Santee/Lakeside

WHO would love living in Santee and Lakeside?

Families who want everything within reach and the sun shining bright all-year round. Santee and Lakeside are the most eastern, fully fledged suburbs of San Diego, with tons of room to roam and arid temperatures to accompany it. You’ll come for the affordable real estate and stay for the undeniable accessibility.

WHAT will you see?

Suburbia giving way to rural landscapes. In Santee, you’ll find every chain imaginable surrounded with mountain views. Costco, Target, Sprouts, Old Navy, Marshalls, Rite Aid, Walmart. Yes, you’ll find what you want just minutes from your front door. You’ll also see more and more new housing construction, as the secret of Santee’s inexpensive housing price starts to spread. (Oops, guess we’re guilty of doing that right now). One of the livlier sights of Lakeside is the Annual Lakeside Rodeo, which brings the excitement of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association to San Diego every spring. And, those bright lights and packed parking lots? That’s Barona Resort & Casino, one of the largest Indian casinos in San Diego County.

WHERE will you eat?

You’ll never go hungry here. There’s no shortage of chain eateries and sushi spots (Santee must love sushi). But, when locals crave something local they head to Phil’s BBQ, the most beloved BBQ house in all of San Diego, and 52 East, a locally owned gastropub. Other local faves include Mary’s Donuts and Kaffe Miester. When you get thirsty, check out BNS Brewing and Distilling, Pacific Island Beer Company, and Groundswell Brewery and Tasting Room. Craving more of a crowd? Barona Resort & Casino offers a bustling international buffet, high-end steak house, and 24-hour café.

HOW will you spend your time?

Watching your kids play softball and soccer at the Sportsplex USA Santee, fishing and picnicking at Santee Lakes, trying out boulder climbing at Santee Boulders, and hiking and mountain biking in nearby mountain trails. If you live in Lakeside, you might be raising your farm animals, riding your horses, or tending your gardens. You’ll fish in the city’s three reservoirs and Lake Jennings, all well-stocked with rainbow trout, bass, and catfish. Biking and hiking are pretty popular as well, weather permitting. When it gets hot – and summers get incredibly hot – you can take up jet skiing and wakeboarding in the lake and reservoirs.

WHY will you love living here?

The affordable real estate and awesome community. Though it may seem a bit far inland from the main SD business hubs, you’re only about a 30-minute commute (during rush hour) to Mira Mesa and Kearny Mesa on State Route 52. Plus, Santee is the last stop on the San Diego Trolley, meaning you don’t have to drive to the more happening spots like Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, or Fashion Valley. What you save in home prices, you’ll gain in land. Especially in Lakeside, you’ll have enough space to raise livestock and have horses. Love year-round warmth? Lakeside delivers that, plus reservoirs and lakes to keep you cool.

Key Stats

Population 78327

Median Age 37.9

Median HH Income 71358

Walk Score 30

Median Home Price 519550

Median Rental Price 2532.50