Cedars @ Paradise Village

Pros

• The staff are outstanding and truly work as a cohesive team.
• Residents are friendly, helpful, and come from diverse backgrounds across the country.
• Paradise Village is a gem - a beautiful, diverse, welcoming community in South Bay.
• It feels like a five-star facility where residents and staff live together as a family.
• It is one of the best places to live, with outstanding amenities and service.
• The community offers a dynamic schedule of activities that keeps residents engaged.
• The amenities are outstanding: indoor heated saltwater pool, gym, resident gardens, tennis court, putting green, dog park, and more.
• The culture among residents and staff is warm, friendly, and engaged.
• Many reviewers describe Paradise Village as a cruise ship that never leaves port - full of social life and friendships.
• Paradise Valley Hospital next door adds convenience and supports aging in place.
• Paradise Village is in the final stages of being classified as a Blue Zone, reflecting its healthful lifestyle.
• The dining and social opportunities encourage residents to eat together and enjoy each other's company.

Cons

• They have been struggling for six months with staff who don't know how to make a bed.
• There appears to be no training program, and there is poor communication between management and staff.

Review

Paradise Village emerges in these reflections as a lively and deeply welcoming senior living community in South Bay, where residents speak with genuine warmth about the people who make it work and the life it enables. Long-time residents describe a culture built on teamwork and care, with staff members - across levels of responsibility - stepping in to help wherever needed. One resident, who has spent eight years as a single and one year with her husband there, emphasizes how the staff truly functions as a united team and how upper management will roll up their sleeves when the situation calls for it. It's a theme that many voices echo: a place where people feel seen, supported, and taken care of, not just by the system but by the colleagues who share the daily rhythms of life at Paradise Village.

For newer residents, the experience rings just as true, though with a slightly different cadence. A couple who recently joined - retired teachers in their 80s - describe a culture that is warm, friendly, and engaged, with neighbors from a wide variety of backgrounds. They highlight the richness of the social fabric: multitudes of activities that fit different interests and energy levels, from two half-hour daily exercise classes to a men's discussion group, humor classes, and guided seaside walks. They note weekly live music ranging from concerts to pop tunes, "wisdom circle" gatherings, happy hours, and intimate sessions like "Life and Death: Let's Talk." The invitation is clear: visitors are welcome, and the invitation to join is heartfelt.

The property itself is portrayed as a gem, a beautiful and diverse enclave that blends convenience with a broad spectrum of opportunities for companionship and quiet moments alike. Descriptions celebrate the setting, the accessibility of activities, and the sense that Paradise Village offers something for every mood - whether you want to be social or simply enjoy a peaceful day at home. Among the standout features cited across multiple reviews are the indoor heated saltwater pool, a fully equipped gym, and a garden where residents can cultivate their own plots. There are tennis courts, a putting green, and a wider array of amenities that create a sense of a five-star experience. The message consistently returned is this: residents and staff live together like family in a thriving, self-sustaining village.

For those who have spent longer hours within Paradise Village, the experience is equally robust. One long-term resident notes the overall quality of amenities and the safety and responsiveness of the staff, along with a comfortable apartment setup that includes a full kitchen and an in-unit washer and dryer. The feeling of independence paired with ready support seems to be the sweet spot for many: a place where one can maintain autonomy while benefiting from a supportive community. The sentiment is unmistakable in phrases like "one of the best decisions I've ever made," underscoring how deeply the community can align with personal goals and routines. The narrative of life here has a rhythm - schedules, social events, and the everyday practicalities of living well in later years - that many residents come to rely on.

A notable thread in the tapestry is the Blue Zone conversation - the idea that Paradise Village is in the final stages of being recognized as a Blue Zone, areas known for longevity and vibrant aging. A strong tour experience with a staff member named Ronda is highlighted as a turning point for some prospective residents, who are impressed by practical details such as on-site laundry and the hospital next door, Paradise Valley Hospital, which adds a layer of reassurance for aging in place. An update from 2025 amplifies the sense of continuity and endurance: the same village that attracted someone six years earlier now stands as a home that has weathered personal loss and changing circumstances. The writer reflects on 12 years in the community, including the passing of beloved Norton two years after moving in, and then the subsequent decades filled with friendships, activities, and a strong sense of belonging. The holiday seasons - Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve - are celebrated with extraordinary energy, underscoring how the village remains a place where life's milestones continue to be observed with joy and community support.

Yet, no portrait is without nuance. One review brings a candid note about a less-than-perfect experience: after the initial move, a resident and their family faced ongoing challenges with staff training and communication, particularly around something as basic as bed-making. It serves as a reminder that, even in a community widely described as outstanding, there are areas that can be improved, and that continued attention to staff development and management communication is essential for ensuring consistently excellent experiences for all residents.

Taken together, the mosaic of testimonials paints Paradise Village as a dynamic, compassionate, and multi-faceted community. Residents describe a place where the staff feel like teammates, where life is rich with events and opportunities, and where independence is nurtured within a supportive framework. There are memories of vibrant days filled with activity, evenings of music and conversation, and mornings that begin with wellness routines and friendly smiles. It is regularly framed as a home rather than a facility, a place where people know each other, look out for one another, and find meaning in shared experiences. For many, Paradise Village is not just a residence but a thriving, living community that they are proud to call home.

This part of National City, California, offers a range of amenities that may appeal to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community. With multiple pharmacies in close proximity, accessing medication and healthcare services is easily manageable. Additionally, there are several cafes and restaurants nearby for socializing and dining out. Access to public transportation, such as trolley stations and car rental services, provides ease of mobility for seniors. For medical needs, there are reputable physician offices and hospitals within a short distance. The area also offers various parks for leisurely walks and outdoor activities. Places of worship are available for spiritual fulfillment, and the nearby theater provides entertainment options. Overall, this part of National City presents a well-rounded environment with essential services and recreational opportunities for seniors seeking a comfortable living experience.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• NEX Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.7 miles)

Cafes

• Kung Fu Tea (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Copa Vida (4.8 miles)
• Ghirardelli Ice Cream And Chocolate Shop (5 miles)
• Tabac Specialty Coffee & Cigars (5.1 miles)
• Communal Coffee (5.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (2 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (2.5 miles)
• Tacos El Gordo (4.1 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (4.5 miles)
• Half Door Brewing Company (4.8 miles)
• Bub's at the Ballpark (4.8 miles)
• Tin Fish Gaslamp (4.9 miles)

Transportation

• 24th Street Trolley Station (2.4 miles)
• Gaslamp Quarter Trolley Station (4.9 miles)
• San Diego Santa Fe Depot (5.6 miles)
• Firefly Car Rental (6.8 miles)

Physicians

• California Retina Associates (4.4 miles)
• Internal Medicine Associates (6 miles)
• Sharp Rees-Stealy Otay Ranch (6.5 miles)
• NBHC Eastlake (6.9 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Vandever Medical Offices (7 miles)

Parks

• Quartyard Dog Park (4.7 miles)
• Embarcadero Marina Park South (5.1 miles)
• Balboa Park (5.1 miles)
• Balboa Park South Loop (5.3 miles)
• Pantoja Park (5.5 miles)
• Centennial Park (5.5 miles)
• Spreckels Park (5.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Naval Medical Center San Diego (4.8 miles)
• Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Cardiac Rehabilitation (5.7 miles)
• UC San Diego Medical Center (6.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Corpus Christi Church (5.2 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Mission Valley 2 (6.9 miles)