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#: 240006293
$825,000
1204
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
Panoramic lake view home nestled on a cul-de-sac with incredible 180 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#: 240006063
$1,499,000
1400
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
PREMIER LOCATION off the green of 1st hole at Links at Lakehouse!. Extremely rare combination of turn key home with unmatched floor plan and indoor/outdoor opulence! 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 Lakehouse! 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 its location, upgrades and layout! Did I mention, NO HOA!
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306128385
$449,000
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.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306129361
$1,699,000
2957
sqft
3
Baths
5
Beds
Step into this Tuscany-inspired home and enjoy panoramic ocean and sunset views every day! Located on a cul-de-sac in the Crestview neighborhood of San Elijo Hills, this meticulously updated residence offers paid solar, a Tesla charger, a private courtyard entry, and separate 2 & 1-car garages! With a perfect layout featuring a first-floor bed/bath, a kitchen facing the views, separate formal dining and living areas, and a master suite with retreat/loft/office/exercise space, every detail caters to comfort and elegance. Enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor living with French doors leading to a covered patio with low-maintenance landscaping, a built-in gas firepit, and jacuzzian ideal setting for soaking in the endless horizons and vibrant sunsets. With top-rated schools, nearby trails, parks, and amenities, this is the epitome of Southern California living.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306136284
$2,125,000
3372
sqft
4
Baths
3
Beds
Welcome to luxurious single-story living here in the gated community of Varadero, San Marcos gem. If you have been searching for a home full of upgrades that is truly turnkey, look no more. Pride of ownership abounds! First you will be greeted by a beautifully landscaped front yard, with no steps inside and out. Next, enter through the wide foyer, opening to a lovely, spacious living room. Soaring 10-foot ceilings throughout the home. The heart of the home is the open-concept gourmet kitchen, complete with 7-burner gas stove, sleek countertops, plenty of storage space, reverse osmosis drinking water system, and walk-in pantry. The kitchen seamlessly connects to the family room, creating an inviting space for gatherings and everyday living. Step outside to the backyard oasis, where you'll find a perfectly landscaped yard, with two avocado trees, one lemon tree, and a gas firepit, creating a perfect place to unwind and enjoy stunning sunsets with an ocean view. Pavers line the side of the yard. Additional features of this residence include beautiful travertine flooring, with inlaid design; three fireplaces; 2-zone HVAC system; retractable patio awning; plantation shutters; built-in surround-sound speakers; 220 50-AMP car charger in the 3-car tandem garage, complete with stylish built-in cabinetry, water softener, central vacuum, and tankless water heater. You will love the huge primary bedroom and ensuite bathroom, which includes dual showerheads, two closets, and two rare separate water closets! Down the hallway, youll be greeted by a den/optional 4th bedroom, which could al
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240005801
$425,900
1440
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
55+ Senior Community and you Own the Land! No Space Rent! Casita Del Sol HOA is a highly sought after Senior 55 or older, Manufactured Home Community. The HOA amenities includes: Pool, Spa, Jacuzzi, Steam Room, Clubhouse, Kitchen, Recreation Exercise Room, Card Game Room, Billiard Room, Ping-Pong table, Rentable Guest House for Family and Friends, and has an available Community Laundry Facility! Space #31 on the exterior includes: New Wall in the Backyard, installed brick in the back yard area, Large Tool Shed! Inside: 2 luxurious bedrooms, 2 full baths, Kitchen, large Front Room (that can be Divided into Dining Area, Front Room, Den area, etc.) and has an enclosed California Room with Sliding Glass Door to the backyard! Also has electricity for an office. Your Primary Bedroom also has a sliding Glass door to the Backyard! This Estate Home is situated in a Great Location in the Community. Manufactured Senior Communities and Homes are still the best purchases for housing under $550K. Take a Look, be ready to take this one HOME!
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306126224
$428,000
1760
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
Updated, VIEW property located in a 5 STAR, resort style community for 55+ with rent control and many amenities and social activities! This home is also still on registration, meaning there are NO property taxes! This 3 section home boasts approximately 1760 square feet with a remodeled Ikea Kitchen, quartz countertops, newer roof, dual pane windows, furnace & A/C, refinished ceilings and walls, new interior doors, shutters, recessed lighting, and more! Enjoy the breezes, mountain views, and your own front row seat to the 4th of July fireworks from the very private, covered porch. The Primary Bedroom has a spacious walk in closet and an ensuite Bathroom with a new vanity with double sinks, step in shower and tub. The Guest Bathroom also boasts a new vanity and a step in shower. The formal Living room and Dining room have beamed ceilings and shutters. The Great Room / Family room has a gas fireplace, wet bar skylight and ceiling fan. The laundry room is oversized and doubles as an office with a built-in desk and shelves.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240005940
$350,000
1248
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
LAND OWNED planned community. Top of the Hill with great views. Very little vehicle traffic. Though not updated, in move-in condition. Washer, dryer, fridge, dishwasher, five-burner gas cooktop for your great mouth-watering recipes. Stick-built, standing-height shed w/lights and power. Living Room is L shaped for lots of different uses. Speaker pre-wires. Bright and Light home. Sunroom adds 150 square feet not in SF. Dual pane windows main home. Air conditioning, top of the hill gets ocean breeze.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306125074
$1,550,000
2292
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
This stunning, custom built, lovingly maintained, 2292 sq ft, 3-bedroom 2 full bath home, built in 2000 is an irresistible treasure. City views, radiant sunlight, close proximity to Lake San Marcos, easy access to Discover Hills hiking, San Marcos high school district, in a sought after, tranquil, neighborhood, on a 0.39-acre lot. Soaring ceilings, open concept that provides an abundant of warm, natural sunlight. The entire home is spacious, serene and flows nicely. An elevated kitchen is accommodating to those cooking, also allows viewing and visiting with guests while entertaining. The primary suite is a serene retreat located at one end of the home with steam shower and spacious walk-in closet. Two generous sized bedrooms, with walk in closets, are at the other end of the home. Two car garage, on lower level, has ample space behind, 1700 sq feet, to build out, a 4th bedroom suite, ADU or workshop. A spacious flag stone patio with lemon and orange trees, established roses, trees, and plants throughout the property. The outdoor space is tranquil and private. Remarkable views with majestic sunsets. Central air and heat. Conveniently located close to shopping, freeways, restaurants and more.
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