San Marcos

San Marcos is located about 6 miles inland from the ocean and about 30 miles from downtown San Diego. The community covers about 24 square miles and, as of the 2017 census, had about 96,000 residents. Census data also indicate a fairly diverse population.

San Marcos, because of its inland location, tends to offer a warmer climate than Carlsbad. The west side of San Marcos, however, gets some of the same coastal climate (marine layer, ocean breezes, cooler temperatures). San Marcos is a mix of residential and commercial areas, as well as undeveloped space. The 78 freeway provides easy access inland to Escondido and the 15 (north to Riverside County, south to San Diego). Or west to Oceanside, the 5 freeway, the coast and the beaches. San Marcos is home to California State University – San Marcos and Palomar College.

The largest, and newest, housing area in San Marcos is San Elijo Hills. San Elijo Hills is a master planned community located on the southwestern edge of town high in the hills. Other well known neighborhoods include Santa Fe Hills, Discovery Hills, Discovery Meadows, Twin Oaks Valley, and Rancho Dorado. The golf resort/residential community of Lake San Marcos, that includes a 55+ residential area. And the area around Cal State San Marcos continues to grow and change, with new commercial and residential areas (e.g., newer homes at Rancho Tessoro).

The San Marcos real estate market offers a range of housing including apartments, condos, attached and detached homes. There are several 55+ communities, and assisted living facilities. You will also find some new construction by the university currently being built (2022).
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San Marcos is known for having a large commercial and retail area, with numerous shops, shopping centers, and restaurants. You’ll find a host of other service and light industrial establishments, especially along San Marcos Boulevard. While you won’t find much high-end shopping, you’ll likely find whatever you need here, with lots of choices. Examples include home improvement/remodeling, electronics, appliances, landscaping, clothing, furniture, gardening, cars/trucks, wines and liquor. There are many small businesses and non-profit organizations, too.
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Much of the shopping is located along Grand Avenue, Rancho Santa Fe Road, and San Marcos Boulevard. The latter is the main thoroughfare running roughly east and west, and becomes Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad.
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While San Marcos may not be known as an eating mecca, there are many restaurants and fast food eateries here. You’ll find a wide array of foods and styles, from extremely casual to relaxed upscale, and to fit every budget. Old California Restaurant Row, on San Marcos Boulevard, has about 14 restaurants (e.g., Fish House Vera Cruz, which includes a seafood market). You’ll find they change from time to time. If you like a variety of foods and are not looking for expensive restaurants, you will be very happy with the broad range of places to dine in San Marcos.

San Marcos, CA 92078
$1,249,000
2649
sqft
3
Baths
5
Beds
This upgraded Arbor Ranch home delivers comfort, efficiency, and room to grow with owned solar, a 2.
San Marcos, CA 92078
$749,000
1412
sqft
3
Baths
3
Beds
Prime Location! This light and airy townhome is perfectly positioned just minutes from the vibrant heart of beautiful San Elijo Hills.
San Marcos, CA 92078
$1,399,000
2038
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
Located on the golf course in the highly sought-after community of Lake San Marcos, this beautifully updated single-level home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and an ideal blend of comfort and style.
San Marcos, CA 92078
$695,000
1158
sqft
3
Baths
2
Beds
Located in the popular community of Solaire in Old Creek Ranch, this townhome offers one of the best locations with top-rated schools nearby, just minutes from the Carlsbad and La Costa areas.
San Marcos, CA 92078
$699,000
1229
sqft
3
Baths
2
Beds
110 Diamante Rd is a 1,229 square foot condo with 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, beautifully located in the central San Marcos with great school district.
San Marcos, CA 92078
$1,549,000
3099
sqft
3
Baths
5
Beds
Beautifully updated home on 12,055 sq ft lot, offering fully owned solar, fresh interior/ exterior paint.
San Marcos, CA 92078
$1,649,000
3090
sqft
4
Baths
4
Beds
Welcome to the beautiful Mahogany Collection in Old Creek Ranch in the community of San Elijo Hills.
San Marcos, CA 92078
$390,000
1536
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
Yes, it really has a 2-car garage.
San Marcos, CA 92078
$689,900
1438
sqft
3
Baths
2
Beds
Nice & cozy upgraded 2-bed/2.
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