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: 12/26/25
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Photo of Plaza Village Senior 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 Heritage Park Escondido
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.
Heritage Park Escondido Apartment Community, for independent seniors aged 55 or better, offers pet-friendly apartments north of San Diego, near great recreation, shopping and dining. Our apartment homes feature vaulted ceilings, bright kitchen windows, ample closet space and private patios and...
Photo of Fredericka Manor
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Fredericka Manor is an excellent residence for seniors. My mother has lived here since 2006. However, they just announced that they are closing their Care Center (June 2023). This means that residence...
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 Southern Highland
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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.
Southern HighlandsSouthern Highlands is located in National City, California. With a population of approximately 65,000 people, it is a small town and the second oldest city in San Diego County. United in 1887, National City was initially part of a 26,000 acre named El Rancho de la Nacion. After...
Photo of Southern Highland
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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 Congregational Tower
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.
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 Village North
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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 Park 5th Avenue
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I would pass by Park and 5th Apartments when I lived on "G" and Broadway and say "when I'm 55 I'll go and live there." Well, I became 68 and the rent went up where I used to live, so I put an application in...
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.
Park 5th Avenue is a 55 and over community located in Chula Vista, San Diego County, CA. The bustling city of Chula Vista is the second largest city in the San Diego metropolitan area, and it is home to numerous dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities. Otay Ranch Town Center is the...
Photo of Casa Escondida
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.
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Photo of Villa Pacifica
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 Windsor Gardens
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 Santa Fe Villas
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.
With so many distinctive features, the simple elegance of Santa Fe Villas offers the ideal combination of stylish comfort, conveniences and detailed custom amenities.Santa Fe Villas Apartment homes for seniors 55+ offer roomy, carefully designed living spaces that embody all the elegant features...
Photo of St Paul's Manor
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Everybody's very attentive. It's definitely an excellent price for the services they provide. My mom is in the independent living section. They definitely keep people involved with activities. They have...
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 Manor
77 Photos available
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.
St. Paul’s Manor is an active living community nestled in the heart of Bankers Hill, close to Downtown, Hillcrest, Balboa Park and Little Italy. Residents walk to church, restaurants, Balboa Park museums and theatre performances at the Old Globe. Attractions include our restaurant, entertainment,...
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.
The Pavilion at Tecolote Canyon was born from the vision of local San Diego families who wanted to build a senior living community of our own. The Pavilion has been designed to create a living style that incorporates San Diego’s amazing weather, excellent gardening climate, and the amazing sense...
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Photo of Terrace Gardens
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 San Diego Silvercrest
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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 Westminister Manor
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 Luther Tower
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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 Town Park Villas
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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 Morning View Terrace
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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.
Our community is specifically designed for  the active lifestyle of individuals 55 or better. You can choose from a variety of activities such as bingo, swimming in our sparkling pools, work out in the fitness center, or dine at a nearby restaurant. We are pet friendly and accept dogs with...
Photo of Canyon Villas
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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.
Photo of Cerro Pueblo Apartments
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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 Autumn Senior Living-SOLD
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.
The Coronado Royale is located across from Tidelands Park and the Colorado Bridge. The facility offers beautiful views of both the San Diego Bay and the lights of downtown San Diego. The Coronado Royale is also located right next door to the Coronado Hospital and Medical Centers. The Coronado...

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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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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