What’s Living in San Marcos Like? 🥰️ Moving to San Marcos TX Guide
The vibrant city of San Marcos is nestled in Hays County, in the heart of the Lone Star State, and offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. San Marcos, Texas, has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years. Settled in the 1800s, San Marcos began to take shape with the establishment of a mission and a fort.
The city grew rapidly during the 20th century, fueled by the construction of the railroad and the founding of Southwest Texas State University. Today, everything from its picturesque landscapes and abundant outdoor activities to its thriving arts and culture scene means that San Marcos has something for everyone. If life in this charming Austin-San Antonio suburb sounds good to you, you’ll love living in San Marcos!
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Where Is San Marcos TX?
San Marcos is a city located in Hays County, situated in the beautiful Hill Country region between Austin and San Antonio. The city's prime location offers residents and visitors easy access to a diverse range of natural wonders. With its proximity to the rolling hills, sparkling rivers, and lush green landscapes, San Marcos provides an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Additionally, its close proximity to major urban centers ensures convenient connectivity and access to a wide array of amenities and opportunities. The distance from San Marcos, TX, to Austin, TX is 31 miles.
San Marcos TX Population & Demographics
According to the US Census, San Marcos has a population of 74,316, with a population density of approximately 1,898 people per square mile, spread over an area of 36.3 square miles. The town has a median age of 24.9, and 9.1% of its residents were born outside the United States, with 52% coming from Latin America. 34.8% of the population of San Marcos holds a bachelor's degree or higher certification.
Celebrities and notable people who live in San Marcos include country music singer George Strait, former NFL player and coach Bum Phillips, and Grammy Award-winning musician Christopher Cross
San Marcos has a very diverse population, with Whites comprising a slight majority at 58.8%, followed by Hispanics at 42.2%. The town's gender distribution is heavily weighted towards women, at 53.7%.
San Marcos, as a community, does struggle with elevated crime rates, although San Marcos is still a relatively safe community. San Marcos’s overall crime rate is 23.48% higher than the national average, with 1,903 crimes annually per 100,000 people. The property crime rate is 28.29% higher than the national average, while the violent crime rate is 0.03% lower. The community of San Marcos is served by the San Marcos Police Department.
Cost of Living in San Marcos TX
Texas occupies a happy middle when it comes to the cost of living, and considering that San Marcos is off the national average by only a fraction of a percent, this community is no different! The cost of living index for San Marcos is only 0.1% higher than the national average. The median home price in San Marcos is $310,000, significantly more than the average Texas home price of $365,000.
If you want to make yourself a part of this community, you should check out the latest listings for San Marcos, TX homes for sale. According to RentCafe, the average rent in San Marcos and nearby areas is around $1,608 per month for 1,005 square feet.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four will need a yearly income of $114,268 to live in San Marcos.
San Marcos TX Everyday Expenses
Want to know what sort of daily expenses you’ll be paying in San Marcos? Check out these everyday expenses for San Marcos, provided by Numbeo.
- Gallon of milk - $4.37
- Loaf of bread - $2.98
- Gallon of gasoline - $2.87
- Average San Marcos utilities per month - $191.92
- Internet per month - $73.36
Where to Live in San Marcos TX
Want to know about the best neighborhoods in San Marcos? San Marcos has a wide variety of sub-communities that suit any resident!
Blanco River
Situated along the picturesque Blanco River, this neighborhood offers stunning waterfront views and a tranquil atmosphere. It is popular among nature enthusiasts and those seeking a serene residential setting close to outdoor recreational activities.
Willow Creek
Known for its family-friendly environment, Willow Creek features well-maintained homes and a tight-knit community. The neighborhood offers a range of amenities, including parks, playgrounds, and nearby schools, making it an appealing option for families.
Cottonwood Creek
This newer neighborhood showcases modern homes and a suburban feel. It boasts well-planned streets, sidewalks, and green spaces. It is conveniently located near shopping centers, restaurants, and major roadways, providing easy access to amenities and neighboring cities.
Kissing Tree
Looking into retirement communities in Austin, Texas? If you’re looking for quality golf courses, beautiful resort-style pools, and an active neighborhood, you don’t need to look any further! The most famous of them is the highly recommended Kissing Tree, a premium 55+ community in Texas Hill Country located at San Marcos TX!
San Marcos Weather
According to the Koppen Climate Classification, San Marcos TX weather has a humid subtropical climate. San Marcos will not surprise anyone familiar with the climate of Austin. You can expect lows of 39 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and highs of 94 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. San Marcos receives less rainfall than the average for the United States, with 35 inches per year. San Marcos does not experience snow. The best times to visit San Marcos, based on comfort ratings, are April and October.
San Marcos can be regularly subject to wildfires and rarely to tornadoes.
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Things to Do in San Marcos
If you are searching for the top activities in San Marcos, TX, make sure to visit the San Marcos Premium Outlets for an excellent San Marcos shopping experience! Moreover, below are some of the best attractions to explore in the San Marcos area, including state parks that host an annual live music scene!
