Moving to San Marcos? (San Diego, Oceanside: city hall, for rent, home)

[eastcoastdecker]

Can anyone tell me about life in San Marcos? I am on the east coast doing some research and that area seems affordable, seem to have good schools as well.

Here is a list of desires for neighborhood/community:

-good schools
-safe neighborhood
-close proximity to activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, basketball, tennis
-close to an urban vibe, such as a main st or downtown

I have 3 kids, grades 10th, 4th and 2nd. My housing budget is @ $3500/month for rent.

We don't have to live in San Marcos, just wanted to hear more about it and it's surrounding areas.

Thanks for any info!

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Go to the San Diego forum and ask this.

(BTW I just did a quick search for threads w/ info on San Marcos at that forum and there are many. You may not even need to ask, simply read those threads)

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Check into Poway especially if you are renting instead of buying as their school bonds are scary. SM wouldn't be my first choice.

[RosieSD]

I don't think I've ever heard anyone refer to San Marcos as having an "urban vibe." It's a sprawling suburb of tract home developments. The closest thing to a "main street" in San Marcos currently would be the town center in the new San Elijo Hills planned community. But if you're coming from the east coast, that may not be what you're picturing for a "downtown."

Carlsbad or Encinitas might be more to your taste. Or, maybe something a little closer to downtown San Diego if you want an urban vibe.

[Western Urbanite]

San Marcos doesn't seem to have what you're looking for.
Alternatives might be Oceanside (beach town, pleasant downtown, multiple rail lines): 639 Garfield St, Oceanside, CA 92054 | Zillow
The Point Loma area of San Diego (beachfront, retail strip): 4934 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107 | Zillow
or Grant Hill in San Diego (neighborhood above downtown, retail, light rail): 2629 J St # 1, San Diego, CA 92102 | Zillow

PS. If you're paying $3500/month in rent and are planning to stay in the area for a while, you should definitely consider buying. It could save you a lot of money.

[ByronNeckbone]

Originally Posted by RosieSD

I don't think I've ever heard anyone refer to San Marcos as having an "urban vibe." It's a sprawling suburb of tract home developments. The closest thing to a "main street" in San Marcos currently would be the town center in the new San Elijo Hills planned community. But if you're coming from the east coast, that may not be what you're picturing for a "downtown."

Carlsbad or Encinitas might be more to your taste. Or, maybe something a little closer to downtown San Diego if you want an urban vibe.

I would second the Encinitas recommendation as well

[scgali]

I agree with Encinitas as well.

[SouthernCAgirl]

I live in San Marcos near San Elijo Hills and am very close to La Costa/Encinitas. You have all the amenities you need. I've lived in Carlsbad and Oceanside previously, but never had as many shops and restaurants as close as they are now. Depending on where you live in San Marcos, your children could go to school in Carlsbad. The schools in San Marcos are just as good as well.

[TheGoodUsernamesWereTaken]

Originally Posted by SouthernCAgirl

I live in San Marcos near San Elijo Hills and am very close to La Costa/Encinitas. You have all the amenities you need. I've lived in Carlsbad and Oceanside previously, but never had as many shops and restaurants as close as they are now. Depending on where you live in San Marcos, your children could go to school in Carlsbad. The schools in San Marcos are just as good as well.

Great first post, and welcome to city data!

[RickRN]

I'm not a fan of San Marcos and I live here. The City Hall is beautiful(no surprise)but it is urban sprawl at its best. San Marcos is getting much more crowded and congested everyday. San Marcos Blvd is a nightmare at many times throughout the day. The city is more concerned with residential development than remaining undeveloped land.