Living in San Marcos’ historical Dunbar neighborhood
Situated on the south side of Downtown San Marcos, Dunbar is a neighborhood rich in history with comparatively affordable housing options. "San Marcos is a mixing pot of Austin and San Antonio," says Emily Garza, a local Realtor with Schaible Realty and Texas State University alumnus. "It's for people who want those city vibes but it's definitely more affordable than the two." During the Jim Crow era, this part of Texas was segregated, making Dunbar home to a strong African American population. Today, the community is more diverse, but its heritage lives on through museums, street art and local festivals. And while Dunbar has a CAP Index crime score of 8 out of 10, higher than the national average of 4, organizations and nonprofits are working to build up pride in the community, in part as a way of helping to bring down the crime rate. The Calaboose African American History Museum displays photos, books and other artifacts that highlight African American life in early Texas, with exhibits on the Buffalo Soldiers, the Tuskegee Airmen and other historically significant groups. The neighborhood supports local art, and both small and large murals are scattered throughout the community. The Ms. Ollie mural honors the late Ollie Hamilton, a store owner and staple in San Marcos. The Dunbar Heritage Association hosts the city’s MLK Walk & Celebration, a two-day event that takes place on the north end of the neighborhood. While typically considered one of the more affordable options in Hays County compared to other areas near the city, Dunbar is experiencing revitalization and an increase in cost-of-living, causing some long-time residents to be priced out.
A small but charming craftsman home located in Dunbar.
Dunbar is conveniently located southwest of Texas State University and Downtown San Marcos.
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Annual MLK Celebration and other popular San Marcos events
Each January, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., the Dunbar neighborhood and the Dunbar Heritage Association welcome residents of the entire city to the annual MLK Celebration. The celebration begins with the MLK Kids’ Event, which caters to children of the community ages 3 to 18, held at the San Marcos Public Library. Then on MLK Day, there’s a wreath-laying ceremony followed by the MLK Walk & Celebration. The walk, modeled after the March on Washington, begins at the intersection of MLK Drive and LBJ Drive, ending at the Hays County Historic Courthouse Square. In 2025, the city commemorated its 23rd year of this MLK celebration. Downtown San Marcos hosts a lineup of other community events. Each Saturday is the farmers market at the Downtown Square, and on Thursdays during the warmer months, Summer in the Park offers free live music at San Marcos Plaza Park. In May, the Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest embraces the city’s mermaid-friendly culture, as residents and visitors alike dress in mermaid attire, complete with a parade and a street fair. "Another big annual event is called Mary on the Square-y," says Garza. "It's a big Christmas festival with a 5K, Christmas-themed vendors and carnival rides." San Marcos also hosts different trail runs and marathons through the city parks.
Dunbar locals can shop and vend at the weekly San Marcos Farmers Market in Downtown San Marcos.
Live music and entertainment is always around the corner in Dunbar.
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Local eateries and Santa Rosa Hospital along the interstate
Dunbar residents are close to a variety of shopping and dining along Interstate 35, where there are retail sections with an H-E-B grocer and other storefronts. In addition to chain restaurants and fast-food eateries, there are more local establishments. Black’s Barbeque serves Southern-style slow-cooked barbeque in a wooden rustic atmosphere, and Casa Maria's is the neighborhood’s favorite Mexican restaurant. Jack’s Roadhouse is a dive bar made of tin with live music and pool tables, and Industry offers an industrial brewery setting with an upscale pub menu.
The medical complex around Santa Rosa Hospital of San Marcos is located less than a mile south on Interstate 35. In addition to a full-service hospital with a Level II NICU facility, the commercial area includes dentist, dermatologist and pediatric offices.
Casa Maria's is a great dining option for locals of Dunbar.
Santa Rosa Hospital is nearby for residents of Dunbar.
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Dunbar Park, Children’s Park and other San Marcos green spaces
The 6-acre Dunbar Park provides neighborhood residents with athletic fields, a basketball court, a playground, a skate park and a paved walking path. Also on-site are the Dunbar Neighborhood Garden, which allows residents to lease a garden plot to grow their own flowers and vegetables, and the Dunbar Recreation Center, which provides indoor rental space for events. On the east side of Dunbar, there are a series of parks that make up the San Marcos parks system. Residents can launch kayaks, tube-float down the river or use the miles of walking trails. Children’s Park, one of the green spaces in the city parks system, has an expansive playground with mermaid-themed play structures.
Dunbar Park: A vibrant community space where joy and togetherness thrive.
Locals can kayak and paddle board at Rio Vista Park.
