Best Independent Living near me in Santee, California

Santee, located in San Diego County, California, is a suburban city known for its family-friendly atmosphere and recreational opportunities. With a small-town charm and a strong sense of...

Santee, located in San Diego County, California, is a suburban city known for its family-friendly atmosphere and recreational opportunities. With a small-town charm and a strong sense of community, Santee offers a variety of parks, shopping centers, and schools. The city's proximity to San Diego provides residents with access to larger metropolitan amenities while maintaining a quieter residential environment.

Costs of Independent Living in Santee

The average cost of independent living in Santee, CA, generally ranges from $2,500 to $4,500 per month. This range can vary depending on the amenities and services provided by the facility, as well as the specific location within the city.

Average Income in Santee

The average household income in Santee, CA, is approximately $85,000 per year. This figure reflects the combined earnings of residents and can vary based on factors such as employment and demographic characteristics.

Ranking of Santee among Top Cities in California

Santee is not typically ranked among the top cities in California in terms of overall livability or economic indicators. However, it is often recognized for its appealing suburban environment and quality of life, which contribute to its desirability as a residential area within the San Diego region.

Top Independent Living Providers/Facilities in Santee, CA:

Casa de las Campanas
Sagewood
Oakmont of San Juan Capistrano
The Meridian at Lake San Marcos

Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon

4.9

444 Prescott Ave, California 92020

Memory Care

Independent Living

Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon is a vibrant community that offers a range of living options, including independent living. What really stands out is their focus on activities and community engagement. Residents enjoy chair yoga, exercise classes, and dance sessions, which helps keep them active and engaged. The staff is highly praised for being friendly and attentive, with many residents and families highlighting their warmth and helpfulness.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$11,456 / mth

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Vi at La Jolla Village

4.7

8515 Costa Verde Blvd, California 92122

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Vi at La Jolla Village is a Life Plan Community, sometimes called a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), that gives older adults a way to age in place with a safety net of care options. Residents start out in independent living—think apartments with access to a salt-filtered pool, fitness classes, and a packed calendar of activities—but if needs change, they can move into assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing, all on the same campus.

Estimated Pricing

$4,494–$10,891 / mth

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Julie'S Elderly Care

4.6

9041 Inverness Rd, California 92071

Memory Care

Independent Living

Julie’s Elderly Care is one of those places that feels more like a real home than a facility. It’s a small, private house where only six residents live together, so everyone gets a lot of attention. Families talk about how the staff is always the same familiar faces—just four people, and someone is there around the clock. Each resident has their own bathroom, which is a detail that makes daily life easier and more private.

Estimated Pricing

$3,457–$9,149 / mth

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Sunview Gardens

4.6

13608 Aubrey St, California 92064

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sunview Gardens feels more like a big, welcoming family home than a typical senior facility. They focus on assisted living, with a handful of residents at a time, so the care is very personal. Each resident has a private room and bathroom, which families appreciate—no shared spaces unless you want them. The place is updated, bright, and has lots of room to move around. Felicity, the administrator, is hands-on and known for her communication.

Estimated Pricing

$3,444–$10,179 / mth

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Belmont Village Senior Living Sabre Springs

4.6

13075 Evening Crk S Dr, California 92128

Memory Care

Independent Living

Belmont Village Sabre Springs stands out for how it handles changing care needs under one roof. If you have a couple where one person needs more help than the other, they don’t have to split up—Belmont lets them stay together, even as needs shift. The place itself feels more like an upscale apartment building than a typical senior home, with well-kept rooms (mostly studios and one-bedrooms) and inviting common areas.

Estimated Pricing

$3,318–$10,891 / mth

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Paradise Valley Manor and Health Care Center

4.4

2575 E 8th St, California 91950

Memory Care

Independent Living

Paradise Valley Manor and Health Care Center is one of those rare places where the staff actually seem to know the residents as people, not just room numbers. Their team covers a lot: skilled nursing, rehab (including physical, occupational, and speech therapy), long-term care, and memory support. Several families mention therapists by name—like Angie in OT and Mary in speech—who go out of their way to help residents regain independence.

