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Lantern Crest Senior Living

800 Lantern Crest Way

4(32 ratings)

Lantern Crest Senior Living — photo 11 / 5

Quick Facts

Total units
180
Licensed capacity
180 residents

California CDSS

Licensed operator
Santee Snr Ret I LLC(Owner)/Lcm, LLC (Mngt)
Respite care
Short-term respite stays offered for caregivers
Campus size
Set across 34 acres of grounds

What Families Think

Most available reviews come from community partners and event attendees praising Lantern Crest's atmosphere, food, and social events, while a single detailed family review describes a difficult experience once their mother moved into assisted living. That reviewer felt the food and laundry service fell short and that care was minimal for the price, though they noted the caregivers themselves were kind.

The Good

  • Caregivers described as kind and attentive
  • Resort-style setting with pool, gardens, and putting green
  • Vibrant social calendar and community events
  • Respite care available for short-term relief
  • Praised by local business partners for hospitality

The Bad

  • One report of unappetizing, unhealthy food in assisted living
  • One report of laundry returned dirty and wrinkled
  • One reviewer felt care was minimal after move to assisted living
  • One reviewer described the community as overpriced for the care given

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

About Lantern Crest Senior Living

Lantern Crest is an assisted living community located in Santee, California, set across 34 beautiful acres and offering resort-style senior living with exceptional hospitality and compassionate care.

The community provides chef-prepared dining, spacious apartment homes, and professional assistance with activities of daily living. Residents receive support with personal care while maintaining independence and the ability to enjoy their days without household responsibilities.

Lantern Crest features an extensive array of amenities and activities designed for comfort and connection, including a swimming pool, gardens, putting green, and both indoor and outdoor activities and outings. The community emphasizes a warm, family-like atmosphere where residents can pursue hobbies and spend time with family and friends.

The community also offers respite care options, providing short-term relief services for primary caregivers while ensuring elderly adults receive professional supervision and assistance.

Types of Care

Assisted Living

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Reviews

4overall · 32 ratings combined

4★ on Google (32)

Jesse Yi MD

Jan 2026

via Google

Having partnered with Lantern Crest Senior Living in Santee for several years now through Senior Helpers, I can confidently say this is one of the best senior living communities in all of San Diego County. From day one, I've been impressed by the quality of care and attention to detail that defines everything they do. The residence itself is beautifully maintained, but what truly sets Lantern Crest apart is their exceptional operations team. In particular, Bobi Thomas, who runs a tight ship and always focuses on her Seniors. Over the years, Senior Helpers has had the pleasure of hosting educational meetings and wellness presentations for both Lantern Crest residents. The staff has always been incredibly accommodating and genuinely invested in enriching the lives of everyone who walks through their doors. It is always a pleasure to mingle with seniors and LC staff at their happy hour gatherings. Without exaggeration, Lantern Crest throws the best parties! They know how to bring people together, create meaningful connections, and ensure everyone has a wonderful time. If you're searching for a senior living community that combines high-quality residences, compassionate leadership, and a vibrant social calendar, I highly recommend Lantern Crest. They've earned every bit of their stellar reputation.

lynda marrokal

Sep 2025

via Google

I had the pleasure of photographing the powerful joint mixer hosted by the Santee Chamber of Commerce and the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce this past Thursday evening at The Legacy at Lantern Crest. The evening served as a celebration of the grand opening of The Legacy and a vital opportunity to bring together business leaders from both Chambers. The event also featured the PLAYBILL LEGACY THEATRE production, "YOUR CITY OF DREAMS". Highlights and Messages from the Event: Lantern Crest's Founder, Michael Grant, shared a heartfelt message about the community's mission. He spoke about his own experience finding assisted living for his father, which inspired him to develop Lantern Crest as "affordable luxury", offering a beautiful place full of life and vibrancy for our parents and grandparents. Chamber Leaders Amanda Daugherty (Santee Chamber President/CEO) and Mary England (La Mesa Chamber President/CEO) both thanked Lantern Crest for hosting and praised the collaboration between the two Chambers, noting that working together builds a stronger business community across the region. A Personal Tribute: The event was held shortly after a personal loss to the Lantern Crest family. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Michael Grant and his family on the recent passing of his mother-in-law, Ms. Terri Grasse. Ms. Grasse was a resident of Lantern Crest for six years and passed away recently at the age of 94. Our thoughts are with the family and the entire Lantern Crest community during this time. Thank you to all the sponsors and attendees for making the "Your City of Dreams" mixer a great success! Photographs by Lynda Marrokal/Santee Events

Julie Urda

Nov 2024

via Google

My experience while my mother was in Lantern Crest Senior Living was a good experience until it was necessary for my mother to move to Assisted Living and there the nightmare began. Lantern Crest Assisted Living is what I consider minimal care. The food is not appetizing nor healthy; I order food to eat with my mother on one occasion and it was so awful I could not eat it! So very sad:. The food the elderly eat is so very important to their general health at this time in their life. The food really falls short! The laundry services are unacceptable! Clothes come back dirty and wrinkled! My mother was in tears because she is a proud lady and took exceptional care of her clothing. The one good point is that the caregivers are kind and attentive. My mother was so very unhappy and it made me feel like a terrible daughter. I was very worried leaving her there. Overall, the facility is overpriced and fails seriously short of my expectations. I would think twice before signing a lease with this facility.

Dave Lemox

Sep 2024

via Google

I had an enjoyable evening Wednesday at Lantern Crest Senior Living as a networking host for the La Mesa Chamber. It's a beautiful place with great food and great people doing business in the area.

Dave Lemox

Sep 2023

via Google

My first time here. My Medicare clients should check it out. Great hosts for two local chambers this evening. Great food. I can recommend the Oreo Cheesecake.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does Lantern Crest Senior Living offer?

Lantern Crest Senior Living offers Assisted Living.

Where is Lantern Crest Senior Living located?

Lantern Crest Senior Living is located at 800 Lantern Crest Way in Santee, California.

What do families say about Lantern Crest Senior Living?

Most available reviews come from community partners and event attendees praising Lantern Crest's atmosphere, food, and social events, while a single detailed family review describes a difficult experience once their mother moved into assisted living. That reviewer felt the food and laundry service fell short and that care was minimal for the price, though they noted the caregivers themselves were kind.

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