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Midcentury ranch-styles, bungalows and new condo communities
Dunbar’s residential streets are laid out in a gridded pattern, some with driveways in the front and others with garage alleys. Sidewalks line the streets, helping to make the neighborhood pedestrian friendly. Some properties might have garages, and some lawns are more shaded by elm and oak trees than others. Common single-family housing styles include midcentury ranch-styles and bungalows, featuring a mix of ages that ranges from homes built in the 1920s to those built in the 21st century. Included in that mis are older homes that have been recently renovated so as to blend vintage charm with modern touches. While sizes vary between 1,250 and 2,000 square feet, price tags range from $300,000 to $670,000. A quarter of Dunbar is made up of apartment complexes and condominium communities, offering 750- to 1,275-square-foot units for $205,000 to $390,000. Most homes here are at a higher flood risk due to the neighborhood’s downstream location near the San Marcos River.
A quant affordable manufactured home located in Dunbar.
A row of picturesque traditional ranch homes found in Dunbar.
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San Marcos schools and the formidable Lady Rattlers basketball team
Students in Dunbar are served by the San Marcos Consolidated ISD, which receives a C-plus from Niche. They can start at Hernandez Elementary School, which holds a B, before progressing to Miller Middle School, which receives a C. San Marcos High School, which has a B-minus, recently made school history, as the Lady Rattlers Varsity basketball team finished their 2024-2025 season with a place in the UIL Texas Girls Basketball State Championship. Nearby, Hill Country Christian School is a private kindergarten through twelfth-grade option with a B grade from Niche.
San Marcos High School: Igniting minds, inspiring excellence, and shaping futures.
Uncover the joy of school and sport at San Marcos High School.
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Texas State University’s STEM programs and Bobcats athletics
Texas State University is about one mile north of Dunbar. The public university is renowned for its STEM programs and education courses of study. Classified as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, about 40% of the 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled identify as Hispanic. It’s common for Dunbar residents to support the Bobcats athletic teams, especially football and basketball, as they compete in the Division I Sun Belt Conference. "The university got a new president in 2022, and the culture shifted," says Garza. "Football games are starting to get sold out, and there's a lot more community support and involvement."
Texas State University reached a record enrollment of 40,678 students in the 2024 fall semester.
Jim Wacker Field at UFCU Stadium is home to the Texas State University Bobcats.
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Commuting on Interstate 35 and the San Marcos public transit
Commuters have access to Interstate 35, which runs across the east side of the neighborhood. Once on the interstate, Austin is 30 miles north and San Antonio is 50 miles south. Homes located near the interstate are classified as “busy” on Soundscore, a tool that measures how noisy an area is due to environmental factors. Those without a vehicle can use Route 4 of the San Marcos Transit system, which services the community. Residents can also walk to the San Marcos Station to catch the Amtrak, which provides a 40-minute ride to Austin and a 2.5-hour ride to San Antonio.
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Lively Lane is a pocket neighborhood of contemporary townhomes located in the heart of San Marcos. Its convenient location makes it possible to own a new home in town and not miles away from the city center. High quality standard specifications and professionally managed condominium association support lock-and-leave convenience for a modern lifestyle. New homes completed in 2025 at Lively Lane
Lively Lane is a pocket neighborhood of contemporary townhomes located in the heart of San Marcos. Its convenient location makes it possible to own a new home in town and not miles away from the city center. High quality standard specifications and professionally managed condominium association support lock-and-leave convenience for a modern lifestyle. New homes completed in 2025 at Lively Lane
Lively Lane is a pocket neighborhood of contemporary townhomes located in the heart of San Marcos. Its convenient location makes it possible to own a new home in town and not miles away from the city center. High quality standard specifications and professionally managed condominium association support lock-and-leave convenience for a modern lifestyle. New homes completed in 2025 at Lively Lane
Discover refined living at SYNC at Purgatory Creek, where elegance meets convenience. Ideally located near Wonder World Drive and Hunter Road, our community offers easy access to premier shopping, dining, and entertainment in San Marcos.Each apartment features gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, state-of-the-art appliances, and ample custom cabinetry. Enjoy cozy gas fireplaces with
Very Nice updated Condo. Walking Distance to everything. HEB, The Square, and Texas State University. No Carpet. All tile throughout. Fireplace. 2 Patio. Full size washer/dryer included. Water and Trash paid by landlord. Community Pool! NO PETS! Available August 1st.
Welcome to this charming rental property located in the heart of San Marcos, TX. This inviting space offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a harmonious lifestyle.Key Property Features include spacious bedrooms and bathrooms designed for relaxation. Although specific square footage isn't provided, the layout ensures an efficient
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,944
Median Age
32
Population under 18
18.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.7%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$33,024
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$55,990
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.8%
College Graduates
56.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
30.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
76.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
95°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
33/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
22/ 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.
