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.
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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
MLS#: 240003716
$490,000
2160
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
PERKS OF PURCHASING! Seller will include a 1 year home warranty! Welcome to the desirable, Palomar Estates W. Senior MHP! This home had a FULL face lift and is ready for you! The wonderful layout features BRAND NEW flooring (no carpet!), some new windows, fresh paint, new front/back porch carpet, some fixtures, and some landscaping upgrades! This 1982 Fleetwood triple wide 2160 sq. ft. home has 2 BR, 2 BA, stainless steel appliances, living room, family room, dining room, fireplace, laundry room, a HUGE primary BR walk-in closet, a home security system, plus plenty of storage!! There is a freshly painted shed with an even big backyard to do with it as you wish. Ample guest parking right in front of the property. This home is a MUST SEE to appreciate its true value!
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306107818
$265,000
1344
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
Charming, corner lot home in very desirable Senior 55 + Valle Verde Community in San Marcos! Valle Verde is a rent-controlled community. Shhhh.The best kept secret in San Diego. Space rent is only $607 a month. This 2 bedroom 2 full bath home has a spacious 1344 sqr.ft., floor plan that feels so comfortable and inviting. Home has a large living room, dining area, kitchen with a breakfast bar, plenty of cabinet space, large pantry and appliances included, separate dining area with a fabulous built-in hutch, laundry room with washer and dryer included, spacious master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, private porch for your enjoyment, a shed, mature fruit tree, lots of space for gardening, a covered carport, and much more to list! Community is close to shopping centers, banks, dining, freeways, transportation, beach and all that beautiful San Marcos has to offer! Come see this beautiful home today before it's gone!
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306105878
$379,000
1536
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
Enjoy the views of the San Marcos Hills from this beautiful two bedroom and two bath home in Palomar Estates East. The kitchen has lovely wood cabinets and corian countertops. The beautiful wood laminate floors and being freshly painted make this feel light and bright. Wood shutters throughout the home can be open to allow the natural light in or closed off for privacy. The fenced back yard gives your dog a space to run while you sit on the back patio and enjoy the views. Dual pane windows installed in 2020 and new air conditioner and furnace installed in 2023 will keep the home comfortable in the mild San Marcos climate. A large shed can be used for storage, a workshop, or craft room. Home was re-leveled and worn out pads and piers were replaced in 2022. Owners will be installing new roof prior to close of escrow. This home is on registration which means no property taxes. Palomar Estates East is a 55+/35+ senior rent controlled park with many amenities including a beautiful clubhouse, pool, spa, gym, putting green, pickle ball, and tennis courts. This home is located minutes to Lake San Marcos dining and golf as well as local Carlsbad beaches, shopping, and restaurants.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306106673
$189,000
660
sqft
1
Baths
1
Beds
Senior 55+ Independent living in beautiful Chateau Lake San Marcos. Single story once inside. One bedroom one bath with walk in closet. New paint throughout and luxury vinyl plank flooring installed. Light and bright. Bathroom has walk in shower. Galley kitchen. Cozy gas fireplace in your living room. Private patio off your living room and bedroom. Storage area also on patio. Assigned carport space. Exceptional living in this master planned community. Enjoy your putting green, heated pool and spa. Monthly fee includes: Biweekly cleaning, linen service, water, trash, sewer, cable. Free scheduled transportation, concierge assistance. One meal credit per day in gourmet dining. Nighttime security. Fitness center, library, pool, spa, dog park. Lots of activities. Residents also enjoy all the Lake and Lodge amenities as well. Walk to restaurants, hotel, two golf courses and walking path with lake and water activities. Second resident has an additional fee of $837. per month. Schedule a tour.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306101208
$489,000
1344
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
Remarkably renovated home in Palomar Estates West with views of the San Marcos hills. Kitchen has been exquisitely remodeled with a center island, shaker cabinets, quartz counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and a single basin stainless steel sink. New Dual-pane windows as well as new energy-efficient A/C will keep the home comfortable in the temperate San Marcos weather. Primary bedroom has a walk-in closet, attached California room, and a primary bathroom with a beautiful tile shower, tile floors, white shaker cabinets, and quartz counter tops. New plank vinyl flooring in the living spaces and carpet in the bedrooms. Fan lights in living room, family room, primary suite, and guest bedroom. Up and over stairs in driveway give easier access to both sides of the property. No detail has been forgotten. The home is on registration which means no property tax. Palomar Estates West 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.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306100650
$949,999
1775
sqft
3.5
Baths
3
Beds
Welcome to this stunning premium & move-in ready corner townhome situated in the sought-after Laurel neighborhood in Old Creek Ranch! You'll love the pride of ownership (original owners) this immaculate Beauty offers. This exquisite & bright residence has many upgrades; freshly vivid designer paint, cozy gas burning granite fireplace, ceiling fans, water softening system, epoxied garage floor, dual pane windows & A/C. The heart of the home, the spacious gourmet kitchen, boasts a large island with bar seating, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, walk-in pantry, plenty of dark wood cabinets, custom backsplash & a functional family room with hardwood flooring, floating wood shelves & built in cabinets; creating a delightful & enjoyable area to gather. Sliding glass door off the dining area leads to a private low maintenance cozy flag-stone enclosed patio with automated sprinklers for the garden. The home's second level reveals newer luxury laminate 'hardwood' flooring, the laundry room with a deep sink & ample storage cabinets for your convenience, a versatile loft (May be used as a home office, playroom, gym or enclose it for a 4th bedroom) & all three bedrooms plus two bathrooms. Master suite features 2 walk-in closets, separate shower, soaking tub & dual sinks. Best of all, the low HOA fee includes water, roof, exterior maintenance & offers resort-style amenities for the entire family; heated swimming pool, tiny pool, oversized spa, outdoor shower, tot playground, 2 BBQ areas, firepit, paved walkways with pet stations surrounded by majestic mountain views. Enjo
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306100004
$1,099,999
1684
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
Discover the charm of this single-level home situated on a half-acre in San Marcos. Welcoming you with a fire pit patio, lush landscaping, a PebbleTec pool, and picturesque views, this residence offers a cozy outdoor retreat adorned with raised gardens featuring a variety of fruit trees. Step inside the fully remodeled home, where you'll find an updated kitchen, high-quality appliances, renovated bathrooms, new flooring, fresh paint, and double-pane windows throughout. Embrace eco-friendly living with PAID SOLAR. Explore the possibilities for an ADU with a separate entry and generous parking/RV space. No HOA. Agricultural zoning allows you to cultivate your own organic produce and livestock. Conveniently located, this residence is a comfortable blend of modern living and natural beauty, waiting for you to call it home!
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240002565SD
$749,000
sqft
0
Baths
Beds
Stunning ocean view & spacious lot on mountain top facing La Costa, Nestled in a serene and established neighborhood, Exceptional opportunity to build your dream home with no Mello Ross and no HOA fee. The lot boasts a peaceful tranquil setting providing a peaceful retreat away from the busy space of urban living, Design your ideal outdoor oasis, Envision lush landscaping, a sprawling garden to unwind & enjoy the view. This property offers convenient access to a variety of amenities and attractions. Nearby parks, schools, and recreational facilities provide opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure pursuits, while shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues are just a short drive away. Don't miss this chance to own a piece of San Marcos and create the lifestyle you've always dreamed of.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240002658
$1,769,000
3359
sqft
4.5
Baths
5
Beds
To schedule an Open House or to request more information about this property, call Walla Walla Sotheby's Realty at 6196654614...
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