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 Lakeside, CA

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If you’re looking for independent living in the Lakeside 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 Lakeside. 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 20 independent living facilities in Lakeside, 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 Mid-City:Kensington-Talmadge, College Area and Mid-City:Eastern Area.
You may also consider nearby communities such as San Diego, Escondido and San Marcos.

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top3CommunitiesWithLinks: Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon, The Montera and Waterford Terrace Retirement Community
zipAveragecost: $4,522

Lakeside Independent Living Facilities | 496 Reviews

Showing 16 communities
Last Updated: 12/23/25
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Best of Senior Living

The highest-rated senior living communities stand out for their exceptional care and support of seniors in independent living, assisted living, memory care and home care. Our Best of Senior Living Award winners represent the top reviewed senior care providers nationwide based on reviews submitted by residents and families.

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Photo of Solstice Senior Living at El CajonCommunity card badge
99 Photos available
44 Floor plans available
9.7
Review score
118 reviews
9.7
Review score
118 reviews
5 star
67%
4 star
25%
3 star
5%
2 star
2%
1 star
1%
See all reviews
I’m quite happy with the staff and facilities here. The staff are friendly, approachable, and always willing to help whenever something comes up, which makes living here a very comfortable experience. The...
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.
Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon is a warm, welcoming, vibrant, engaging independent Senior Living Community in the heart of the city. Enjoy adventure, entertainment and the beautiful outdoors. Family and friends find comfort with our on-site personal care professionals. We are close to...
See details
Photo of The Montera
1919 Photos available
99 Floor plans available
9.3
Review score
100 reviews
9.3
Review score
100 reviews
5 star
55%
4 star
25%
3 star
8%
2 star
5%
1 star
7%
See all reviews
My mother was a resident there for several months before her passing. I can't say enough about the beautiful care she received. There are some truly wonderful people working there. The facility is quite...
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.
Tucked away on a gorgeous property in La Mesa, CA, just minutes from downtown San Diego, The Montera defines care-focused senior living. From well-appointed studio and one bedroom apartments, to personalized care plans designed for each Assisted Living resident, to rejuvenating short-term stays,...
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Photo of Waterford Terrace Retirement Community
1818 Photos available
11 Floor plan available
9.0
Review score
35 reviews
9.0
Review score
35 reviews
5 star
57%
4 star
40%
3 star
3%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Cleanliness and approachability. Very good food. Horrible bus. No more than 10 people can go on a tour/excursion. If wheelchairs are needed then that takes up a spot too. It's hard to see out the window...
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.
We believe that Waterford Terrace is so much more than walls and windows - it's a place to enjoy home-cooked meals, game night, or a quiet evening with family and friends. It's where you always feel comfortable, safe, and secure. At Waterford Terrace, our management teams live on-site, and are...
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Photo of Grossmont Gardens
1818 Photos available
9.0
Review score
151 reviews
9.0
Review score
151 reviews
5 star
40%
4 star
37%
3 star
15%
2 star
6%
1 star
2%
See all reviews
It's one of those places you need to see. The well kept grounds create a peaceful outdoor setting for its residents. Absolutely recommend it. Mom says the staff is very kind too.
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.
Lease by October 29 and get $1,000 off your rent for the first three months. THAT’S A SAVINGS OF $3,000!*We are continuing to admit new Residents, where possible and appropriate, to help residents and families in need. We will do all we can to help those who are in need of our services now and...
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Photo of Lantern Crest Senior Living
1010 Photos available
8.9
Review score
42 reviews
8.9
Review score
42 reviews
5 star
52%
4 star
36%
3 star
7%
2 star
0%
1 star
5%
See all reviews
All 5. My Mom has been very happy at Lantern Crest. My Mom has gotten involved in several activities that she enjoys. Everyone is friendly and they really like the food.
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.
At Lantern Crest Senior Living, we offer a variety of community features. Residents can enjoy regular off-site adventures and excursions. Cats and dogs are allowed in private quarters. Our property is conveniently located near accessible public transportation. We offer free wi-fi and high speed...
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Photo of Westmont of La Mesa
2121 Photos available
77 Floor plans available
7.9
Review score
18 reviews
7.9
Review score
18 reviews
5 star
78%
4 star
11%
3 star
11%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
A few months ago I asked a friend when she decided the time was right to enter into Senior Living. Her response gave me food for thought. She said whatever you do have a plan. If tomorrow you can not care...
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.
See details
Photo of La Vida Real
1111 Photos available
7.8
Review score
9 reviews
7.8
Review score
9 reviews
5 star
56%
4 star
33%
3 star
11%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
The location was ideal since it's midway between me and my family. It the only facility we found to offer an independent living option, as well as assisted living and memory care
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.
At La Vida Real, we surround our residents with an engaging blend of comfort, style, fine dining, endless social opportunities, and an impressive array of recreational and wellness programs. Here, you’ll discover a service-enriched retirement lifestyle specially designed to meet your unique needs...
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Photo of Lo Har Senior Living
1010 Photos available
5 star
18%
4 star
37%
3 star
9%
2 star
9%
1 star
27%
See all reviews
Lo Har Senior Living has been good so far with their services and staff. My mother has been engaging in a couple of the activities that they offer. The community and her room seem to be getting good...
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.
We are licensed as an Assisted Living facility for seniors with Alzheimer's or a related dementia. We are Private pay only.
See details
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.
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.
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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.
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 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 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 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...

