Side-by-Side Comparison of the Newest 55+ Communities in San Diego
Below is an at-a-glance comparison of the four newer 55+ communities in San Diego County that our homebuyers ask about: Junipers, Haddington at Côta Vera, Avante at Del Sur, and Auberge at Del Sur. All four are gated, newer, and closer to the San Diego urban core compared to traditional North County coastal communities.
We tour these communities regularly with 55+ buyers and sellers, so the notes below include both hard facts (homes, sizes, amenities) and real-world observations on climate, freeway proximity, and social opportunities.
Quick Snapshot – Location, Size & Overall Feel
| Community | City / Area | Built (Approx.) | # of Homes | Gated? | Location Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junipers | Rancho Peñasquitos (North Inland San Diego) | 2023–2026 | 449 homes (largest of the four) | Yes | Right next to I-15; very convenient for commuting & access to city/downtown, but freeway noise is a consideration for some lots. |
| Haddington at Côta Vera | Chula Vista (South County) | 2024–2026 | Approx. 127 homes (attached & detached) | Yes | South San Diego, near the border; warmest climate of the four; inland and at least ~20–30+ minutes to the beach. |
| Avante at Del Sur | Del Sur, San Diego | 2018–2021 | Approx. 120 attached condo-style homes | Yes | Walkable to Del Sur shops & services; inland but slightly closer to the coast than Chula Vista and Rancho Peñasquitos. |
| Auberge at Del Sur | Del Sur, San Diego | 2016–2018 | Approx. 206 homes | Yes | Luxury 55+ enclave near Avante; inland with a slightly milder microclimate than Chula Vista; resort-style feel. |
All four communities are inland (several miles from the ocean) and generally within a 20–35+ minute drive to the beach, depending on traffic. They all offer faster access to downtown San Diego, the airport, major hospitals, and employment centers than most North County coastal 55+ neighborhoods.
Home Types, Sizes & Layouts
| Community | Home Types | Size Range (Approx.) | Beds / Baths | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junipers | Large mix: attached homes (Lilac & Sycamore) & detached single-family homes (Woodlands) | Approx. 1,199–2,528 sq. ft. | 2–4 bedrooms, up to 3.5 baths (plan-dependent) | Biggest 55+ new community in San Diego with 449 homes; single-level & two-story options; first-floor owner’s suites in many plans. |
| Haddington at Côta Vera | Attached & detached single-family-style homes | Approx. 1,453–2,226 sq. ft. | 2–3 bedrooms, 2–3 bathrooms | 2-car garages, private yards, select view lots; modern designs; all in a new master-planned community in Chula Vista. |
| Avante at Del Sur | Condo-style homes (all attached), both single- and two-story | Approx. 1,544–1,787 sq. ft. | Up to 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms | Seven floorplans; two-car attached garages; in-home elevators in most two-story homes; second-story decks in select residences; highly walkable to retail & dining. |
| Auberge at Del Sur | Mix of attached and detached homes, all designed for single-level living | Approx. 1,276–2,923 sq. ft. | Typically 2–3 bedrooms, with optional lofts in larger plans | Some of the largest homes among these four; all single-level living (with some loft options); two-car garages; Summer House section has private driveways and scenic views. |
Amenities & Social Lifestyle
| Community | Pool & Clubhouse | Pickleball | Other Notable Amenities | Social Scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junipers | Yes – resort-style clubhouse, pool, spa, fitness room | Yes – pickleball courts | Trails, dog park, mobility sports hub, social clubhouse, onsite activities director; larger resort-style feel. | Largest community (449 homes), which typically means more clubs, groups, and social opportunities over time. |
| Haddington at Côta Vera | Yes – community pool and recreation area | No dedicated pickleball courts (as of latest info) | Part of the larger Côta Vera master plan with parks and community spaces; walkable-style environment in South County. | Smaller neighborhood (127 homes) = more intimate feel; social life also supported by the broader Côta Vera area. |
| Avante at Del Sur | Yes – pool, spa, and recreation facility | No dedicated pickleball courts (owners sometimes use nearby Del Sur/area amenities) | Walkable to Del Sur Town Center (Target, Sprouts, restaurants, coffee shops); urban-adjacent lifestyle with lock-and-go convenience. | 120 homes; good social potential, especially for those who like walkability and nearby retail. |
| Auberge at Del Sur | Yes – one of the most impressive clubhouses in newer San Diego 55+ communities | Yes – pickleball courts | Resort-style amenities including pool, spa, fitness, multi-use spaces, and beautiful communal grounds. | 206 homes; strong sense of community, but smaller scale than Junipers. Low turnover suggests owners really enjoy living here. |
What These Four Newer 55+ Communities Have in Common
- All are gated communities, which many of our clients appreciate for an added sense of security and privacy. For more gated options, see our Top 10 Gated 55+ Communities in San Diego County.
- All are closer to San Diego city proper compared to most coastal 55+ communities, offering easier access to downtown, the airport, major healthcare systems, and freeways.
- All are inland – at least several miles from the ocean. Chula Vista (Haddington) tends to be the warmest, while Del Sur (Auberge and Avante) is slightly milder and a bit closer to the coast.
- Each community has a pool and recreation area, plus a clubhouse or central gathering space to support social activities.
- They are all relatively new or newer (2016–2026), so homes feature modern layouts, energy efficiency, and contemporary finishes.
Key Differences to Help You Choose the Right Fit
- Community Size & Social Scale
If you want the largest number of potential neighbors and clubs, Junipers (449 homes) stands out. Auberge is mid-sized at 206 homes, while Haddington (127 homes) and Avante (120 condos) feel more intimate. - Home Type & Lifestyle
- Avante offers condo-style living with in-home elevators and is ideal for those who want a walkable, lock-and-go lifestyle.
- Auberge has some of the largest single-level homes and a more traditional “luxury 55+ neighborhood” feel.
- Haddington blends attached and detached homes in a new South County master plan.
- Junipers combines attached and detached homes in three collections, giving you a wide range of size and price points in one community.
- Amenities & Pickleball
If pickleball is a must-have, focus first on Auberge and Junipers, which both have pickleball courts. Haddington and Avante do not currently have dedicated pickleball courts but still offer pools and clubhouses. - Climate & Micro-Location
Haddington in Chula Vista tends to be the warmest. Auberge and Avante in Del Sur often enjoy a slightly milder inland climate and are a bit closer to the coast. All four are inland and at least ~20 minutes or more from beaches, depending on traffic. - Freeway Proximity & Noise
Junipers is located directly adjacent to I-15, which makes it highly convenient for getting around San Diego—but also means freeway noise can be a factor, especially for homes closer to the edge. As local 55+ specialists, we always help our clients walk lots and evaluate noise, views, and privacy in person.
If you’d like help deciding between Haddington, Junipers, Avante, and Auberge based on your budget, desired lifestyle, and preferred location, please contact DreamWell Homes Realty. We specialize in San Diego 55+ communities and can share real-time insights, recent sales, and on-the-ground observations from visiting these neighborhoods with our clients.
Schedule to see homes in your preferred San Diego 55+ Community with DreamWell Homes Realty
Ready to Find Your Forever Home in San Diego?
Contact Jean and Ken Tritle, the husband-and-wife real estate team behind DreamWell Homes Realty— your trusted guide to traditional construction (stick-built) premier San Diego 55+ communities real estate.
Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or searching for the perfect active adult community, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
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Email: jeanken@dreamwellhomes.com
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