Santee 65 Good
Santee Livability #366 ranked city in California#12,530 ranked city in the USARanks better than 57% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Santee

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Ratings Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

What's it like Living in Santee?

Located in the state of California, Santee is a mid-sized city with a population of 59,609 inhabitants. With a population density of 3,575 people per square mile, Santee is well above the nation's average density level. At 79%, the majority of the Santee population is White; this is followed by 5% Asian and 2% Black. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Santee is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 28 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Santee, California. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Santee and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, commute, housing and other important metrics.

Santee, CA receives 66/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #352 in California and #11,082 in the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, Santee has been rewarded with high marks for crime (B+), employment (A+) and housing (A-). Santee does not do well for the following: amenities (D) and cost of living (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Santee market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Santee is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Santee come in at $875,888, which is 19.7% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Santee, the home price to income ratio is 6.7, which is 13% lower than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Santee

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Santee?

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Compare Santee, CA Livability

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      Santee transportation information

      Statistic Santee California National
      Average one way commute28min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.9%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.1%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.4%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.6%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home7.2%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Santee, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.