Estimated Pricing

$3,819–$11,716 / mth

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Paradise Village a Generations Community

4.4

2700 E 4th St, California 91950

Memory Care

Independent Living

Paradise Village in National City is a large senior living community that feels more like a small neighborhood than a facility. It covers 12 acres and offers a mix of independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents have a choice of floor plans, including studios and one-bedrooms, and can bring pets along, which is a big plus for many families. The staff is led by Senior Executive Director Bill Lawson, who is known locally for being approachable and visible around the community.

Estimated Pricing

$3,819–$11,716 / mth

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Parkview Memory Care at Paradise Village

4.4

735 Arcadia Ave, California 91950

Memory Care

Independent Living

Parkview Memory Care at Paradise Village stands out in National City for its warm, neighborly feel and a staff that genuinely gets to know each resident. Families say the team is gentle and patient, often mentioning how staff members remember not just names but personal quirks and preferences. The memory care wing is organized, clean, and feels more like a friendly apartment complex than an institution.

Estimated Pricing

$3,819–$11,716 / mth

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Pacifica Senior Living Poway

4.4

12750 Gateway Park Rd, California 92064

Memory Care

Independent Living

Pacifica Senior Living Poway stands out for its warm, welcoming vibe and the way staff go out of their way to make residents feel at home. Families and residents often mention Joanne by name—she’s known for making the move-in process smooth and for being a go-to resource when questions pop up. The apartments are roomy and clean, and the community is in the midst of a remodel, so common areas are getting a fresh look.

Estimated Pricing

$3,444–$10,179 / mth

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Lantern Crest

4.4

8549 Graves Ave, California 92071

Memory Care

Independent Living

Lantern Crest on Graves Ave in Santee is one of those places locals have heard about—sometimes for its resort-like look, sometimes for the stories that circulate in the senior care community. The campus itself is modern and spacious, with plenty of common areas, a library, and a wellness room. Residents can choose from independent living, assisted living, and memory care, so the place draws a mix of folks: some still active and social, others needing daily help.

Estimated Pricing

$3,457–$9,149 / mth

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Legacy Hills at Poway

4.4

12730 Monte Vista Rd, California 92064

Memory Care

Independent Living

Legacy Hills at Poway is known around town as a lively spot for Poway’s 55+ crowd who want more than just a place to stay—they want a place to live. Residents often mention the sense of community here, with plenty of social gatherings, group activities, and outings organized right on site. The grounds are well-kept, with patios and green spaces where folks walk their dogs or catch up with neighbors.

Estimated Pricing

$3,444–$7,045 / mth

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Good Samaritan Retirement Center

4.4

1515 Jamacha Way, California 92019

Independent Living

Good Samaritan Retirement Center on Jamacha Way has a reputation in El Cajon for being a genuinely caring spot for local seniors. It's not flashy, but families say the staff really pays attention – people mention nurses, caregivers, and even administrators (like Susan, who gets called out by name) for being patient and kind. Residents get help with the basics: bathing, dressing, managing meds, and there's always someone around if help is needed, day or night.

Estimated Pricing

$4,494–$6,761 / mth

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Wesley Palms Retirement Community

4.4

2404 Loring St, California 92109

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Wesley Palms Retirement Community isn’t just another senior living spot in San Diego—it’s a place where residents can actually shape their own daily lives. They offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care, so people can get more help as their needs change, without having to move again. The staff includes 24/7 caregivers and healthcare professionals, with experience in handling everything from medication management to advanced dementia care.

Estimated Pricing

$3,318–$6,738 / mth

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Angels Guest Home

4.4

9208 Bellagio Rd, California 92071

Memory Care

Independent Living

Angels Guest Home on Bellagio Road is a small, residential care home that feels more like a family house than an institution. The staff-to-resident ratio is low, so residents get a lot of personal attention—things like help with bathing, getting dressed, and reminders for medication. I’ve seen residents who need walkers or wheelchairs move around easily, since the home is all on one level and set up for accessibility.

Estimated Pricing

$3,457–$9,149 / mth

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Important things to know about Independent Living

Independent Living: A Guide to Choosing Ideal Communities for Seniors

Added: Jun 1, 2023

4 min read

Last modified: Nov 26, 2023

Seniors in independent living manage their day-to-day lives on their own. There is no staff to help with personal care

Learn more