Best Senior Communities 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 Senior Communities in San Diego, CA

The average cost of senior communities in San Diego, CA is about $5,983 per month. The costs can vary based on factors such as amenities, services, and location. Generally, the city offers a range of options from affordable to more upscale communities, providing seniors with choices that suit their preferences and budgets. It's advisable for individuals and families to explore the specific offerings of each community to determine the best fit for their needs.

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. 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 Senior Communities in San Diego, CA

Some of the top senior communities 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.

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

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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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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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Bella Vista Health Center

4.0

7922 Palm St, California 91945

Nursing Home

Bella Vista Health Center stands out because people talk about the staff like they're family, not just employees. Families who've had loved ones there mention how the team is quick to respond, genuinely encouraging, and always ready with a smile—even the food gets unexpected praise. One person described feeling like a VIP guest after surgery, which isn't something you hear every day about a nursing home.

Estimated Pricing

$5,625–$8,768 / mth

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Ivy Park at Bonita

3302 Bonita Rd, California 91910

Memory Care

Independent Living

Ivy Park at Bonita stands out for its smaller, more intimate memory care setting and the way residents and staff interact. Families often mention how the community feels friendly and welcoming, with several long-term staff members who seem to know residents well. The rooms are a good size, clean, and the layout is easy for seniors to navigate, which is especially important for those with memory issues.

Estimated Pricing

$3,050–$14,286 / mth

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Ivy Park at Otay Ranch

1290 Santa Rosa Dr, California 91913

Memory Care

Independent Living

Ivy Park at Otay Ranch stands out in Chula Vista for offering more than just a place to live – it’s a lively community where seniors can truly stay engaged. Residents here don’t just get help with daily routines; they’re encouraged to keep growing and connecting. The staff includes nurses on site for up to 16 hours a day, plus 24-hour supervision, so families know someone’s always available.

Estimated Pricing

$3,050–$14,286 / mth

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Jacob Healthcare Center

3.1

4075 54th St, California 92105

Nursing Home

Jacob Healthcare Center is a skilled nursing facility that mainly serves older adults who need short-term rehab or long-term care. The building itself is older, and while some visitors have described it as clean and lively, others have found it dated and in need of updates. Staff friendliness gets mixed reviews—some families feel like the team is welcoming and treat residents like family, while others have complained about lost belongings and inattentive care.

Estimated Pricing

$7,753–$10,891 / mth

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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

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Lemon Grove Care & Rehabilitation Center

3.3

8351 Broadway, California 91945

Memory Care

Nursing Home

Lemon Grove Care & Rehabilitation Center isn’t flashy, but it’s a familiar name for many local families facing tough decisions. The building itself is older, but it’s kept up reasonably well—residents mention clean rooms and a couple of sunny patios where folks can sit outside. The center focuses on short-term rehab and long-term nursing care, with a memory care wing for elders with dementia.

Estimated Pricing

$5,559–$8,768 / mth

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Parkside Health and Wellness Center

4.5

444 W Lexington Ave, California 92020

Nursing Home

If you’re looking at Parkside Health and Wellness Center for your parent, here’s what I found after digging around. This place isn’t flashy, but it has a strong reputation for handling both regular nursing care and more complex behavioral health needs. It’s part of the Ensign Services group, which runs several care homes, so they’ve got experience behind them.

Estimated Pricing

$8,015–$11,456 / 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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Somerset Subacute and Care

3.9

151 Claydelle Ave, California 92020

Nursing Home

Somerset Subacute and Care is the kind of place you might consider if your parent needs more than just basic help—think skilled nursing, rehab, and round-the-clock care. Their staff includes registered nurses on-site 24/7, plus therapists who handle everything from wound care to respiratory therapy. Families mention that the caregivers are attentive and the rooms are kept clean, though the food doesn't always get rave reviews.

Estimated Pricing

$8,015–$11,456 / mth

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St. Paul's PACE El Cajon

4.7

1306 Broadway, California 92021

Assisted Living

St. Paul's PACE El Cajon is a lifeline for older adults who want to stay in their own homes but need extra support. Instead of just offering medical checkups, they bring together primary care, physical and occupational therapy, dental and vision care, social activities, and even home-delivered meals—all under one roof. Their day center is lively, with music and pet therapy, art, and games that help with memory and mood, not just passing the time.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$6,584 / mth

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University Care Center

3.7

5602 University Ave, California 92105

Nursing Home

If you're looking for a place that feels less like an institution and more like a community, University Care Center stands out for its warm, family-like atmosphere. Staff and residents get to know each other—there’s a sense of teamwork, and people mention that the environment is genuinely friendly, not just polite. Several employees say they learned a lot here, especially new nurses, because the more experienced staff and management are approachable and supportive.

Estimated Pricing

$7,753–$10,891 / mth

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