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 2024 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 2024 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 2024 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 El Cajon, CA

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If you’re looking for independent living in the El Cajon 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 El Cajon. 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 33 independent living facilities in El Cajon, 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 Chula Vista.

El Cajon Independent Living Facilities | 658 Reviews
Showing 30 communities
Last Updated: 3/14/24
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Best of Senior Living

The top senior living communities stand out for their exceptional care and support of seniors in independent living, assisted living, memory care, and in-home care. Our Best of Senior Living Award winners represent the top 1-2% of senior care providers nationwide based on reviews from those who matter most: residents and families.

Best Meals and Dining

Nutritious meals are one of the most important and valued benefits of senior living. Chefs and meal planners provide residents the right balance of vitamins and minerals – and so much more. The best make sure every dish is made with quality ingredients, tastes great and leaves diners excited for their next meal.

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Amenities
Providers
Types of care available in El Cajon, CA
Independent Living
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.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Assisted Living
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.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Nursing Homes
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.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Memory Care
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.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Residential Care Home
Residential Care Home
Residential 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.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Senior Apartments
Senior Apartments
Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Home Care
Home Care
Home care relies on trained aides to provide companionship and non-medical care for seniors living at home.
Recent reviews of Independent Living in El Cajon, CA
2.9 / 5.0

Very good services for safe assisted living, with perks not always available elsewhere, for seniors who are ambulatory. We picked this community, because of the proximity to home + 7/24 caregiver & nurse support.

5 / 5.0

White Sands facility has everything from independent living to skilled nursing. They have a lot of activities to offer, it is in a really beautiful location. We could not be happier with our decision, we know our mother is safe there. The food is excellent with a wide range of choices. The rooms are...

4.5 / 5.0

So far it's been very good. I don't have any complaints. I can call them, they are very receptive to phone calls. The staff is very receptive. They give you choices at meals so you always have options. Others have even told me that we found a good place. I am very happy with them so far.

