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#: 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 5754 SQ FT home sits 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. Courtyard welcomes your guests upon 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. Landscape maintenance is included; 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#: 306155720
$2,799,000
4581
sqft
4.5
Baths
4
Beds
GORGEOUS, PANORAMIC VIEW PROPERTY IN THE PREEMINENT GATED COMMUNITY OF THE ESTATES AT SAN ELIJO HILLS. Situated on 1.3 acres with fabulous hill and ocean views, this impeccably crafted, highly upgraded 4BR/5BA home with an optional 5th BR, includes a large downstairs bedroom suite in addition to the upstairs primary bedroom which opens onto a spacious deck, perfect for watching gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Features include FULLY OWNED SOLAR with 2 TESLA BATTERY POWER WALLS, a beautiful outdoor loggia with imported tile flooring, amazing low maintenance landscaping and outdoor space including a putting green, fire pit, built in BBQ and plenty of flat spaces to play or add a pool. Inside, enjoy the dual fuel 48" Thermador Range, Sub-zero fridge, pot-filler and extra veggie sink, custom countertops as well as several spacious walk-in closets, large pantry and laundry room and beautiful blue epoxy garage floors. This home has it all and is the perfect sanctuary to enjoy all that North County San Diego has to offer.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306156291
$1,167,000
2072
sqft
3
Baths
4
Beds
Stunning highly upgraded home on premium lot in popular gated Belmont of San Elijo Hills. This two story 2072sqft floorplan features 4 bedrooms and 3 baths (with a bedroom and full bathroom located on the main level) and includes distinctive features including walnut engineered wood floors, custom fireplace with limestone surround, wood paneling and trim detail downstairs and upgraded lighting. Open concept gourmet kitchen with granite kitchen countertops, white cabinetry, large center island and stainless-steel appliances. Upstairs is the spacious and bright primary bedroom complete with en-suite bath featuring dual vanity, soaking tub, limestone tile floors and large walk-in closet in addition to two more bedrooms, hallway bathroom with double sinks plus the convenience of an upstairs laundry room (washer and dryer convey) with lots of storage. One of the largest lots in the community, this private backyard offers a wonderful entertaining space with both a grass side yard and wonderful herringbone brick patio with outdoor fire feature, terraced landscaping, roses, olive tree and fruit tree with five different citrus fruits. Two car side by side attached garage with epoxy flooring and garage racks. The Belmont neighborhood in San Elijo Hills is just a short walk to community amenities and shopping, and features a pool, spa, BBQ, and recreation area. Low monthly Mello-Roos. Zoned for Double Peak K-8 and Mission Hills High School. San Elijo Hills offers ballparks, soccer field, picnic & BBQ area, playgrounds, dog park, community center, and all are within walking distance. E
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#: 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#: 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#: 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
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