I moved from San Marcos this past March and know quite a bit about the city, crime and housing. I’ve lived in Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Encinitas and Temecula the past 10 years, so I have some perspective.
Housing wise, there are a number of really great planned communities in the city that are just as nice if not more desirable than San Elijo Hills. None are as master planned and cookie cutter as SEH with the downtown and amphitheater etc., but many have an abundance of trails, good grade schools, and even larger yards and wider streets than SEH. Here are some examples:
Rancho Dorado – Very nice homes, great views and located right next to Carlsbad. It borders Rancho Carillo, a Carlsbad community.
Twin Oaks Valley Ranch – North of the 78, very nice homes, golfing etc. I would look here before SEH.
Santa Fe Hills – Large tract home community, schools, parks, trails, near Palomar College. I saw a 2600 sqft. home a block from a good grade school for 559k there yesterday.
Discovery Hills – Low HOA, mello roos, nice community feel, trails, lake, schools, normal neighbors. Near CSUSM which is a growing school (10k enrollment will be 20k + in 15 years). City of San Marcos has committed to build out the area to the west of this neighborhood and it will be a $50-100 million project that will create a sort of downtown San Marcos along the creek area. Commercial, housing etc.
Coronado Hills – Some very nice homes hidden above the college area. Worth driving around just to experience the views and rural feel of the area.
Stone Canyon – Above the college and to the west, above Discovery Hills. It is on the other side of the mountain from SEH. Nice gated community, good views and I like this neighborhood alot.
Others – Silvercrest, Belleza, and more…
San Marcos has rapidly improved its image and is now home to some very nice, safe communities and lots of young families. The city itself is fantastic and has a budget surplus every year unlike most cities around here. The city building is brand new and the most attractive building I have ever seen in the area. Were talking millions left over in surplus becasue they run the place so well. Lots of new shopping areas like Best Buy, Frys, and a new Nordstroms going in off of the new exit from the 78. The city owns the properties and leases to many of the tenants, hence the surplus. There are older areas with crime, but slowly they are disappearing and being renovated.
Gang tagging and small level crime exist, but the city has money and they are tackling the problems. The middle and high schools also may not be the best, but are far from the worst either. IMO, having seen the city master plan, met many people who work at the city and lived there I can say that this is a city to bet in. It will keep getting nicer, and the city government is very active. Go to the Christmas party they throw in December and you will be very impressed. Other cities like Carlsbad and Encinitas are also very nice, better schools etc. but largely built out (Encinitas), prices are sky high and not as many young families around. If you can afford it, move to Carlsbad. If you can’t, San Marcos is a great choice and you can find a nice home for 560k right now.
