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#: 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.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306161394
$675,000
1279
sqft
3.5
Baths
2
Beds
Welcome to the beautifully manicured gated community of Campana at Rancho Coronado. This light and bright 2 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom, 1,279 sq. ft. townhome features an attached one-car garage & assigned parking space. Plenty of windows flood the open floorplan living room, dining room and kitchen with natural light. The additional barstool seating off the kitchen counter make the space perfect for entertaining. Off of the open living area is a sweeping decked patio surrounded by rolling hills and singing birds for extended outdoor living. Recent upgrades include beautiful lighting, new vinyl plank flooring, plush, high-end carpet and upgraded kitchen appliances with a gas range. Upstairs, the spacious primary suite has tall ceilings, a walk-in closet, an ensuite bathroom with dual sinks, large soaking tub, shower and a private room for the toilet. The second bedroom has its own full ensuite bathroom with bathtub, shower and a long extended closet. Between the two suites, the loft area is perfect for a home office or reading nook. A full sized washer, dryer and extra fridge are in the oversized one car garage. Community amenities include a large sparkling pool, spa, playground and recreation area. This home is 11 miles from the beach and minutes away from walking trails, cozy coffee shops, dining, parks, shopping, and schools. Contact us for a private showing and make this beautiful home your own!
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#: 306125455
$725,000
1020
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
Amazing panoramic view location on popular west side* Price reduction seller found another motivated*Quiet culdesac *Beautiful upgraded home boasting a larger lot than most in the community*A gardner/entertainers dream watch the sunset*SOLAR owned*New woodgrain/type tile throughout*Granite counters*newer stainless appliances*Custom plantation shutters* 6 custom panel doors* Dual pane windows* Washer/dryer inside closet area* New vanity*Air conditioning*2 car garage*Fruit trees* Pride of ownership! Move in condition!
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306154004
$729,000
1344
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
Las Brisas 55+ gated community*charming 3 bedroom only floorplan available* Great for office area* Corner location boasts a beautiful covered patio for outdoor living *area surrounded by lush landscape*custom tile at spacious carport with ramp availability* granite counters with travertine backsplash wood/type laminate flooring*New roof.new heating & air conditioner* Inside laundry area*Freshly painted exterior* Quiet serene location*
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#: 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!
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#: 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
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