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.

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  • San Marcos, CA 92078
    $569,000
    1510
    sqft
    3
    Baths
    3
    Beds
    Darling 3 bedroom home in a cute little west San Marcos neighborhood consisting of just 77 homes, built in '98, with low HOA dues and an amazing central community park area! This home is move-in r...
    SAN MARCOS, CA 92078
    $399,000
    1150
    sqft
    2
    Baths
    2
    Beds
    Priced to sell this turnkey property.
    San Marcos, CA 92078
    $829,000
    3553
    sqft
    5
    Baths
    5
    Beds
    Your Opportunity to live in San Elijo Hills awaits! Within just a few miles you have access to Top Rated Neighborhood Schools and a variety of Outdoor Activities.
    San Marcos, CA 92078
    $999,000
    3526
    sqft
    4
    Baths
    6
    Beds
    STUNNING UPGRADED & TURN-KEY HOME w/ SOLAR nestled at the base of a large cul-de-sac, features a bright & open floor plan w/ 5 BED/3.
    San Marcos, CA 92078
    $799,000
    1756
    sqft
    2
    Baths
    3
    Beds
    Impeccable San Marcos remodel on the Golf Course, walk over to famous Lake San Marcos ! This meticulously upgraded home offers a large yard overlooking the 2nd Fairway, open concept living space & des...
    San Marcos, CA 92078
    $285,900
    1545
    sqft
    2
    Baths
    3
    Beds
    Like New Fully Upgraded Skyline Home.
    San Marcos, CA 92078
    $499,000
    1596
    sqft
    2
    Baths
    3
    Beds
    This spacious single level in Lake San Marcos has 3 bedrooms (2 bedrooms + bonus room) and 2 baths in this cute 1,596 est.
    San Marcos, CA 92078
    $600,000
    1804
    sqft
    3
    Baths
    3
    Beds
    Charming single story home, conveniently located minutes away from Restaurant Row, shops & CSU San Marcos.
    San Marcos, CA 92078
    $570,000
    1514
    sqft
    2
    Baths
    2
    Beds
    Beautifully remodeled open floor plan.
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