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#: 306155953
$1,689,900
3401
sqft
3
Baths
5
Beds
Welcome home to your dream oasis in the prestigious gated community of Promontory Ridge. Nestled within the sought-after San Elijo Hills, this stunning home boasts a captivating vine-covered facade that adds an enchanting touch to its curb appeal. Inside, discover 3,400sf illuminated by natural light, thanks to its soaring ceilings that create an airy and spacious ambiance throughout. With 4 bedrooms, including a full downstairs guest room, this home offers both luxury and practicality. Entertainment is effortless with two lofts providing versatile spaces for relaxation or office spaces plus an oversized upstairs den currently set up as a home theater with a fun diner style booth. Outside, escape to your own private paradise in the tranquil yard featuring a refreshing pool and spa, complete with cascading waterfall for added serenity and low maintenance artificial turf. The built-in outdoor BBQ kitchen island with fridge and bar seating is perfect for hosting poolside gatherings, with custom pavers and masonry throughout. Indoors, the home is adorned with beautiful interior upgrades, including a granite kitchen and crown molding. Retreat to the luxurious master suite, where a spa-like oasis awaits with a cozy retreat area, providing the perfect sanctuary to unwind after a long day. Experience the epitome of California living in this meticulously crafted home, ready for it's new owner. Don't miss your chance to call this sanctuary yours and start living the life you've always dreamed of in Promontory Ridge. Ask about an ADDITIONAL $7,000 home buyer credit available on this h
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306129361
$1,699,000
2957
sqft
3
Baths
5
Beds
Step into this Tuscany-inspired home and enjoy panoramic ocean and sunset views every day! Located on a cul-de-sac in the Crestview neighborhood of San Elijo Hills, this meticulously updated residence offers paid solar, a Tesla charger, a private courtyard entry, and separate 2 & 1-car garages! With a perfect layout featuring a first-floor bed/bath, a kitchen facing the views, separate formal dining and living areas, and a master suite with retreat/loft/office/exercise space, every detail caters to comfort and elegance. Enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor living with French doors leading to a covered patio with low-maintenance landscaping, a built-in gas firepit, and jacuzzian ideal setting for soaking in the endless horizons and vibrant sunsets. With top-rated schools, nearby trails, parks, and amenities, this is the epitome of Southern California living.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306131264
$1,749,900
3344
sqft
5.5
Baths
5
Beds
Beautiful cul-de-sac home with great yard in gated community! Enjoy sunset ocean views! From the turret entry with spiral staircase to the bright front living room, this 5 bedroom/4.5 bath San Elijo Hills home is warm and inviting and has a popular floor plan. The chef's kitchen has granite counters with a large center island, bright breakfast nook and stainless steel appliances. The generous family room includes a built-in entertainment area with surround sound speakers in the ceiling. It is set up for multi-generational living with a convenient downstairs bedroom with ensuite bathroom as well as a separate guest powder room. (1.5 bathrooms downstairs.) There are four bedrooms upstairs and two of the secondary bedrooms (one is extra large with a nook) access a shared bathroom and theres also a hallway bathroom near the fourth upstairs bedroom. The large primary bedroom has a retreat and fireplace, dual closets, and a luxurious bathroom with two walk-in closets, a large shower and soaking tub. Outside, the backyard is a quiet sanctuary with a patio, a built-in fire-pit, and a grass lawn creating a perfect setting for outdoor gatherings. The property also boasts views toward downtown. This well-maintained home has OWNED Tesla storage and ample garage space with a 3 car tandem garage equipped with racks. The property also features plantation shutters, dual A/C and a downstairs laundry room. Brand new Milgard windows are on order and will be installed soon! This home is ideally situated in the highly desirable gated Saverne community on a quiet, double cul-de-sac street with o
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306152906
$1,799,000
3556
sqft
4
Baths
4
Beds
Step into the epitome of suburban charm and modern luxury in the heart of San Elijo Hills. Nestled in the prestigious Mahogany development at Old Creek Ranch, this stunning home is waiting for its next discerning owner. With unmatched comfort, sophistication, and a lifestyle that's simply unbeatable, this is where your dreams come true. The gourmet kitchen is the heart of this exquisite home, featuring elegant granite countertops, high-end stainless steel appliances, and a beautiful island illuminated by stylish pendant lighting perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying family meals. The cozy family room with a warm fireplace is ideal for relaxation and heartfelt conversations. The dining room with a vaulted ceiling is perfect for formal meals and special celebrations. The master suite is a spacious sanctuary with serene views of the greenbelt and a versatile en suite room that can be transformed into a home office, nursery, or private escape. The luxurious master bath with a Jacuzzi tub offers a private spa experience to unwind after a long day. Step outside to beautifully landscaped yards that create a private oasis for outdoor entertainment or quiet nights under the stars. Owned solar panels make this home eco-friendly without compromising on luxury. Not only is this home stunning inside and out, but it's also conveniently located near hiking trails, playgrounds, top-tier schools, shopping destinations, parks, and the breathtaking California coastline offering a lifestyle full of convenience and adventure. Welcome to a home that exceeds expectations, offering a rich
