10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in San Diego, CA
A California paradise known for its beaches, warm ocean breezes, and endless entertainment opportunities, San Diego is a wonderful place for seniors to retire. Resort-style San Diego assisted living communities with luxe amenities await future residents who may benefit from this level of care.
This all-inclusive guide to assisted living in San Diego contains helpful information about assisted living communities in A Place for Mom’s network, such as the costs of assisted living in San Diego and over 1,000 community reviews. We also discuss how seniors typically pay, what can be expected at these communities, and the local laws and regulations overseeing San Diego’s assisted living facilities.
San Diego Assisted Living Facilities | 1211 Reviews
Things have been going very well here! Things were a little rocky to start, but the staff have all been very friendly and accommodating when helping my loved one get settled in. The staff are very personable...
We have made the decision to take Mom out of the place although the experience has been great! Mom has been doing well there and I really liked the fact that they were willing to take her dog because I...
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We will always remember Lucy's by the Park for their kindness, service and love for our Mother. The staff always dealt with family members professionally. Our Mother lived at Lucy's by the Park for many...
This is truly a wonderful community. Everybody here is very friendly and welcoming. I know she is getting the best care here. The community looks great, everything is very well maintained. The staff is very...
This community is very nice and well kept with staff that are attentive and careful . The staff clean my mom's room and serve her good food. Mom seems to always be taken care of, she has not complained while...
It's been just like living at home. They're very family oriented, and constantly in there checking on my loved one. They're always being active with her, and giving her the option if she wants to go...
Very nice facility, friendly staff, excellent care.
This is a great community for families that are looking into finding a place for their love ones, the staff & owner are very pleasant warm people who care & love their job. I had my love one living at Casa...
Our methodology
How we rank order the San Diego community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders San Diego community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of assisted living in the San Diego area
- What families are saying about assisted living in San Diego
- How people pay for assisted living in San Diego
- San Diego laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- What assisted living is like in San Diego
- San Diego assisted living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Seniors guide to the city of San Diego
Costs of assisted living in the San Diego area
According to A Place for Mom’s 2023-2024 proprietary data, the average price families pay for San Diego assisted living communities is $5,100 per month.[01] This includes room and board, care fees, and add-ons that families paid to our partner communities.
Costs in assisted living vary depending on location, floor plan, care services, and specific amenities. For example, pet rent or choosing a larger floor plan may lead to additional monthly costs.
The following cost figures represent average monthly starting costs for assisted living in the area. Starting costs don’t always include additional fees and full care costs.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in San Diego, CA vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in San Diego, CA vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in San Diego vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Assisted Living in San Diego, CA by room type
Average cost of Assisted Living in San Diego over time
What families are saying about assisted living in San Diego
Recent reviews for assisted living in San Diego
White Sands, a CCRC in La Jolla, CA
La Costa Golf Care in Carlsbad, CA
Lilac Chateau I in Santee, CA
Reviews mention these favorite features of communities
San Diego review score based on 228 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 228 reviews of 121 San Diego assisted living communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.San Diego review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for San Diego assisted living
When assisted living residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 228 reviews of 121 San Diego assisted living communities. This chart helps you compare San Diego resident and family assisted living satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for assisted living in San Diego
Paying for assisted living in San Diego, California, can be done in a variety of ways. Seniors can use personal finances, public resources, or a combination of both to cover the costs related to assisted living. You can browse our guide to payment methods below.
Seniors and their families have a variety of ways to finance the costs of assisted living in San Diego using their personal assets. The following resources explain some common ways seniors and their families cover the costs associated with assisted living:
Approximate number of veterans aged 65+ living in San Diego as of 2021
Percentage of veterans in San Diego who are over the age of 65
Senior veterans in San Diego have access to a variety of resources that can help cover the costs of assisted living. California’s veteran services program, called CalVet, offers a Veterans Benefit Enhancement Program (VBE). Through this program, seniors are guided through the process of switching from Medi-Cal — California’s Medicaid program — to VA health care. VBE offers some benefits that Medi-Cal doesn’t. This includes mailed prescriptions, specialized care, and coverage outside of California.
Veterans may be eligible for other benefits. The most generous is the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can be added to an existing VA pension. Seniors who qualify can use these funds to pay for anything that increases their quality of life, which includes the cost of assisted living.
