Best Independent Living near me in National City, California

National City, CA, is a diverse and vibrant community located in San Diego County, just south of downtown San Diego. Known for its rich cultural heritage and close-knit community atmosphere...

National City, CA, is a diverse and vibrant community located in San Diego County, just south of downtown San Diego. Known for its rich cultural heritage and close-knit community atmosphere, National City offers a range of amenities and services to its residents. The city features a mix of residential neighborhoods, parks, and local businesses, making it an attractive location for both families and retirees.

Costs of Independent Living in National City

The cost of independent living in National City varies depending on the facility and level of service provided. On average, residents can expect to pay between $2,500 and $4,500 per month for independent living accommodations. These costs typically cover amenities such as housing, meals, and basic care services, with additional charges for any extra services or personal care needs.

Average Income in National City

As of the most recent data, the average household income in National City is approximately $60,000 per year. This figure reflects the general economic environment of the city and provides a context for the affordability of various living options, including independent living facilities.

Ranking of National City among Top Cities in California

National City is ranked as one of the lower-cost cities in California when compared to other major urban areas. While it may not be among the top-ranked cities in terms of overall affluence, it offers a more affordable living option within the San Diego metropolitan area, making it a desirable location for many retirees.

Top Independent Living Providers/Facilities in National City, CA:

The Arbors at National City
Royal Gardens
Villa Bonita Senior Living
Cedar Creek
Brookdale Chula Vista

The Springs

3.6

8070 Orange Ave, California 91942

Independent Living

The Springs stands out for its strong sense of community and the way management and maintenance staff genuinely look after residents. Several long-term tenants mention living there for decades, which says a lot about stability and satisfaction. The manager, Lyly, is frequently mentioned by name—people say she knows the residents well and responds quickly to their needs.

Estimated Pricing

$4,324–$7,424 / mth

Go to provider page

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

Go to provider page

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

Go to provider page

Castle Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

3.5

541 S V Ave, California 91950

Memory Care

Independent Living

Castle Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is a 99-bed skilled nursing facility that focuses on long-term care for older adults who need daily medical support. The team includes licensed nurses on-site 24/7, supported by certified nursing assistants. They help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, mobility, and medication management. The staff also includes activity coordinators who organize everything from bingo and arts and crafts to movie nights and family dinners.

Estimated Pricing

$3,819–$11,716 / mth

Go to provider page

Evening Shade Manor

3.5

386 Sandy St, California 92020

Memory Care

Independent Living

Evening Shade Manor feels more like a small, residential home than a big facility. They offer assisted living, independent living, and memory care, but what stands out is the quieter, more personal atmosphere. The staff-to-resident ratio is lower than at larger places, so your parent is more likely to get to know the caregivers by name—and vice versa. Pricing is mid-range for the area, and they have options for both private and shared rooms.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$8,340 / mth

Go to provider page

Phil-Am Manor Guest Home

3.4

3207 Massachusetts Ave, California 91945

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Phil-Am Manor Guest Home feels more like a family home than a big facility. It's a small, residential place tucked off Massachusetts Ave, where the staff gets to know each resident by name. They help with the basics—things like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders—but it doesn't feel institutional. Most residents are older adults who want some help but still value their independence. There’s no fancy lobby or endless activities calendar, but the environment is calm and pretty quiet.

Estimated Pricing

$3,831–$6,330 / mth

Go to provider page

Casa De Vida Senior Living II

3.4

4560 Troy Ln, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

Casa De Vida Senior Living II stands out for its smaller, home-like setting where residents get a lot of personal attention. Instead of a large, busy facility, this place feels more like a real house—there are only a handful of residents at a time, so staff can actually get to know everyone’s routines and quirks.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$8,312 / mth

Go to provider page

Say You're Home

3.4

5971 Lake Murray Blvd, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

Say You're Home is a small, residential care home for seniors—think of it as a cozy house, not a big facility. They have room for just six residents, each with their own private bedroom, so everyone gets a lot of personal attention. The administrator, Lisa Sayre, is listed as the person in charge, and families often mention that the staff is experienced and genuinely attentive.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$14,078 / mth

Go to provider page

Parkway Garden Retirement Care Home

3.4

660 Van Houten Ave, California 92020

Memory Care

Independent Living

Parkway Gardens Retirement Care Home is a smaller, home-like assisted living spot where residents get help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders. The staff are often described as kind and attentive, and families say their loved ones are treated with respect. Rooms are shared or private, usually with a shared bathroom, and the place is kept clean—no strong odors, which is a good sign.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$11,456 / mth

Go to provider page

Care Partners Assisted Living

3.3

902 Euclid Ave, California 91950

Memory Care

Independent Living

Care Partners Assisted Living at 902 Euclid Ave is a smaller, home-like senior care home tucked into a residential part of National City. Unlike the big, resort-style communities you see advertised, this place feels more like a family house than a facility. Residents share common spaces, and meals are usually cooked fresh in the kitchen—no cafeteria lines or set menus.

Estimated Pricing

$3,819–$11,716 / mth

Go to provider page

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

Go to provider page

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

Go to provider page

California Home For Seniors

3.1

1061 E Bradley Ave, California 92021

Memory Care

Independent Living

California Home For Seniors feels more like a small, local residence than a big institution. Families say the staff here actually get to know each resident, not just by name but by their routines and preferences. The facility covers a wide range of needs—some residents are mostly independent, while others need help with memory issues or daily care. Meals are home-cooked and served in a communal dining room, and there’s a focus on keeping things comfortable and familiar rather than flashy.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$11,456 / mth

Go to provider page

Carroll's Residential Care

3.1

655 S Mollison Ave, California 92020

Memory Care

Independent Living

Carroll's Residential Care at 655 S Mollison Ave is one of those places in El Cajon that locals talk about, but not always for the right reasons. While the brochures and online listings paint a picture of a lively assisted living community with activities and attentive care, the reality from recent reviews is far less rosy.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$11,456 / 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