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Independent Living in San Diego, CA

Catharine_Shepard.jpgCS&CH
Reviewed by Catharine Shepard & Christy Howell

Last updated March 01, 2025

San Diego offers a diverse range of 17 Independent Living communities giving families varied options to choose from. The communities in the San Diego area have a average rating of{' '} 9.2 out of 10. Seniorly also uses Seniorly Price Estimate for cost comparisons with nearby cities, and even highlights new construction facilities for those seeking modern amenities. Families can look at 294 photos, 992 ratings and reviews, and 7 prices in the San Diego area to get a sense of independent living in the area. If you're looking for modern amenities, keep an eye out for our "new construction" badge which will help you find the newest facilities in your area. The new age of retirement living is here, with so many options for independent seniors. From all-inclusive retirement communities to luxury facilities for those who want to stay active, we've got the most comprehensive set of options. Many of these facilities also offer assisted living and memory care, so if you're looking for a community that allows you to age in place, there are plenty of choices. For personalized assistance, Seniorly local advisors Catharine Shepard & Christy Howell, Carla Cary and BarDee Johnston are available to help with your search.

The 17 Best Independent Living Communities in San Diego, CA

17 communities near San Diego, CA

Verified
Best of 2025
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Merrill Gardens At Bankers Hill

2567 2nd Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103

Assisted Living , Independent Living

"My mother in law is doing very well at Merrill Gardens. The open spaces were a big reason for us deciding on this facility. She really like the staff. The admin staff also has been very responsive to all my questions. I highly recommend this community." - Zavanna
...Read more
From $6,000/mo
9.9
See details
Verified
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The Manor on Bankers Hill

2635 2nd Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103

Independent Living

Nestled in the historic Bankers Hill neighborhood, The Manor on Bankers Hill offers a vibrant community for active seniors looking to enjoy their golden years in comfort and style. With its proximity to Balboa Park, residents are just steps away from picturesque walking paths and cultural attractions, ideal for those who relish an active lifestyle. The community itself is a haven of modern ameniti...
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From $2,200/mo
9.9
See details
Verified
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Paradise Village

2700 East 4th Street, National City, CA 91950

Assisted Living , Memory Care , Independent Living

"After searching for several weeks into facilities for my mother in law with Alzheimer’s, I finally found the Diamond 💎 I had been looking for that checked every one of my desires for her. It’s not a decision that was taken lightly she has been very special to us so we were rather picky finding a place for her. All I can say from start to actual placement it’s been an extreme pleasure de..." - Cindy
...Read more
From $2,800/mo
9.9
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Verified
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Wesley Palms

2404 Loring Street, San Diego, CA 92109

Assisted Living , Memory Care , Independent Living

" You can't get much better than being in San Diego right by Mission bay. This community is nice - it has sweet little apartment-style housing and the staff is super friendly. Overall, very happy with our move!" - Julia
From $3,715/mo
9.8
See details
Verified
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Atria Collwood

5308 Monroe Avenue, San Diego, CA 92115

Assisted Living , Independent Living

"We toured this community for my mother who needs assisted living. She liked the dining options as well as the library but overall felt like it was a better choice for someone more independent. " - Connor
From $2,895/mo
9.7
See details

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Waterford Terrace Retirement Community

5580 Aztec Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942

Independent Living

Waterford Terrace Retirement Community, nestled in the heart of La Mesa, California, offers a welcoming and intimate environment for seniors seeking a vibrant independent living experience. This charming community is designed to provide residents with a sense of comfort and security, while fostering an engaging lifestyle enriched by a variety of amenities and activities. Managed by the reputable S...
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From $3,100/mo
9.9
See details
Verified
Best of 2025
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Grossmont Gardens Senior Living

5480 Marengo Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942

Assisted Living , Memory Care , Independent Living , Skilled Nursing Facility

"In the time that i've resided in Grossmon Gardens, I have found the staff to be open and welcoming. At the start of every month, residents join the staff for a meeting where to give input, voice our concerns and criticisms. The food is really really good that I have even put on some weight." - Storm
...Read more
From $1,890/mo
9.9
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Verified
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Nazareth House

6333 Rancho Mission Road, San Diego, CA 92108

Assisted Living , Independent Living

Nazareth House San Diego is a senior living community that stands out for its exceptional care and medical services. Nestled in a serene hillside location, this community offers a tranquil environment where residents can enjoy a fulfilling and secure lifestyle. The dedicated team at Nazareth House is committed to providing a safe and loving atmosphere, where seniors are encouraged to maintain thei...
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From $4,000/mo
9.5
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Verified
Best of 2025
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Monte Vista Village

2211 Massachusetts Avenue, Lemon Grove, CA 91945

Assisted Living , Independent Living

Monte Vista Village is a senior living community that takes pride in its commitment to providing exceptional care and medical services to its residents. The community offers a comprehensive range of health care services, including 12-16 hour nursing, a 24-hour call system, and around-the-clock supervision. Residents also benefit from assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and ...
...Read more
From $2,280/mo
9.9
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Verified
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Canyon Villas Retirement Community

