Section Image

Lake San Marcos

Lake San Marcos

Suburban Neighborhood in California

San Diego County 92078

Neighborhood Reviews
3.9
$1,048,653 Average Value
$592 Average Price per Sq Ft
22 Homes For Sale

Retiree-friendly golf town

Set on the edge of Carlsbad in North County San Diego, the master planned community of Lake San Marcos was built around an 80-acre man-made lake that was once used solely for irrigation. Today, people really only use the lake for fun. On sunny days (which are most days in San Marcos), residents can be seen sitting on private docks overlooking the water, while visitors of the Lakehouse resort take leisurely rides on pontoon boats. "It's a community on the come-up," says Steven Bugiel, Carlsbad-based Realtor with First Team. "They're constantly remodeling and renewing the area, but it remains affordable compared to neighboring cities." As the only neighborhood here that offers lakefront living, it's now a central hub.

Lakefront ranch-style homes

Gentle hills and valleys make for varying elevations and terrain around the community. Many of the Mediterranean-style homes here feature extra garages for golf carts, while lakefront homes have private docks. Meticulously updated ranch style homes are the norm, primarily with stucco finishes in pleasant pastel colors. Their low profiles lend an open, airy vibe to the neighborhood. There’s a small collection of upscale custom homes on La Plaza Drive with panoramic views of the city. A two-bedroom ranch-style house could typically go for around $920,000, while a four-bedroom home goes for around $1.5 million. As of Spring 2024, the average home price here is $921,988.

Top-rated schools in San Marcos

Students of Lake San Marcos can attend schools within the Niche A-plus rated San Marcos Unified School district. They can start at Discovery Elementary, advance to San Elijo Middle and finish at San Marcos High, all earning A's. San Marcos high offers a "Project Next" program that helps students prepare for life after high school through career coaching and interview practice.

Community golf course and lakeside park

Golfers living in Lake San Marcos love that the community golf course was recently completely renovated. It offers both an executive course and a larger Links at Lakehouse course just a short golf cart ride away from the executive course. Lakeview Park on Foxhill drive offers a Splash Pad is an ideal place to spend summer days.

Head to the mall in Carlsbad

Head just north to the San Marcos Plaza to stock up on groceries at Albertsons or stop in at Ralphs in the Campus Marketplace on South Twin Oaks Valley Road. Some of the best dining options in Lake San Marcos can be found inside the Lakehouse Resort, including Amalfi Cucina Italiana, with cozy ambiance overlooking the lake. After golfing, head to Brickmans Restaurant & Bar, The Links accompanying restaurant, for outdoor dining overlooking the range. For retail therapy, The Shoppes at Carlsbad are anchored by a Macy's and JCPenney.

Located near several major interstates

The community is situated near several major highways, including Interstate 5 and State Route 78, making it easy to commute to nearby cities like San Marcos, Carlsbad and Escondido. Public transportation is also available through the North County Transit District, which provides bus services connecting Lake San Marcos to surrounding areas. Additionally, the nearby McClellan-Palomar Airport offers private and charter flights, while the San Diego International Airport is just a 30-minute drive away.

Braxton Chea
Written By
Braxton Chea
Jordan Sain
Video By
Jordan Sain

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Michael Solis, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Diego International

47 min drive

Bus

Rancho Santa Fe Rd & Lake San Marcos Dr

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.9 8 Reviews
4.0 Niche User
12/24/2015 Niche Review
There are not many vacant buildings. The housing in this city is good. Apartments are kind of expensive but they are very well maintained and new.
4.0 Current Resident
1/4/2020 Niche Review
An area with a good variety of coffee shops, restaurants, retail shops and a few hiking options. The neighborhood has mostly older generations and families. It is very safe and clean.
Are you familiar with the Lake San Marcos neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Lake San Marcos US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$875,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,165,000
Median Townhouse Price
$704,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$410,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$165,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$592
Number of Homes for Sale
22
Last 12 months Home Sales
235
Months of Supply
1.10
Median List Price
$949,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-4%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,187
Median Year Built
1978
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,870
On par with the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,421
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,241
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
761
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 3pm

    1411 Camino Linda Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078

    $1,195,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,700 Sq Ft
    • 1411 Camino Linda Dr
    • New 2 days ago

    Enjoy sprawling golf course views from this updated and immaculate golf course home perfectly perched high above the Links at the Lake's executive course and overlooking the 18th fairway. This 3-bedroom, 2 full-bath, 1,700 sf model is the largest in the Lions Gate community and this beauty is exquisitely landscaped for elegant and serene outdoor living. Enter onto gorgeous engineered wood

    Pam Adamson eXp Realty of California, Inc

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 4pm

    1523 San Pablo Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078

    $1,997,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,111 Sq Ft
    • 1523 San Pablo Dr
    • New 8 days ago

    The Pinnacle of Lakes San Marcos Luxury Experience the finest in lakeside living with this masterfully reimagined Lake San Marcos retreat, boasting breathtaking westerly sunset and lake views. Thoughtfully curated with an artistic touch, this design-forward home is a true showpiece of sophistication and elegance. Step inside to a light-filled open-concept layout, where an inviting fireplace,

    Jason Daniels Compass

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Apr 27
    11am - 1pm

    1930 Fairway Circle Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078

    $779,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,325 Sq Ft
    • 1930 Fairway Circle Dr
    • New 9 days ago

    Welcome to 1930 Fairway Circle Drive — a beautifully renovated ground floor condo nestled in the heart of Lake San Marcos, offering stunning, unobstructed views of The Links at Lakehouse Golf Club. This home perfectly blends style, comfort, and location, with a fresh remodel that includes updated flooring, a modern kitchen, and contemporary finishes throughout. Enjoy peaceful evenings taking in

    Tyler Davidson TenFold Real Estate

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Michael Solis, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,479
Median Age
59
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
41.6%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$98,673
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$132,301

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
55.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19.4%
% Population in Labor Force
58.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
47°F
Average Summer High Temperature
74°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

21 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

24 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Lake San Marcos