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#: 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.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306153113
$1,549,900
2708
sqft
4
Baths
4
Beds
Welcome to your dream home in San Elijo Hills! This meticulously maintained 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom residence boasts a perfect blend of modern upgrades and thoughtful convenience. Nestled in the charming Luminara neighborhood, this move-in ready home offers the best in comfortable living. Upon entry, youll be greeted by a spacious layout that seamlessly connects the living spaces. The main level features a convenient first floor bedroom, ideal for guests or as an exercise room or home office, ensuring flexibility to suit your needs. The recently remodeled kitchen is gorgeous, showcasing stainless steel chef-grade appliances, including a Wolf range and custom built in refrigerator, a large kitchen island for culinary adventures, and custom cabinetry that provides ample storage. Ascend to the second floor to discover the expansive primary suite, a serene retreat with a beautiful en suite bath. Pamper yourself in the large soaking tub and enjoy the convenience of a generously sized walk-in closet. The home's eco-friendly features include owned solar panels rated at 6.615 kilowatts, ensuring energy efficiency and cost savings. Outside, the drought-tolerant landscaping enhances curb appeal while requiring minimal maintenance. Step into the backyard oasis, complete with a covered patio perfect for al fresco dining and a built-in grill for entertaining guests. Additional highlights include a loft space ideal for a playroom or media center, a 2-car garage, and a prime location close to top rated schools, trails, parks, and shopping. Don't miss this opportunity to own a turnkey home t
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306079401
$1,500,000
3139
sqft
3
Baths
4
Beds
SPACIOUS SAN ELIJO HILLS HOME WITH ONE OF THE LARGEST LOTS IN THE SAGEWOOD COMMUNITY! Long private driveway and HUGE lot - nearly 10,000 SF - with canyon/greenbelt views and no neighbors behind! Welcome home to this 4 bedroom + 2 optional bedrooms (easy conversion to 6 bedrooms!), 3 full bath residence situated in the heart of San Elijo Hills. The 2 optional bedrooms can be used as offices, teen/bonus rooms or game/media rooms. Open floor plan concept with large kitchen offering granite counters, walk-in pantry, center island and breakfast nook + full bedroom and bath on the first floor. Family room and primary bedroom fireplaces, bedroom view deck, soaring high ceilings and much more! This home boasts over 3,100 ESF, 3 car tandem garage, and an oversized very private view backyard on the green belt, with no rear facing neighbors. Zoned for San Marcos High School. Home has original features and ready for your own touch and improvements. ***** THE SAN ELIJO HILLS COMMUNITY *** Great location, walk to parks, trails, town center and stores! Also nearby are desirable schools (Middle & Elementary), ballparks, soccer field, picnic tables, bbq, playgrounds, dog park, community center...and all are within walking distance! Enjoy the shops and eateries along with the 18 miles of trails & 19 acre park, 1000 acres of open space. Seller to select services. Room dimensions & sq footage are approximate, per builder & assessor's record. Mello-roos is estimated.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306133949
$1,449,000
2698
sqft
4.5
Baths
5
Beds
Explore luxury living at 871 First Light Rd, a captivating Mediterranean sanctuary nestled within the prestigious Woodley's Glen neighborhood of San Elijo Hills. Set on a tranquil cul-de-sac street, this home offers an unparalleled blend of elegance, comfort, and convenience. Step through the grand rotunda entry and immerse yourself in impeccable craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. The grand dining room sets the stage for elegant gatherings and memorable meals. Indulge in relaxation within the primary bedroom, featuring tray ceilings and a generously sized walk-in closet that can be easily customized to your liking. The fully updated kitchen, complete with a butler's pantry and walk-in pantry, is a chef's dream, boasting high-end modern appliances and abundant storage space. Outside, your private oasis awaits, where an outdoor fireplace invites cozy evenings under the stars in the courtyard. From the veranda overlooking the courtyard, enjoy a moment of outdoor privacy right outside your bedroom. But the allure of this home extends beyond its luxurious interiors. With walking access to the community park and hiking trails, outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Don't miss this chance to make this exceptional property your own. Schedule a private tour today and unlock the extraordinary lifestyle that awaits in Woodley's Glen, San Elijo Hills.
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#: 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#: 240006063
$1,399,000
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+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#: 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.
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