Santee

Welcome to Santee

Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Cleveland National Forest, Santee offers the perfect mix of suburban charm and modern convenience. Although it is considered part of San Diego’s East County, the city is just 18 miles from the coast, easily accessible via State Route 52, which connects to major highways and transit routes. 

Santee is known for its safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and engaged local government that prioritizes community needs. The city also values its open spaces and recreational opportunities while offering convenient access to shopping, dining, and entertainment in its retail core.

Santee has cultivated a well-balanced economy, blending residential, commercial, and retail spaces to support sustainable growth. The 700-acre Town Center district serves as the city’s downtown hub, featuring business parks, high-density housing, and retail centers anchored by Santee Trolley Square and a Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) trolley station, providing seamless connectivity to the greater San Diego region.

From its origins as a small backcountry settlement in the late 19th century to its transformation into a vibrant, modern city, Santee’s history is filled with visionary pioneers. Early settlers such as George and Jennie Cowles, Hosmer McKoon, and Milton Santee laid the foundation for a community that would continue to evolve. Decades later, dedicated residents worked to officially incorporate Santee as a city, ensuring it would grow while preserving its friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Today, Santee remains a thriving, well-planned city, offering a high standard of living, economic opportunity, and a strong sense of community that make it one of the most desirable places to live in San Diego’s East County. It’s a place to raise a family and run into friends out at dinner on a Friday night.  Santee is an area where you constantly meet new friendly people at the baseball fields or out at a concert in the park.  Santee is a very comfortable and inviting town and a place that you would be lucky to call home! 

Fun Things to Do in Santee

• Hike or Bike Walker Preserve Trails
• Go shopping in Santee Trolley Square
• Watch a baseball or soccer game at the Santee Sportsplex
• Play a game of pickleball at Big Rock Park
• Hike one of many trails in Mission Trails
• Feed the ducks, go fishing, or rent a paddle boat at Santee Lakes
• Enjoy one of the many playgrounds in and around all of Santee
• (Big Rock Park, Shadow Hill Park, Mast Park, Town Center Park East, Big Rock Park, Woodglen Vista Park, West Hills Park, Santee Lakes, and Weston Park)
• Splash around at the children's pools and splash zones at the Santee YMCA and Santee Lakes.
• See a concert during the summer concert series at the Town Center Community Park
• Check out the fresh produce and local artisans at the Santee Farmers Market

Neighborhoods in Santee

• Sky Ranch: Perched on the eastern edge of the city, Sky Ranch is known for its spacious homes and tranquil atmosphere. Residents enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and easy access to nearby parks and hiking trails.
• Mission Creek: Located in the heart of Santee, Mission Creek is a family-friendly community characterized by tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes. Its proximity to shopping centers, entertainment venues, and restaurants offers residents a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. 
• Riverwalk: Nestled along the San Diego River, Riverwalk boasts lush green spaces and picturesque waterways. This neighborhood provides a serene escape from urban life while maintaining easy access to essential amenities.
• Weston: Situated across from West Hills High School, Weston features single-family homes and offers residents convenient access to educational facilities and recreational areas.
• Black Horse Estates: Located on Black Horse Drive in southeastern Santee, this development offers a selection of homes in a peaceful setting. 
• Parc One: Adjacent to Santee Trolley Square and the Trolley Station, Parc One Apartments offer one- to three-bedroom homes, making it a convenient choice for those utilizing public transportation.
• Riverview: A collection of 150 townhome units located at 315 Lagoon Way, Riverview provides modern living spaces with access to community amenities. 

Restaurants in Santee

• Nicolosi's Santee
• Tsunami Modern Cuisine
• Pepper Farm Deli
• Oggi's Santee
• Junction 52 Bar & Grill
• Phil's BBQ
• Epic Wings
• Luna Grill Santee
• Jimmy's Santee
• Broken Yolk
• Marieta's
• Okawa Steakhouse & Sushi
• Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill
• Thai Thai
• Pho Ca Dao Restaurant

Hotels in Santee

• Carlton Oaks Lodge  
• Best Western Santee Lodge
• Rodeway Inn Santee
• Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon