2024 Best Places to Retire in San Diego County

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.28 out of 5  18 reviews

Former Resident: It's really beautiful and safe. It is rather expensive though. I went to a public school and the education there was fantastic.... Read 18 reviews

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• Population 3,956

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.43 out of 5  37 reviews

Current Resident: Tucked away on Southern California's sun-kissed sands, Solona Beach is a coastal sanctuary that offers a unique combination of unspoiled beauty, easygoing charm, and a strong sense of community. Nestled between the vibrant metropolises of San Diego and Del Mar, Solana Beach enthralls tourists with its immaculate shorelines, creative flare, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. There are many good restaurant places to eat including lots of pizza and Italian places.... Read 37 reviews

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• Population 12,946

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.41 out of 5  165 reviews

Current Resident: We love living here. We are originally from Santa Barbara and Australia. This feels a bit like both. We were lucky to be able to buy our house before the prices got away from us. I've heard it is expense here now. The last mayor told me an interesting statistic that stuck with me. This was before Covid. She said that 95% of of the residents work outside of Encinitas. And 95% of the workers in Encinitas live outside of Encinitas. I think that is quit telling. Since Covid, I know that many of my neighbors that used to commute to jobs in the Bay Area now work from home. But the employers are not here. I also now work from home part time.... Read 165 reviews

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• Population 61,942

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.26 out of 5  78 reviews

Current Resident: I love Coronado!!! Everything is close by and the local restaurants serve great foods that are unique. It's great that the beach is walking distance from everywhere.... Read 78 reviews

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• Population 18,871

• City in California

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  Rating 4.41 out of 5  385 reviews

Current Resident: Carlsbad is home to some of the largest Fortune 500 companies. Some of the best and accessible beaches in San Diego . It has become one of the best bike friendly cities in the country. The diversity of local restaurants is amazing! One of the largest Police departments due to its strong industrial base keeps citizens safe. A small regional airport for private planes. You would be hard pressed with the beaches and year around weather to find a better place to call home!... Read 385 reviews

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• Population 114,745

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 3.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: An area with a good variety of coffee shops, restaurants, retail shops and a few hiking options. The neighborhood has mostly older generations and families. It is very safe and clean.... Read 8 reviews

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• Population 4,080

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.22 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: Rancho Santa Fe is small and tight-knit town. There are plenty of community events throughout the year, such as concerts, farmer's markets, and holiday celebrations. Another great thing about Rancho Santa Fe is its location. The town is situated just a few miles from the coast, which means residents can enjoy all the benefits of beach living without the crowds and congestion of larger cities. Additionally, the town is surrounded by rolling hills and open space, which provides ample opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities. In terms of education, Rancho Santa Fe has some of the best public and private schools in the area. Overall, Rancho Santa Fe is a wonderful place to live. It offers a high quality of life, a strong sense of community, and plenty of opportunities for recreation and education. If you are looking for a safe, welcoming, and beautiful place to call home, Rancho Santa Fe is definitely worth considering.... Read 9 reviews

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• Population 3,033

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  190 reviews

Current Resident: I love it in Poway because of how comfortable and close everything is here. The school system here has been so inviting and diverse to teach me of all different customs while meeting different types of cultures. One thing I would change is making more available housing for those who want to move to our beautiful town because most houses do not go up for sale because generations don't want to leave.... Read 190 reviews

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• Population 48,737

• City in California

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  1,181 reviews

Current Resident: San Diego is an incredible city, with a little bit of something for everyone! I am a San Diego native, having lived here all 29 years of my life. I grew up in Encinitas, which is a charming beach town in north county San Diego, with lots of beautiful beaches, scenic hikes and excellent restaurants/bars. There are a number of excellent year round outside activities available to a San Diegan like surfing, beach volleyball, hikes, dog parks, fishing, parasailing and so much more! The night life is great and diverse as Pacific Beach sports wild and crazy clubs/bars packed with people, while Ocean Beach and North County offer quieter breweries and speak easy's that are a little more lowkey. The one thing I do not like about San Diego is the cost of living, as rent, gas, groceries and general living expenses are some of the highest in the country! So be sure to get a good job if you plan on living here. Overall 9/10 would recommend to anyone!... Read 1,181 reviews

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• Population 1,383,987

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  221 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to La Mesa a few years ago and have enjoyed it since day one. My neighborhood is amazing. I have friendly neighbors, the streets are clean and the area around my house is filled with lush green. La Mesa as a whole has a lot of diverse, small businesses and great community facilities. The area contains a lot while not feeling crowded. Plus, La Mesa is very close to a lot of other parts of San Diego which makes it very easy to go outside of La Mesa to visit other places. The community is very active with a lively Recreation Center where there is always some activity taking place. The food is fantastic because of the abundance of large chain restaurants combined with a lot of high quality hole in the wall restaurants. Though the area has been great overall, it still has a pressing issue. Like most of San Diego, homelessness is a big problem. It's difficult to drive down a main street without seeing a homeless person. So I'd like to see more or improved facilities for the homeless.... Read 221 reviews

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• Population 60,888

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.37 out of 5  38 reviews

Current Resident: The area is quite old, and great in terms of suburban life. We have a nearby mall and places to eat all around us with diverse and good food. We also have a nearby community college. However, this is not an area that provides entertainment (I.e. no karaoke, escape room, arcade) but we do have a local bowling alley.... Read 38 reviews

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• Population 13,473

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 2.6 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: Something about it is the houses are pretty spaced out from each other. Something that could change is how narrow the roads are.... Read 5 reviews

