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

La Vida Real

4.4

11588 Via Rancho San Diego, California 92019

Independent Living

Nursing Home

La Vida Real feels more like a lively neighborhood than a traditional senior residence. Tucked into Rancho San Diego, it's known locally for its Spanish-style buildings, palm-lined paths, and a layout that encourages residents to get outside and mingle. The community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care, so folks can stay put even if their needs change.

Estimated Pricing

$4,494–$11,456 / mth

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Caluya's Residential Care

4.3

2835 E Plaza Blvd, California 91950

Memory Care

Independent Living

Caluya's Residential Care in National City offers a warm, home-like environment for seniors. They focus on helping residents maintain a balanced quality of life with assistance in daily activities, medication management, and transportation for medical purposes. The facility is licensed for six residents, providing a personalized and intimate setting. While specific staff details aren't available, the emphasis is on creating a safe and nurturing space where residents can thrive.

Estimated Pricing

$3,819–$11,716 / mth

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Huntington Manor - Assisted Living Community

4.3

14755 Budwin Ln, California 92064

Memory Care

Independent Living

Huntington Manor feels more like a big, comfortable home than a facility. Families often mention how the staff know each resident by name and take the time to understand what makes them comfortable. The grounds are a real highlight—residents can stroll through flower gardens, feed chickens, or just relax by koi ponds and waterfalls. Meals are a social event here, with everyone gathering in a large dining room for food that's made soft and easy to eat, but still tasty and well-balanced.

Estimated Pricing

$3,444–$10,179 / mth

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Lantern Crest Senior Living

4.3

800 Lantern Crst Wy, California 92071

Memory Care

Independent Living

Lantern Crest Senior Living is the kind of place where families often notice the atmosphere right away—it feels lively, not stuffy. The community offers several levels of care, including independent and assisted living, as well as memory care. Residents have access to a lot of activities, from art classes and exercise groups to movie nights and outings. The rooms are spacious, and many have their own balconies, which families really appreciate.

Estimated Pricing

$3,457–$9,149 / mth

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Silver Heart Chateau

4.3

9724 Eucalyptus Ct, California 92071

Memory Care

Independent Living

Silver Heart Chateau is a small, residential care home tucked into a quiet Santee neighborhood, right next to Lilac Chateau. The place feels more like a family home than a big facility—residents have private rooms and can step outside to a rose garden or stroll along walking paths. The staff includes experienced caregivers on-site 24/7, and a Registered Nurse oversees each resident’s care plan, which is a plus for folks with changing health needs.

Estimated Pricing

$3,457–$9,149 / mth

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The Gateway and Gateway Gardens

4.3

12751 Gateway Park Rd, California 92064

Independent Living

Nursing Home

The Gateway and Gateway Gardens is a senior living community in Poway that offers both assisted and independent living. From what families and visitors report, the staff stands out for being friendly and helpful, and the community itself is kept clean and well-maintained. Residents can choose from studio or one-bedroom apartments, and the rooms are described as spacious with a good layout.

Estimated Pricing

$3,444–$10,179 / mth

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Kimball Senior Center

4.2

1221 D Ave, California 91950

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Kimball Senior Center is a familiar spot for older adults in National City looking for more than just a place to pass the time. Locals know it as a hub for social connection, practical health checks, and a little fun. The center runs a steady calendar of activities—think art classes, exercise groups, games, and even day trips. There’s a monthly blood pressure and diabetes screening, plus a once-a-year eyeglass program thanks to the local Lions Club.

Estimated Pricing

$3,819–$6,578 / mth

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Assisted Living Poway New World Villas

4.2

14125 Tarzana Rd, California 92064

Independent Living

Nursing Home

If you’re looking for a place where your parent can get real, hands-on help but still feel at home, New World Villas in Poway is worth a closer look. It’s a smaller, residential-style community—think more cozy house than big facility—which means your loved one won’t get lost in the shuffle. Families say the staff is attentive and genuinely gets to know each resident, and there’s always someone around if help is needed, day or night.

Estimated Pricing

$3,444–$10,179 / mth

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Monte Vista Village

4.2

2211 Massachusetts Ave, California 91945

Memory Care

Independent Living

Monte Vista Village feels more like a small neighborhood than a typical care facility. The campus is spread over eight acres, with lots of trees, gardens, and even a fish pond and waterfall—residents can actually stroll outside or relax by the pool, which is rare in this area. The staff includes registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, and there’s always someone awake and available at night, not just on call.

Estimated Pricing

$3,831–$8,768 / mth

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St. Paul's Villa

4.2

2340 Fourth Ave, California 92101

Memory Care

Independent Living

St. Paul's Villa stands out in San Diego’s senior care scene for its blend of old-school community roots and modern, flexible care. This place isn’t just about ticking boxes for assisted living or memory care – it’s about creating a real sense of home, especially for folks who want to stay active and social. Residents have their own private rooms, and the staff (including 24/7 licensed nurses) get to know each person, not just their chart.

Estimated Pricing

$3,318–$8,365 / mth

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Poway Gardens Senior Living

4.2

12695 Monte Vista Rd, California 92064

Memory Care

Independent Living

Poway Gardens Senior Living stands out for its genuinely home-like feel and the way residents are treated more like extended family than just tenants. The staff get a lot of praise in reviews—not just for being friendly, but for being attentive and really knowing the residents. Families mention that the team is quick to notice changes in health or mood, and they keep communication open.

Estimated Pricing

$3,444–$10,179 / mth

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Senior Care & Comfort Living

4.2

1019 Greenfield Dr, California 92021

Memory Care

Independent Living

Senior Care & Comfort Living at 1019 Greenfield Dr feels less like a facility and more like a family home. Residents often mention the relaxed, homey atmosphere—there’s no sense of being lost in a crowd here. Staff are known for being attentive and approachable, with several reviews highlighting how they keep the place clean and make sure residents are comfortable. Meals are home-cooked, and the kitchen is happy to accommodate special diets, whether that’s for diabetes or cultural preferences.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$8,340 / mth

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St. Paul's Manor

4.2

2635 2nd Ave, California 92103

Independent Living

St. Paul's Manor is an independent living community for older adults who want to stay active but appreciate having support close by. Residents live in their own apartments, with housekeeping and meals available, so daily chores are lighter. The Manor doesn't provide medical or nursing care on-site, which is important for families to know—it's best suited for seniors who are mostly self-sufficient but like the idea of a secure, social environment.

Estimated Pricing

$4,494–$6,738 / mth

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Grossmont Gardens Senior Living

4.2

5480 Marengo Ave, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

Grossmont Gardens Senior Living is one of those places locals talk about when someone needs more than just a safe apartment. The staff here actually gets mentioned by name in reviews—Christina, Suzette, and Alice are a few who come up, especially in memory care. Families say the team is attentive, and there’s a real effort to communicate, like using text messaging to keep loved ones in the loop.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$8,312 / 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