The good, the not-so-good and why this growing North County city is starting to feel like home.
Six months ago, I moved to San Marcos, California, and honestly? It's been a pretty fun experience getting to know this city.
If you're thinking about moving to San Marcos, CA, or you're curious about what it's actually like living here, I wanted to share my experience as a new resident. Not just the pretty pictures and real estate descriptions, but the restaurants, shopping centers, outdoor activities, traffic and yes, even the neighborhood noises that come with living here.
After six months, I've realized that San Marcos has a lot more to offer than I originally expected. It's growing, there's always something to explore and I can definitely see its potential.
But is living in San Marcos worth it? Here's my take so far!
The Pros of Living in San Marcos, CA
1. The Hill District: Shopping, Restaurants and Everything Nearby
One of my favorite things about living in San Marcos is the convenience, especially around the Hill District and surrounding shopping areas.
There are so many stores, restaurants, grocery options and places to run errands without having to drive too far.
And as someone who loves shopping, I have to mention one of my favorite shopping areas near 161 S Las Posas Road, San Marcos, CA 92078.
Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Ulta Beauty and Daiso? That's basically a woman's dream shopping trip. You can spend an entire afternoon browsing beauty products, home decor, clothes and random little things you probably didn't need but somehow end up buying anyway.
It's dangerous for my wallet, but I love it!
2. Friday Farmers Markets and Drinks With Friends
One thing I really appreciate about San Marcos is having a local farmers market every Friday.
The San Marcos Farmers Market, located in North City at 251 North City Drive, is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening.
There are local vendors, fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and food options. I love that it's an opportunity to get outside, support small businesses and enjoy the community.
And when I'm there with friends, sometimes we'll grab a beer on tap or a cocktail afterward at Draft Republic San Marcos, located at 255 Redel Road.
A farmers market, good company and a cold drink? That's a pretty solid Friday if you ask me.
3. Discovery Lake: Fishing, Walking and Getting Outdoors
If you love the outdoors like I do, Discovery Lake is another reason to appreciate living in San Marcos.
It's a beautiful spot to take a walk, enjoy the scenery or spend time fishing for bass.
I love having somewhere nearby where I can enjoy nature without having to plan an entire day trip.
Sometimes you just want to get outside, walk around a lake, enjoy some fresh air and disconnect for a little while.
It's one of those simple things that makes living in San Marcos enjoyable.
4. Double Peak Park Has Some of the Best Sunset Views
Okay, this might be one of my favorite places in San Marcos.
Double Peak Park!
If you haven't been, you're missing out.
The panoramic 360-degree views from the top are absolutely stunning, especially around sunset. You can see the surrounding mountains, neighborhoods and even the coastline on a clear day.
I love coming up here to watch the sun go down. It's peaceful, beautiful and a reminder of how lucky we are to live in North County San Diego.
If you're new to San Marcos, put Double Peak Park on your list.
Trust me, the sunset views are worth it.
5. The Lakehouse: Italian Dinner, Drinks and Live Entertainment
Another place I've enjoyed exploring is The Lakehouse Resort in San Marcos.
It's a beautiful setting around Lake San Marcos with dining, drinks and entertainment nearby.
Whether you're planning an Italian dinner, meeting friends at the bar or checking out a concert or live entertainment, the Lake San Marcos area is a nice option when you want to go out without driving all the way to downtown San Diego.
I appreciate having places like this close to home.
6. San Marcos Is Getting Its First Trader Joe's!
This is probably one of the developments I'm most excited about.
Trader Joe's is planning to open its first San Marcos location!
The new store is planned for the growing North City neighborhood near California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) and Twin Oaks Valley Road.
As someone who enjoys grocery shopping and discovering new foods, I'm excited to have another option close to home.
An official opening date hasn't been announced yet, but it's another example of how much San Marcos continues to grow.
Between the new residential developments, restaurants and businesses, it feels like the city is becoming an increasingly convenient place to live.
My Favorite Food Finds: Still Searching for the Best Pho in San Marcos
Now, let's talk about something very important.
Food!
I love a good bowl of pho, and after six months in San Marcos, I'm still searching for my favorite local pho restaurant.
So far, my number one spot is actually in neighboring Vista.
Tasty Pho — 1250 S Santa Fe Avenue, Vista, CA 92084.
And let me tell you about their smoked oxtail and ribs pho.
The meat is smoky, tender and practically falling off the bone. The broth? Heavenly.
It's one of those meals that makes you want to sit there and enjoy every last spoonful.
I would love to find a pho restaurant in San Marcos that can compete, so the search continues!
If you're a local and have recommendations, I'd love to hear them.
The Cons of Living in San Marcos, CA
As much as I've enjoyed my first six months here, there are a few things that I'm still adjusting to.
1. Traffic Around CSUSM and Highway 78
Let's talk about the traffic.
The intersections around California State University San Marcos, Craven Road, Twin Oaks Valley Road and the Highway 78 freeway can get pretty congested.
Between college students, commuters, nearby medical facilities and people trying to get onto the freeway, traffic can definitely test your patience.
And with more development coming to the area, I do wonder how the city plans to accommodate the additional vehicles.
2. The Proposed New Hospital on Discovery Street
I recently learned about plans for a new Scripps hospital campus near Discovery Street and Twin Oaks Valley Road.
While having more healthcare services nearby is certainly a positive thing, I can't help but think about the traffic.
The area around CSUSM and the existing medical facilities already gets busy, especially near the freeway entrances.
I'm curious to see how San Marcos will balance all this new development with road improvements and infrastructure.
Growth is exciting, but it definitely comes with challenges.
3. Airplanes, Trains and My Neighbor's Wind Chimes
Okay, this one makes me laugh because I never realized how much I appreciated quiet until I moved here.
Between the airplanes flying in and out of the nearby Carlsbad airport, the occasional sound of trains and my neighbor's wind chimes, there's always something making noise.
And the wind chimes?
Those things seem to have a personal mission to keep me awake at night.
I'm starting to think I need to invest in a white noise machine.
Maybe it's just me, but if you're considering moving to San Marcos, I would definitely recommend visiting your potential neighborhood at different times of the day to get a feel for the noise and traffic.
4. I'd Love to See More Community Events
I recently attended the annual San Marcos Fall Harvest Festival.
I arrived early in the morning, excited to explore the vendors and enjoy the fall festivities.
But when I got there, quite a few booths were focused on election campaigns, political outreach and voter information.
I understand that community events are an opportunity for organizations to connect with residents, especially during election season, but I was hoping to see more local makers, small businesses and fall-themed activities.
I'd love to see San Marcos continue expanding its community events, festivals and opportunities for residents to connect.
The city has so much potential, and I think more events would make it even better.
Is San Marcos, CA a Good Place to Live?
After six months, I would say yes!
San Marcos offers a nice balance between suburban living, outdoor recreation, shopping, restaurants and access to the rest of San Diego County.
It's especially appealing if you enjoy having everyday conveniences nearby while still being close to hiking trails, parks, lakes and coastal destinations.
Of course, like any growing city, there are things to consider.
Traffic, construction, neighborhood noise and ongoing development can all impact your experience depending on where you live.
But overall, I've really enjoyed exploring San Marcos, finding my favorite local spots and watching the city continue to grow.
I don't think I've had a boring weekend yet!
Thinking About Moving to San Marcos, CA?
If you're considering relocating to San Marcos, you're not alone in discovering what this North County community has to offer.
Whether you're moving into your first apartment, purchasing a new home or relocating from another part of San Diego County, moving is an exciting new chapter.
But between packing, organizing, coordinating transportation and getting settled, it can also be stressful.
That's where One Love Moving & Packing, Inc. comes in.
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Whether you're moving to San Marcos, relocating within North County or planning a move elsewhere in San Diego County, having a dependable moving team can make the process easier.
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