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#: 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#: 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#: 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!
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#: 306154180
$998,500
2000
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
Step into your dream home in a gated San Marcos community! As you open the door, a sense of warmth and possibility envelops you. Step into the cozy foyer, leading into a spacious living area perfect for making memories. With three bedrooms conveniently located downstairs, privacy and comfort are at the forefront of this home's design. As you explore further, you'll find a large and inviting loft upstairs, currently being used as a 4th bedroom, or can be a large office. Offering endless possibilities for customization. Enjoy the modern convenience of partial updates throughout while still having room for your personal touch. Located on a corner lot, relish the tranquility and privacy this home offers, with easy access to the 78 and nearby amenities. When you're ready to venture out, indulge in resort-style living in the Williamsburg community, complete with a gated entrance, walking trails, community pool, clubhouse, playground, dog park, and BBQ area.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306152302
$1,299,000
2349
sqft
3
Baths
4
Beds
Stunning, turn-key 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home nestled in the highly desirable neighborhood of Discovery Hills! This gorgeous home boasts spectacular panoramic VIEWS and a prime location with NO HOA, miles of hiking trails and 3 nearby lakes. Inside youll find a meticulously remodeled interior featuring 20-foot ceilings with large windows providing abundant natural light, 2349 square feet of living space and tons of updates including engineered wood flooring throughout, custom iron stair rail, plantation shutters and completely remodeled bathrooms and laundry, with contemporary tile and cabinetry. The bright, open concept kitchen includes granite countertops, large center island with seating, stainless steel appliances, wine fridge and extra-large windows to take in the view. Plus, enjoy a spacious living area off the kitchen, with a cozy fireplace. This home is ideal for entertaining! An additional main level living area and dining room provide many places to relax. Downstairs you will also find a convenient bedroom with full bathroom and step-in shower, ideal for guests, office or multigenerational living. Upstairs are 3 additional, spacious bedrooms and 2 full baths. The light and bright primary bedroom features a fireplace, ensuite bathroom with walk-in closet and a view balcony, which has been newly rebuilt with durable TimberTech planks. Outside, the lush backyard opens to a beautiful canyon, providing unobstructed sweeping views. Unwind, taking in the sunset, relaxing by the built-in fire pit and turf yard with mature landscaping. The wide side yard with pergola, offe
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#: 306125074
$1,550,000
2292
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
This stunning, custom built, lovingly maintained, 2292 sq ft, 3-bedroom 2 full bath home, built in 2000 is an irresistible treasure. City views, radiant sunlight, close proximity to Lake San Marcos, easy access to Discover Hills hiking, San Marcos high school district, in a sought after, tranquil, neighborhood, on a 0.39-acre lot. Soaring ceilings, open concept that provides an abundant of warm, natural sunlight. The entire home is spacious, serene and flows nicely. An elevated kitchen is accommodating to those cooking, also allows viewing and visiting with guests while entertaining. The primary suite is a serene retreat located at one end of the home with steam shower and spacious walk-in closet. Two generous sized bedrooms, with walk in closets, are at the other end of the home. Two car garage, on lower level, has ample space behind, 1700 sq feet, to build out, a 4th bedroom suite, ADU or workshop. A spacious flag stone patio with lemon and orange trees, established roses, trees, and plants throughout the property. The outdoor space is tranquil and private. Remarkable views with majestic sunsets. Central air and heat. Conveniently located close to shopping, freeways, restaurants and more.
  • Log in
  • ×