Moving to San Diego: Five 55+ Communities Worth Knowing About

Moving to San Diego often means trading cold winters for year-round mild weather, endless outdoor options, and a lifestyle that feels like a permanent vacation. If you are exploring 55 plus neighborhoods, this guide breaks down five standout communities across San Diego County so you can match the lifestyle you want with the right neighborhood.

What to look for when choosing a 55+ community

The best community for you depends on priorities: do you want golf every morning, a lock-and-leave condo, a close-knit manufactured-home neighborhood, or easy beach access? Consider proximity to medical care, HOA services, social programming, and whether you prefer a gated environment or a low-key neighborhood.

Quick comparison

• Oaks North (Rancho Bernardo) — Resort style amenities and a 27-hole golf course close to shopping and Lake Hodges.

• Emerald Lake Village (Oceanside) — Small, gated, Cape Cod–style manufactured homes with a friendly, tight-knit feel.

• Ocean Hills Country Club (Oceanside) — True country-club living with an expansive clubhouse and included executive golf course.

• Lake San Marcos — A lakefront master plan blending 55+ and all-age neighborhoods with boating and two golf courses.

• Regency Villas (University City) — Walkable, low-maintenance condos minutes from La Jolla and major medical centers.

Community profiles

Oaks North, Rancho Bernardo

Oaks North is a well established 55+ community with a mix of condos, attached homes, and single family residences across eight distinct neighborhoods, including the gated Chapala section. Floor plans generally include two to three bedrooms with low maintenance living.

Amenities are robust: the Oaks North Center offers a fitness room, arts and crafts studios (ceramics and woodworking), billiards, an auditorium, plus outdoor pools, tennis, lawn bowling, and walking trails. Golfers appreciate the 27 hole Oaks North Golf Course and convenient freeway access.

Emerald Lake Village, Oceanside

For a smaller, community oriented feel, Emerald Lake Village is a gated neighborhood of about 161 Cape Cod–style manufactured homes. Homes typically range from 1,100 to 1,800 square feet with two bedrooms, two baths, and two car garages.

The 3,500 square foot clubhouse serves as the social hub with a multipurpose room, fireside lounge, and catering kitchen. Outside, residents enjoy a pool, walking paths, and close access to Oceanside’s beaches, pier, restaurants, and healthcare facilities.

Ocean Hills Country Club, Oceanside

Ocean Hills is one of the most resort like 55+ communities in the county. Spanning roughly 350 acres and just a few miles from the ocean, the 27,000 square foot clubhouse includes hobby rooms, an art studio, woodworking shop, library, and a ballroom.

Outdoor options include tennis, pickleball, bocce, shuffleboard, a heated pool, and an 18 hole executive golf course that is included in HOA dues. Home styles range from duplexes to single family residences across multiple floor plans.

Lake San Marcos

Lake San Marcos blends waterfront living with a mix of housing types. The master plan offers both 55+ and all age neighborhoods with condos, duplex villas, and single family homes. Some neighborhoods are gated and some are not, and you can find options both with and without HOA oversight.

Recreational features are a highlight: two golf courses (including an 18 hole championship course), boating, kayaking, paddle boarding on the lake, pools, tennis, pickleball, restaurants, and a full social calendar that includes a yacht club, wine tasting, and travel groups. Downtown San Diego is about 30 minutes away, making it easy to keep city connections while enjoying a calm, lakeside pace.

Regency Villas, University City

If low maintenance and walkability are top priorities, Regency Villas is a smart pick. These 55 plus condos are minutes from La Jolla’s beaches and within walking distance to parks, restaurants, and shops.

Condos range from about 578 to 816 square feet with one or two bedrooms. The clubhouse includes a fitness center and multipurpose room with outdoor barbecue areas. The HOA handles landscaping, building upkeep, and trash service so you can lock and leave with confidence. The location also gives easy access to top hospitals, Torrey Pines golf, and the airport.

How to narrow your search

Start by listing the amenities you cannot live without: golf, social clubs, water sports, or walkability. Next, compare HOA fees and what they cover. Visit communities during a typical weekday and on a weekend to get a real sense of activity levels. Finally, factor in proximity to healthcare and family.

If you are moving to San Diego and want to downsize or right-size, be realistic about maintenance and lifestyle tradeoffs. A larger home inside a gated country club will feel very different than a lock and leave condo near the beach.

Frequently asked questions

Which 55+ communities offer the most active social calendars?

Ocean Hills Country Club and Lake San Marcos are known for robust social programming, with large clubhouses, classes, and frequent events. Oaks North also offers many clubs and amenities that keep social calendars full.

Are there good waterfront or beach options for 55+ buyers?

Lake San Marcos provides true waterfront living with boating and lake activities. For ocean proximity, communities in Oceanside and University City put beaches within a short drive while offering strong neighborhood amenities.

How important are HOA fees and what should I check?

HOA fees vary widely and can cover anything from landscaping and trash to golf course access and clubhouse operations. Always review HOA budgets, reserve studies, and what services are included before you commit.

Is it hard to find a lock and leave condo near La Jolla?

No, Regency Villas and similar condo communities in University City and La Jolla area provide compact, low maintenance units designed for travelers and full time residents who want easy access to beaches and city amenities.

Final thoughts

Moving to San Diego opens up a wide range of 55+ living styles from tight knit manufactured home neighborhoods to expansive country club communities. Identify the lifestyle you want and then match amenities, location, and maintenance expectations to that vision. If you are moving to San Diego and need help sorting options, a local agent can walk you through properties, HOA documents, and neighborhood culture so you can find the right fit.