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Excited about moving to Santee CA? Santee is a city in San Diego County, California. The city is located on the southern end of the county, about 20 miles (32 km) east of downtown San Diego. Santee is bounded by the cities of El Cajon and La Mesa to the north, and by the communities of Lakeside and unincorporated Bostonia to the south. The city includes the neighborhoods of Carlton Hills, Sky Ranch, Fanita Ranch, Santaluz, Northridge Hills, Summercrest, and Melrose Place.
The area now occupied by Santee was originally inhabited by the Kumeyaay people. In 1847, the U.S. Army established Camp Elliott near present-day Fanita Ranch to protect settlers from attacks by Mojave Indians during the Mexican–American War.Â
In 1850, the U.S. government designated the land around Camp Elliott as the El Cajon Valley Land Grant. George Washington Santee, the grandson of George Washington, acquired more than 940 acres (380 ha) of the grant in 1869 and built a ranch house on what is now Mission Gorge Road.
Santee's motto is “Santee: Do More, Due East.” The beautiful city of Santee CA is known for its amazing weather, great schools, and wonderful people.
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What County Is Santee CA In?
Santee is in San Diego County and borders the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lakeside. Santee is about 20 miles from downtown San Diego.Â
Santee is a great place to live if you want to be close to all the action but still have that small-town feel. The city offers a variety of activities for residents and visitors alike. There are several parks perfect for picnics or days spent playing fetch with your furry friend, as well as ample shopping and dining options.Â
Plus, Santee is home to one of the largest lakes in Southern California - Lake Sutherland - which provides plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming.
The population of Santee CA is 59,104 as of the 2024 census. The median age is 40.3 years old. The city's ethnic makeup is 68.2% White, 2.1% Black, 0.4% Native American, 6.6% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, and 16.2% two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race make up 20.9% of the population.
The city has a total area of 43.3 square kilometers. Santee is located in San Diego County and is considered part of the East County region.
The Santee median household income is $113,394. The per capita income is $49,612. About 7.9% of the population is below the poverty line.
Famous people who have hailed from Santee include stand-up comedian Dat Phan, professional Freestyle Motocross rider Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg, and MLB pitcher, currently of the Washington Nationals, MVP of the 2019 World SeriesStephen Strasburg.
According to the FBI statistics, the overall crime rate in Santee is 825.6 per 100K people, which is relatively low, especially when compared to other parts of California. In fact, Santee's crime rate is 67.81% lower than the state average. For violent crime, Santee has a rate of 254.4 per 100K people, which is also considerably lower than the state average. Property crime is also relatively low in Santee, at 571.2 per 100K. This is again much lower than the state average. As such, Santee is a very safe place to live and raise a family.
The Santee Police Department has been working hard to decrease the crime rate in Santee.  The Santee Police Department has 60 officers.
Cost of Living in Santee
According to the Council for Community and Economic Research's "Cost of Living Index," Santee ranks 14th out of 273 cities surveyed, making it a relatively expensive place to live.
The cost of everyday items near Santee, CA can vary depending on the store you purchase them from. However, according to data and statistics, the average prices for some common items and average Santee utilities are as follows:
The Carlton Hills neighborhood in Santee, CA is a great place to live. The homes are well-built, and the community is friendly and welcoming. There are plenty of things to do in the area, and the schools are excellent. Santee's Riverwalk neighborhood is a great place to call home.Â
With its close proximity to the San Diego River, residents enjoy beautiful views and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. The community is also conveniently located near shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
If you're looking for one of the best areas to live in Santee, CA, consider Mission View Estates. This peaceful and welcoming community offers residents plenty of amenities and activities to enjoy. Their well-maintained grounds feature plenty of green space for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful California weather.Â
The community clubhouse is the perfect place to gather with friends and neighbors, and our sparkling swimming pool is perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day.
Weather Santee CA
Santee has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average rainfall is around 20 inches (510 mm) per year. Santee is one of the driest cities in California. The Köppen Climate Classification system classifies Santee's climate as Csa.
The average temperature in Santee is one of the mildest in inland Southern California. The average high temperature in July, the warmest month, is 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).Â
The average low temperature in January, the coldest month, is 42 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius). However, temperatures can sometimes exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in the summer and dip below freezing in the winter.
If you're looking for an amazing outdoor experience near San Diego, look no further than Big Rock Park in Santee, CA. This park offers tennis & pickleball courts, basketball, an off-leash dog area therefore dog-friendly, a playground & more.
Looking for fun things to do in Santee? Check out the Mast Park + Disc Golf Course! This 18-hole course is perfect for all skill levels and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. With its varied terrain and well-maintained fairways, the Mast Park + Disc Golf Course is a great place to spend an afternoon.Â
Looking for more fun things to do in Santee? The City of Santee offers many local events. You can also check the events calendar to find the schedule of upcoming events in the area!
