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

Plaza Village Senior Living

4.2

950 L Ave, California 91950

Memory Care

Independent Living

Plaza Village Senior Living is a community where residents can get more than just basic care—they can keep a sense of home and independence, even if they need extra support. The setup is different from most places: instead of long hallways and big dining rooms, residents live in smaller 'neighborhoods' with just a few bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a shared living space. This makes it feel more like a real home and less like an institution.

Estimated Pricing

$3,819–$11,716 / mth

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Skyview Gardens Assisted Living

4.2

14215 Midland Rd, California 92064

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Skyview Gardens is a small, family-run senior care home that stands out for its personal touch and genuine sense of community. With just 15 rooms, it feels more like a cozy house than a facility. Residents get help with daily needs—things like bathing, dressing, and medication—without losing their sense of independence. Staff are on-site 24/7, and there's always an LVN on call for health issues. Meals are cooked homestyle and served family-style, and snacks are always available.

Estimated Pricing

$3,444–$10,179 / mth

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Atria La Jolla

4.2

4025 Pulitzer Pl, California 92122

Independent Living

Atria La Jolla feels more like an upscale condo community than a typical senior residence. The apartments come with full kitchens, private patios or balconies, and even Alexa smart home devices—so residents can adjust the thermostat or call the front desk with just their voice. The community is known for its lively social calendar, with everything from art classes to group outings and happy hours. There’s a heated pool and hot tub, plus a beauty salon on site.

Estimated Pricing

$4,494–$6,738 / mth

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Atria Collwood

4.1

5308 Monroe Ave, California 92115

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Atria Collwood feels like a lively neighborhood hub for older adults who want both independence and support. The staff includes registered nurses and licensed practical nurses on-site 24/7, so residents can get help with things like medication, diabetes care, or even wound management when needed. For daily routines, caregivers are there to assist with bathing, dressing, and meals, but they also step back when folks want to do things on their own.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$6,761 / mth

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Care Plus Mansion

4.1

2579 Windmill View Rd, California 92020

Memory Care

Independent Living

If you're looking for a place where your parent can get real support without feeling lost in the shuffle, Care Plus Mansion is worth a look. It's a smaller, home-like setting, so the staff really gets to know each resident—you're not just a room number here. From what families say, people appreciate how attentive and kind the caregivers are, especially with memory care. There are nurses on staff and a doctor on call, which is reassuring if your loved one has changing health needs.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$11,456 / mth

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Devoted Caregivers San Diego

4.1

3450 Bonita Rd #103, California 91910

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Devoted Caregivers San Diego is the kind of place families in the South Bay turn to when an aging parent needs a little extra help, but you want them to stay in their own home. They focus on in-home support—things like help with bathing, dressing, meal prep, and making sure medications aren’t missed. You’ll often hear the name Yazmin come up in reviews; she leads the team and is known for being hands-on and quick to respond when families call with questions or concerns.

Estimated Pricing

$4,494–$10,891 / mth

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Parkway Village

4.1

735 Arcadia Ave, California 91950

Memory Care

Independent Living

Parkway Village, also known as Paradise Village or Parkview Memory Care at Paradise Village, is one of the more lively senior communities in National City. What stands out right away is how active and social the place feels—there are always residents out and about, chatting, joining activities, or just enjoying the common spaces. The staff here have a reputation for being approachable and genuinely knowing the residents by name, which makes a big difference.

Estimated Pricing

$3,819–$6,578 / mth

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Westmont of La Mesa

4.1

9000 Murray Dr, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

Westmont of La Mesa is the kind of place that looks impressive when you walk in—lots of natural light, modern spaces, and a real sense of activity. What families usually notice first is how friendly and present the staff are. Residents get help with daily needs like bathing, medication reminders, and meals, but the approach is pretty individualized. There’s a full-time nurse on staff, and therapists come in as needed.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$14,078 / mth

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Grossmont Gardens Memory Care

4.1

4960 Mills St, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

Grossmont Gardens Memory Care stands out for its personalized approach to care. Families appreciate the staff's attention to detail and kindness, with caregivers like Alice and Christina making a significant impact on residents' lives. The facility offers a range of activities, including creative arts and music programs, which help engage residents and foster a sense of community.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$8,312 / mth

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Lo-Har Senior Living

4.1

768 Dorothy St, California 92019

Memory Care

Independent Living

Lo-Har Senior Living is a smaller, home-like community focused on seniors who need extra support, especially those living with dementia or Alzheimer's. The staff here includes registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and medication technicians who are on-site or on-call 24/7. That means residents get help with things like bathing, dressing, medication management, and mobility, including Hoyer lift transfers if needed.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$11,456 / mth

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Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill

4.1

2567 2nd Ave, California 92103

Memory Care

Independent Living

If you’re looking at Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill for your parent, here’s what stood out to me after digging around. First, it’s not just another senior community—it’s got a real neighborhood vibe, right in the heart of Bankers Hill, with easy walks to shops, Balboa Park, and even harbor views from the rooftop deck[2][3]. The building itself mixes modern touches with cozy, traditional design, so it feels more like a home than an institution[2].

Estimated Pricing

$3,318–$8,365 / mth

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Waterford Terrace Retirement Community

4.1

5580 Aztec Dr, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

Waterford Terrace Retirement Community is known around La Mesa for its friendly, low-key atmosphere and practical approach to senior living. The community focuses on independent living, but families should know that assisted living and memory care are handled through outside providers, not by Waterford’s own staff.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$14,078 / mth

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Los Arcos Senior Housing

4.1

12740 Gateway Park Rd, California 92064

Memory Care

Independent Living

Los Arcos Senior Housing stands out in Poway for being a genuinely affordable option for seniors, especially those on a fixed income. Unlike many senior communities that require large buy-in fees or have high monthly costs, Los Arcos offers rents ranging from about $400 to $1400 per month, with eligibility based on income limits. The building is a two-story, 84-unit complex designed for adults 55+, with special units for those with mobility or sensory challenges.

Estimated Pricing

$3,444–$7,045 / mth

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Parkview Gardens Assisted Living

4.1

14203 Midland Rd, California 92064

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Parkview Gardens feels more like a big family home than a facility. It's a small, 6-bed residential care setting where everyone gets to know each other. The owner and his wife are hands-on—they're around often, checking in and making sure every resident feels like part of the family. The caregivers here are known for being genuinely attentive, not just going through the motions.

Estimated Pricing

$3,444–$10,179 / mth

Go to provider page

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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