About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2025 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2025 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2025 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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10 Best Independent Living Communities in Santee, CA

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The cost of independent living in Santee is about $4,585 per month. To find the best independent living for your preferences and budget, browse these 34 options. Read 972 reviews, see photos, and learn about amenities that make independent living the ideal next step for adults 55+ who wish to enjoy friendships and hobbies without the hassle of cooking and home maintenance.

As you explore independent living near you, you may also want to consider options in areas like You may also consider nearby communities such as San Diego, Escondido and Coronado.

Santee Independent Living Facilities | 972 Reviews

Showing 31 communities
Last Updated: 12/5/25
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Best of Senior Living

The highest-rated senior living communities stand out for their exceptional care and support of seniors in independent living, assisted living, memory care and home care. Our Best of Senior Living Award winners represent the top reviewed senior care providers nationwide based on reviews submitted by residents and families.

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Photo of Monterey Trellis
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Presidio Place
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Monterey Trellis
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
This is a nice looking, smaller community. We had no complaints about this place in general, it was clean, and everyone was friendly. However, the area it is located in wasn't very good for my Uncle. He...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Nazareth House
5 star
67%
4 star
11%
3 star
22%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Our Dad spent 5 1/2 years at Nazareth House. During that time, we visited almost every. We observed interaction between many caregivers and residents. From not only our experience with Dad but others, the...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Nazareth House San Diego is committed to offering active elders personalized assistance, supportive services, and compassionate care in a Catholic, spirit-centered, loving community. Your safety, care, and assistance are assured while your independence is encouraged.The focus at Nazareth House is...
Photo of Glen At Scripps Ranch Ccrc
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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Cost of independent living in Santee, CA

The average cost of senior living in Santee is $4,585 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Lake Riverside, CA with an average of $3,026 per month.

Independent living costs in Santee, CA, vs. nearby cities

Santee, CA
$4,585/mo
$4,622/mo
$4,804/mo

Independent living costs in Santee, CA, vs. state and national averages

Santee, CA
$4,585/mo
U.S. national average
$4,203/mo

Independent living costs in Santee, CA, vs. other senior living options

$6,003/mo
Independent Living
$4,585/mo

Independent living costs in Santee, CA, by floor plan type

Semi-Private
$4,366/mo
Studio
$5,146/mo
1 Bedroom
$6,396/mo
2 Bedroom
$6,507/mo
Detached Cottage/Bungalow
$7,945/mo

Senior living costs in Santee vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column communityType: Community type
Column destination: Santee, CA
Column state: California
Column national: U.S.
Community typeSantee, CACaliforniaU.S.
Independent Living$4,585/mo$4,699/mo$4,203/mo
Assisted Living$4,713/mo$4,504/mo$4,740/mo
Memory Care$6,003/mo$5,460/mo$5,004/mo
Independent Living
Santee, CA:$4,585/mo
California:$4,699/mo
U.S.:$4,203/mo
Assisted Living
Santee, CA:$4,713/mo
California:$4,504/mo
U.S.:$4,740/mo
Memory Care
Santee, CA:$6,003/mo
California:$5,460/mo
U.S.:$5,004/mo
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Independent living costs in Santee, CA, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly independent living costs have shifted over the past five years in Santee and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent quarterly averages of what seniors actually paid after moving into A Place for Mom partner communities.

Santee, CACA stateNational

Independent living cost trends in Santee, CA

The table below shows how monthly independent living costs in Santee have changed in the last two years and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent averages of actual costs paid by seniors who moved into A Place for Mom partner communities in 2023 and 2024.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column location: Location
Column cost2024: 2024 average cost
Column cost2023: 2023 average cost
Column percentChange: Percent change
Location2024 average cost2023 average costPercent change
Santee, CA$3,451/mo$3,255/mo+6.0%
California$3,692/mo$3,631/mo+1.7%
National$3,261/mo$3,166/mo+3.0%
Santee, CA
2024 average cost:$3,451/mo
2023 average cost:$3,255/mo
Percent change:+6.0%
California
2024 average cost:$3,692/mo
2023 average cost:$3,631/mo
Percent change:+1.7%
National
2024 average cost:$3,261/mo
2023 average cost:$3,166/mo
Percent change:+3.0%
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Discover the many ways to pay for senior living

Planning ahead can better position you to make good choices for your loved one’s care in the future. But if your aging family member needs care now, there are ways to finance the cost of long-term care through a combination of approaches.

What families are saying about independent living in Santee

Recent reviews for independent living in Santee

Novellus Clairemont in San Diego, CA

4.0
My loved one has recently made the move into this community and so far I have no complaints of how things had been going for him. He has had a few health problems but other than that the experience has been pleasant for him. The staff have done a great job at staying organized in his care plan ...
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Crest View Manor, Inc. in Escondido, CA

5.0
My mom really liked Crest View Manor. It has a great staff and is very clean. I would definitely recommend Crest View Manor to anyone. They were great. Unfortunately my mom was there during Covid, so there wasn't too much activities taking place. But it was a great facility.

Meridian at Lake San Marcos

5.0
The Meridian is by far the best senior living community I have ever seen. I have moved my dad to two senior living communities and this one by far takes it. Ever since the pandemic, my dad has declined due to staying indoors all the time. The Meridian has brought out a side of my dad I haven't ...
Read more

Santee independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Santee independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Santee, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Santee independent living

Independent living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Santee partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Santee, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
19.4%
20.5%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
38.7%
34.4%
No sugar
No sugar
32.3%
30.9%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
41.9%
33.6%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
9.7%
10.5%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Santee independent living

Our independent living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Santee communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Santee, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
32.3%
36.5%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
48.4%
43.5%
Room service
Room service
41.9%
37%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
25.8%
17.2%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Santee independent living

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered independent living communities in Santee offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Santee, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
48.4%
45.1%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
22.6%
28.3%
Community service programs
Community service programs
29%
33%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
51.6%
47.5%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
51.6%
48.9%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
54.8%
54%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
51.6%
42.9%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
35.5%
38.1%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
45.2%
41.8%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
45.2%
47.1%
Live performances
Live performances
48.4%
46.8%
Dances
Dances
35.5%
33%
Fitness center
Fitness center
25.8%
39.5%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
48.4%
46.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Lantern Crest Senior Living, Solstice at El Cajon and Monte Vista Village are the top-rated independent living facilities near Santee, California. See full list of communities.
There are 34 independent living facilities near Santee, California. See the full list.
The best independent living facilities near you in Santee, California are Solstice at El Cajon, Westmont of Encinitas and Westmont of Escondido. These independent living communities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews.
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The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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