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#: 240009716
$936,900
1801
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
Rarely Available! Corner location with lake views in desired Sunrise Pointe. Featuring soaring vaulted ceilings, large primary bedroom with en-suite bathroom, large living room w/FP open to dining area with sliders onto fenced patio with lake and mountain views. Largest floor plan with Atrium (enclosed with skylight) and office area. Attached two car garage. Easy walk to lake, pool, tennis/paddle/pickle ball courts, fitness center and billiards room. Come enjoy the lifestyle that beautiful Lake San Marcos offers.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306161674
$1,625,800
3210
sqft
4
Baths
5
Beds
Outdoor entertainment at its finest or a sanctuary for relaxation. This captivating backyard oasis boasts a built-in BBQ, firepit, putting green, pool, and spa, all complemented by breathtaking mountain views. Surround yourself with nature on nearby hiking trails, or enjoy the fruits of your own backyard, including peach, pomegranate, apricot, lemon, and orange trees. Nestled at the end of a tranquil cul-de-sac on a rare, oversized lot that offers ample privacy and a lengthy driveway. Inside, discover elegance and functionality in this 5 bed/ 4 bath home with the convenience of a first-floor bedroom and full bath. Enjoy durable hardwood floors throughout along with plantation shutters. The gourmet kitchen features KitchenAid stainless steel appliances, including a 5-burner range, double oven, wine cooler and farmhouse white porcelain sink. Enriched with Brazilian quartzite countertops and white cabinets makes it as beautiful as it is functional. Relax with ease in the spacious family room with a cozy fireplace, or host formal dinners in the private dining room overlooking the lush backyard. The high ceiling formal living room adds grandeur to the space which leads upstairs to the four additional bedrooms. The master bath boasts travertine floors and tile countertops, with a master balcony offering sweeping mountain views. Step outside from another bedroom onto a fresh balcony or enjoy the comfort of an ensuite full bath in yet another. Completing the upstairs is an additional bedroom, full bath, and a convenient laundry room. This home is as practical as it is exquisite wit
San Marcos, CA 92078+7992
MLS#: NDP2403664
$1,395,000
2326
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
Depending on GPS, use 1433 River Crest Rd. Incredibly rare single-level home with a beautiful backyard hugging the serene canyon and greenspace within the cherished San Elijo Hills community in the Sagewood neighborhood. This home’s open floorplan will entice you to gaze out the huge family room windows onto the private, tiled backyard that borders the ravine and provides a tranquil setting for easy living in the San Diego sun. Your primary bedroom suite shares the same largescale windows with natural light and exceptional views, all on one easy, convenient floor. The backyard invites family & friends with built-in barbecue and sunset drenched views. Conveniently located within walking distance to top-rated San Elijo Elementary and Middle Schools for a lifestyle of ease with a town center of eateries, shops, sports fields, dog parks, and access to miles of trails throughout the area. Access the greenbelt trails from your private backyard gate for adventurous hikes. Join us for the Grand Opening Weekend Open Houses - Saturday, May 4th and Sunday, May 5th at 1:00pm-4:00pm | 1433rivercrestroad.com for additional info.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306161166
$699,000
1173
sqft
3.5
Baths
2
Beds
The newer community of Magnolia at Old Creek Ranch is a clean, convenient, and contemporary one with resort-style amenities. Located right on the San Marcos / Carlsbad corridor, Magnolia is centrally located near several quality dining and shopping center options. This neighborhood is defined by its beautiful heated lap pool and spa, mature tropical landscaping, and a modern building exterior. This home features two primary bedrooms, each with their own ensuite full bathrooms upstairs. Neutral colors and soft tones throughout. The main living area flows well with 9' ceilings and solid laminate wood flooring. Kitchen has a large peninsula with seating, a useful pantry area, and stainless Whirlpool appliances. The area flows well to the outdoor 10' x 5' patio balcony. No housing directly across, so this location offers some view of the local natural terrain and wildlife. Huge tandem 2 car garage measures 43' deep! No one above or below this unit. This entire area is surrounded by scenic walking/running trails and is zoned for award winning schools. With a location that's tough to beat, come put your own touches here to make this your perfect home.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240009475
$1,849,000
3722
sqft
4.5
Baths
5
Beds
Perched on a serene cul-de-sac in the gated community of Azure, this upscale home offers stunning views overlooking mountains to ocean, creating a breathtaking backdrop for daily life. Truly your own private piece of paradise situated on a .24 acre lot showcasing the ultimate backyard with pool, swim-up bar, spa, and everything you need for relaxing and entertaining. Highlights include picturesque views throughout a unique split level floor plan, pre-paid leased solar, 3 car garage with electric car charger, and more!
