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#: 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#: 306144737
$965,000
1296
sqft
2
Baths
4
Beds
This stunning remodeled 4 bedroom, 2 full bathroom home offers a light-filled, open floor plan, perfect for entertaining and everyday living. The brand new kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring gleaming quartz countertops, chic gold finishes, and a large island that provides ample prep space. Step outside to your private backyard featuring mature orange and lemon trees, your own personal oasis perfect for relaxing evenings under the California stars. Take in the breathtaking foothill views that offer a touch of tranquility, all within the convenience of San Marcos living. Located in the highly sought-after and highly-scored San Marcos school district. La Costa Meadows, San Elijo Middle, San Marcos High. Golf enthusiasts will love the proximity to world-class courses, while everyone will enjoy easy access to Lake San Marcos, shops, restaurants, and all the amenities this vibrant upcoming city has to offer. Plus, you're just a short drive from the beach for those perfect SoCal days. No HOA or Mello Roos! Don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of paradise! Schedule a showing today!
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306161358
$950,000
1871
sqft
3.5
Baths
4
Beds
Welcome to your hilltop dream home in San Marcos! Step inside to discover brand new flooring and fresh paint that breathe new life into every room. Marvel at the spacious vaulted ceilings that create an airy and inviting atmosphere throughout. Enjoy peace of mind with a roof that was maintained in 2020 with a 20 year warranty. Stay comfortable year-round with the new (2023) GE High-Efficiency Variable Speed Heat Pump/Gas Dual-Fuel system with a Bosch 2-Stage Programmable Controller. Plus, say goodbye to cold showers with a newer water heater that provides ample hot water for your family's needs. Whether you're hosting gatherings or relaxing with loved ones, this home offers the perfect backdrop for every occasion. With its ideal location in San Marcos, you'll have easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment, and top-rated schools including La Costa Meadows elementary. Don't miss your chance to make this beautiful home yours. Schedule a showing today and start envisioning your future in this remarkable property!
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: NDP2400293
$940,000
sqft
0
Baths
Beds
This is the most beautiful parcel of land that is local and comes with an elected life style. COUNTY SAYS POTENTIAL LOT SPLIT SB-9. No need to drive out to the middle of no where to find land large enough to build your dream home or compound. The utilities, water and sewer are very close by as evident of other estate homes flanking each side of the parcel. This parcel opportunity has golf course views, LAKE views, community views, ocean views, mountain views, East, West, and Northern views. This is an excellent location of prime property in the social setting of desirable Lake San Marcos. This property is located on the estate street of La Plaza above it all and over looking a beautiful body of water and the Lake San Marcos community. This property also does not have an HOA but there are CC&R's. This parcel is governed by San Diego County and not city of San Marcos. The fruit trees include persimmon, marionberry, limes, lemons, tangerines, macadamia, fig, orange and 100 avocado trees!!!
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#: 306152120
$889,000
1447
sqft
3.5
Baths
3
Beds
Beautiful home in the gorgeous gated and private Belmont neighborhood of San Elijo Hills! This 1447 square foot home features 3 bedrooms, and 2.5 baths with a bonus room for an office/den or convert to bedroom. This is a fully detached home, there are no shared walls with another property! The split-level layout allows for maximizing living space. This home features new LED recessed lighting throughout, new paint, luxury vinyl plank floors throughout the living space that was installed in the past 24 months, all stainless steel appliance suite in the kitchen, and a fully finished backyard space with concrete pad, gas fire pit and synthetic turf. The attached two-car garage has a custom storage area that is under the first split level so you can utilize every inch of the property. This home has a tankless water heater, central HVAC system (including AC), and fire sprinkler system. All appliances, including washer and dryer convey with sale. The Belmont community offers a pool and BBQ area with clubhouse, and a dog walking area that are just steps away. The San Elijo Hills neighborhood amenities include desirable schools, ballparks, soccer fields, picnic tables, BBQ areas, playgrounds, a dog park, a community center, and a pedestrian-friendly town center a short one-mile down the hill. Low HOA Fees; Belmont $180.00 Per Month, San Elijo Hills $90 Per Month
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#: 306138316
$810,000
1204
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
This stunning 2 bedroom + den condo has a 180-degree unobstructed and panoramic view of all of Lake San Marcos and the lush green rolling mountains with snowcapped mountains during the winters in the distance. The home has been meticulously maintained over the years featuring high end laminate flooring, high-quality carpet in bedrooms, a renovated primary bathroom with walk-in shower and spacious living spaces with 9 ft ceilings. The large kitchen features plenty of storage, with stainless-steel appliances and a cozy breakfast nook with stunning natural light. You will also enjoy the spacious primary bedroom with an on-suite bathroom, but it will be the sunrises from the bedroom that will take your breath away. No stairs or steps once you're inside your unit! Unit includes a 2-car detached garage space. The HOA includes a ton of amenities including access to all Lake San Marcos amenities - including multiple pools, pickleball/tennis courts, Lake San Marcos activities (boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, etc.). Also includes 24-hour security patrol.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240006293
$800,000
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!
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