With all this and more, San Diego offers retirees not just a place to live, but a place to thrive. As one of the most desirable cities for retirement, it’s home to a wide variety of retirement communities that cater to different lifestyles, budgets, and care needs. From independent living to full-service communities, San Diego provides options that help retirees enjoy a vibrant, fulfilling life in a supportive environment.

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Keep reading as we explore some of the top retirement communities that make this city one of the most sought-after destinations for your next chapter.

We understand that finding the perfect place to retire is one of life’s most important decisions-your retirement home may very well be where you create lasting memories for the rest of your life. That’s why our team at the Gluch Group is here to provide you with helpful information on some of the best retirement communities in San Diego. Whether you’re looking for scenic coastal views, convenient amenities, or a strong sense of community, we’re here to help you make the right choice for your lifestyle, preferences, and future.

Is San Diego A Good Place To Retire?

Retiring in San Diego means embracing a vibrant, active lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty and world-class amenities. From the stunning 70 miles of pristine coastline ideal for beach walks, boating, and swimming, to the rolling mountains and hiking trails of East County, San Diego offers a setting for any retiree looking to live here. Whether you prefer the coastal breeze or the slightly warmer inland sun, retirees love enjoying the mild, low-humidity weather all year long.

In addition to its natural wonders, San Diego is home to a wide range of retirement communities that cater to various needs and preferences. These communities provide the perfect balance of comfort, independence, and care, offering retirees a supportive environment to enjoy their golden years. Whether you’re seeking an active lifestyle with opportunities for social engagement or a community with specialized care services, San Diego’s retirement communities provide diverse options for all.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate access to over 90 top-tier golf courses throughout the San Diego area, including the iconic Torrey Pines and the night-lit fairways of Mission Bay Golf Course. And for those who love arts and culture, San Diego is equally rich, as it is home to Balboa Park’s museums, gardens, and performing arts, not to mention a thriving culinary scene.

Oaks North

Oaks North stands out as one of the most desirable 55-plus communities in San Diego, offering a blend of comfort, activity, and scenic beauty in the heart of Rancho Bernardo. What truly sets Oaks North apart from other retirement communities in San Diego is its commitment to active adult living. At the heart of the community is the Oaks North Center, where residents can enjoy both social and physical activities year-round. From a fully equipped fitness center to meeting rooms, a billiards lounge, card room, arts and crafts studio, ceramics area, and woodworking shop, there’s always something to do and new hobbies to discover when living at Oaks North. The on-site auditorium also regularly hosts performances and events, while the library offers a quiet retreat for readers.

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Outside, Oaks North continues to impress with other amenities, including:

  • An inviting pool and patio
  • Lawn bowling
  • Tennis courts
  • Scenic walking and biking trails that wind throughout the beautifully maintained grounds

Wine lovers will especially appreciate the community’s proximity to the historic Rancho Bernardo Winery, which is perfect for afternoon tastings or a stroll among the vines.

Oaks North also delivers in terms of variety. Whether you’re looking for a cozy condo in The Haciendas or Oaks North Village, a spacious attached home in Oaks North Villas, or a traditional single-family residence in neighborhoods like Mirador or The Greens, you’ll find thoughtfully designed floor plans ranging from approximately 1,096 to nearly 1,900 square feet. There are 8 total neighborhoods to choose from in Oaks North, and many homes include features like two to three bedrooms, attached garages, and even flexible den spaces.

With home prices ranging from the high $400Ks to the low $1Ms, Oaks North provides a wide variety of options, including condos, attached homes, and single-family residences, to suit different lifestyles, preferences, and budgets. This 55 and up community in San Diego features 1,963 homes spread across eight unique neighborhoods, each with its own architectural charm and atmosphere.

For those seeking a vibrant, well-rounded retirement lifestyle in one of San Diego’s most charming settings, Oaks North offers everything needed to feel right at home.

Avante Del Sur

Avante Del Sur is one of the best 55 and up communities in San Diego, offering a blend of luxury, convenience, and lifestyle in the highly sought-after Del Sur neighborhood. Designed exclusively for active adults, this gated community provides a peaceful yet vibrant environment for those looking to enjoy their retirement years in style and comfort.

Built by trusted homebuilder Lennar between 2018 and 2021, Avante Del Sur features 119 thoughtfully designed attached homes. With eight unique floor plans to choose from, these attached homes range in size from 1,544 to 1,787 square feet. These residences offer two to three bedrooms and up to three bathrooms. Retirees can choose from one- or two-story layouts, and some select floor plans include private in-home elevators for added ease and accessibility. Homes in Avante Del Sur start in the low millions, and increase in price from there depending on the size of the home and included features.

