San Diego 55+ Communities

You’ve finally reached the point in your career and life where you are ready to retire. You have big plans for this well deserved time off and you can’t wait to get started. But there are still things that you need to take care of around your home. Maybe you want to downsize now that your children are all grown, and perhaps you’re ready to be surrounded by friends your own age who have similar hobbies.

This is where an independent living community, often called a 55+ community, is the ideal choice. The good news is that if you’re located in San Diego, California you have plenty of community options. San Diego is home to award winning communities including Elmcroft of Point Loma and Belmont Village Sabre Springs. While you’re enjoying your retirement you can also enjoy all the amenities and services that 55+ communities offer such as lawn and home care, easy access to medical facilities and professionals, prepared meals, planned activities and field trips, and so much more.

The Cost Of A 55+ Community In San Diego

This is going to be the big question that everyone is going to have when it comes to an independent living community. It is true that you will probably pay a little more than you would if you were living in an average apartment. For instance, the average rent in December of 2015 in San Diego for a one bedroom apartment was $1,635, and a two bedroom reached up to $2,033. It’s important to realize the money you’re paying not only goes towards your home, but also the services and extra amenities that come with these communities.

SeniorAdvisor has the latest listings of independent living communities in San Diego. You can search listings based on independent ratings, cost, and more.

How To Pay For A 55+ Community In San Diego

Before you give up on living in a 55+ community due to cost, there are a few ways that you can reasonably cover the cost. Unfortunately, in many cases, Medicaid and other benefits programs might not always cover the cost. Eligibility requirements differ from state to state, so you check with your provider to see how you can utilize those funds.

You can also look into AARP offerings, groups like Life Care Funding Group, and Social Security all have programs that can help you fund a 55+ community. You could also purchase Senior Living insurance that could cover some or all of your cost.

If you want to look beyond government programs or insurance, you can talk directly with community directors to see if they have financing options, or if they will allow you to choose services a la carte to lower the total cost.

Things To Expect From A 55+ Community In San Diego

Once you get a solid budget settled for your retirement, it’s time to decide what you desire to have in your community. The best idea is to make a list of all the items and qualities that are important to you during these years. A few points to keep in mind:

If you have pets, make sure the place you choose is pet-friendly.

Make sure the community allows family, young children and overnight guests.

Do you want an individual house or are you ok with apartment living?

If the location of the community near shopping, grocery stores, and other places you frequently visit?

If you don’t have a car, do they have a shuttle or easy access to public transit?

Do they offer prepared meal plans or do you want the option to cook for yourself?

Hone in on the basics of life that you would like in your new community so there are no surprises and you are able to live comfortably.

After that is decided you can look at all the extras and services that each place offers. San Diego is a beautiful city and is close to the beach, parks like Balboa Park, and is home to places like the San Diego Zoo and the USS Midway Museum. If those all interest you, make sure you find a community that offers trips and excursions.

You can also pick the things you would like to do when you’re home. If you like to golf or swim, many places offer these as part of your rent. There are so many other services like:

salons

religious services

entertainment

classes

dog parks

community game rooms

Anything you want to do, there is a community in San Diego that is right for you.