Top 10 Assisted Living Facilities in San Diego, CA

Some of the most senior-friendly weather you’ll find anywhere in the United States puts San Diego on the map of top retirement destinations. 

While the cost of assisted living in San Diego is about $1,000 per month higher than the national average, residents at these facilities are also paying for a more luxurious experience.

California does not tax Social Security income and the state of California ranks 6th in the nation for health care quality, a metric that can’t be ignored when discussing the needs of older adults. Plus, California residents can even get help paying for assisted living through Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program. 

Is San Diego the right place for the assisted living needs of yourself or a loved one? And if so, which of the city’s numerous assisted living facilities is the best choice?

We gathered information about assisted living homes in San Diego and weighed everything from the food served in the dining hall to the security of the premises to formulate our list of the 10 best assisted living homes in San Diego.

1. Brookdale Clairemont

Brookdale Clairemont stresses independence and strives to grant as much freedom as safely possible to residents. The luxury apartments are full of natural light and storage space while the social calendar is packed with fitness classes, iPad classes, movie nights, ice cream socials, devotional services, karaoke and more.

The dining staff takes suggestions and feedback and even works to incorporate the residents’ family recipes into the cuisine. Brookdale takes a holistic approach to care with a strong emphasis on brain fitness.

Brookdale has more than 670 senior living facilities across 41 states, so residents and their loved ones can trust they are in proven hands.

Additional highlights:

• Transportation services
• On-site hair salon
• Personalized care plans so you only pay for what you need

2. Vi at La Jolla Village

Vi at La Jolla Village is an upscale assisted living home that also offers skilled nursing care and memory support, so the residents’ location doesn’t have to change when their needs do.

Luxury, resort-style accommodations lend themselves to 24-hour concierge and valet services along with scheduled off-site transportation. The property is dotted with gardens, walkways, courtyards and balconies while the inside features a pool, library, art studio, movie theater, spa and more.

Dining options range from casual lunches to cocktails and appetizers to fine dining. Golf outings, lectures, concerts, foreign language classes and writers workshops are just some of the ways residents fill their time in the culture-rich atmosphere at Vi.

Additional highlights:

• Residents use an app to keep up with daily menu options and activities
• Five floor plan options
• Located in the bustling La Jolla area

3. BayView Senior Assisted Living

BayView’s assisted living services extend to those with Alzheimers and dementia, hospice care and respite care.

The 17-bedroom home overlooks the bay from the Point Loma neighborhood and features a garden, walking path and patio, all secured with a bordered and monitored perimeter.

Residents are afforded access to a variety of programs and classes to go with live music, poetry, book readings, games and more.

Additional highlights:

• 24/7 staff
• Individualized care plans
• Daily exercise programs

4. Belmont Village Senior Living Sabre Springs

Belmont Village is located in the Poway area of San Diego near two large medical clinics and a hospital. Residents enjoy views of the valley and foothills while benefiting from on-site therapies and award-winning memory care.

The pet-friendly facility features a swimming pool, putting green, walking paths and a salon to name just a few amenities.

A vibrant social calendar provides residents with plenty to do, learn and see while restaurant dining provides 24 menu choices prepared by a chef daily.

Additional highlights:

• • Concierge services
  • Free daily transportation
  • Licensed nurse on staff

5. Atria Rancho Peñasquitos

Located in a historic La Jolla Village neighborhood, Atria Rancho Peñasquitos promotes a rich and active lifestyle.

The property borders Doyle Park and residents have access to a private gated entry to the park’s walking and biking paths. On property, residents enjoy a swimming pool, fitness center, courtyard, garden spaces and a pub.

The social calendar promotes learning and creativity through museum visits, book clubs, live entertainment and more. Diners choose from several options throughout the day and the culinary staff gets to know residents and the way they like their meals prepared.

A concierge and off-site transportation help residents explore all there is to offer in the area.

Additional highlights:

• Hot tub
• Library
• Pet friendly

6. Oakmont of Pacific Beach

Oakmont of Pacific Beach exemplifies luxury senior living where no two days are the same.

Residents are encouraged to stimulate their bodies and minds through a variety of fitness, educational, and artistic activities to go along with social and religious services and events. Residents even have opportunities to do charity and volunteer work for the community.

Residents also get to indulge in all-day dining with menus that change daily and seasonally. A 24-hour staff, concierge and chauffeur service caters to every need.

Additional highlights:

• Movie theater
• Salon and day spa
• Private family dining room

7. Torrey Pines Senior Living

Independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and short-term care are all offered at this one-stop shop for senior care.

Three living space floorplans are designed according to the level of care needed and contracts are month to month.

Residents enjoy all-day full-service dining and 24/7 snacks. The social calendar features 40-50 activities weekly with off-site transportation.

Additional highlights:

• Gym with daily exercise classes
• Emergency pendants for residents with 24/7 care staff
• Beauty salon and barber shop

8. Canyon Villas

Canyon Villas emphasizes its residents’ independence, dignity and right to privacy while offering independent living, assisted living, hospice care and respite care.

Restaurant-style dinners change menus daily and all dishes are served with hot vegetables, soup, salad and a special dessert.

Exercise classes include yoga, zumba and tai chi to fill out a social calendar of music, crafts and more. The property features a number of outdoor gathering spaces like gazebos, patios and courtyards for all to enjoy.

Additional highlights:

• Free month specials 
• Free cable
• Library

9. Casa de las Campanas

Nine floorplan options await residents seeking independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care and rehabilitation.

A vocational nurse and a team of nursing assistants are staffed 24 hours per day and residents enjoy a full slate of social activities daily including off-site excursions.

The property features an indoor and outdoor pool, art studio, salon, woodworking shop and much more.

Multiple dining facilities on the property take feedback from a resident food committee.

Additional highlights:

• Pet-friendly with two dog parks
• On-site banking and notary service
• Guest rooms for visitors

10. Golden Living Point Loma

This Point Loma facility is located just minutes from Sea World, the San Diego zoo and numerous other attractions.

The home is very health care-oriented and works closely with home-health agencies to provide care in resident rooms and levels of care include memory care, hospice care and respite care.

Balconies and patios are featured in every living space to go along with outdoor courtyards and common areas.

Snacks and beverages are available 24 hours per day and housekeeping services include daily room cleaning and bed making. Residents keep busy thanks to an abundance of activities and off-site transportation.

Additional highlights:

• 24-hour concierge
• Scheduled visits from non-profit organizations
• Frequent consultations with doctors and health experts