The community of Santee, which is named after the brother-in-law of one of the city’s ranching pioneer’s, Milton Santee, is a neighborhood found south of the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Though there is future expansion and further development in the future of this area, the population stands at around 54,000 residents. Within Santee lies the Edgemoor Geriatric Hospital, which provides services and peace-of-mind to residents in the area. 

Flowing from the El Capitan Resevoir, a river flows in southern Santee and offers a pleasant setting to enjoy on a warm day. On the community’s west border, lie the Santee Lakes, which are a part of Santee Lakes Regional Park and Campground. Residents can find and enjoy wonderful recreation, camping, bbqing, picnicking, and numerous other opportunities in this area. In addition, Santee is also where Santee Boulders, a favorite rock climbing destination for enthusiasts.

The area’s parks and recreation opportunities continue with Mast Park, Town Center Ball Field, Rio Seco Ball Field, Radio Towers Park, Polo Barn Park, Woodglen Vista Park, Big Rock Park, Santee Mini-Park, Shadow Hill Park, and West Hills Park. In Eucalytus Hills lies Stelzer County park, which is a popular athletics portion of the community due to its large baseball diamonds and athletic fields that span the park.

Santee School District and Grossmont Union High School District operate the educational facilities of the area, providing K-High School education. There is an omission of middle schools in this area, as students go to one of the 9 elementary schools for K-8 grades, then go straight into high school at either Santana High, West Hills High, or Liberty Charter High School.