San Marcos 77 Exceptional
San Marcos Livability #87 ranked city in California#2,859 ranked city in the USARanks better than 90% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in San Marcos

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

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What's it like Living in San Marcos?

San Marcos, California is a medium-sized city with a population of 96,219 inhabitants. San Marcos has a population density of 3,917 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (68% White). Given that fact, San Marcos could be considered less diverse than other cities. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of San Marcos are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 28% of the population also speak Spanish. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in San Marcos, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in San Marcos, California. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, commute, you can easily compare the best places to live in San Marcos and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare San Marcos to California and the national average.

Using data and statistics San Marcos has received a livability score of 77/100. This score is ranked in the 92nd percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in San Marcos could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that San Marcos ranks better than 90% of all US cities! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. San Marcos scores well for amenities (A+), crime (A-), education (B) and employment (A+) The bad news for San Marcos, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: cost of living (F).

Living in San Marcos offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, San Marcos provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Port Brewing - The Lost Abbey, Twin Oaks Golf Club, and NC San Diego Cooking Classes.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In San Marcos, the unemployment rate stands at 2.68%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in San Marcos. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in San Marcos are affordable. The median home price for San Marcos homes is $584,600, which is 42.8% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in San Marcos, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6.8, which is 6.2% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around San Marcos

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How Do You Rate The Livability In San Marcos?

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Compare San Marcos, CA Livability

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      San Marcos transportation information

      Statistic San Marcos California National
      Average one way commute26min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work76.9%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.5%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.0%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.4%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.0%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home10.2%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The San Marcos, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).