4282 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92117

Assisted Living , Independent Living

"Canyon Villas is a friendly, warm community with beautiful grounds for walking or just sitting in abundant San Diego sunshine. The care staff is attentive and rooms are suitable for seniors. " - Virginia
From $3,895/mo
9.5
See details
Verified
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Sungarden Terrace

2045 Skyline Drive, Lemon Grove, CA 91945

Assisted Living , Memory Care , Independent Living

Sungarden Terrace is a distinguished senior living community that has been dedicated to serving seniors for over 17 years. Nestled in a vibrant neighborhood, it offers a supportive and enriching environment for its residents. The community is well-regarded for its comprehensive care and medical services, ensuring residents receive the assistance and support they need to thrive. The highly trained...
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From $3,800/mo
9.9
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Verified
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Bonita Villa Senior Living

3434 Bonita Road, Chula Vista, CA 91910

Assisted Living , Memory Care , Independent Living

Nestled just a few miles inland from the breathtaking beaches and charming coastal neighborhoods of California, Bonita Villa Senior Living stands as a beacon of warmth and care for seniors. This inviting community offers a lifestyle tailored to the unique needs of its residents, ensuring that each day is filled with comfort, engagement, and peace of mind. At Bonita Villa, residents benefit from ...
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From $2,895/mo
9.8
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Verified
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Fredericka Manor

183 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910

Assisted Living , Memory Care , Independent Living

Fredericka Manor is a large, state-of-the-art senior living community located in the beautiful city of Chula Vista, California. The community offers a wide range of care and medical services to cater to the diverse needs of its residents. These services include skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, memory care, and independent living. With an average pricing of $2,688, Fredericka Manor prov...
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From $3,128/mo
9.3
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Casa Aldea at University City Village

6132 Gullstrand Street, San Diego, CA 92122

Independent Living

Casa Aldea at University City Village stands as a beacon of excellence in senior living, providing a vibrant and supportive environment for those seeking a fulfilling lifestyle. Nestled in the heart of San Diego County, this community offers residents the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, ensuring that every need is met with care and precision. Residents of Casa Aldea enjoy easy access to...
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From $5,740/mo
5.5
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Verified
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Canterbury Court Senior Apartments

336 C Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910

Independent Living

Canterbury Court Senior Apartments offers a vibrant and supportive environment for its residents, nestled in a welcoming neighborhood in California. This medium-sized community is designed to provide comfort and peace of mind, with a strong emphasis on care and medical services. A 24-hour call system and supervision, along with seamless coordination with healthcare providers, ensure that residents...
...Read more
From $5,200/mo
8.4
See details
Verified
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Mesaview Senior Assisted Living

7971 Culowee Street, La Mesa, CA 91942

Assisted Living , Memory Care , Independent Living

MesaView Senior Assisted Living is a vibrant community dedicated to providing exemplary care and medical services for its residents. This medium-sized community offers a range of health care services, including 24-hour supervision, medication management, and assistance with daily living activities. With a focus on enhancing the quality of life for those with mild cognitive impairments, MesaView en...
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From $4,300/mo
8.5
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Pacific Pointe Senior Apartments

Pacific Pointe Senior Apartments

171 4th Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910

Independent Living

Pacific Pointe Senior Apartments offers a welcoming and supportive environment for seniors looking to maintain their independence while enjoying access to essential care and medical services. Nestled in a vibrant neighborhood, this small community boasts a range of amenities designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents. From the game room and library to the fitness room and garden, th...
...Read more
From $2,175/mo
4
See details
1 - 17 of 17 results

Recent reviews on independent living in San Diego, CA

Beverly H

November 2024

My sister has been bed bound for the past 8 months of living there. The staff have been very helpful and kind to her. They have the patience it takes to handle this job. With only about 8 residents th...

Viona R

October 2024

We chose this community because of its location but my father has been trhiving at the community. He has never been a very social person and so as he aged he became more secluded. He has made a small ...

Kamryn P

October 2024

We toured the community while looking for an assisted living facility for my mother in law. The apartments were spacious and the food that we tasted was good during the stay. We thought the community ...

Prue D

October 2024

We have been very impressed with the caring staff at Belmont Village. They have gone above and beyond to help my father fell comfortable at their community. He has been doing very well there over the ...

Zavanna C

October 2024

My mother in law is doing very well at Merrill Gardens. The open spaces were a big reason for us deciding on this facility. She really like the staff. The admin staff also has been very responsive to ...

Richard J

October 2024

My father loved the location because of how close it is to the beach. It is def more on the luxury side and has a lot of modern amenities that you would expect from a luxury community. He loves all th...

Amy W

October 2024

We chose this place because it was much smaller than some of the other communities we toured. Overall my mother is very independent and just wanted some social interaction as well as medication manage...

Connor C

October 2024

We toured this community for my mother who needs assisted living. She liked the dining options as well as the library but overall felt like it was a better choice for someone more independent.

