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Find the Best Assisted Living in San Diego, CA

San Diego is home to many assisted living communities that offer comfortable amenities and a variety of social, intellectual and physical activities. However, that doesn’t make choosing a facility simple. We created this guide by comparing the local availability and reviews of 35 businesses and choosing nine favorites from the top assisted living facilities in San Diego.

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Compare San Diego Assisted Living Facilities

The Remington Club
  • Offers assisted and independent living and skilled nursing
  • One local facility
  • Available in San Diego
  • fivestarseniorliving.com
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Wesley Palms
  • Offers assisted and independent living and memory care
  • Three related facilities nearby
  • Available in San Diego
  • wesleypalms.org
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Meridian at Lake San Marcos
  • Offers assisted living and independent living
  • Three related facilities nearby
  • Available in San Diego and San Marcos
  • pacificaseniorliving.com
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Vi at La Jolla Village
  • Offers assisted and independent living and memory care
  • One local facility
  • Available in San Diego
  • viliving.com
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Oakmont of Pacific Beach
  • Offers assisted living and memory care
  • Two related facilities nearby
  • Available in San Diego
  • oakmontofpacificbeach.com
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Brookdale Clairemont
  • Offers assisted living
  • Four related facilities nearby
  • Available in San Diego
  • brookdale.com
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Canyon Villas
  • Offers assisted living and independent living
  • One local facility
  • Available in San Diego
  • cvretirement.org
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BayView Senior Assisted Living
  • Offers assisted living
  • One local facility
  • Available in San Diego
  • bayviewpointloma.com
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Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill
  • Offers assisted living and independent living
  • One local facility
  • Available in San Diego
  • merrillgardens.com
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What to consider about assisted living in San Diego

san diego skyline

When deciding whether or not to move into an assisted living facility in San Diego, it’s important to think about how prepared the city is to care for older adults.

Consider the following factors when looking into assisted living in San Diego:

  • San Diego’s weather: San Diego has a Mediterranean-style climate, with warm, sunny weather much of the year. Temperatures generally range from the low 50s to the high 70s.
  • California’s regulations: The state Department of Social Services regulates and licenses assisted living facilities in California, ensuring that residents’ health, safety and qualities of life are maintained.
  • California’s taxes: California has some of the highest income tax rates in the country, and the state fully taxes retirement accounts and pensions. Fortunately for older adults, Social Security retirement benefits are exempt from state taxes.
  • San Diego’s hospitals: UC San Diego Health’s specialties include pulmonology, geriatrics, neurology, cardiology and gastroenterology. This hospital, among others in the area, serves older Californians.
  • San Diego’s public transit: San Diego has a good public transportation system with a light rail trolley and a bus system. Residents over 65 can purchase a reduced rate monthly pass, too.

How much does assisted living cost in San Diego?

The average cost of assisted living in San Diego is between $3,500 and $5,000 per month, but most communities also charge a one-time entry fee ranging from $1,500 to $5,000. This may seem expensive, but keep in mind that assisted living rates cover:

  • Living accommodations
  • Meals
  • Medical care
  • Activities

Older adults who are interested in living more independently may opt out of meals or housekeeping services if they can care for these needs themselves. Cancelling certain services and amenities often reduces monthly assisted living facility costs, depending on the facility.

There may also be discounts and financial assistance available through the facility or other organizations to help with the cost of assisted living. When touring facilities, ask the representatives about discounts and financial assistance.

San Diego assisted living FAQ

What are the costs for assisted living in San Diego?

Average monthly costs range up to $5,000, including living accommodations, meals, and other services and amenities. Most facilities charge an admission fee of up to $5,000, as well as other fees, where applicable. When searching for a facility, ask each one to provide a quote for its monthly and upfront costs so you can compare and shop around.

Who regulates assisted living facilities in California?

Assisted living facilities are regulated by the California Department of Social Services, the Community Care Licensing Division and the Continuing Care Contracts Branch. These organizations provide both licensing and inspections to ensure communities meet minimum standards.