In many cases, seniors and their families may not realize that they’re eligible for benefits. The application process can be confusing and lengthy, so it’s best to work with a benefits counselor. They can provide advocacy, resources, and help with an appeal if necessary. Veterans services organizations (VSOs) are a wonderful resource since they’ve been vetted by the Department of Veterans Affairs. San Diego veterans can work with the VA Regional Benefit Office or the San Diego County Office of Military and Veterans Affairs. Local VSOs include the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and the American Legion.
Resources for San Diego veterans
San Diego VA Regional Benefit Office
8810 Rio San Diego Drive
San Diego, CA 92108
Phone: 800-827-1000
San Diego County Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA) Headquarters
5055 Ruffin Road
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: 1-866-726-8831
San Diego Central Library, Room 316
330 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-236-5800
8810 Rio San Diego Drive, #1122
San Diego, CA 92108
Phone: 619-400-5322
Email: scott.Mckee1@va.gov
2123 Fenton Pkwy
San Diego, CA 91977
Phone: 619-337-9258
Meetings: First Monday at 6 p.m.
7815 Armour St.
San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: 858-277-1052
Email:Â post460@sbcglobal.net
Meetings: Fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m.
California’s Medicaid program is called Medi-Cal, and it serves people of low-income status by paying for health care services such as medical appointments, rehabilitation, and hospital stays.
Medi-Cal eligible seniors in San Diego may use the Assisted Living Waiver — a waiver designed to help seniors access care in an assisted living facility instead of in institutions such as nursing facilities or hospitals. However, Medi-Cal only covers the cost of care services and doesn’t cover the costs of room and board in assisted living.
Covered California is the health care portal specifically for California residents that offers Medi-Cal as well as affordable full coverage health care plans to low-income residents. The Covered California application is the same as the Medi-Cal application, so when you apply through their web portal you will also see if you qualify for Medi-Cal. Covered California and Medi-Cal work in tandem to give low-income residents access to full essential health care benefits through one easy-to-use web portal.
San Diego resident Medicaid resources
Apply for Medi-Cal through San Diego County
Health and Human Services Agency
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 206
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-515-6555
San Diego Aging and Independence Services
County Operations Center
5560 Overland Avenue, Third floor
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: 800-339-4661
San Diego Long-Term Care Ombudsman
5560 Overland Ave., Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92193
Phone: 800-640-4661
Medicare is a federal program for seniors at least 65 years old that helps cover medical expenses. While Medicare doesn’t cover room and board in assisted living, it may cover some related medical care costs. Seniors already enrolled in Medicare may be eligible for Medicare Savings Programs that may cover part of a senior’s Medicare premium. Low-income requirements must be met in order to be eligible for Medicare Savings Programs in California.
There are four different Medicare Savings Programs in California, each of which may cover some of Medicare Part A, B, C, or a combination of parts. Seniors can apply for Medicare Savings Programs online and see which program best fits their needs.
For benefits assistance, seniors can find Medicare Counseling (HICAP) at San Diego’s Aging and Independence Services office. The long-term care ombudsman can also provide Medicare counseling and resources. Seniors can also reach out to San Diego’s Social Security office.
California offers a pharmaceutical savings program for low-income seniors with Medicare who are HIV positive or have AIDS. This program is offered by the California Department of Public Health Office of AIDS. It helps eligible seniors with Medicare Part D premiums.
San Diego resident Medicare resources
San Diego Aging and Independence Services
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
5560 Overland Ave., Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92193
Phone: 800-434-0222
San Diego Long-Term Care Ombudsman
5560 Overland Ave., Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92193
Phone: 800-640-4661
San Diego laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
Assisted living facilities in San Diego must be licensed by the California Department of Social Services, also known as the CDSS. The CDSS is responsible for regulating and monitoring assisted living facilities and all other senior care facilities, often referred to in California as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE). The CDSS also licenses any Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) — facilities that offer a spectrum of senior care services, from independent living and assisted living to memory care and skilled nursing care.
In a few cases, a community can operate as an RCFE without a license. These exceptions include:[03]
- Health facilities or clinics
- Facilities that substitute prayer or spiritual means for medical or nursing services
- Recovery houses for those with addiction
All licensed assisted living facilities in California must assess a senior via interviews and by reviewing their health records before welcoming them as a resident. Once a senior moves in, these facilities must comply with the following regulations:[03]
- House a maximum of only two residents per bedroom
- Provide individual privacy in each bathroom
- Ensure bedrooms have enough room to accommodate equipment, such as wheelchairs and walkers
- Provide clean and accessible common rooms for residents
- Provide activities involving social, leisure, and daily living skills
The CDSS inspects facilities once a year. To renew a license, an assisted living facility must provide continuing education for community administrators. In addition, the CDSS must inspect a facility within 10 days of receiving a complaint.[03]
Licensed assisted living facilities and their inspection reports are available to the public via the CDSS Care Facility Search. Scroll down to “Search By Facility Group” and select “Elderly Assisted Living.” Next, you can select the “Facility Type” and San Diego County, then click on the search button. You can also search by facility name or address.