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240009477
$1,445,000
1757
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
Beautiful home features fully fenced, gated, and upgraded private setting. In addition to this 1757 sq ft home there is a complete 500 sq ft ADU with separate entrance, full kitchen, bath/studio area. Paid Tesla solar panels plus backup battery. This Private Oasis ( with ocean view)home offers a perfect blend of modern luxury and functional design. The main house is fully upgraded with high-end finishes and fixtures throughout, including SolidTech luxury plank floors, custom maple cabinetry, top-of-the-line appliances, natural stone veneer fireplace.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306159370
$1,395,000
2326
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
Depending on GPS, use 1433 River Crest Rd. Incredibly rare single-level home with a beautiful backyard hugging the serene canyon and greenspace within the cherished San Elijo Hills community in the Sagewood neighborhood. This homes open floorplan will entice you to gaze out the huge family room windows onto the private, tiled backyard that borders the ravine and provides a tranquil setting for easy living in the San Diego sun. Your primary bedroom suite shares the same largescale windows with natural light and exceptional views, all on one easy, convenient floor. The backyard invites family & friends with built-in barbecue and sunset drenched views. Conveniently located within walking distance to top-rated San Elijo Elementary and Middle Schools for a lifestyle of ease with a town center of eateries, shops, sports fields, dog parks, and access to miles of trails throughout the area. Access the greenbelt trails from your private backyard gate for adventurous hikes. Join us for the Grand Opening Weekend Open Houses - Saturday, May 4th and Sunday, May 5th at 1:00pm-4:00pm | 1433rivercrestroad.com for additional info.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240009361
$3,800
1515
sqft
3
Baths
3
Beds
Available June 1st. Wonderful 3 bedroom townhome in Morgan's Corner, in the heart of the San Elijo Hills Village. With a 2-car attached garage and 1st-floor kitchen, dining, living room, laundry, and powder room, this desirable open concept, end unit, comes fully equipped with all appliances including a newer washer & dryer. Enjoy the convenience of having tiles on the ground floor and a lovely built-in entertainment center matching the kitchen white cabinetry. On the 2nd floor you'll find 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and on the 3rd floor a spacious and charming loft with wood floors and beautiful views of the Hills! Listed as a bedroom this loft could be used as an office or as a bonus room. Morgan's corner features a fantastic community pool & spa and offers a city lifestyle at your door step! Restaurants, coffee shops, award winning elementary and middle school, parks, trails, dog park, BBQ, sports fields to name a few of the numerous offerings of this community! Photos available per request.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306158426
$349,900
1248
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
Beautiful renovated 2 bed 2 bath home Located in a highly desirable neighborhood with resort style living, Palomar Estates West is a 55 plus community centrally located near shopping and dining on the border of San Marcos and Carlsbad. This home features a wonderful open floor plan, a center island, shaker cabinets, quartz counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and a single basin stainless steel sink, updated bathrooms, vinyl plank flooring, new dual-pane windows, vaulted ceiling in the living room, kitchen, and dinning room gives you an even more spacious feel to the home. No detail has been forgotten. 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.
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