When living in Santee CA, you can't skip out on Sportsplex USA Santee. This facility consists of three softball fields, four-station slow-pitch batting cages, and indoor soccer arenas.
Phil’s BBQ is a family-friendly institution and one of Santee's best restaurants. It’s been around since 1998, and it’s famous for its huge portions, great prices, and delicious food. The restaurant is family-owned and operated, and the owners are passionate about giving back to the community. They sponsor local youth sports teams and donate to local charities.
If you're looking for a fantastic dining experience in Santee, CA, then you've got to check out Jimmy's of Santee. This family-owned and operated restaurant has been serving delicious food for over 30 years, and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
If you're looking for jobs in Santee CA, there are plenty of options available. The most common industries in Santee are retail, healthcare, and manufacturing.
The average salary in Santee is $17.84 per hour,slightly lower than the national average of $26.82. Some of the top jobs in Santee CA include retail sales associate, customer service representative, and assembly line worker. These positions typically pay between $11 and $15 per hour.
Santee Schools
There are many great schools in Santee CA, each with their own unique strengths and specialties. We discuss some of the top schools in the Santee School District.
West Hills High School is one of the Santee high schools known for its strong academic program and competitive athletics. Santana High School is known for its award-winning performing arts programs. Hill Creek School is known for its rigorous academic program and strong extracurricular offerings.
Santee time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
Closest airport to Santee:Â San Diego International Airport (SAN/KSAN), 22 miles away.
Santee CA Map
Explore more things to do, restaurants, and amenities with this map of Santee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santee a Small Town?
No. Santee is not a city, but instead a mid-sized suburban city located in eastern San Diego County. Santee is part of the larger San Diego metropolitan area, known for its affordable suburban neighborhoods, parks, recreational options, and access to the Mission Trails Regional Park and the San Diego River. Despite Santee’s growth, it maintains a community-focused atmosphere compared to central San Diego.
How Far Is Santee, CA From the Ocean?
Santee is 18 to 25 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla are estimated to be 25 to 40 minutes away from Santee, connected by Interstate 8. Santee experiences warmer temperatures compared to coastal communities because of its location. As a result, residents enjoy easy access to both beaches and outdoor recreation areas.Â
What Is Santee, CA Known for?
Santee, CA, offers family-friendly suburbs and outdoor recreation, with nature and outdoor activities as its main selling points. Santee is also known for its popular destinations, like Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, Carlton Oaks Golf Club, and Mission Trails Regional Park. Santee is widely known for its extensive trail systems and riverfront areas along the San Diego River.Â
Is Santee, California a Desert?
No. Santee, CA is not classified as a true desert. That said, the area has semi-arid, dry summers and mild winters. Santee is inland in San Diego County and experiences warmer temperatures and less coastal influence than beach cities like La Jolla and Coronado. The area has many dry hills, limited rainfall, and native chaparral vegetation. Since it's inland and near the foothills, the area is more arid than coastal Southern California communities while still benefiting from a Mediterranean climate pattern.
Why Is It Called Santee?
Santee, CA, was named after Milton Santee, a businessman, surveyor, and developer who married Jennie Cowles, the widow of pioneer rancher George A. Cowles, in the late 1800s. The community, once named Cowlestone, officially changed its name to Santee in 1893. Since then, it has grown from an agricultural community into a major suburban city in eastern San Diego County.
Moving to Santee CA with Republic Moving
People move to Santee for outdoor activities, its low median home value, an enticing real estate market, easy access and commutes via public transportation, and its growing development. Whether you plan to move here or not, you'll have a wide array of moving partners to choose from.
Moving to Santee CA will be easy if you choose Republic Santee CA movers to help you with the transition. We're experts at helping people relocate, and we can make sure that your move goes smoothly and efficiently. Give our team a call at (619) 591-0079 and let us help you make your move to Santee, CA. We'll be happy to answer any questions and give you a free quote.
Bill Lovejoy
Bill Lovejoy is the president of Republic Moving and Storage. Purchasing the assets of Republic Relocations in May 2008. In 2008, Republic did $700K of business and today is over $15 Million. Republic was named AMSA’s 2010 Agent of the Year for Service Excellence after only two years in business.
Bill is proud that he grew up doing every facet of the business from a local mover, over the road driver, salesperson, operations manager, and general manager. (and just about everything else in between) Before purchasing Republic, Bill was with Bekins Moving and Storage where he served as a Senior Vice President and was a partner. He was responsible for three HHG companies as well as two logistics companies.
A proud Father of six children, and a lovely wife, Carol, Bill constantly works to keep a balance between work and family Life. Bills “stress relieving” hobbies include racket ball, basketball, tennis, and golf.
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