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 Cruz Senior Care

3.9

1882 Euclid Ave, California 92019

Memory Care

Independent Living

La Cruz Senior Care is a small, home-like senior care facility in El Cajon with space for just six residents, so it feels much more personal than the larger communities. They focus on assisted living, and it looks like they also help people who need more hands-on support—things like medication reminders, help with bathing, dressing, and getting around if someone isn’t very mobile.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$8,340 / mth

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MesaView Senior Assisted Living

3.9

7971 Culowee St, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

MesaView Senior Assisted Living feels more like a small, close-knit community than a big facility. Families talk about how the staff here go out of their way to make residents comfortable—one person mentioned a caregiver who rearranged their dad’s room so he could use his walker more easily and even hung his pictures to make it feel like home. The staff seem to know the residents well, and they’re good about keeping families in the loop, especially when someone has special needs, like diabetes.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$14,078 / mth

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Sungarden Terrace Assisted Living and Memory Care

3.8

2045 Skyline Dr, California 91945

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sungarden Terrace feels more like a small neighborhood than a typical senior facility. Residents have access to a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, including a theater lounge, putting green, and gardens where people actually spend time—not just a patch of grass out front. Meals are served restaurant-style, and the kitchen tries to accommodate individual tastes and dietary needs.

Estimated Pricing

$3,831–$8,768 / mth

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Lexington House

3.8

180 W Lexington Ave, California 92020

Memory Care

Independent Living

Lexington House isn’t a huge facility, but that’s part of its charm. It feels more like a real home than an institution—there’s a small group of residents, so people get to know each other and the staff pretty well. The caregivers are around 24/7 and help with things like bathing, dressing, and medication, but they also seem to genuinely care about the folks who live there.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$11,456 / mth

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Villa Alegre Ii

3.7

9345 Monona Dr, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

Villa Alegre II is a small, residential care home with just six beds, which means residents get a lot more personal attention than you’ll find in bigger facilities. It’s run by Villa Alegre LLC, with Donnah Rey Locsin listed as the administrator. Staff are on-site around the clock to help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, and getting around, and they’re also able to handle special diets (like for diabetes).

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$8,312 / mth

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La Mesa Healthcare Center

3.7

3780 Massachusetts Ave, California 91941

Memory Care

Independent Living

La Mesa Healthcare Center offers a range of services including assisted living, independent living, nursing home care, and memory care. While I couldn't find specific details about the leadership at this facility, reviews from employees highlight a supportive work environment with flexible scheduling, though they mention being short-staffed at times. Families considering this option should note that some staff members have reported heavy patient loads and minimal training.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$14,078 / mth

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Oasis Village Care

3.7

3865 Shirlene Pl, California 91941

Memory Care

Independent Living

Oasis Village Care is a small, home-style senior care home tucked away in a quiet La Mesa neighborhood. They’re licensed for just six residents, which means everyone gets a lot of personal attention—staff know each resident’s routines, quirks, and needs. The team is trained to help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication, but what stands out is their comfort in working with folks who have memory issues or behavioral health challenges.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$8,312 / mth

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Brookdale Clairemont

3.7

5219 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, California 92117

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Brookdale Clairemont is a mid-sized senior living community that focuses on both assisted and independent living. What stands out here is their approach to tailoring care: staff meet with each new resident and their family to learn about daily routines, preferences, and life history before putting together a personalized service plan. The building itself is two stories with about 100 apartments, and the grounds have a courtyard and tropical landscaping that give it a relaxed, SoCal feel.

Estimated Pricing

$3,318–$6,738 / mth

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Paradise Senior Living Apartments

3.7

2238 E 6th St, California 91950

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Paradise Senior Living Apartments in National City is a place for older adults who want a mix of independence and support. They offer both independent living and assisted living, so residents can get help with daily tasks if they need it but still have their own space. The apartments are designed for seniors, with features like accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. Staff are on-site to help with things like medication reminders, meals, and housekeeping.

Estimated Pricing

$3,819–$6,578 / mth

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Lexington Senior

3.6

250 E Lexington Ave, California 92020

Independent Living

Lexington Senior at 250 E Lexington Ave is an independent living community that feels more like a friendly apartment complex than a traditional senior facility. Residents have their own private apartments, and the building is kept very clean—something families notice right away. The staff here gets a lot of praise for being approachable and genuinely helpful.

Estimated Pricing

$4,494–$6,761 / mth

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Noble Living II

3.6

505 Hills Ln Dr, California 92020

Memory Care

Independent Living

Noble Living II feels more like a comfortable home than a facility. It’s a small, licensed six-bed house, so your parent won’t get lost in the shuffle. Residents get help with daily routines—things like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders—but the staff tailor support to each person. Meals are home-cooked, and the staff handle housekeeping, so families don’t have to worry about chores piling up.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$8,340 / mth

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San Diego Community Living Services

3.6

8282 University Ave, California 91942

Independent Living

San Diego Community Living Services (SDCLS) is not your typical senior care provider. They focus on helping adults with disabilities and seniors live more independently, mostly in their own homes or apartments. Instead of a facility setting, SDCLS offers hands-on support—things like daily living skills, community navigation, and help with appointments or errands. Staff work one-on-one with clients, following detailed support plans tailored to each person’s needs and goals.

Estimated Pricing

$4,324–$7,424 / mth

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The Springs

3.6

8070 Orange Ave, California 91942

Independent Living

The Springs stands out for its strong sense of community and the way management and maintenance staff genuinely look after residents. Several long-term tenants mention living there for decades, which says a lot about stability and satisfaction. The manager, Lyly, is frequently mentioned by name—people say she knows the residents well and responds quickly to their needs.

Estimated Pricing

$4,324–$7,424 / mth

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Hilldale Habilitation Center

3.5

7979 La Mesa Blvd, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

Hilldale Habilitation Center is one of those places that’s been around long enough—over 30 years—that you can usually find someone in La Mesa who knows a resident or staff member there. They focus on supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, not just seniors. What stands out is their Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) status, which means they’re licensed for people who need more than basic help but don’t require full nursing home care.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$8,312 / 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