$1,089,280Average Value$533Average Price per Sq Ft25Homes For Sale
Growing San Marcos suburb with a college-town vibe and multiple parks
In central San Marcos, the residential area sometimes referred to as Barham Discovery Community — because its central corridor changes from Barham Drive to Discovery Street — wraps around California State University San Marcos, Kaiser Permanente San Marcos Medical Center and a convenient shopping plaza. Locals may also say they live "south of the 78 in San Marcos," where parks and lakes are easy to reach.
"It's a more affordable area for North County, and you're still just a short commute to Oceanside," says Andrew Santiago, Realtor with Real Broker, who's been selling homes in the area since 2019. "And even though it's a small part of San Marcos, they're constantly building. You always have new restaurants to try, new shops, so it's not just students from Cal State campus. It's very well rounded." Along its northern edge, a progressive new North City development plans to offer several thousand residences, including student and affordable housing, as well as retail, office, hotel and green spaces. "It's a growing neighborhood that's been somewhat underrated for some time," says Santiago. "But the campus is bringing life to the whole area."
With many types to choose from Village O San Marcos is a beautiful place to live.
There is a 2 mile loop that spans around the local Lake in Village O San Marcos.
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A-grade San Marcos Unified schools, guaranteed university admission
All six public elementary, middle and high schools earn an A on Niche, and the San Marcos Unified School District scores an A-plus. Kids start at Double Peak School through eighth grade, or at Discovery or Knob Hill elementary schools up to fifth grade. San Elijo and Woodland Park middle school students can take an in-person safety class to obtain a permit to ride e-bikes to school. San Elijo, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in the fall of 2024 with a community event, offers robotics, art club and a new guitar club. San Marcos High partners with Project Next, offering career coaches who help students hone their strengths in preparation for life after graduation. Baypoint Preparatory Academy, earning a B-plus grade, is a K-8 charter providing independent study-supported options for homeschoolers.
California State University is the crown jewel of the community and a big part of its appeal. Starting in 2024, SMUSD students who meet GPA and coursework requirements are guaranteed admission to CSU San Marcos. "Cal State started here in 1989, but it's constantly building more onto the campus, so it always has a new feeling," Santiago adds.
The modern built campus of San Marcos High School near Village O San Marcos.
The brand new built modern San Elijo middle school near Village O San Marcos.
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Closely built Spanish-influence homes, custom builds on larger lots
Most homes across this expanding community feature Spanish and Mediterranean architecture. "You'll see similar looking homes, with two or three phases, and that's it," Santiago explains. "But older than 2010, you can find custom builds, some from the 1970s, with larger lot sizes than in other more cramped areas of San Diego. There's more elbow room." Condos built in 2020 range in price from $800,000 to $900,000 based on size. Townhouses built in 2004 south of the university ask from $750,000 to $850,000. Single-family homes in tract-style developments vary between $1 million and $1.6 million, while custom builds to the east on larger country-style lots with 360-degree views or fruit trees can run from $1.5 million to $4 million.
"Homeowners who've bought in the last 10 years or so in this area have seen quite a bit of equity growth," says Santiago. "It's still at the tippy top of what I'd call affordable, and it's a great investment because a lot of condos are student rentals." Private developments like the gated Corte Bella or the new Sunrise offer a secluded, tranquil feel. Landscaping throughout the community blends palms, cypress and flowering trees on green, edged lawns. Sidewalks are everywhere for walking or biking, with views of the San Marcos hillsides. "There's a lot of demand built up here because buyers are gaining equity just by being near the university," says Santiago. "You're also near higher-end communities like Lake San Marcos, San Elijo and Harmony Grove. Prices are going up, so there's a very good opportunity to grow here. And it's not just a college town of fraternity houses. You have generational living here too. So, you have some college rowdiness, but you also have revenue benefits."
This is a good example of a home built within the last few years in Village O San Marcos.
This is a good example of new build 2-3 bedroom homes popping up in Village O San Marcos
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Play at Jack's Pond Park, fish at Discovery Lake
Kids play on the tot lot and updated equipment at Jack's Pond Park or attend the curriculum-based science and outdoor education program inside the red barn-style Nature Center. Lakeview Park features a splash park and Discovery Lake, a popular fishing destination for licensed anglers. Public trails weave throughout the community, connecting pedestrians to the local green spaces. Gratitude Trail is a favorite biking or jogging route through a serene lakeside backdrop. A paved loop at the tiny Discovery Creek Children's Park, tucked between houses, encircles a colorful playground.
