by name in reviews—Christina, Suzette, and Alice are a few who come up, especially in memory care. Families say the team is attentive, and there’s a real effort to communicate, like using text messaging to keep loved ones in the loop.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$8,312 / mth

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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

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St. Paul's Plaza

1420 E Palomar St, California 91913

Memory Care

Independent Living

St. Paul's Plaza stands out in Chula Vista for how much it feels like a real neighborhood gathering spot, not just a senior residence. You’ll notice right away that families are encouraged to visit and spend time—there’s a playground for grandkids, a dog park, and even a barbecue area where residents and relatives can grill together. The building itself is modern and welcoming, with a sports pub, dance studio, and a salt-water therapy pool that’s popular for both fitness and relaxation.

Estimated Pricing

$3,050–$14,286 / mth

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Windsor Gardens Convalescent Center of San Diego

3.5

220 E 24th St, California 91950

Memory Care

Independent Living

Windsor Gardens Convalescent Center of San Diego stands out mainly for its strong focus on skilled nursing and short-term rehab, with a reputation for reliable care. Families often mention specific staff members by name—Bianca, Eddie, and Speedy—who have made a real difference for residents, which isn’t something you see everywhere. The facility offers a wide range of medical services, from physical and occupational therapy to diabetes management, IV antibiotics, and even mental health support.

Estimated Pricing

$3,819–$11,716 / mth

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Fredericka Manor Retirement Community in Chula Vista

183 3rd Ave, California 91910

Memory Care

Independent Living

Fredericka Manor stands out in Chula Vista for its genuine sense of community and history. Locals know it as one of the area’s oldest senior living spots, with roots going back over a century. It’s not just a building—it’s a 24-acre campus dotted with garden cottages, walking paths, and even a lily pond that’s become a bit of a landmark. Residents can choose from independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care, all on one property.

Estimated Pricing

$3,050–$14,286 / mth

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Casa El Cajon

3.3

306 Shady Ln, California 92021

Memory Care

Independent Living

Casa El Cajon is a smaller, locally-run senior community at 306 Shady Lane, known for its hands-on approach and a staff that’s attentive around the clock. The administrator, Amparo M. Munasque, is listed as the facility’s lead, which suggests a family-style management rather than a corporate chain. Residents get help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$11,456 / mth

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Hilldale Habilitation Center

3.5

7979 La Mesa Blvd, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

Hilldale Habilitation Center is one of those places that’s been around long enough—over 30 years—that you can usually find someone in La Mesa who knows a resident or staff member there. They focus on supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, not just seniors. What stands out is their Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) status, which means they’re licensed for people who need more than basic help but don’t require full nursing home care.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$8,312 / mth

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Lexington Senior

3.6

250 E Lexington Ave, California 92020

Independent Living

Lexington Senior at 250 E Lexington Ave is an independent living community that feels more like a friendly apartment complex than a traditional senior facility. Residents have their own private apartments, and the building is kept very clean—something families notice right away. The staff here gets a lot of praise for being approachable and genuinely helpful.

Estimated Pricing

$4,494–$6,761 / 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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