Why Live in San Marcos
San Marcos in Walnut Creek, CA, features narrow, tree-shaded streets lined with townhouses, ranch-style homes, and contemporary saltbox designs, primarily built between the late 1960s and early 1980s. The neighborhood is characterized by sidewalks, manicured lawns, and mature trees. Home prices range from $800,000 to $1.5 million, with a competitive market where properties often sell within two to three weeks. Residents enjoy an average of 262 sunny days per year, making outdoor activities popular. Heather Farm Park offers tennis courts and playgrounds, while Diablo Hills Golf Course provides a nearby 9-hole golfing option. For hiking, Shell Ridge Open Space features 31 miles of trails and stunning views of Mount Diablo. San Marcos is about a mile from downtown Walnut Creek, known for its outdoor patios, cafes, and shops, including Caffè La Scala and Pizza My Heart. Essential stores like Trader Joe’s and Target are also close by. The Lasher Center for the Arts and Broadway Plaza, a trendy open-air shopping area, are within 2 miles. The neighborhood has excellent highway access via Interstate 680 and State Route 24, and the Bay Area Rapid Transit’s Yellow Line serves the area. John Muir Health Walnut Creek Medical Center is a major local employer. Students attend highly rated schools in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, including Bancroft Elementary School, Foothill Middle School, and Northgate High School. While the area is safer than the national average, it faces an elevated risk of wildfires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Marcos a good place to live?
San Marcos is a good place to live. San Marcos is considered car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with minimal transit options. San Marcos is a suburban neighborhood. San Marcos has 8 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly dense in population with 13.6 people per acre and a median age of 53. The average household income is $206,077 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 70.4% of residents. A majority of residents in San Marcos are home owners, with 46.3% of residents renting and 53.7% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving San Marcos can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
San Marcos neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in San Marcos?
The median home price in San Marcos is $250,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $50,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.72%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,290 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $55K a year to afford the median home price in San Marcos. The average household income in San Marcos is $206K.
What are the best public schools in San Marcos?
The best public schools that serve San Marcos are:
What are the best private schools in San Marcos?
The best private schools that serve San Marcos are:
What are the most popular zip codes in San Marcos, Walnut Creek, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near San Marcos, Walnut Creek, CA?
Are home prices dropping in San Marcos?
Yes, home prices in San Marcos are down 57% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in San Marcos, CA
On average, homes in San Marcos, Walnut Creek sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in San Marcos, Walnut Creek over the last 12 months is $215,000, down 52% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$215,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$215,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$264,900
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$565,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$272
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
14
Median List Price
$250,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
14%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-52%