Independent Living in Santee, CA

CS&CH

Reviewed by Catharine Shepard & Christy Howell

Last updated March 01, 2025

Santee offers a diverse range of 12 Independent Living communities giving families varied options to choose from. The communities in the Santee area have a average rating of{' '} 9.9 out of 10. Seniorly also uses Seniorly Price Estimate for cost comparisons with nearby cities, and even highlights new construction facilities for those seeking modern amenities. Families can look at 262 photos, 982 ratings and reviews, and 8 prices in the Santee area to get a sense of independent living in the area. If you're looking for modern amenities, keep an eye out for our "new construction" badge which will help you find the newest facilities in your area. The new age of retirement living is here, with so many options for independent seniors. From all-inclusive retirement communities to luxury facilities for those who want to stay active, we've got the most comprehensive set of options. Many of these facilities also offer assisted living and memory care, so if you're looking for a community that allows you to age in place, there are plenty of choices. For personalized assistance, Seniorly local advisors Catharine Shepard & Christy Howell, Carla Cary and BarDee Johnston are available to help with your search.

The 12 Best Independent Living Communities in Santee, CA

12 communities near Santee, CA

Verified

Westmont Of La Mesa

9000 Murray Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942

Assisted Living , Memory Care , Independent Living

"Westmont of la Mesa is truly a resort like community. My parents moved in here even though they were very independent because of all the activities and social programs. The biggest plus was the indoor pool that my mother uses everyday. They are in the independent side of the community but it also offer more care for the future. The staff is also a plus." - Blanch

From $5,750/mo

9.9

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Verified

Lantern Crest

800 Lantern Crest Way, Santee, CA 92071

Assisted Living , Memory Care , Independent Living

"I can't say enough about Lantern Crest. The staff is so friendly and.caring. My mom and dad moved here in 2019. I have eaten here 5000 times because I love the food so much. And they care! We are now moving to memory care and Lantern Crest is with us every step of the way! Thank you." - Richard C.

From $4,350/mo

9.8

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Waterford Terrace Retirement Community - image 1

Waterford Terrace Retirement Community - image 2

Waterford Terrace Retirement Community

5580 Aztec Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942

Independent Living

Waterford Terrace Retirement Community, nestled in the heart of La Mesa, California, offers a welcoming and intimate environment for seniors seeking a vibrant independent living experience. This charming community is designed to provide residents with a sense of comfort and security, while fostering an engaging lifestyle enriched by a variety of amenities and activities. Managed by the reputable S...

From $3,100/mo

9.9

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Verified

Best of 2025

Grossmont Gardens Senior Living - image 1

Grossmont Gardens Senior Living - image 2

Grossmont Gardens Senior Living

5480 Marengo Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942

Assisted Living , Memory Care , Independent Living , Skilled Nursing Facility

"In the time that i've resided in Grossmon Gardens, I have found the staff to be open and welcoming. At the start of every month, residents join the staff for a meeting where to give input, voice our concerns and criticisms. The food is really really good that I have even put on some weight." - Storm

From $1,890/mo

9.9

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Verified

La Vida Real

11588 Via Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, CA 92019

Assisted Living , Memory Care , Independent Living

"La Vida Real has a warm and welcoming feel. From the staff and other residents out and about at activities. There is something for everyone!" - Kim

9.9

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Best of 2025

Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon - image 1

Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon - image 2

Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon

444 Prescott Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92020

Independent Living

Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon offers a vibrant and welcoming environment for those seeking an independent living community. Nestled in a lively neighborhood, the community is surrounded by the convenience of nearby amenities such as CVS Pharmacy, Mal Al Sham restaurant, and Starbucks café, all within a short stroll. Residents enjoy the comfort of knowing that essential services and delightfu...

From $3,095/mo

9.9

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Verified

Sungarden Terrace

2045 Skyline Drive, Lemon Grove, CA 91945

Assisted Living , Memory Care , Independent Living

Sungarden Terrace is a distinguished senior living community that has been dedicated to serving seniors for over 17 years. Nestled in a vibrant neighborhood, it offers a supportive and enriching environment for its residents. The community is well-regarded for its comprehensive care and medical services, ensuring residents receive the assistance and support they need to thrive. The highly trained...

From $3,800/mo

9.9

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Verified

Best of 2025

Monte Vista Village

2211 Massachusetts Avenue, Lemon Grove, CA 91945

Assisted Living , Independent Living

Monte Vista Village is a senior living community that takes pride in its commitment to providing exceptional care and medical services to its residents. The community offers a comprehensive range of health care services, including 12-16 hour nursing, a 24-hour call system, and around-the-clock supervision. Residents also benefit from assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and ...

From $2,280/mo

9.9

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Verified

Atria Collwood

5308 Monroe Avenue, San Diego, CA 92115

Assisted Living , Independent Living

"We toured this community for my mother who needs assisted living. She liked the dining options as well as the library but overall felt like it was a better choice for someone more independent. " - Connor

From $2,895/mo

9.7

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Verified

The Glen at Scripps Ranch

9800 Glen Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92131

Assisted Living , Independent Living

"Amazing sprawled community for seniors. We lived here with my in laws for a few days and it is very upscale. Very safe because it is guarded 24/7. Very easy pathways for people who are in wheel chairs. Lots of activities and we say a lot of active people throughout our 5 days there. Our in laws have been living there for almost 9 months and have nothing but nice things to say about this community...." - Daniel

From $5,700/mo

9.6

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Verified

Nazareth House

6333 Rancho Mission Road, San Diego, CA 92108

Assisted Living , Independent Living

Nazareth House San Diego is a senior living community that stands out for its exceptional care and medical services. Nestled in a serene hillside location, this community offers a tranquil environment where residents can enjoy a fulfilling and secure lifestyle. The dedicated team at Nazareth House is committed to providing a safe and loving atmosphere, where seniors are encouraged to maintain thei...