Rio Vista Park
A 14-acre regional park, this park is well-loved by San Marcos residents for its excellent pools!
555 Cheatham St, San Marcos, TX 78666, (512) 393-8400
San Marcos Plaza Park
With beautiful sights, a lovely gazebo, and walking trails, San Marcos residents love this park for a reason!
206 N C M Allen Pkwy, San Marcos, TX 78666, (512) 393-8300
LBJ Museum
Focusing on President Lyndon B. Johnson, this museum is a must-visit for San Marcos residents!
131 N Guadalupe St, San Marcos, TX 78666, (512) 353-3300
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San Marcos TX Additional Attractions
San Marcos is served by the San Marcos Parks & Recreation Department. See upcoming events and attractions on the San Marcos event calendar.
San Marcos TX Restaurants
San Marcos, Texas boasts a diverse selection of outstanding restaurants. Discover some of the top-rated dining destinations in the community below.
Grin's Restaurant
Serving New American dishes in a tree-shaded locale, Grin’s Restaurant is an excellent place to eat in San Marcos.
802 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666, (512) 782-2917
Italian Garden
Who doesn’t love a good Italian restaurant? Italian Garden provides excellent, authentic Italian dishes to San Marcos locals.
415 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666, (512) 392-8730
Palmer's Restaurant
Taste the most delicious dishes of the South at Palmer’s Restaurant, located conveniently in the center of San Marcos!
218 Moore St, San Marcos, TX 78666, (512) 353-3500
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Jobs in San Marcos TX
With all sorts of industries blooming in this community, finding San Marcos job opportunities will be a breeze! The most popular positions in San Marcos are Office Manager, Director of Operations, and Retail Store Manager. Most people who work in San Marcos are employed by
Texas State University - San Marcos, Southwest Texas State University, and Hays County. The average salary for a worker in San Marcos is $61k a year, while the average hourly wage is $19.07, according to Payscale.
See the latest openings for jobs in San Marcos, as well as the city job board.
San Marcos TX Schools
The San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District serves San Marcos, providing quality education to students from pre-kindergarten through high school. Notable examples of schools from the district include Blanco Vista Elementary and San Marcos High. The city is home to Texas State University, a renowned institution that offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Furthermore, San Marcos is also home to private schools and specialized educational programs, ensuring that individuals have diverse options to meet their educational needs.
The San Marcos Library serves students and others residing in San Marcos.
San Marcos TX Statistics & Information
- Located in Hays County
- San Marcos Area: 35.71 square miles
- San Marcos Zip Codes: 78666, 78667
- San Marcos Area Codes: 512, 737
- San Marcos Elevation: 617’
- San Marcos Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
- San Marcos’s Closest airport: San Marcos Regional Airport (HYI), 4.4 miles from San Marcos
Map of San Marcos TX
Explore San Marcos’s large variety of things to do, places to eat, and more with this map!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Marcos Texas a Safe Place to Live?
San Marcos is a livable college city. The overall safety of an area in San Marcos depends on the neighborhood, housing, and proximity to nightlife bars. Review recent local crime data and visit neighborhoods at different times while checking police response, traffic, and lighting.
Is It Expensive to Live in San Marcos TX?
San Marcos is one of the affordable cities near Austin. However, costs are rising in the area because of the developing Austin-San Antonio corridor. Housing is the most expensive cost in San Marcos. This is due to being close to the Texas State University campus, which is in the downtown area, and to new residential developments. Compare costs, property taxes, and utilities with nearby cities like Buda or Kyle before making a decision.
What Movie Was Filmed In San Marcos TX?
The Ringer, a 2005 comedy starring Johnny Knoxville, had parts of the film shot in San Marcos. It was used for production because of the college-town setting and Hill Country scenery. Many films and TV projects choose San Marcos because of its rural landscapes, downtown districts, and Texas State University.
Is San Marcos TX Worth Visiting?
San Marcos TX is perfect for travelers looking for outdoor recreation, shopping, and Central Texas culture. The San Marcos River, near Spring Lake, is perfect for swimming and outdoor water activities. Meanwhile, the downtown shopping destinations like the San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets are perfect for retail shopping.
What Are the Pros and Cons of San Marcos?
The best parts about San Marcos are the San Marcos River, the lively downtown, outlet shopping, and its proximity to San Antonio and Austin. San Marcos is close to Austin, allowing a suburban town feel while being near the major city. The cons are the traffic on I-35, high housing demand, noise, and neighborhood differences.
Moving to TX San Marcos With Unicorn Moving & Storage
Considering moving to San Marcos? Unicorn Moving is a trusted relocation company helping families settle into their new homes with professional moving services. Whether you’re relocating locally or making a move from another state, our long-distance movers serving San Marcos can help make your transition smooth and stress-free.
Contact our Austin moving company today at 512-339-9922 or fill out our form for a complimentary quote.