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• Population 3,698

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  307 reviews

Current Resident: I have had a great experience living in San Marcos for about 10 or so years. I do believe that the city could make a few improvements to the roads, especially in old San Marcos. Additionally, there is quite a bit of violence reported locally - multiple stabbings - so I think that there are safety improvements to be made and awareness to raise.... Read 307 reviews

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• Population 94,360

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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• Population 3,014

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 3.95 out of 5  22 reviews

Current Resident: Hidden gem in San Diego. Bigger lots compared to other places in San Diego. Master planned community built in the 80s... Read 22 reviews

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• Population 22,430

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.7 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: Bonsall is a great place to live if you want/need more space. The only complaint that I have, is the commute to run errands. For instance, there is no "quick trip to the grocery store" because the closest big grocery store is 20 minutes away.... Read 10 reviews

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• Population 4,131

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.12 out of 5  490 reviews

Current Resident: My overall experience with Oceanside has been incredibly positive. The laid-back atmosphere and strong sense of community make it a wonderful place to live. I've found the residents to be very supportive, creating a sense of pride in being part of this community. Oceanside's diversity adds to its richness, fostering an inclusive environment that I appreciate. If I were to share my experience with others, I would highlight the welcoming community, the laid-back lifestyle, and the diverse culture. Additionally, the beautiful beaches serve as a major attraction. As for changes would depend on personal preferences, but from my perspective, the positive aspects greatly outweigh any potential improvements. With its unique blend of characteristics, Oceanside has left a lasting and favorable impression on me.... Read 490 reviews

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• Population 173,722

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  180 reviews

Nearby Resident: Outdoor Activities: Santee is home to several parks, including Santee Lakes Regional Park, where residents and visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The city also has a network of trails, providing opportunities for walking, running, and biking. Sports and Recreation: Sports enthusiasts may appreciate the sports facilities in Santee, such as the Sportsplex USA Santee, which offers baseball and softball fields, batting cages, and indoor soccer. Events and Festivals: Santee hosts various community events and festivals throughout the year. These events can range from holiday celebrations to local fairs, providing opportunities for residents to come together and enjoy shared experiences. Shopping and Dining: The city has a mix of shopping centers and local businesses. Residents can explore a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops in the community.... Read 180 reviews

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• Population 59,497

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.05 out of 5  44 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived here for about nine years now and I love it. Compared to cities, Valley Center is more rural than suburban, with open lands and fresh air. The sunrise and sunset are always spectacular to look at! As a community, people are friendly and ready to help. There are lots of members of the community out for walks, runs, picnics and more. There are annual festivals at the local farm that get the community to come out and enjoy the food and other activities! I feel safe walking down the street, I always feel healthy, and I feel at home.... Read 44 reviews

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• Population 10,929

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  816 reviews

Current Resident: Chula Vista, California, boasts stunning weather and picturesque beaches that draw residents and visitors alike to its shores. The perpetual sunshine and mild temperatures create an idyllic setting for outdoor activities, making it a paradise for beach lovers. However, the city grapples with a notable crime level that casts a shadow on its beauty. The safety concerns for oneself and loved ones become a pressing issue, prompting reflection on the need for more stringent measures against criminal activities. As one navigates the dichotomy of Chula Vista's natural charm and safety challenges, the call for harsher punishments for criminals intensifies, a perspective shaped by the desire for a safer community. The discourse on gun laws further complicates the matter, as differing opinions emerge on striking a balance between personal safety and the need for stricter regulations.... Read 816 reviews

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• Population 276,103

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  14 reviews

Current Resident: Its great living. Quiet and convenient. A great place to raise a family. We enjoy the peacefulness and security of living in such a location.... Read 14 reviews

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• Population 6,018

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 3.79 out of 5  123 reviews

Current Resident: I have been living in Spring Valley since my freshman year of high school and I am now in my senior year of college and I love Spring Valley. It is very diverse and people from different backgrounds live here. You have a lot of local businesses here and stores are always close by. Spring Valley continues to develop with new stores opening up. The infrastructure like the streets is a little lacking however they are working to improve it. Cute parks and close to Bonita you have a nice view of the hills. I think my only concern would be the safety of the neighborhood but for the most part, I see a lot of families walking around.... Read 123 reviews

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• Population 32,496

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: Very pretty place to live, and most of the houses have large chunks of land attached. Aside from some occasional loud music and parties, one doesn't usually have to think much about neighbors. Very nice little park and library within most houses' walking distance.... Read 8 reviews

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• Population 3,179

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  29 reviews

Current Resident: Alpine is beautiful and close to amazing wilderness. I have always felt safe and welcomed although the area is California conservative, nationally moderate, in political views. The area is _incredibly_ safe. Missing pets and missing persons are often found in 20 minutes or less. The area is vigilant and helpful. Nothing stays open late, but otherwise there's a bit of everything here except big box stores. I work up here, and I've worked in Poway living here. I don't know what the commute would be like into downtown. It's 30-40 minutes to the beaches or downtown if you avoid rush hour.... Read 29 reviews

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• Population 15,911

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 3.85 out of 5  122 reviews

Current Resident: I moved here 35 years ago from the LA area searching for a safe and beautiful place to raise my family. Fallbrook is a picturesque little hamlet 25 miles from the ocean and flanked by two rivers. It consists of lush green rolling hills with avocado groves, citrus, and exotic fruits. It's number one export is actually flowers. The mild climate makes it paradise. It is a small town of 55,000 people so there aren't any malls or Walmart stores, but they are close by. Fallbrook has a rich art community as well and the average home is probably a million dollars. It has a very active Chamber of Commerce, cute shops, tasty restaurants and an excellent community newspaper. It's about as perfect as you can get in Southern California.... Read 122 reviews

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• Population 33,710