Known for its year-round sparkling, temperate weather and beautiful beaches, San Diego boasts an endless selection of things to do that are perfect for retirees and those looking to downsize. For empty nesters who are looking for an urban location, the city’s downtown has several great neighborhoods to check out, like the East Village. Thousands of residences are being built in this recently revitalized neighborhood. Many of these housing options offer the convenience of city living, but also have a lot of green space, providing the best of both worlds. 

You’ll certainly never be bored if you live here. The area is an academic hub, home to the San Diego Central Library, and San Diego City College, which offers numerous courses to those wishing to continue their education.  Baseball fans can enjoy visits to Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres. The area is also a cultural hotspot, home to the Saville Theatre, known for its jazz shows, and Moonshine Flats, a bar with great live country music.  The Gaslamp Quarter, renowned for its nightlife, is less than a mile away.  The world famous San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Air and Space Museum are both located in Balboa Park, which is on the northern border of the neighborhood, and features many additional attractions to explore, such as the Balboa Park Carousel, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and the Spanish Village Art Center.

For those looking for a coastal location, there are a number of lovely residential areas.  La Jolla, offers a quintessential slice of California living.  Surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean, with palm tree-lined streets, La Jolla has many fitness studios, restaurants (be sure to check out breakfast at The Cottage La Jolla), and great shopping. It is also home to the highly rated Scripps Memorial Hospital. Keep in mind, all of this convenience and beauty does come with a steep price tag.

Del Mar is another idyllic choice for retirees looking for a peaceful vibe with a seaside setting.  Known as a hideout for celebrities in the golden age of Hollywood, the city now offers a nice mix of suburban living with urban amenities.  Del Mar Plaza offers art galleries, shopping, and upscale restaurants.  For those who enjoy some excitement, there is the Del Mar Racetrack, which offers world-class Thoroughbred racing. At Jake’s Del Mar, you can have an unforgettable meal with a stunning beachfront setting.

If you’re looking for a location with an inland setting, the city of Poway may be a good option.  A close knit community just twenty minutes north of San Diego on Interstate 15, it offers a wide variety of housing styles with a suburban feel. For outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Poway has many hiking and biking trails, including the 2.8 mile Lake Poway Loop Trail.  Mount Woodson Trail, home to the well known Potato Chip Rock is close by, as well.  The city is also home to the Palomar Medical Center Poway, and several popular restaurants, such as Villa Capri Trattoria & Wine Bar. 

Lake San Marcos is an excellent choice for seniors looking for a resort-like setting with a lakeside location.  Though it has many restaurants and cafes, the town is more sparsely populated than many of its neighbors.  The St. Mark Golf Club is open to the public, and affords its players beautiful panoramic views of the area. For seniors with a love of learning, the affordable Learning Is For Everyone (LIFE) program at MiraCosta College is just a short 15 minute drive away in Oceanside, CA, another scenic coastal town. With so many residential neighborhoods to choose from, there is something for everyone in this sunny and vibrant city.