Gina A

October 2024

The facility is very clean and modern. My parents are in the independent living at Merrill and they love the activities and really appreciate the social aspect that they were missing. During the tour ...

Catherine B

August 2024

I can’t say enough about the staff at NIR Community III on Janice Ct. My grandmother was no longer able to stay in her assisted living facility because she needed more care. Her income was a concern o...

Compare average cost of independent living in San Diego, CA area with nearby cities

The figures below show the average monthly starting costs for independent living of nearby cities. Keep in mind that these figures are an average, and that the numbers used to calculate it spanned a wide range. In fact, Seniorly data suggests that most families will underestimate their monthly budget by almost 20%, meaning that once inclusions and services are factored in, they can actually afford more than they originally thought.

$5,481/mo
National City
See communities
$5,170/mo
Chula Vista
See communities
$4,896/mo
Lemon Grove
See communities
$4,809/mo
Bonita
See communities
$4,585/mo
La Mesa
See communities
$5,412/mo
Spring Valley
See communities

Independent Living amenities in San Diego area

35% of these independent living offer resident-run activities
35% of these independent living offer fitness activities
35% of these independent living have walking paths

Average Seniorly Community Score in San Diego

9.1

Excellent

Seniorly Community Score

What is Seniorly Community Score?

The Seniorly Community Score is a comprehensive and unbiased rating system that takes into account multiple factors crucial to senior living quality. We've meticulously analyzed thousands of senior living communities across the country to create an innovative and accurate assessment of each community's strengths and offerings. The Seniorly Community Score employs a user-friendly scale from 1 to 10, with 10 signifying an exceptional senior living community and 1 representing the lower end of quality, ensuring an easy-to-understand and transparent evaluation for families.

Get to know San Diego area

Total population: 650
16% of population is 50+ years old, 7% is 65+ years old
Median income: $91,736
The poverty rate is 4% higher for this region compared to the California state average, which is 12%
Diversity
10% Asian, 16% Hispanic, and 66% White of population

Learn about independent living citations in San Diego, CA

San Diego independent living communities had an average of 5 citations in 2023. This is 20.69% higher than the San Diego County average of 4.14 citations and 25.42% lower than the California average of 6.7 citations.

0 2 4 6 8 San Diego, CA San Diego County California 5 4.14 6.7

What are citations?

Citations are official notifications issued by regulatory agencies during inspections of independent living facilities. These citations are given when violations or deficiencies related to resident safety, care, or adherence to regulations are identified. They serve as a means to highlight areas where the facility may not be meeting the required standards, prompting the need for corrective action. Citations can range in severity, with Type A citations addressing more serious violations that may pose potential harm to residents, and Type B citations addressing less severe infractions.

Learn about independent living allegations in San Diego, CA

San Diego independent living communities had an average of 7.53 allegations in 2023. This is 18.24% lower than the San Diego County average of 9.21 allegations and 55.08% lower than the California average of 16.77 allegations.

0 4 8 12 16 20 San Diego, CA San Diego County California 7.53 9.21 16.77

What are allegations?

Allegations are critical in California independent living licensing compliance as they signal potential issues and trigger thorough investigations. By addressing allegations promptly, regulators can enforce corrective actions, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for senior living communities' residents. Maintaining accountability through investigations helps uphold the highest standards of care in the industry.

Learn about independent living inspections in San Diego, CA

San Diego independent living communities had an average of 2.13 inspections in 2023. This is 13.85% lower than the San Diego County average of 2.48 inspections and 22.08% lower than the California average of 2.74 inspections. A lower number of inspections in independent living facilities is actually better because it indicates a higher level of consistent compliance with regulations and standards.

0 1 2 3 San Diego, CA San Diego County California 2.13 2.48 2.74

What are inspections?

Inspections play a vital role in the context of California independent living licensing compliance as they are key to maintaining the highest standards of care and safety for seniors. Regular and thorough inspections are conducted by regulatory authorities to assess whether independent living facilities meet the required licensing standards and regulations. These inspections help identify any potential issues, deficiencies, or violations within the facilities, ensuring prompt corrective actions and improvements are implemented. By holding facilities accountable through inspections, California can ensure that seniors residing in these communities receive the best possible care and support, fostering an environment of trust and confidence for families seeking suitable living options for their loved ones.

Explore other types of communities in San Diego, CA

Independent Living

For active older adults who want to downsize to a home in a retirement community but don't need help to live independently.

Memory Care

A supervised and secured community designed to support engagement and quality of life for residents living with dementia.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

For residents who want to age in place as their care needs change—from Independent Living to nursing care. Requires a buy-in fee.

Nursing Homes

For seniors with more serious medical needs who require skilled care following a hospitalization, illness, or surgery. Nursing Homes are also known as skilled nursing facilities.

Board and Care Home

Homes in residential neighborhoods that are equipped and staffed to provide daily care for a small number of residents.

Helpful resources

Assisted Living Facilities near San Diego, CA

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