Cost of independent living in Lakeside, CA

The average cost of senior living in Lakeside is $4,522 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Lake Riverside, CA with an average of $2,944 per month.

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

Lakeside, CA
$4,522/mo
$4,510/mo
$4,585/mo

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

Lakeside, CA
$4,522/mo
U.S. national average
$4,016/mo

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

$5,766/mo
Independent Living
$4,522/mo

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

Semi-Private
$4,449/mo
Studio
$5,259/mo
1 Bedroom
$6,063/mo
2 Bedroom
$6,711/mo
Detached Cottage/Bungalow
$7,095/mo

Senior living costs in Lakeside 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: Lakeside, CA
Column state: California
Column national: U.S.
Community typeLakeside, CACaliforniaU.S.
Independent Living$4,522/mo$4,504/mo$4,016/mo
Assisted Living$4,508/mo$4,369/mo$4,558/mo
Memory Care$5,766/mo$5,269/mo$4,794/mo
Independent Living
Lakeside, CA:$4,522/mo
California:$4,504/mo
U.S.:$4,016/mo
Assisted Living
Lakeside, CA:$4,508/mo
California:$4,369/mo
U.S.:$4,558/mo
Memory Care
Lakeside, CA:$5,766/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 Lakeside, CA, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly independent living costs have shifted over the past five years in Lakeside 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.

Lakeside, CACA stateNational

Independent living cost trends in Lakeside, CA

The table below shows how monthly independent living costs in Lakeside 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
Lakeside, CA$3,761/mo$3,469/mo+8.4%
California$3,692/mo$3,631/mo+1.7%
National$3,261/mo$3,166/mo+3.0%
Lakeside, CA
2024 average cost:$3,761/mo
2023 average cost:$3,469/mo
Percent change:+8.4%
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 Lakeside

Recent reviews for independent living in Lakeside

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.

Belmont Village Sabre Springs in San Diego, CA

4.7
They are short staffed at this time so sometimes her meals are cold and she has to send them back. Also it does not seem like they are cleaning deep enough due to the lack of workers. They do make sure that my loved ones room is clean however the common areas are not so up kept. The staff have ...
Read more

Lakeside independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Lakeside independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Lakeside, 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 Lakeside 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 Lakeside partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Lakeside, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
18.8%
20.5%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
31.3%
34.1%
No sugar
No sugar
25%
31.5%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
31.3%
33.6%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
6.3%
8.1%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Lakeside 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 Lakeside communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Lakeside, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
25%
36.5%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
43.8%
43.5%
Room service
Room service
37.5%
36.9%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
43.8%
17.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Lakeside 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 Lakeside offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Lakeside, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
43.8%
45.3%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
31.3%
28.4%
Community service programs
Community service programs
31.3%
32.8%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
43.8%
49.3%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
50%
49.8%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
56.3%
54.9%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
43.8%
43.1%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
37.5%
37.7%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
43.8%
41.7%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
37.5%
47.5%
Live performances
Live performances
50%
47.3%
Dances
Dances
37.5%
32.6%
Fitness center
Fitness center
37.5%
39.8%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
43.8%
47%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
Photo cta image

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