From $5,000/mo

9.5

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Verified

Mesaview Senior Assisted Living - image 1

Mesaview Senior Assisted Living - image 2

Mesaview Senior Assisted Living

7971 Culowee Street, La Mesa, CA 91942

Assisted Living , Memory Care , Independent Living

MesaView Senior Assisted Living is a vibrant community dedicated to providing exemplary care and medical services for its residents. This medium-sized community offers a range of health care services, including 24-hour supervision, medication management, and assistance with daily living activities. With a focus on enhancing the quality of life for those with mild cognitive impairments, MesaView en...

From $4,300/mo

8.5

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1 - 12 of 12 results

Compare average cost of independent living in Santee, CA area with nearby cities

The figures below show the average monthly starting costs for independent living of nearby cities. Keep in mind that these figures are an average, and that the numbers used to calculate it spanned a wide range. In fact, Seniorly data suggests that most families will underestimate their monthly budget by almost 20%, meaning that once inclusions and services are factored in, they can actually afford more than they originally thought.

$5,439/mo

El Cajon

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$5,425/mo

Lakeside

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$4,585/mo

La Mesa

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$5,412/mo

Spring Valley

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$4,896/mo

Lemon Grove

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$5,041/mo

Poway

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Independent Living amenities in Santee area

100% of these independent living offer resident-run activities

100% of these independent living offer fitness activities

100% of these independent living have walking paths

100% of these independent living have a restaurant style

Average Seniorly Community Score in Santee

9.8

Excellent

Seniorly Community Score

What is Seniorly Community Score?

The Seniorly Community Score is a comprehensive and unbiased rating system that takes into account multiple factors crucial to senior living quality. We've meticulously analyzed thousands of senior living communities across the country to create an innovative and accurate assessment of each community's strengths and offerings. The Seniorly Community Score employs a user-friendly scale from 1 to 10, with 10 signifying an exceptional senior living community and 1 representing the lower end of quality, ensuring an easy-to-understand and transparent evaluation for families.

Get to know Santee area

Total population: 1,904

30% of population is 50+ years old, 12% is 65+ years old

Median income: $61,490

The poverty rate is 6% higher for this region compared to the California state average, which is 12%

Diversity

9% Asian, 13% Hispanic, and 71% White of population

Learn about independent living citations in Santee, CA

Santee independent living communities had an average of 3 citations in 2023. This is 27.59% lower than the San Diego County average of 4.14 citations and 55.25% lower than the California average of 6.7 citations.

What are citations?

Citations are official notifications issued by regulatory agencies during inspections of independent living facilities. These citations are given when violations or deficiencies related to resident safety, care, or adherence to regulations are identified. They serve as a means to highlight areas where the facility may not be meeting the required standards, prompting the need for corrective action. Citations can range in severity, with Type A citations addressing more serious violations that may pose potential harm to residents, and Type B citations addressing less severe infractions.

Learn about independent living allegations in Santee, CA

Santee independent living communities had an average of 32 allegations in 2023. This is 247.29% higher than the San Diego County average of 9.21 allegations and 90.8% higher than the California average of 16.77 allegations.

What are allegations?

Allegations are critical in California independent living licensing compliance as they signal potential issues and trigger thorough investigations. By addressing allegations promptly, regulators can enforce corrective actions, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for senior living communities' residents. Maintaining accountability through investigations helps uphold the highest standards of care in the industry.

Learn about independent living inspections in Santee, CA

Santee independent living communities had an average of 3 inspections in 2023. This is 21.15% higher than the San Diego County average of 2.48 inspections and 9.58% higher than the California average of 2.74 inspections. A lower number of inspections in independent living facilities is actually better because it indicates a higher level of consistent compliance with regulations and standards.

What are inspections?

Inspections play a vital role in the context of California independent living licensing compliance as they are key to maintaining the highest standards of care and safety for seniors. Regular and thorough inspections are conducted by regulatory authorities to assess whether independent living facilities meet the required licensing standards and regulations. These inspections help identify any potential issues, deficiencies, or violations within the facilities, ensuring prompt corrective actions and improvements are implemented. By holding facilities accountable through inspections, California can ensure that seniors residing in these communities receive the best possible care and support, fostering an environment of trust and confidence for families seeking suitable living options for their loved ones.

Explore other types of communities in Santee, CA

Independent Living

For active older adults who want to downsize to a home in a retirement community but don't need help to live independently.

Memory Care

A supervised and secured community designed to support engagement and quality of life for residents living with dementia.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

For residents who want to age in place as their care needs change—from Independent Living to nursing care. Requires a buy-in fee.

Nursing Homes

For seniors with more serious medical needs who require skilled care following a hospitalization, illness, or surgery. Nursing Homes are also known as skilled nursing facilities.

Board and Care Home

Homes in residential neighborhoods that are equipped and staffed to provide daily care for a small number of residents.