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At the heart of this retirement community is a beautifully appointed clubhouse, where neighbors can connect, socialize, and enjoy the multipurpose gathering spaces. Outdoors, residents can take advantage of various amenities, including:

  • A sparkling pool
  • Relaxing spa
  • Sunny patio areas
  • Gazebo
  • Grilling area
  • Fire pit

All of these outdoor amenities at the clubhouse are perfect settings for friendly get-togethers and evening relaxation in San Diego’s warm and sunny weather.

With close proximity to quality healthcare providers such as Palomar Health and Kaiser Permanente Rancho Bernardo Medical, Avante Del Sur provides not only a fulfilling lifestyle but peace of mind. For those seeking an upscale, low-maintenance, and socially connected 55+ community in San Diego, Avante Del Sur delivers on all fronts.

Seven Oaks

If you’re looking for one of the best places to retire in San Diego, Seven Oaks stands out as a top choice among many retirees. Located in the scenic Rancho Bernardo area, Seven Oaks offers a comfortable, connected lifestyle for active adults who want to enjoy retirement on their own terms.

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With home prices ranging from the mid $500,000s to the low $1 millions, Seven Oaks provides a wide variety of homes for various budgets. This retirement community includes both attached and single-family options. The community is made up of 1,759 individually-owned homes, most of which are spacious single-story residences ranging from 950 to over 2,000 square feet in size. These homes typically include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and up to two and a half car garages. Many homes in Seven Oaks also feature private yards, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances.

Seven Oaks offers more than just real estate for retirees, it’s also a hub for social connection, wellness, and daily enrichment. The community supports an active lifestyle with events, clubs, and classes that are customized to meet the interests of residents. Whether you’re into water aerobics, yoga, or line dancing, there’s a class for everyone at Seven Oaks. If you enjoy hobbies or want to try something new, you can join groups like:

  • Woodcrafters
  • Stained glass artists
  • Book club

There’s even a dedicated group for retired nurses and outings for playgoers and hikers.

The low-maintenance lifestyle at Seven Oaks is also a big draw for retirees looking to settle down in the San Diego area. Attached homes include an HOA fee that covers exterior landscaping, maintenance of common areas, and community club membership. Most single-family homeowners simply pay a low annual fee for access to the community’s shared amenities. At Seven Oaks, you’re not just buying a home, you’re also joining a vibrant, supportive community where staying active, connected, and inspired is part of everyday life.

Regency Villas

Regency Villas stands out as a welcoming 55+ community in San Diego that offers both comfort and convenience in a highly desirable location. This active adult community provides easy access to shopping centers, restaurants, parks, and is just minutes from the stunning beaches of La Jolla, which makes it an ideal choice for retirees who want to stay connected to everything San Diego has to offer.

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Condos at Regency Villas start in the high $300ks and go to the high $400ks, Regency Villas delivers excellent value for well-designed, low-maintenance condo living, which is what many retirees seek when moving to a 55 and up community in San Diego. The community features 132 thoughtfully laid-out condo units, ranging in size from approximately 578 to 816 square feet, with one to two bedrooms and up to two bathrooms. Many of the condos at Regency Villas have been updated with modern appliances, and residents enjoy the convenience of assigned underground parking and elevator access.

Regency Villas also supports a vibrant and social lifestyle, both inside and outdoors. The community clubhouse includes:

  • A multipurpose room
  • A well-equipped fitness center
  • A billiards area

Outside, the barbecue space offers a great setting for gathering with neighbors and friends to socialize or play games. A professionally managed homeowners’ association handles common area upkeep, landscaping, and exterior maintenance, allowing residents to spend more time enjoying life and less time on chores, and providing them with pristine landscaping.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax or an active and welcoming neighborhood, Regency Villas offers a great balance of comfort, community, and location, making it one of San Diego’s most desirable 55-plus retirement communities.

Ready To Find Your Dream Home in One Of The Best 55 And Over Communities In San Diego

If you’re ready to find your dream retirement home that offers everything you’ve been looking for, whether it’s a vibrant community, low-maintenance living, or easy access to the best of San Diego, our team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at the Gluch Group. We specialize in helping retirees find the perfect fit for their lifestyle and budget in San Diego, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you turn your retirement dreams into reality by finding the perfect home.

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