The Best Retirement Communities in San Diego: Where to Retire in Style

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San Diego is known for its perfect weather, popular beaches, great downtown area, and a lot of good 55+ communities. While prices can be high, that’s not always the case. If you’re hoping for the picture-perfect retirement, this is it.

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The San Diego area is one of the most desirable places to retire in California. The region enjoys near-perfect weather all year, especially on the coast. With a thriving downtown, diverse cultural attractions, and renowned golf courses, there’s a lot that San Diego has to offer today’s active adults.

While this area is known for having fairly high home prices, there are many 55+ communities in San Diego that are suitable for a wide range of budgets. Below we’re taking a closer look at some of the great communities found in the San Diego area.

High Country Villas – Encinitas, CA

Low $800ks – High $800ks

The grounds of High Country Villas in Encinitas, California on a sunny day.

High Country Villas is a well-established 55+ community situated in the northern coastal area of San Diego County. This welcoming community consists of 546 attached homes and condos.

With the beach just a few miles away and plenty of onsite amenities, residents of High Country Villas enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle. At the central clubhouse, residents can catch up with neighbors in the great room or on the patio, play a game of billiards, or spend some time in the library. Outdoor amenities include two swimming pools and a spa, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, bocce, and trails for walking and biking. Residents also have access to a 9-hole golf course, driving range, and putting green.

Camino Hills – Carlsbad, CA

High $600ks – High $700ks

The community sign for Camino Hills in Carlsbad, California, one of the best retirement communities in San Diego.

Camino Hills is another popular choice for those interested in living close to the beach in northern San Diego County. This gated 55+ community is ideally located in the charming beach city of Carlsbad and avoids the big-city congestion of central San Diego. The community has 145 single-family homes ranging from 1,440 to 2,142 square feet.

With a friendly atmosphere, a strong sense of community, and comfortable amenities, residents can enjoy a carefree lifestyle. The central clubhouse has a fully equipped fitness room, catering kitchen, ballroom, and game room. Outdoors, residents can enjoy coastal California’s perfect weather with a pool and spa, spacious patio, tennis court, and trails for walking and biking. There is also an on-site boat and RV parking.

Auberge at Del Sur – San Diego, CA

High $1Ms

The outdoor pool at Auberge at Del Sur in San Diego, California.

Auberge is a high-end 55+ community within the master-planned community of Del Sur. Homebuyers are attracted to the community’s newer constructions and an outstanding selection of amenities. Auberge has 196 residences, which include single-family and attached homes.

When it comes to amenities, residents have access to an exclusive recreation center called The Club, which is restricted to residents of the 55+ community. This clubhouse has a fitness center, multi-purpose room, outdoor pool and spa, spacious patio, and a barbecue area. Residents also have access to amenities in the larger Del Sur community. This expansive community is home to 12 parks, 11 pools, four spas, an amphitheater, a dog park, and more. For those seeking an elevated active adult lifestyle in San Diego, Auberge is a top choice.

East Ridge – Fallbrook, CA

Mid $700ks – High $800ks

Exterior view of a home in East Ridge in Fallbrook, California, one of the best retirement communities in San Diego.

Active adults seeking a small community in a relaxed atmosphere will feel right at home at East Ridge in Fallbrook. This gated 55+ community consists of just 80 single-family homes, giving it a more intimate feel compared to larger communities.

Residents at East Ridge can stay social and active at the community’s clubhouse, which has an exercise room and multi-purpose rooms. Outdoor amenities include tennis courts, a swimming pool and spa, a community garden, a pickleball court, walking trails, and more.

Rancho Carlsbad – Carlsbad, CA

High $500ks – Low $800ks

The community sign for Rancho Carlsbad in Carlsbad, California.

Rancho Carlsbad’s proximity to the beach and welcoming atmosphere make it a popular choice. This gated 55+ community has a great selection of 504 single-family manufactured homes, ranging from modest residences to those with more luxurious features.

The community’s clubhouse and recreation center are where neighbors can catch up and make lasting friendships. These facilities have an exercise room, swimming pool and spa, hydrotherapy pools, a two-story library, a ballroom, and more. Outdoors, residents can enjoy the scenic lakes and ponds or hit the courts for a game of tennis. Residents also enjoy access to the 18-hole Rancho Carlsbad Golf Course at a discounted rate.

If any of these top 55+ communities sound like the right fit for you, reach out to 55places today! We’ll connect you with a local real estate expert who will assist you every step of the way. We’re happy to help you make your California retirement dreams a reality.

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