San Marcos 78 Exceptional
San Marcos Livability #62 ranked city in Texas#2,130 ranked city in the USARanks better than 92% 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.

  • Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • Employment

    This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.

  • Schools

    The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.

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What's it like Living in San Marcos?

San Marcos, Texas is a medium-sized city with a population of 64,053 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (79% 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 24% of the population also speak Spanish. San Marcos tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 25 is far below the national average. In San Marcos, only 30% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. 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 23 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in San Marcos is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Texas, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like amenities, crime, education, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in San Marcos and in the areas around San Marcos is a much easier task.

The livability score in San Marcos is 79/100 and the city is ranked in the 94th percentile of all cities across America. Clearly, San Marcos is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. San Marcos has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that San Marcos ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (B). San Marcos does not fare well for the following: crime (D-), education (D-) and employment (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

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 interesting things to do and attractions include: San Marcos Prime Outlets, Aquarena Center, and Wonder World Park.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their San Marcos apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

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 $185,300, which is 29.9% higher than the Texas 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 4.4, which is 69.2% higher than the Texas average.

Best Places to Live in and Around San Marcos

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Compare San Marcos, TX Livability

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      San Marcos transportation information

      Statistic San Marcos Texas National
      Average one way commute23min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work74.7%80.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.1%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.9%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.9%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.7%1.6%2.8%
      Working from home5.5%4.3%4.6%
      Source: The San Marcos, TX data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).