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#: 306137860
$1,895,000
3894
sqft
4
Baths
6
Beds
Open house 4/28 has been cancelled. Set on a sprawling 2+ acre lot in Coronado Hills, this custom-built estate has stunning panoramic mountain and peek ocean views. With expansive rooms, the layout offers versatility. The gourmet kitchen boasts granite countertops, an induction stove, double oven, copper sink, and eat-in bar & breakfast nook. Acacia hardwood flooring flows throughout the living areas. The main level features a bedroom, full bath, and optional sixth bedroom currently set up as an office. There is a bonus room with potential to be used as a wine cellar, storage, or an additional walk-in pantry. The primary suite includes an expansive wraparound deck. The landscaped yard with spa & waterfall also has potential room to add a pool. The three-car garage has an attached workshop. The property also includes a detached, unfinished 800 sqft ADU, previously used as a two-bedroom guest house, which offers additional possibilities for rental income or multigenerational living. This property boasts a mature fruit & nut orchard with newly upgraded smart irrigation system. Private electric gate, owned solar, Tesla EV charger, Starlink, and RV or boat parking are some of the many upgrades at this exceptional San Marcos home.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: NDP2402717
$1,895,000
3894
sqft
4
Baths
6
Beds
Set on a sprawling 2+ acre lot in Coronado Hills, this custom-built estate has stunning panoramic mountain and peek ocean views. With expansive rooms, the layout offers versatility. The gourmet kitchen boasts granite countertops, an induction stove, double oven, copper sink, and eat-in bar & breakfast nook. Acacia hardwood flooring flows throughout the living areas. The main level features a bedroom, full bath, and optional sixth bedroom currently set up as an office. There is a bonus room with potential to be used as a wine cellar, storage, or an additional walk-in pantry. The primary suite includes an expansive wraparound deck. The landscaped yard with spa & waterfall also has potential room to add a pool. The three-car garage has an attached workshop. The property also includes a detached, unfinished 800 sqft ADU, previously used as a two-bedroom guest house, which offers additional possibilities for rental income or multigenerational living. This property boasts a mature fruit & nut orchard with newly upgraded smart irrigation system. Private electric gate, owned solar, Tesla EV charger, Starlink, and RV or boat parking are some of the many upgrades at this exceptional San Marcos home.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240007908
$1,895,000
3600
sqft
3.5
Baths
4
Beds
Perched atop the San Marcos hills, this custom-designed residence offers unparalleled panoramic views spanning from the city lights of Northern San Diego to the tranquil expanse of the ocean. Beyond its private gated entry, guests are greeted by magnificent front doors opening into a grand foyer showcasing the westerly views. The home boasts luxurious travertine flooring on the lower level, complemented by a striking custom walnut staircase adorned with intricate purple inlay. Upstairs you’ll discover 3 large bedrooms, all adorned with the same elegant walnut flooring. Entertain guests in the expansive living room, complete with a built-in bar, or retreat to the sizable theater room for a cinematic experience. Enjoy outdoor gatherings in the well-appointed kitchen, Additionally, the property features an attached 5-car garage equipped with a car lift, accommodating a total of 6 vehicles. Two detached garage spaces provide further storage or workshop possibilities, catering to the needs of car enthusiasts or hobbyists. Situated for convenience, the property provides easy access to major freeways including Hwy 78 and I-15, as well as proximity to Cal State San Marcos and Palomar Hospital. This home truly has it all!
SAN MARCOS, CA 92078
MLS#: 230020861
$1,900,000
1058
sqft
1
Baths
3
Beds
VALUE IN THE LAND, BUILDING CODE R1-10 ONE HOUSE FOR EVERY 10 SQF. TOWHOME PROJECT FEW HOUSES DOWN THE STREET FROM THE SUBJECT IS ALMOST COMLPETED. PROPERTY IS ALL FENCED , AND SHOWS WITH AN ACCEPTED OFFER ONLY, PHOTOS SHOWS THE GEOGRAPHICS OF THE LAND. BUYERS TO DO THEIR OWN INVESTIGATIONS WITH THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS REGARDING THE BUILT-ABILITY OF THE LAND. PLEASE C.L.A WITH ANY QUESTIONS.
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