What does assisted living provide in San Diego?

Assisted living communities provide both physical and mental care for older adults who need regular help with daily tasks. These facilities help residents with their day-to-day needs while often providing engaging opportunities for cultural, intellectual and spiritual growth.

San Diego assisted living community information

The Remington Club

The Remington Club, a Five Star Senior Living community, offers independent and assisted living as well as rehabilitation services from skilled nurses. There are a variety of amenities on-site, including a salon, a barbershop, a library, a computer lounge, a billiards room and a pool. View its floor plans online or schedule a tour to see its apartments in person. The Remington Club is located at 16925 Hierba Drive, San Diego, CA 92128, but Five Star Senior Living has facilities in 33 U.S. states.

The Remington Club

Wesley Palms

Wesley Palms is run by Front Porch, a nonprofit collective of retirement communities. This facility’s homes and apartments are available with independent living, assisted living and memory care. Amenities include dining, transportation, social events and exercise classes. Schedule a visit to apply. Wesley Palms is located at 2404 Loring St., San Diego, CA 92109, but it is one of four nearby Front Porch locations, including communities in Carlsbad, La Jolla and Chula Vista.

Wesley Palms

Meridian at Lake San Marcos

Meridian at Lake San Marcos is an independent and assisted living facility for adults over the age of 55. A variety of classes, entertainment options and social events are available, including games, movies, book clubs and discussion groups. Its parent company, Pacifica Senior Living, has 16 communities in California, including locations in Escondido, Oceanside and Vista. However, Meridian at Lake San Marcos is its closest community to San Diego at 1177 San Marino Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078.

Meridian at Lake San Marcos

Vi at La Jolla Village

Vi at La Jolla Village is a luxury senior living community. The facility offers assisted living, memory care and independent living. It features fine dining experiences, art and cultural programs, and a fitness center. Vi Living has nine other communities across the country, but its San Diego community is located at 8515 Costa Verde Blvd., San Diego, CA 92122.

Vi at La Jolla Village

Oakmont of Pacific Beach

Oakmont of Pacific Beach is a luxury retirement community offering memory care and assisted living services. The community offers restaurant-style dining, a library, a movie theater, a fitness center, walking paths and a fruit orchard. There are other Oakmont Senior Living communities in Escondido and Carlsbad and more throughout Nevada and California, as well. The Oakmont of Pacific Beach is located at 955 Grand Ave., San Diego, CA 92109.

Oakmont of Pacific Beach

Brookdale Clairemont

Brookdale Clairemont, a Brookdale Senior Living property, is an assisted living community with 24-hour care available. Its amenities include a library, a beauty shop and barbershop, outdoor spaces, and a 24-hour security system. The facility’s staff provides transportation and concierge services, as well. Its parent company has other nearby locations in San Diego, San Marcos, Oceanside and Carlsbad, but Brookdale Clairemont is located at 5219 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92117.

Brookdale Clairemont

Canyon Villas

Canyon Villas is an independent and assisted living community offering a variety of activities and amenities. Residents receive restaurant-style dining with a new menu daily. The community doesn’t allow smoking or pets, making this a great option for those with allergies. Choose between studio or one-bedroom apartments. Canyon Villas is located at 4282 Balboa Ave., San Diego, CA 92117.

Canyon Villas

BayView Senior Assisted Living

BayView Senior Assisted Living offers coastal assisted living with individualized care and support. It provides customized assistance plans for each resident, with help and supervision available 24/7. The community features social activities, extensive outdoor spaces and concierge services. BayView Senior Assisted Living is located at 3219 Canon St., San Diego, CA 92106.

BayView Senior Assisted Living

Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill

Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill is a retirement community that offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments along with a 24-hour staff. Other amenities include a library, a salon, a bistro, a fitness center and transportation. The Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill is located at 2567 Second Ave., San Diego, CA 92103, but its parent company has another location in Oceanside and more across select states.

Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill