About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2025 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2025 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2025 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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10 Best Independent Living Communities in Descanso, CA

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If you’re looking for independent living in the Descanso area, our local senior living advisors can help you each step of the way. From affordable independent living for seniors to luxury options, we’ll work with you to understand the cost of independent living in Descanso. From there, we’ll show you the best independent living communities for your lifestyle, interests, and budget.

Discover unique independent living amenities, social activities, dining, and more independent living benefits. With 156 independent living facilities in Descanso, A Place for Mom makes it easier to find your new, maintenance-free home.

We are also serving Assisted Living facilities in surrounding neighborhoods like East Elliott and Rancho Encantada.
You may also consider nearby communities such as La Mesa, Poway and Spring Valley.

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top3CommunitiesWithLinks: Cypress Court, Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon and Westmont of Encinitas
zipAveragecost: $4,590

Descanso Independent Living Facilities | 4158 Reviews

Showing 136 communities
Last Updated: 12/24/25
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Photo of La Marea Senior Living
1111 Photos available
5.9
Review score
28 reviews
5.9
Review score
28 reviews
5 star
68%
4 star
21%
3 star
0%
2 star
4%
1 star
7%
See all reviews
The food and activities were very good. The surrounding environment is semi-industrial and not conducive to outdoor activity. Promises of regular physical therapy we're not kept. Thankfully, [name removed]...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
La Marea Senior Living offers unparalleled service, impeccable amenities and thoughtfully designed surroundings that inspire residents to live elevated lives. We always go the extra mile to make our residents feel at home and provide them with exceptional care. La Marea offers Assisted Living and...
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Photo of Bayshire Carlsbad
77 Photos available
5 star
57%
4 star
30%
3 star
10%
2 star
3%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
It's a great community, and it's all about your family's situation. We have two loved ones who have been at Brookdale Carlsbad. One of them has been there almost a decade and has lots of friends. The...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Age well and live well with the care you need, when you need it.At our continuing care retirement community, or CCRC, you’ll have the care you need when you need it with assisted living, Alzheimer’s and dementia care and skilled nursing all on one campus. Plus, you’ll have the lifestyle you want...
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9.2
Review score
19 reviews
9.2
Review score
19 reviews
5 star
63%
4 star
21%
3 star
16%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
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I originally moved to Westmont Of Carmel Valley as a support system for my wife. Originally we were in independent living, but as her diseased progressed, she now is in compass rose their memory care unit....
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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Photo of North Park Sunshine
8.5
Review score
1 review
8.5
Review score
1 review
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
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North Park Sunshine is a particularly exceptional community for older citizens. This community offers its inhabitants a friendly and inviting atmosphere, from its lovely surroundings to its caring personnel....
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Casa Aldea at University City Village
8.5
Review score
1 review
8.5
Review score
1 review
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Undoubtedly, Casa Aldea at University City Village is a unique senior living community. I could sense the kind, inviting vibe this establishment emanates as soon as I came through the doors—the same vibe I...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
8.0
Review score
7 reviews
8.0
Review score
7 reviews
5 star
71%
4 star
29%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
My mother was admitted there after she was released from a hospital with RSV. She went to PV to get her strength back. She was there for over 3 weeks.. The entire staff from admissions, social workers,...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
At Paradise Valley Manor and Health Care Center, we believe that we have the sacred responsibility to treat each and every person who walks through our doors as an honored guest and a dear friend. Our team of highly-skilled professional staff strives to ensure that our residents have the very...
Photo of Crest View Manor, Inc.
8.0
Review score
8 reviews
8.0
Review score
8 reviews
5 star
87%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
13%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
My dad and my whole family loves this place!! Employees go above and beyond [name removed], [name removed] and [name removed]. The facility is also very affordable!
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Hilltop Vistas await you! The evening lights of the city twinkle from below. Situated high above downtown Escondido, we are close to everything yet quiet. Owned and operated by the Cook family for three generations, Crest View Manor offers experience in caring for your loved one. We are large...
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7.3
Review score
3 reviews
7.3
Review score
3 reviews
5 star
33%
4 star
33%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
34%
See all reviews
Olivewood garden has been good so far! Neighbors are friendly. There's some strange surrounding loud sounds once a week. Not sure if it's coincidence with someone doing fireworks or what but it's consistent....
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
See details
Photo of Alpine Mobile Home Estates
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Sunshine Care Home
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
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Photo of Casa El Cajon
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
My father in law has been well cared for. The staff, including the nuns seem very friendly. His room is more than adequate size and is completely furnished.
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Lexington Senior Apt
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Judy Jones Assisted Living
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of San Carlos Village Apartments
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Monterey Trellis
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Presidio Place
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of MesaView Senior Assisted Living
5 star
22%
4 star
11%
3 star
45%
2 star
11%
1 star
11%
See all reviews
Two relatives have lived there for a length of time (at different times). They were both happy there. One played the piano for residents. The main building is an older home, kept up well. Residents can feel...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Our speciality is providing quality care at resonable rates. Villa La Mesa offers modest, homelike accommodations nestled in a very quiet residential area of 'Old' La Mesa. With a total licensed capacity of twenty-nine (29) residents, Villa La Mesa is small enough to offers a warm, homelike...
Photo of Covenant Living at Mount Miguel
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Ohana Home Care
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Glen At Scripps Ranch Ccrc
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of St. Paul's Senior Services
5 star
71%
4 star
29%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
The place is beautiful and well cared for. Everyone is extremely friendly and ready to help. They maintain a high level of care for the people there and attend to their personal needs. I feel very...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Nazareth House
5 star
67%
4 star
11%
3 star
22%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Our Dad spent 5 1/2 years at Nazareth House. During that time, we visited almost every. We observed interaction between many caregivers and residents. From not only our experience with Dad but others, the...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Nazareth House San Diego is committed to offering active elders personalized assistance, supportive services, and compassionate care in a Catholic, spirit-centered, loving community. Your safety, care, and assistance are assured while your independence is encouraged.The focus at Nazareth House is...
Photo of Casa De Las Campanas
5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
After I retired, my daughter felt it was important for her to live nearby in case my wife and I might need some assistance. That was nice of her, but I was disappointed to find out later that she had turned...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living, Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.

Cost of independent living in Descanso, CA

The average cost of senior living in Descanso is $4,590 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Lake Riverside, CA with an average of $2,944 per month.

Independent living costs in Descanso, CA, vs. nearby cities

Descanso, CA
$4,590/mo
$4,585/mo
$4,510/mo

Independent living costs in Descanso, CA, vs. state and national averages

Descanso, CA
$4,590/mo
U.S. national average
$4,016/mo

Independent living costs in Descanso, CA, vs. other senior living options

$5,771/mo
Independent Living
$4,590/mo

Independent living costs in Descanso, CA, by floor plan type

Semi-Private
$4,756/mo
Studio
$5,302/mo
1 Bedroom
$5,995/mo
2 Bedroom
$7,029/mo
Detached Cottage/Bungalow
$8,840/mo

Senior living costs in Descanso vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column communityType: Community type
Column destination: Descanso, CA
Column state: California
Column national: U.S.
Community typeDescanso, CACaliforniaU.S.
Independent Living$4,590/mo$4,504/mo$4,016/mo
Assisted Living$3,985/mo$4,369/mo$4,558/mo
Memory Care$5,771/mo$5,269/mo$4,794/mo
Independent Living
Descanso, CA:$4,590/mo
California:$4,504/mo
U.S.:$4,016/mo
Assisted Living
Descanso, CA:$3,985/mo
California:$4,369/mo
U.S.:$4,558/mo
Memory Care
Descanso, CA:$5,771/mo
California:$5,269/mo
U.S.:$4,794/mo
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Independent living costs in Descanso, CA, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly independent living costs have shifted over the past five years in Descanso and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent quarterly averages of what seniors actually paid after moving into A Place for Mom partner communities.

Descanso, CACA stateNational

Independent living cost trends in Descanso, CA

The table below shows how monthly independent living costs in Descanso have changed in the last two years and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent averages of actual costs paid by seniors who moved into A Place for Mom partner communities in 2023 and 2024.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column location: Location
Column cost2024: 2024 average cost
Column cost2023: 2023 average cost
Column percentChange: Percent change
Location2024 average cost2023 average costPercent change
Descanso, CA$3,654/mo$3,604/mo+1.4%
California$3,692/mo$3,631/mo+1.7%
National$3,261/mo$3,166/mo+3.0%
Descanso, CA
2024 average cost:$3,654/mo
2023 average cost:$3,604/mo
Percent change:+1.4%
California
2024 average cost:$3,692/mo
2023 average cost:$3,631/mo
Percent change:+1.7%
National
2024 average cost:$3,261/mo
2023 average cost:$3,166/mo
Percent change:+3.0%
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Discover the many ways to pay for senior living

Planning ahead can better position you to make good choices for your loved one’s care in the future. But if your aging family member needs care now, there are ways to finance the cost of long-term care through a combination of approaches.

What families are saying about independent living in Descanso

Recent reviews for independent living in Descanso

Bayshire Carlsbad

5.0
they are very interactive with the residence, responsive, and also very friendly and kind The rooms sizes feel a little small, My dad is happy with the food and it looks good. I would recommend this facility to others.

Novellus Clairemont in San Diego, CA

4.0
My loved one has recently made the move into this community and so far I have no complaints of how things had been going for him. He has had a few health problems but other than that the experience has been pleasant for him. The staff have done a great job at staying organized in his care plan ...
Read more

Crest View Manor, Inc. in Escondido, CA

5.0
My mom really liked Crest View Manor. It has a great staff and is very clean. I would definitely recommend Crest View Manor to anyone. They were great. Unfortunately my mom was there during Covid, so there wasn't too much activities taking place. But it was a great facility.

Descanso independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Descanso independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Descanso, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Descanso independent living

Independent living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Descanso partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Descanso, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
30.1%
20.5%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
47.8%
34.1%
No sugar
No sugar
44.1%
31.5%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
50%
33.6%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
14.7%
8.1%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Descanso independent living

Our independent living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Descanso communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Descanso, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
44.9%
36.5%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
53.7%
43.5%
Room service
Room service
49.3%
36.9%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
32.4%
17.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Descanso independent living

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered independent living communities in Descanso offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Descanso, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
52.9%
45.3%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
39%
28.4%
Community service programs
Community service programs
38.2%
32.8%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
52.9%
49.3%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
58.1%
49.8%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
60.3%
54.9%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
52.9%
43.1%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
47.1%
37.7%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
50.7%
41.7%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
52.9%
47.5%
Live performances
Live performances
56.6%
47.3%
Dances
Dances
39%
32.6%
Fitness center
Fitness center
34.6%
39.8%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
55.1%
47%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Cypress Court, Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon and Westmont of Encinitas are the top-rated independent living facilities near Descanso, California. See full list of communities.
There are 156 independent living facilities near Descanso, California. See the full list.
The best independent living facilities near you in Descanso, California are Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon, Westmont of Encinitas and Westmont of Escondido. These independent living communities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews.
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More questions?

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The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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