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.
​​​​​​​
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.
​​​​​​​
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#: 306140279
$379,500
1600
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
Immaculate BRAND NEW HOME with BEAUTIFUL UPGRADES throughout! This large 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom is gorgeous! You will love the gourmet kitchen with HUGE walk-in pantry, granite countertops, BRAND NEW stainless steel appliances and more! The primary bedroom is at one end of the house offering lots of privacy and a spa-like master bath with soaking tub, dual sink vanity, and large shower. There are two more bedrooms and another bathroom at opposite end of home. This is a must see stunner in an active adult community with fun activities, swimming pool, tennis courts and more! Call Now! Serial FLE220CA22-41013A/B
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240008591
$10,800
5754
sqft
6
Baths
5
Beds
Experience living like you are on the top of the world with 180 degree panoramic mountain views and ocean in the rarely available gated community of the prestigious Estate of the San Elijo Hill! This elegant unfurnished 5754 SQ FT home perched on a cul-de-sac with southern views that can be enjoyed from almost every room. It features a 5 bedroom ensuite, including a guest suite with kitchenette and own entrance, plus a private office downstairs and a spacious loft and a study area for kids to hangout. Courtyard welcomes your guests at the entry. The great room showcases its views through glass wall that can disappear into the wall pocket to create quintessential indoor outdoor California living. Kitchen with high end appliances, butler & walk in pantry offers plenty of storage. Its large island opens to the great room and sunroom. Additional features: Solar, Tesla electrical outlet; water softener; wall mounted TV; sound system. Nearby scenic hiking trails at Double Peak park! See additional features in supplemental.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240008335
$5,950
2471
sqft
3
Baths
5
Beds
Newly constructed in 2018, this beautiful home is located in the gated neighborhood of Vientos at Rancho Tesoro. Quiet location on a peaceful cul-de-sac. Open floorplan with family/living room, dining next to the patio. Chef's kitchen with Quartz counters, upgraded cabinetry, stainless appliances and gas range. Downstairs bedroom and full bath. Upstairs has a huge open loft that is perfect for a second family room, media, library, study or hangout for homework and play. Spacious master wing with luxurious bath and large walk-in closet. Laundry room with cabinet and large closet with shelves. Walk to the resort style recreation center with pool, cabanas, play yard, BBQ area and picnic tables. Surrounded by rolling hills with trails for walking, and biking. Close to dining, shopping, freeways and even the Sprinter train station. Easy care landscape, planters with an automatic drip system. Energy efficient LED lighting, wired with Cat 5e. USB outlets in kitchen and master bedroom. On demand tankless water heater. Central forced air & heating with separate zones for each level.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306128385
$449,000
1610
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
Stunning 2018 Fleetwood home located in Palomar Estates East. The large open floor plan and nine foot ceilings make this home feel very spacious. The kitchen features beautiful cabinets, quartz counter tops, a large center island, and stainless steel appliances. The primary suite has a large walk-in closet and on suite bathroom featuring a dual vanity with a quartz counter top and lovely tiled shower. The home features dual-pane vinyl windows, drywall, and three feet wide doorways allowing for wheelchairs access throughout the home as well as crown molding in the living area. Outside there is a wonderful wrap around front porch, fenced side yard with turf for your pet, curved awning poles to give you more carport space, textured concrete carport, and a shed to store your things. Palomar Estates East is a 55+/35+ senior rent controlled park with many amenities including a beautiful clubhouse, pool, spa, gym, putting green, pickleball courts, and tennis courts. This home is located minutes to Lake San Marcos dining and golf as well as local Carlsbad beaches, shopping, and restaurants.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240008040
$729,000
1125
sqft
3.5
Baths
2
Beds
BEAUTIFUL LAKE SAN MARCOS END UNIT WITH GREAT VIEWS 2 MASTER BEDROOMS WITH ATTACHED BATHS 2 CAR GARAGE WITH DIRECT ACCESS TO THE HOME. LIGHT AND BRIGHT WITH GRANITE COUNTERTOPS AND STAINLESS APPLIANCES FARMHOUSE SINK TILE ROOF CENTRAL AIR AND HEAT FINISHED GARAGE WITH EPOXY FLOORS AND INSULATED GARAGE DOOR, ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS, WASHER AND DRYER ALL INCLUDED. GREAT VIEWS AND A LAKE BREEZE. ACCESS TO LAKE SAN MARCOS AMENITIES INCLUDING LAKE, POOL, TENNIS, PICKLEBALL COURT, BEACH VOLLEYBALL, AND COMMUNITY CENTER LOCATED IN GREAT WALKING AREA. THIS HOME SHOWS LIKE BRAND NEW OFFERS VA AND FHA TERMS
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#: 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#: 306136284
$2,125,000
3372
sqft
4
Baths
3
Beds
Welcome to luxurious single-story living here in the gated community of Varadero, San Marcos gem. If you have been searching for a home full of upgrades that is truly turnkey, look no more. Pride of ownership abounds! First you will be greeted by a beautifully landscaped front yard, with no steps inside and out. Next, enter through the wide foyer, opening to a lovely, spacious living room. Soaring 10-foot ceilings throughout the home. The heart of the home is the open-concept gourmet kitchen, complete with 7-burner gas stove, sleek countertops, plenty of storage space, reverse osmosis drinking water system, and walk-in pantry. The kitchen seamlessly connects to the family room, creating an inviting space for gatherings and everyday living. Step outside to the backyard oasis, where you'll find a perfectly landscaped yard, with two avocado trees, one lemon tree, and a gas firepit, creating a perfect place to unwind and enjoy stunning sunsets with an ocean view. Pavers line the side of the yard. Additional features of this residence include beautiful travertine flooring, with inlaid design; three fireplaces; 2-zone HVAC system; retractable patio awning; plantation shutters; built-in surround-sound speakers; 220 50-AMP car charger in the 3-car tandem garage, complete with stylish built-in cabinetry, water softener, central vacuum, and tankless water heater. You will love the huge primary bedroom and ensuite bathroom, which includes dual showerheads, two closets, and two rare separate water closets! Down the hallway, youll be greeted by a den/optional 4th bedroom, which could al
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306140604
$1,629,888
3175
sqft
3
Baths
4
Beds
Here is your opportunity to own a spacious family home in the highly sought after community of Old Creek Ranch. Conveniently located on a quiet street across from open space, this gently used 4 bedroom, 3 bath home is HEAVILY upgraded from top to bottom and meticulously maintained by it's original owners. Beautifully landscaped front and backyard with great curb appeal. Upon entry, you will be greeted by soaring ceilings and large windows in the sun-filled formal living room. If open concept is what you desire then this floorplan is perfect for you. The sophisticated Kitchen and airy family room combo is an entertainer's dream. There is one full bedroom (Currently used as an office) and bath downstairs along with a home gym that could also be used for a 5th bedroom or playroom. New carpet recently installed along with fresh updates makes this property feel like new. Once upstairs, you will be greeted by a bright and spacious den, 2 generous guest bedrooms, a full bathroom and an awe-inspiring master suite. The garage has high ceilings with full epoxy floors. Did I mention this property is on solar too? The list goes on...This property is a must see. Don't miss your opportunity.
  • Log in
  • ×