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).

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.
​​​​​​​
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.
​​​​​​​
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
MLS#: 306133434
$325,000
1368
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
UPDATED HOME WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS LOCATED IN RACHO VALLECITOS A VERY DESIRABLE ADULT COMMUNITY
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240006533
$625,000
1224
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
Experience the ultimate lake living with this fully remodeled, single-level condo in the coveted Lake San Marcos community. Nestled as an ideally situated end unit, this home boasts a stunning open concept kitchen, mini split A/C units throughout, Bosch laundry in unit, dual pane windows, and Cat6 Ethernet cables for modern convenience. Say goodbye to stairs as this unit offers seamless accessibility and includes a carport parking spot with an extra large storage unit (measuring 11 x 10) for all your overflow items. The HOA takes care of water, trash, and landscaping, ensuring a low-maintenance lifestyle. Enjoy picturesque lake views and a wealth of recreational amenities just steps away, including boat rentals, pickleball, golf, a club room with a gym, and heated pools. Consider the option for a "Lake and Lodge" membership to elevate your leisure experience. Benefit from the highly regarded San Marcos school district and the convenience of being close to major shopping centers, with easy access to freeways. This tastefully designed home offers a resort-like lifestyle, creating the perfect blend of luxury and leisure.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240006363
$189,000
1040
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
Price to Sell! Desirable 55+ community in San Marcos Mobile Estates. Charming well maintained 2 BR home features dual pane windows, new water heater, wood vinyl flooring throughout with new carpet in master bedroom, A/C, washer/dryer, covered patio, tandem covered carport & shed. Private yard filled with delicious bearing fruit: tangerine, orange & peach trees, seedless grapes & blackberry vines. Enjoy many activities at the clubhouse, heated pool & spa, exercise classes, library & billiard room. Space rent: $607.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240006330
$345,000
962
sqft
1
Baths
1
Beds
Location! Location! Location! Welcome to Chateau Lake San Marcos, a premier senior living community. This stunning top floor, remodeled floorplan features vaulted ceilings and a large patio offering breathtaking unobstructed views of the putting green, water features, and fountains. Upgrades include a remodeled kitchen, expanded bathroom with a large walk-in shower, laminate flooring, enlarged living room with built-in desk, and stone fireplace. The community is warm and welcoming, and designed for those aged 55+ who are looking for an active retirement lifestyle.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240006293
$825,000
1204
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
Panoramic lake view home nestled on a cul-de-sac with incredible 360 degree views of lake San Marcos, rolling hills, mountains, golf course, & evening lights. Enjoy resort style living in this highly sought after rarely available community of Panorama conveniently located across from the luxurious community pool & spa. This 2 bed, 2 bath, 1,204 sq. ft. first floor unit features an optional 3rd bedroom/office, 2 patios for entertaining, 2 car detached garage, full size laundry off the hall, central heat & AC, & lake views from the living room, dining room, kitchen, & primary suite. The living room with cozy gas fireplace is adjacent to the covered patio perfect for viewing beautiful sunrises, fireworks, & boat parades. The spacious kitchen features brand new quartz countertops w/ bar, stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, new sink, new faucet, new garbage disposal, updated plumbing, oversized pantry, & breakfast nook. The primary suite boasts gorgeous views of the lake, large en-suite w/ soaking tub, dual closets, & direct access to the covered patio. Enjoy endless amenities in a serene park like setting within walking distance to the lake & trails. Live every day like you are on vacation w/access to golf courses, putting green, tennis courts, pickle ball, clubhouse, billiards tables, boating, boat rentals, fishing, paddle boards, kayaks, community events, entertainment, Amalfi restaurant & more! Your dream lifestyle on the lake awaits!
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240006197
$1,499,900
1740
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
You awaken to the morning sun coming across your courtyard and through your sliding door. You refresh in your oversized designer shower, admiring the double LED mirrors over the twin sinks, set in the quartz countertop and the new cabinets with twin towers. After selecting your day's attire from your ten foot closet, you dress and exit the Primary Bedroom to the hallway. At the other end of the hallway, through the great room, you can see the sparkling lake, shimmering in the morning light. You pass the guest bedroom, which also has access to the courtyard. Next is the alcove that provides access to the indoor laundry room and the second bathroom with its floating vanity. As you proceed towards the lake, the third bedroom/den, with its double doors, is just off the foyer to your right. To your left is the great room with the dining table, living room sofas, and the huge picture window to the lake. After admiring the view you proceed to the tastefully redecorated kitchen with new cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances and grab a cup of morning coffee. You sit at the dinette at the end of the kitchen, or you take your coffee through the sliding doors to the lakeside patio to watch the ducks, swans, egrets, herons and other birds. A fisherman, kayaker, paddle boarder or pontoon boat will probably pass by your private pedal boat, tied to your semi-private dock. You relax, secure in the knowledge that your HOA will take care of most of the maintenance and repair, such as mowing, gardening, roofs, fences, trees, streets, security, etc. Ahh... life is good!
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240006279
$4,500
1431
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
This 3 bedroom and 2 bath detached home is located at the end of the a cul-de-sacin the charming community of Lake San Marcos. It sits directly next to a large green belt and adjacent to the Executive Golf Course at the Lakehouse. The home has been beautifully remodeled inside and out featuring stainless steel appliances, new windows, solar, and great outdoor space for entertaining. Walk to a variety of restaurants and trails from your front door. Community features include a pool, tennis courts, basketball court, spa and a recreation room. Pets are allowed with a deposit. Available April 1, 2024.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240006063
$1,599,000
1400
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
Rare opportunity to own a turnkey home on the golf course in highly sought after Lake San Marcos. Property is in a premier location right off the 1st green! Your new home has been extensively updated with new stucco, roof, driveway, HVAC as well as designer touches in kitchen and bathrooms. When you open the door you're greeted with open kitchen/dining and living space and look straight through to the beautiful and updated Links at Lakeshore Golf Course!! The oversized island in kitchen which opens to living and dining makes for a seamless living and dining experience. The backyard is an entertainers dream with many sitting areas to take in the beautiful scenery while sipping your favorite drink! All of this within a 2 min walk to great dining as well as the lake/gym etc. This home is truly unmatched with it's location, upgraded and layout! Did I mention, NO HOA!
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306128385
$469,000
1610
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
Stunning 2018 Fleetwood home located in Palomar Estates East. The large open floor plan and nine foot ceilings make this home feel very spacious. The kitchen features beautiful cabinets, quartz counter tops, a large center island, and stainless steel appliances. The primary suite has a large walk-in closet and on suite bathroom featuring a dual vanity with a quartz counter top and lovely tiled shower. The home features dual-pane vinyl windows, drywall, and three feet wide doorways allowing for wheelchairs access throughout the home as well as crown molding in the living area. Outside there is a wonderful wrap around front porch, fenced side yard with turf for your pet, curved awning poles to give you more carport space, textured concrete carport, and a shed to store your things. Palomar Estates East is a 55+/35+ senior rent controlled park with many amenities including a beautiful clubhouse, pool, spa, gym, putting green, pickleball courts, and tennis courts. This home is located minutes to Lake San Marcos dining and golf as well as local Carlsbad beaches, shopping, and restaurants.
  • Log in
  • ×