The local Jacks Pond park has many hiking trails for families to enjoy in Village O San Marcos.
These young boys are having a day fishing in discovery Laek in Village O San Marcos.
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Shop and dine in Campus or Creekside Market Places
Errands and outings are easy in the one-stop Campus Marketplace, anchored by Ralphs. Restaurants for dine-in or takeout include Pizza Bar for happy hour, Players Sports Grill for catching the latest games and Epic Wings N' Things. Chef’s Pho & Grill serves up Vietnamese cuisine. More grocery, retail and dining options fill Creekside Market Plaza at the northwest edge of the community.
Get fresh produce at the Ralphs in Barham Discovery Community.
This part of the local strip mall has a Epic Wings and Pho restaurant in Village O San Marcos.
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Close to interstates 5 and 15
Locals can catch the COASTER commuter train or Sprinter light rail at the Cal State San Marcos Station to travel from Escondido to Oceanside. BREEZE bus stops dot the community's main roads. Route 78 stretches across the northern edge, leading to I-5 and I-15. Downtown San Diego and the San Diego International Airport are within a 35-mile drive south.
Locals can take the coaster train from Escondido and Oceanside in Village O San Marcos.
Barham Discovery Community is a very walkable and safe place to live.
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Camp at Lake San Marcos, gather for San Marcos Harvest Festival
Every summer, San Marcos Lake hosts a popular Family Campout event. "We go every year," says Santiago. "It's our annual camping adventure. They close it down, and you pitch tents near the lake, and they do a night hike with kids." Each October, more than 15,000 locals attend the San Marcos Harvest Festival in the community, with more than 200 booths, rides, food vendors and live music.
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
Kevin Ehm,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Lakeview Park
Jacks Pond Park
Transit
Airport
San Diego International
46 min drive
Subway
Cal State San Marcos
Bus
Campus Way Circle
Bus
Craven Rd & Rush Dr
Bus
Craven Dr & Twin Oaks Valley Rd
Bus
Discovery St & Rush Dr
Bus
Mission Rd & Auto Park Wy
Bus
Csusm Craven Circle
Bus
Barham Dr & La Moree Rd
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Barham Discovery Community
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Barham Discovery Community, San Marcos sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in Barham Discovery Community, San Marcos over the last 12 months is $1,096,105, up 10% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your dream home in the highly sought-after Discovery Hills neighborhood of San Marcos! This spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home features a versatile bonus room and an airy loft perfect for home office, gym, or extra living space. Ideally located just a short walk to the serene Discovery Lake and miles of scenic hiking and biking trails. This home offers the perfect blend of natural
Nestled in the heart of a serene and beautifully maintained 55+ community, this charming mobile home offers a perfect blend of comfort and tranquility. With two spacious bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms, it provides ample space for relaxation and hosting guests. The cozy living area is bathed in natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the open kitchen boasts modern
Welcome to this 3-bedroom home, offering a spacious living room and a large kitchen, perfect for comfortable living and entertaining. Nestled on a generous lot in the desirable San Marcos Mobile Estates u Don’t miss the opportunity to own this home in a highly sought-after location! space rent is $670
Step into this charming two-bedroom, two-bath gem, nestled in a friendly 55+ community.** Recently remodeled, this home boasts an open, airy layout that's perfect for relaxed, easy living. Bright and inviting spaces are ideal for both entertaining and unwinding, with modern updates that make everything feel fresh and new. The home features brand-new appliances, a new AC system, and a stunningly
We ensure beautiful landscaping is around our sparkling swimming pool, play area, and clubhouse for you to enjoy. Our community features an HD theater room and a business center for convenience. We offer a state-of-the-art fitness center with spin and Zumba classes, cooking classes, and a tennis court for our fitness enthusiasts! We have assigned parking and ample guest parking, so contact us
Master Bedroom Rental. Gated Community. Completely private room with large windows. Attached bathroom. Second story. Clean, carpeted flooring. Huge closets. There is a computer area right outside for use. Attached bathroom. Central AC/Heat. Pool, spa in the community. Also has the fully loaded kitchen for use including dishes, washer/dryer use in the garage and all including a reserved parking.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kevin Ehm,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
18,748
Median Age
35
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$105,434
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$124,695
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.7%
College Graduates
43.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.2%
% Population in Labor Force
70.9%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
14''
Average Winter Low Temperature
44°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
20/ 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.
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.
