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.

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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Ridgeview Health Center

4.1

9825 Glen Center Dr, California 92131

Nursing Home

Ridgeview Health Center is one of the newer senior care communities in San Diego, offering assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing all on one campus. What stands out is their focus on personalized care—residents get individual care plans, and families mention that staff actually take time to get to know each person. The nursing team includes licensed nurses and trained caregivers, and while the website highlights their compassion, reviews suggest the care is solid but not flashy.

Estimated Pricing

$7,753–$10,891 / mth

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Gold Canyon Care Home

4.1

6461 Quillan St, California 92111

Memory Care

Nursing Home

Gold Canyon Care Home is one of those places that feels more like an extended family than a facility. It’s a small, board-and-care home—usually around six residents—so everyone gets to know each other, and the staff are always around, not just passing through. Families mention that the owners and caregivers are present daily, which means concerns get addressed quickly and you’re not left wondering who’s in charge.

Estimated Pricing

$5,496–$10,891 / mth

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Nazareth House

4.1

6333 Rancho Mission Rd, California 92108

Assisted Living

Nazareth House in San Diego is run by the Sisters of Nazareth, a Catholic organization with a long history in elder care, but they welcome residents of all backgrounds. What stands out here is their focus on both independence and support. Residents can choose between assisted living and independent living, with care plans adjusted as needs change. Licensed nurses are available around the clock, which isn’t always the case at similar communities.

Estimated Pricing

$3,318–$5,298 / 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

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Edgemoor Hospital

4.0

655 Park Center Dr, California 92071

Nursing Home

Edgemoor Hospital isn’t your typical nursing home—it’s more of a specialized safety net for adults who need a much higher level of care than most places can provide. If your parent has complex medical, cognitive, or behavioral needs that make other facilities a tough fit, Edgemoor is often where local hospitals turn for help. The staff here includes board-certified doctors, psychologists, social workers, and therapists, not just nurses.

Estimated Pricing

$4,858–$9,149 / 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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Shea Family Care Magnolia

4.0

635 S Magnolia Ave, California 92020

Memory Care

Nursing Home

Shea Family Care Magnolia is one of those places in El Cajon that locals have known about for years, partly because it’s been around since the late 1960s. You’ll find it on Magnolia Avenue, not far from the heart of town. The building itself isn’t flashy, but inside, families say the staff is attentive and genuinely friendly. Several reviews mention how nurses and aides go out of their way to check in on residents, especially those coming from hospital stays or with more complex needs.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$11,456 / mth

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Cloisters of the Valley Memory Care

4.0

4171 Camino del Rio S, California 92108

Memory Care

Cloisters of the Valley Memory Care feels more like a small, close-knit home than a big institution. Families mention that the staff—many of whom have been there for years—know residents by name and treat them like individuals, not just patients. There’s a real emphasis on dignity and making residents feel comfortable, especially for those with memory loss. The building itself is peaceful inside, with a secure garden that’s actually used, not just for show.

Estimated Pricing

$5,496–$8,365 / mth

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St. Paul's Senior Services Nursing and Rehabilitation

4.0

235 Nutmeg St, California 92103

Nursing Home

St. Paul's Senior Services Nursing and Rehabilitation isn’t flashy, but it’s been a steady name in San Diego for years. The place offers skilled nursing care, short-term rehab, and long-term stays—so whether your parent needs help recovering from a hospital stay or ongoing support, they cover both. The staff includes certified nursing assistants and licensed nurses, and while some employees mention that management could be more responsive, others say the team is genuinely caring with residents.

Estimated Pricing

$7,753–$10,891 / mth

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Country Manor La Mesa Healthcare Center

4.0

5696 Lake Murray Blvd, California 91942

Nursing Home

Assisted Living

Country Manor La Mesa Healthcare Center is a skilled nursing and rehab facility that's been around for years, and it shows in both its routines and its reputation. They handle short-term rehab after hospital stays—think physical and occupational therapy, wound care, and respiratory programs—as well as longer-term nursing home care.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$14,078 / mth

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