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Lake San Marcos

Lake San Marcos

Located in San Diego County

$1,060,376 Average Value

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.

Matt Brown
Photography Contributed By
Matt Brown
Victoria Sharpe
Video By
Victoria Sharpe

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Sandra Hardcastle-Taylor, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Sep 7
    Open Sun 11AM - 2PM

    1161 La Casa Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078

    $1,100,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,355 Sq Ft
    • 1161 La Casa Dr
    • New 1 day ago

    Nestled along the lush greens of The Executive Gold Golf Course—and just minutes from the sparkling waters of Lake San Marcos—this beautifully renovated home offers the perfect blend of luxury, leisure, and location. A grand double-door entry sets the tone, opening into a spacious living area with soaring vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, and abundant natural light. At the heart of the home, a

    Agent Photo
    Frances Mouser
    eXp Realty of California, Inc
    (442) 419-8602
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  • Saturday, Sep 6
    Open Sat 11AM - 2:30PM

    1302 El Corral Ln, San Marcos, CA 92078

    $798,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,355 Sq Ft
    • 1302 El Corral Ln
    • New 6 hours ago

    The Executive Golf Course is literally a few short steps from this corner-lot home along with a serene greenbelt that blends sophisticated style with modern comfort. One attached wall and fence but no neighbors in front just the greenbelt which makes it even more peaceful with this huge open space and lush view. The Lake is a few more minutes beyond and ready for you to fish, boat or just enjoy

    Connie Danielson Coldwell Banker West

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  • Saturday, Sep 6
    Open Sat 12PM - 3PM

    1267 Discovery St, San Marcos, CA 92078

    $1,199,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,612 Sq Ft
    • 1267 Discovery St
    • New 1 day ago

    Turnkey Oasis on the Golf Course – 3-Bedroom with Sunroom & Outdoor Living Discover effortless living in this beautifully appointed 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home set along The Links at Lakehouse golf course with expansive fairway views. Designed for low-maintenance comfort, this turnkey property offers the perfect blend of indoor-outdoor living in a serene setting. Inside, natural light fills the

    Jason Daniels Compass

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Lake San Marcos Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,741
Median Age
58
Population under 18
16.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
40.5%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$99,095
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$133,192

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.9%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
56.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.2%
% Population in Labor Force
58.6%

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®®

7 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

30 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Lake San Marcos