Top 5 Neighborhoods to Retire in San Diego

The Southern California city of San Diego has always featured warmer climate living, military base life, and a retirement destination for years. With a total population of over 1.4 million, the area has been a destination for those wanting to settle down for their golden years since the years after World War II finished.

Its coastal location, warm climate, proximity to the sea, desert, and Mexico, and fairly large military presence have always been an allure to seniors from all over the country. Little wonder, military personnel, and officers make up a high percentage of retirees in the area as well.

However, because it is a bigger California city, San Diego also provides a good collection of amenities that only bigger population centers can produce. The arts and entertainment scenes are on par with any global city. San Diego has numerous natural resources such as parks, the Zoo, and conservation centers. More so, the municipal services are better than in other parts of the state.

The town is a hub for conventions and tourism. So, for those who would like to know the latest happenings in the industries, or just like to explore festivals and big events, San Diego is the headquarter of the congregation. Within the city, there are numerous neighborhoods, and a sizable number of them are prime locations for retirees.

Yes, La Jolla will always seem to be number one on the list, but that location is more of a millionaire’s market than a realistic destination for most people. However, many neighborhoods and developments provide different kinds of lifestyles for retirees including a huge selection of locales as well.

Those seriously considering San Diego as a retirement destination are going to discover that the city offers a large inventory of homes and apartments in every location. On top of hills, in valleys, and close to city centers, there is something for everyone in that area.

It is worth mentioning here that San Diego is an expensive city. The cost of living is quite high than in other parts of California basically because the town is such an attractive destination. Moreover, there is a clear scale of price based on how close or far a location is from the coast and beach area.

Here are some of the prominent neighborhoods to consider for the senior citizens and retirement community:

Rancho Mesa

Rancho Mesa is like many of the suburbs around San Diego, a developer-designed town right from the onset. Taking advantage of the natural hill layout in the area, Rancho Mesa is a half-hour drive from San Diego’s main town. It is home to all the big entertainment centers from Sea World to Qualcomm Stadium.

The area features all the large shopping and retail centers too, including many top-performing medical facilities, and plentiful parks and hiking areas. Residents, when not traveling outside the town, can have a daily choice of the local library, a community spa and pool system, parks, outdoor activity centers, and fitness centers, all to their benefit.

Just like Rancho Santa Fe, the community is gated and separated from outside traffic, creating an inclusive atmosphere for its residents. Many of the neighborhood events are focused around the main clubhouse, which features regular events, entertainment, and resources for physical fitness and leisure. There is also RV storage for residents and small pets are always welcome.

Encinitas

Properly nestled on the waterline, the Encinitas neighborhood is worth choosing by those who desire a low crime zone, top-notch medical facilities, an area close to the beach, and contemporary living, as well as condominium lifestyles.

This is the location for retirees who prefer to be closer to the hum of the city and love the vibe of ocean air. It favors folks who don’t want the responsibility of a complete home with landscaping and long driving commutes.

Golfers will also appreciate this location with the presence of Encinitas Ranch Golf Course. The neighborhood also caters to the Encinitas Arts Festival and the San Diego Botanical Garden. Many of its residents are big fans of water activities such as boating, fishing, and going to the beach regularly.

Solana Beach

Another coastal area with a seaside charm that resembles that of Encinitas. This neighborhood has numerous options for beachside homes, often with the stereotypical beach town vibe and two-story design. There are many condominiums and Italian Mediterranean-style housing, with many providing a clear view of the ocean and San Diego Bay.

Solana beach shares a common boundary with the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, which golfers will enjoy greatly. There are also a lot of lanes, paths, trails, and parks for hikers, runners, and bikers. Of course, the beach has abundant resources for swimming and boating, too. Many of the residents find most of their daily and basic needs at the nearby Solana Beach Town Center, only leaving town for big trips.

Poway

For those not living within the town, Poway may be popular for an Indian tribe casino with the same name. However, it is one of the more popular retirement destinations owing to its large collection of quality homes and exceptionally low crime rate. New residents and interested retirees will find different kinds of ranch homes, townhomes, and in-the-middle communities with a lot of space and special designs.

The town is also a major location where the Poway Center for Performing Arts hosts plays, musicals, presentations, and other events. Poway also features the Stoneridge Country Club, a favored destination for golfers and leisure fans. For outdoor hiking and wildlife activities, the adjacent Blue-Sky Ecological Reserve has a lot to offer, too.

El Cajon

On the south of San Diego downtown sits El Cajon, a big town for folks who want to explore and choose from a large selection of housing types. As a retirement gateway, El Cajon features probably one of the most affordable markets. In the same vein, residents are going to find enough amenities for families and seniors. More so, there are convenient shopping centers, municipal libraries, and parks and all are close to the major transportation routes. Take note, there are many more locations if a mixed community is a major concern.

Finally, San Diego is a collection of choices and perks worth looking at.