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#: 306158932
$795,000
1422
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
Beautiful detached home in Discovery Hills with exceptional value. Light & bright floor plan, spacious bedrooms & living space. This home has 3 bedroom, an office on the first floor with 2 and a half bath. It has an attached 2 car garage and backyard. The Woodwind community has plenty of guest parking with a community pool. It is also only 2 residential streets away from Discovery Lake, a great place to let the dogs run, kids play, have a picnic, hike trails, and enjoy the great outdoors. Very close proximity to CSU San Marcos, shopping, and excellent restaurants and breweries. This home has lots to offer! Perfect for family, first time home buyer, or investment property.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306160492
$1,433,000
1725
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
Contemporary Single Story Lakefront home with dock. Sunrise Pointe in Lake San Marcos offers residents a beautifully maintained community with resort amenities. Custom double glass entry doors with keypad entry. Enter into this turnkey home which offers 2 bedrooms plus 3rd optional bedroom, office or den. Den has a full drop down attic with ladder for storage. Interior atrium with beautiful decking, a soothing water feature and place for your green thumb or solitude to just read. Open floor plan includes all new luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. Neutral designer paint. Modern ceiling fans throughout. Dual pane windows and doors. Light and bright. Living room has a window nook for enjoying a glass of wine. Vaulted ceilings in living room and primary bedroom. Dining room and living room open to lakefront sliding doors and panoramic water views. Gas fireplace in Living room. Crystal chandelier. Kitchen has striking granite counters and extended bar seating with bay window to look onto the lake. 6 burner gas range with Hot water pot filler. Lots of pull out cabinetry and shelves. Primary ensuite with sliding doors to patio. Double closets in bedroom and hallway. Bathroom remodeled with dual vanities, walk in shower and custom glass enclosure. Guest ensuite has doors to patio and shower with glass tile. Lakefront patio covered with room for entertaining, BBQ, firepit or just winding down to spectacular sunrise and sunsets views. Shared dock included with your HOA. Maintained by Lake association. Side yard with newer fencing and easy maintenance. Fenced for pets. Hoa mainta
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306157266
$1,950,000
3915
sqft
5.5
Baths
4
Beds
This home has the best view location in the development. It has been highly upgraded with quality features such as new designer carpeting, travertine and wood floors, stainless-steel appliances, and granite countertops. All four bedrooms are en suite. Lush landscaping along the front walkway leads to a beautiful turret entry foyer with stunning medallion stone floor and a grand carpeted staircase. The adjoining living room with attractive fireplace is complimented with crown molding is currently used as a music room. The spacious kitchen is finished with Brazilian plank wood flooring and top of the line KitchenAid appliances. The adjoining family room fireplace has an oak mantle and an outstanding lake view. Varadero is a private gated community.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306156291
$1,167,000
2072
sqft
3
Baths
4
Beds
Stunning highly upgraded home on premium lot in popular gated Belmont of San Elijo Hills. This two story 2072sqft floorplan features 4 bedrooms and 3 baths (with a bedroom and full bathroom located on the main level) and includes distinctive features including walnut engineered wood floors, custom fireplace with limestone surround, wood paneling and trim detail downstairs and upgraded lighting. Open concept gourmet kitchen with granite kitchen countertops, white cabinetry, large center island and stainless-steel appliances. Upstairs is the spacious and bright primary bedroom complete with en-suite bath featuring dual vanity, soaking tub, limestone tile floors and large walk-in closet in addition to two more bedrooms, hallway bathroom with double sinks plus the convenience of an upstairs laundry room (washer and dryer convey) with lots of storage. One of the largest lots in the community, this private backyard offers a wonderful entertaining space with both a grass side yard and wonderful herringbone brick patio with outdoor fire feature, terraced landscaping, roses, olive tree and fruit tree with five different citrus fruits. Two car side by side attached garage with epoxy flooring and garage racks. The Belmont neighborhood in San Elijo Hills is just a short walk to community amenities and shopping, and features a pool, spa, BBQ, and recreation area. Low monthly Mello-Roos. Zoned for Double Peak K-8 and Mission Hills High School. San Elijo Hills offers ballparks, soccer field, picnic & BBQ area, playgrounds, dog park, community center, and all are within walking distance. E
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306156578
$509,000
888
sqft
1
Baths
2
Beds
Adorable 2 Bedroom home is complete with nice upgrades throughout. This spacious single level floor plan offers 2 large bedrooms outfitted with carpet and nice size closets that include closet organizers. The living room welcomes you with beautiful laminate flooring and open kitchen! This wonderful floor plan also offers an inside washer and dryer. The large back patio connects to the 1 car garage and assigned parking space. This community offers a sparkling pool, tennis courts and tot lot.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306158263
$879,000
1650
sqft
3.5
Baths
3
Beds
Welcome to the highly coveted Laurel community at Old Creek Ranch. This impeccably maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome offers the perfect blend of convenience and spaciousness reminiscent of a single-family residence. Step inside to discover a wealth of refined touches that enhance the living experience, including rich dark hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and custom shutters throughout. The main floor living area is seamlessly connected to the attached two-car garage for added convenience, while the large kitchen island and inviting fireplace create a cozy atmosphere in the living room. Outside, the private patio beckons for entertaining or relaxation, while residents can also enjoy the luxurious amenities of the community pool and spa. Upstairs, three bedrooms and a versatile loft space provide ample room for rest and productivity. The primary bedroom offers a serene retreat with its spacious walk-in closet and indulgent soaking tub. Secondary bedrooms are bathed in natural light, providing comfortable spaces for relaxation. Storage is abundant with the inclusion of a second-level laundry room. Located at the crossroads of La Costa/Carlsbad and San Elijo/San Marcos, residents of Old Creek Ranch have a plethora of shopping and dining options at their fingertips. Experience the best of effortless living in this move-in ready townhome in the desirable Laurel community
san marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240009025
$979,000
1871
sqft
3.5
Baths
4
Beds
First time on the market in 17 years! Come home to a park like setting on a quiet court and enjoy the peace. 2 fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, nicely appointed. Move in ready with new paint throughout the first floor, new carpet and remodeled half bath. Enjoy all San Marcos has to offer with close proximity to shopping and dining, schools and Lake San Marcos. Only 8 short miles to the beach! Come make this gem your new family home!
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240008901
$1,598,000
1876
sqft
2
Baths
4
Beds
Fully remodeled dream home with stunning west-facing views of The Links Golf Course in Lake San Marcos with NO HOA! This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence has undergone an extensive top-to-bottom renovation, including the addition of a detached studio in the backyard—an ideal space for a home office, guest suite, or serene retreat. Step into the heart of the home and enjoy the open concept living space with a chef's kitchen featuring white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, a standalone island complete with a wine fridge, large pantry, an oversized deep kitchen sink, designer backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and custom lighting. Both bathrooms have gone through a complete make over including new vanities with quartz counters, a large shower in the primary with floor to ceiling tile and a spacious renovated guest bath with a bathtub. Throughout the home, enjoy the new luxury vinyl plank flooring, complemented by upgraded baseboards and trim, dual-pane vinyl windows, overhead can lighting, custom solar shades, a whole house fan, and smart thermostat AC. Plus, benefit from solar panels with a new electrical panel for energy efficiency. The garage has been upgraded with professional epoxy flooring, lined with new storage cabinets, and EV ready with dedicated 220V wiring. Outside, the newly fenced front and back yards have been professional landscaped with drought resistant plants complete with drip line irrigation, exterior lighting, an extended patio area perfect for outdoor dining, raised planter beds, and a low-maintenance turf sitting area.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240008975
$659,000
1027
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
Introducing a pristine top-floor condo nestled within the sought-after Campana at Rancho Coronado gated community. This move-in ready gem boasts a meticulously renovated kitchen as its centerpiece, adorned with exquisite new quartz countertops and backsplash. Revel in the fresh ambiance accentuated by custom paint, crown molding, and the convenience of central AC. Newly installed ceiling fans and a gas hot water heater enhance comfort, while built-in stereo surround sound adds a touch of luxury. Experience the airy openness of the residence with vaulted ceilings and ample windows bathing every corner in natural light. Entertain effortlessly in the seamlessly integrated kitchen, featuring recessed lighting, modern appliances including a newer refrigerator, and a welcoming breakfast counter opening to the living area. A cozy nook awaits at the top of the stairs, perfect for a home office or relaxation space. Step outside onto the private balcony, an ideal spot to unwind. Retreat to the spacious primary suite boasting a walk-in closet and a luxurious en-suite bathroom. Complete privacy is ensured with bedrooms situated on opposite sides of the expansive great room. Convenience is key with the washer and dryer conveniently located in the attached one-car garage, complete with ample storage shelving for seamless daily living. Enjoy the community's exceptional amenities including a sparkling pool, spa, recreation area, and tot lot. Perfectly situated, this home offers proximity to shopping, dining, parks, esteemed schools, and major transportation routes.
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