Photo of Solstice Senior Living at El CajonCommunity card badge
99 Photos available
44 Floor plans available
9.9
Review score
89 reviews
9.9
Review score
89 reviews
5 star
65%
4 star
29%
3 star
4%
2 star
1%
1 star
1%
See all reviews
My mother is very happy here. The staff is friendly and attentive. My mother's care needs are take care of in an above & beyond manner. Grounds are reasonably clean. Fellow residents are also friendly....
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...
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Photo of Monte Vista VillageCommunity card badge
2424 Photos available
88 Floor plans available
10
Review score
74 reviews
10
Review score
74 reviews
5 star
67%
4 star
22%
3 star
7%
2 star
4%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I definitely would recommend this facility. It's a very healthy environment with a lot of fresh air, good activities also. My mom is thriving there. Great staff, also.
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.
Monte Vista Village is a charming senior community in Lemon Grove, CA, in San Diego County. We offer excellent assisted living and independent living options. Located amongst 7.5 acres of land (including a stunning tiered waterfall), Monte Vista Village is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy...
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Photo of Atria Collwood
1111 Photos available
55 Floor plans available
9.6
Review score
95 reviews
9.6
Review score
95 reviews
5 star
49%
4 star
36%
3 star
14%
2 star
1%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Everything that your parent will need in a community is at Atria Collwood. I had my father-in-law live with myself and my family for a few years and wasn't being active. You have a community that feels...
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.
Atria Collwood is a senior residence located in the famous city of San Diego, California. Residents here enjoy access to highly qualified doctors, specialists, hospitals and medical centers. This active city features beautiful coastal views, great fishing, sailing, and many ways to stay active....
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Photo of Grossmont Gardens
1818 Photos available
9.5
Review score
130 reviews
9.5
Review score
130 reviews
5 star
41%
4 star
38%
3 star
14%
2 star
5%
1 star
2%
See all reviews
Lower cost for value. Responsive when called or questioned. Food is unappealing to look at. Very little color in the dishes. One dinner cauliflower, chicken with a sauce (same color as cauliflower), and I...
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 The MonteraCommunity card badge
1919 Photos available
99 Floor plans available
9.4
Review score
86 reviews
9.4
Review score
86 reviews
5 star
55%
4 star
24%
3 star
8%
2 star
5%
1 star
8%
See all reviews
Staff is very willing help and they know everyone's names. The housekeeping is good. Communication with the family is really good. The move in was fantastic. The meals are good, too. I really like 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.
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 Sungarden Terrace Assisted Living and Memory Care
88 Photos available
9.2
Review score
33 reviews
9.2
Review score
33 reviews
5 star
58%
4 star
27%
3 star
15%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
We were enthralled by the welcoming atmosphere of Sungarden Terrace Assisted Living and Memory Care from the minute we entered. The building has been meticulously maintained and is constructed to make...
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.
Sungarden Terrace is family owned for over 19 years and takes great pride in providing excellent care in a warm, nuturing environment. Some of our staff have been with us since our doors opened. Our reviews are all 4 and 5 star reviews focusing on great care, a family-like atmosphere, excellent...
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Photo of Lantern Crest Senior Living
1010 Photos available
9.0
Review score
34 reviews
9.0
Review score
34 reviews
5 star
50%
4 star
38%
3 star
9%
2 star
0%
1 star
3%
See all reviews
My loved one only stayed there for 4 nights. She had to move out as they couldn't offer the care they say she needed. I would like to see a better intake process for the residents. If that had been more...
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
8.8
Review score
13 reviews
8.8
Review score
13 reviews
5 star
92%
4 star
8%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
My parents have been at Westmont for over 2 months. During their time there, they've been treated very well. They use the pool, participate in the exercise classes, and attend the social events - which...
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 Waterford Terrace Retirement Community
1818 Photos available
11 Floor plan available
8.5
Review score
28 reviews
8.5
Review score
28 reviews
5 star
60%
4 star
36%
3 star
4%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I would rate all the above questions with 5 stars. My Mother loves Waterford Terrace. I've eaten there and the food is excellent. The staff are all very kind and friendly. The monthly cost for her is...
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 Westmont at San Miguel Ranch
1010 Photos available
66 Floor plans available
Pricing promotion expiring soon
7.2
Review score
22 reviews
7.2
Review score
22 reviews
5 star
54%
4 star
32%
3 star
5%
2 star
0%
1 star
9%
See all reviews
The staff was friendly, helpful to my mother in law, kept her involved in activities, she was content and ate well. We felt it was a good choice in having her stay there. We were pleasantly surprised as we...
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.
Westmont at San Miguel Ranch is a beautiful, scenic assisted living center located in beautiful Chula Vista, San Diego County, California. Nestled along the coast of Southern California, seniors can enjoy picturesque views of San Diego and the Pacific Ocean. Offering a small-town feel in a large...
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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.
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Photo of La Vida Real
1111 Photos available
5 star
50%
4 star
50%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
It's a very nice facility. It's a really good quality place to go. I'm really happy with it. This is more of a memory care situation.
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 Cloisters of the Valley
55 Photos available
5 star
72%
4 star
21%
3 star
7%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I had good stay. They took good care of me while I healed up. The facility is beautiful and well maintained. Staff is courteous and responsive. Now I am able to return to work.
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.
Cloisters of the Valley offers complete residential senior care in a private, caring environment. If you are looking into an assisted living facility for your loved one, you will want to make sure you are getting the best medical care in the most home-like environment possible. Please stop by to...
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 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.
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 Peppertree Guest Home
5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I am overly pleased with the care my mother has been receiving at this home. I knew I loved it as soon as I walked into the kitchen and there was an overwhelming smell of a delicious home cooked meal. I also...
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.
5 star
0%
4 star
100%
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 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 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 Monterey Trellis
5 star
0%
4 star
100%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
This is a nice looking, smaller community. We had no complaints about this place in general, it was clean, and everyone was friendly. However, the area it is located in wasn't very good for my Uncle. He...
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 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 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.

Cost of independent living in El Cajon, CA

The average cost of senior living in El Cajon is 4531.85 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Riverview, CA with an average of 4445.65 per month.

Average cost comparisons near El Cajon, CA

Average monthly costs

El Cajon, CA

$4,532

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 is independent living?

Independent living offers a stress-free lifestyle for older adults. Independent living communities don’t provide personal care or supervision, but do offer generally healthy adults opportunities for socialization and hassle-free living. Independent living services often include:

  • Nutritious meals and snacks
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Home maintenance and repairs
  • Social activities and outings
Complete guide to independent living
How to Choose an Independent Living Community to Call Home
An Active, Engaging Retirement: Top 5 Benefits of Independent Senior Living Communities
Are You Ready for Independent Living? Ask Yourself These 14 Questions

Learn more about other types of senior living

Frequently Asked Questions

Monte Vista Village, Atria La Jolla and Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon are the top rated independent living facilities near El Cajon, California. See full list of communities.

There are 33 independent living facilities near El Cajon, California. See the full list.

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