Lakeside, a region and a town, is located east of Santee and bordered by I8 and Highway 67. Growth began along the lake where the town center resides hosting shops, restaurants, an historical society and a playhouse for theatre productions. The lake enjoys picnics, boating, fishing, horseback riding, and bird watching at the Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary, an Audubon Society preserve. The annual Rodeo and Western Days Parade brings in top rodeo riders.

Lakeside residents maintain a small town feeling in this region among hills and mesas. Lakeside is a territory covered by several specified neighborhoods that share Lake Lindo and Lake Jennings. Some of the neighborhoods include Finn Springs, Winter Gardens, and Eucalyptus Hills. Lakeside real estate is made up of single homes, ranchettes and mobile homes that all intermingle among the hills. Land is of plenty in the region. Lake Lindo is the only natural freshwater lake in San Diego County and was created by runoff from the mountains above.

Children, making up nearly 30% of the population, attend school in the Lakeside Union Elementary School District and Grossmont for high school. State scores rank in the 65th percentile in the state. This high percentage of youth encourages young families to thrive.