California Department of Public Health contact information
California Department of Public Health
1616 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95899
Phone: 916-558-1784
Website:Â https://www.cdph.ca.gov/
COVID-19 regulations for San Diego assisted living facilities
San Diego County still has COVID-19 guidelines in place to help protect its residents. The most current recommendations for individuals include staying current with COVID-19 vaccines and getting tested if symptoms are suspected. For the most part, mask-wearing is not required. However, if you have COVID-19 symptoms, had a recent positive test, or have been exposed to the virus, San Diego County asks that you wear a mask in public. Masks are also required in at-risk settings such as long-term care, senior care, and health care centers.
Read the most recent San Diego County COVID-19 guidelines here.
Vaccinations. San Diego County encourages all citizens to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
Masking. Masks aren’t required in public unless you have COVID-19, have been exposed to COVID-19, or are visiting an at-risk setting.
What assisted living is like in San Diego
Assisted living in San Diego offers the supportive care seniors need, while giving them access to luxe amenities, an ever-interesting coastal lifestyle, and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Read on to learn more about what you can expect from assisted living communities in San Diego.
Variety of senior care options on one campus
Many of San Diego’s assisted living facilities offer multiple senior care services in a single location. Some facilities offer on-site memory care, some exist within an independent living community, and others offer a full range of services. Many assisted living communities even offer on-site therapies, like physical, speech, and occupational therapy. Facilities with all care types on one campus are sometimes called Continuing Care Retirement Communities (or CCRCs). It’s worth noting that assisted living facilities licensed as CCRCs usually have an initial buy-in fee in addition to the monthly cost of room, board, and care services.
Whether licensed as a CCRC or not, assisted living communities that offer multiple levels of care on one campus enable seniors to age in place worry-free. Seniors who choose these facilities can rest assured their evolving needs will be met, and they likely won’t have to move again if their care needs change.
Senior-specific activities and resort-style amenities
Seniors who choose assisted living facilities in San Diego are set up to enjoy beautiful weather and a variety of perks. Activities offered by the community, such as fitness classes, volunteer programs, and live on-site entertainment, make for enriching social experiences. Visits to local museums, outings to sunny beaches, and lively tours of SeaWorld San Diego also await residents who want to maximize each moment.
Luxe amenities are also found in many of San Diego’s assisted living communities. Residents can enjoy on-site fine dining experiences, including full table service in community restaurants with meals crafted by professional culinary chefs.
Many communities also offer the following amenities:
- Full service on-site salons
- Therapy spas
- Fitness centers designed for seniors
- Heated swimming pools
- Pristine walking trails
- Cozy movie theaters
- Convenient concierge services
Ocean views and beachfront access
Perhaps the most iconic feature of San Diego are its many beaches. Seniors will find several assisted living communities that take advantage of this idyllic landscape by providing ocean views, pools, and short walking paths to the nearest sandy beaches. Some even offer exclusive, private beach access and rooftop decks overlooking the ocean. These unique features of the San Diego assisted living lifestyle allow residents to soak up the California sunshine and relax to the sound of the crashing waves, all while receiving care in the community of their choice.
San Diego assisted living services and amenities
Availability of select care services in San Diego assisted living
Availability of select dementia care services in San Diego assisted living
Availability of select dietary accommodations in San Diego assisted living
Availability of select dining options in San Diego assisted living
Availability of select programs and activities in San Diego assisted living
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Seniors guide to the city of San Diego
Number of residents in San Diego who are 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of the San Diego population that is 65+
Average high temperature (Fahrenheit) in August — San Diego’s warmest month, according to Weather Spark
Health care for seniors in San Diego
Senior residents in San Diego have access to several nationally ranked hospitals and senior health care centers, several of which are located near San Diego’s assisted living facilities.
