The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in San Diego County, CA

Locally owned and operated, Silvergate San Marcos is a small, established senior living community. Apartments range in size from cozy 290 square-foot studios up to spacious 870 square-foot two-bed, two-bath units, and many include private balconies or patios. The community offers a wide range of fun activities and social clubs, and family and friends are encouraged to join in the many holiday celebrations and special events. We featured Silvergate San Marcos on this 10-best list because it has large apartments, a friendly atmosphere and dedicated owners who are actively involved in day-to-day operations.

Pacifica Senior Living Escondido is a boutique-style assisted living and memory care community nestled on a landscaped four-acre campus. Daily life enrichment activities include exercise classes, movie screenings and brain games, and there are weekly outings to nearby restaurants, parks and theaters. A number of caregivers speak Spanish and English, and three hearty chef-prepared meals are served each day in the restaurant-style dining room. Regular religious services are held in the nondenominational chapel, and the community also features a library, cozy bistro, private dining room and picnic area.

Situated just minutes west of Sharp Grossmont Hospital near Lake Murray, Grossmont Gardens is a lively senior community that offers independent, assisted living and skilled nursing services. Residents can stay active by joining in the aquatic and yoga classes, teeing off on the putting green and strolling through the paved walking paths that wind through the nine-acre campus. Move-in assistance is included, and there's on-site religious services. We featured Grossmont Gardens on this 10-best list because this resort-style community is known for having compassionate, supportive caregivers who go out of their way to provide residents with a worry-free retirement lifestyle.

Pacifica Senior Living Vista is a large senior living community that offers residents easy access to nearby healthcare providers, shops and places of worship. Every well-appointed suite features a balcony with bistro seating, a private bathroom and generous closet space, and pets are welcome upon approval. Wi-Fi is available community-wide, and residents receive a wearable medical alert pendant that instantly connects with on-site caregivers. Weekly housekeeping is provided, as well as scheduled transportation to local medical clinics and shopping areas.

Located right next to the Tri-City Medical Center, Alta Vista Senior Living is a modern, pet-friendly assisted living and memory care community. Caring, compassionate staff are always happy to provide assistance, and the full-time activities director plans a wide range of fun and engaging workshops, events and classes. Each private room includes a spacious bathroom, and common areas include cozy parlors, fireside living rooms and a beautiful courtyard.

Offering easy access to Fallbrook's shops and services, Silvergate Fallbrook is a locally owned and operated senior living community. The large campus is fully landscaped with mature trees and walking paths, and every assisted living suite includes a private balcony or patio. Residents can rest easy knowing there's an on-site nurse and around-the-clock caregivers, who can provide escorted assistance to meals and activities.

As California's only beachfront senior living community, White Sands La Jolla is geared toward retirees seeking an upscale assisted living setting. Residents enjoy direct beach access, a spacious heated outdoor pool and a number of common areas including a woodworking studio, arts and sewing workshop, and well-equipped business center. All-day dining is available, and there's daily limo transportation within La Jolla Village. We included White Sands La Jolla because this community offers retirees a unique, resort-style experience combined with an exclusive beachfront location.

Brookdale Oceanside is a senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care services. Every suite includes individual climate controls, kitchenettes and an emergency call system that can be used to contact on-site caregivers. Daily activities, such as gardening, karaoke and brain games, are designed to help residents develop meaningful connections within their community, and families can reserve the private dining room for special meals.

Brookdale San Marcos is a three-story assisted living community nestled in the Lake San Marcos neighborhood. Every suite features a kitchenette, private bathroom and balcony overlooking the courtyard or gardens. Residents can shop for treats at the general store, participate in worship services in the chapel and join one of the many daily social and recreational activities. The community features a games room with billiards table, business center with internet-connected computers and a private dining room for special events.

Located just east of I-15 near the Poway Road interchange, Belmont Village Sabre Springs is a large, modern senior living community with a dedicated memory care wing. The sprawling campus features a putting green, walking paths and outdoor swimming pool, and residents can participate in the professionally supervised wellness program. Wi-Fi service is available community-wide, and daily transportation to nearby destinations is provided. The full-time chef prepares two dozen unique dishes each day for service in the restaurant-style dining room and bistro, and companion animals are welcome.