Welcome To

San Marcos

An upbeat vibe defines this chic and gorgeous San Diego suburb.

Welcome to San Marcos

Dynamic, progressive, sophisticated, trendy, beautiful — there are many ways to describe this city in San Diego’s desirable North County. Situated 35 miles away from downtown San Diego, this pristine city’s terrific school district and a slew of outdoor recreational activities render it a leading choice for families with children and cultured professionals. 

Excellent restaurants and bars, which run the gamut from upscale to casual, line its downtown district, while sweeping views of the verdant, untouched countryside extend in multiple directions. Sprawling estates, complete with high-end touches, also have epic vistas of the mountains, valleys, and lakes. The fabulous weather seen in this pocket of Southern California amplifies San Marcos’s appeal and explains precisely why it’s one of the most coveted regions in the state.

What to Love

  • Characterized by its youthful energy and family-oriented ethos
  • Proximity to the county’s legendary beaches and coastal communities
  • A short commute away from downtown San Diego
  • Home to outstanding colleges and universities

 

Local Lifestyle

San Marcos’s liveliness holds major appeal to individuals and their families who thrive in a spirited setting. Professionals, students, retirees, artists, and entrepreneurs are all thrilled to call this slice of paradise home. You’ll often find your neighbors savoring time at one of the community’s lush and lovely parks, perusing its boutiques, or enjoying the sunshine in its downtown square.

Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

From lakeside gems to laidback cafes, San Marcos has a panoply of outstanding restaurants. Amalfi Cucina Italiana is a leading local favorite. With two levels of dining space situated directly on the water, this buzzy hotspot features authentic Italian fare that’s at once familiar and inventive. Polpette, calamari fritti, and shrimp pasta are just a few of the items on their menu.


Dining al fresco is taken to new heights at Fish House Vera Cruz, where you can dip into a handful of sumptuous seafood dishes. Oyster shooters, Canadian scallops, ahi tuna, and North Pacific halibut — the very range of options here amaze even the pickiest of palates. The Old Spaghetti Factory is perfect for children and birthday celebrations, while date nights are best enjoyed at Aria Restaurant, a sleek venue specializing in Persian and Mediterranean fare. 


What would a San Diego County city be without authentic Mexican food and delicious margaritas? This is precisely what you will find at Cocina Del Charro. Kick off your meal with ceviche tostadas, dive into a plate of Mexico City’s trademark dish, enchiladas suiza, and conclude it all with a slice of classic flan with dulce de leche.

Things to Do

An enormous part of San Marcos’s charm is its abundance of parks, trails, and natural attractions. Lake San Marcos functions as the crown jewel of the city. Beyond its beauty, it supplies residents and visitors with a boatload of ways to relish a sunny day, from paddleboarding to kayaking. Discover Lake is just as bewitching with its stunning views of the mountains. There’s a terrific loop trail here that’s perfect for the whole family. The nature preserve at Jack’s Pond, one of San Marco’s secret gems, is the go-to spot for those searching for serenity. Rarely crowded, this outdoor oasis offers profound peace and quiet.


Walnut Grove Park is yet another popular San Marcos attraction with its playing fields and equestrian facilities, while the enchanting and historic Williams’ Barn is often used for terrific public events.

Schools

The San Marcos Unified School District is one of the best in the state. A few of the top-performing schools in the city include:


Overview for San Marcos, CA

94,313 people live in San Marcos, where the median age is 35.6 and the average individual income is $39,122. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

94,313

Total Population

35.6 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$39,122

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for San Marcos, CA

San Marcos has 30,304 households, with an average household size of 3.08. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in San Marcos do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 94,313 people call San Marcos home. The population density is 3,839.38 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

94,313

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

35.6

Median Age

49.91 / 50.09%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
30,304

Total Households

3.08

Average Household Size

$39,122

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in San Marcos, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby San Marcos. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
4/5
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
4/5
Richland Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
4/5
PUBLIC
K - 5th
4/5
San Marcos Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
1/5
Twin Oaks Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
3/5
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
5/5
Discovery Isle Child Development Center
PRIVATE
PreK - K
No rating available
California Pacific Charter- Los Angeles
PUBLIC
K - 12th
3/5
High Technical Elementary North County
PUBLIC
K - 5th
3/5
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
4/5
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
3/5
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
2/5
PUBLIC
K - 5th
5/5
North Coastal Consortium Schools
PUBLIC
K - 12th
No rating available
PRIVATE
K - 12th
No rating available
Teri Inc. The Country School
PRIVATE
6th - 12th
No rating available
High Technical Middle North County
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
3/5
High Technical High North County
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
4/5
Baypoint Preparatory Academy - San Diego
PUBLIC
K - 8th
No rating available
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
No rating available
PUBLIC
K - 5th
4/5
PUBLIC
K - 8th
5/5
PUBLIC
K - 12th
3/5
PUBLIC
K - 8th
1/5
PUBLIC
K - 5th
5/5
Pathways Academy Charter Adult Education
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
No rating available
Sage Oak Charter School- Keppel
PUBLIC
K - 12th
3/5
Pathways Academy Charter - Adult Education
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
No rating available
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