UC San Diego Health – La Jolla and Hillcrest Hospitals
UC San Diego Health – La Jolla and Hillcrest Hospitals are teaching hospitals that provide general and surgical care. They’re nationally ranked for several areas of adult care, including cancer surgeries, cardiology, and their geriatric clinic.
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla provides general and surgical care. They’re nationally ranked for care including cardiology and orthopedics.
Sharp Memorial Hospital
Sharp Memorial Hospital is nationally ranked for lung surgery and urology. This hospital also provides general medical and surgical care, in addition to having geriatric specialists and several senior resource centers.
Transportation for seniors in San Diego
Many of San Diego’s assisted living communities offer scheduled transportation to residents and their visitors for exploring, running errands, and traveling to appointments. Across A Place for Mom’s partner communities, 84% offer complimentary transportation and 48% offer transportation at cost.[01]
San Diego Public Transportation also has a program called PRONTO that enables riders to buy their tickets online through an app. Their trolleys, trains, and buses are wheelchair accessible via ramps and lifts. In addition, public transportation options in San Diego have discounted fares for seniors 65+.
Browse these other transportation options for San Diego citizens:
- The San Diego Trolley allows people to travel as far north as the VA medical center, as far south as the Mexico border, and everywhere in between.
- The COASTER train is a great option for people who want to spend a day at the beach, as the train has routes to several popular beach communities, such as Carlsbad and Solana Beach.
- There are several local buses with a variety of routes.
- The SPRINTER is the city’s light rail, which offers convenient routes for a small fare.
- Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner is a popular train for touring around southern California.
San Diego also has transportation options designed with seniors in mind.
- Happy2Help Transportation helps seniors travel to and from medical and nonmedical appointments for a fee with wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
- Ride FACTÂ is another senior-specific option with low prices. Seniors at least 60 years of age are eligible and must schedule their transportation in advance.
San Diego is a moderately walkable city, although car transportation is still necessary to access most of the city. The scores below are based on San Diego’s accessibility of different transportation methods. The highest and best possible score is 100, meaning that higher numbers indicate a popular and easy-to-use method of getting around San Diego.[07]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Things to do in San Diego for seniors and their families
Endless entertainment awaits seniors in San Diego, California. From lounging on sandy beaches to finding new favorite restaurants and museums, seniors can find something to make each outing a memorable experience.
Live entertainment
Live entertainment, whether via a sporting event or theatrical performance, is a wonderful way to enjoy retirement in San Diego. The San Diego Padres games in Petco Park are just one part of the city’s lively sports scene. View the latest professional football or soccer games at Balboa Stadium, or catch a rugby or lacrosse game at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego is also home to several performing arts centers — such as The Old Globe or the Civic Theater — where seniors and their families can view shows from local musicians or catch world premiere theatrical productions.
Stunning beaches
Of course, San Diego offers an abundance of popular beaches to choose from, including La Jolla Shores and Cove, located near unique shops and restaurants. Natural beauty, stunning views from the rocky cliffs, and marine life sightings await. Day trips to Coronado Island are also full of possibilities and unique experiences, from lounging on the breathtaking Coronado Beach to sipping coffee in coastal cafés.
Historical attractions
Seniors have many options for exploring local history, many of which have accessibility options for people with disabilities. For example, Balboa Park — San Diego’s 1,200-acre backyard with dozens of museums — offers scooter and wheelchair rentals, though availability is limited. The Comic-Con Museum, the San Diego Museum of Art, breathtaking gardens, tropical trails, cafés, and much more are all located in the park. San Diego’s AgeWell Services even hosts a senior lounge and senior lunch at Balboa Park for seniors to socialize and relax.
Many other museums are also accessible, like the USS Midway Museum, which offers wheelchair rentals, tour scripts, and guides. The San Diego History Center is another popular museum about local history and doesn’t have an admission fee. San Diego also has its own Natural History Museum, where seniors can find ever-changing exhibits, weekly events, and a discounted admission fee. Or, seniors can stroll through Old Town San Diego, which is a popular downtown area full of historic landmarks and unique shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Silvergate Rancho Bernardo, Cypress Court and Monte Vista Village are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near San Diego, CA. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in San Diego is $4,666 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): San Diego city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
State of California Health and Human Services Agency. Department of Social Services. (2008). Manual of Policies and Procedures Community Care Licensing Division: Residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFE), Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Weather Spark. (2022). Average temperature in San Diego.
U.S. World and News Report. (2022). Best hospitals in San Diego, California.
Walk Score. (2022). Living in San Diego.
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