Living in San Marcos, TX

San Marcos is the Hays County seat, about 30 miles southwest of Austin and 51 miles northeast of San Antonio. It's home to Texas State University and the spring-fed San Marcos River, and its nickname, "San Marvelous," fits once you've floated the river on a summer afternoon.

Getting around

I-35 runs through San Marcos, with SH 123 heading south toward Seguin, SH 80 east toward Luling and SH 21 northeast. SH 130 is a short drive east, and New Braunfels is about 19 miles south.

Things to do

The San Marcos River, about 72 degrees year-round. Float from City Park to Rio Vista Park, which has man-made rapids for kayaking.
Spring Lake at the Meadows Center, the headwaters of the river, with glass-bottom boat tours and a wetlands boardwalk
Texas State University, founded in 1899 and the city's largest employer
The downtown square, laid out in 1851 around the 1908 Hays County Courthouse, with Cheatham Street Warehouse nearby, where George Strait got his start
The San Marcos outlet malls, which draw shoppers from all over Texas

Schools

Most of San Marcos is served by San Marcos CISD, and part of the northeastern edge falls in Hays CISD. I confirm the school assignment for every address.

Homes and neighborhoods

San Marcos has historic homes near downtown and campus, established neighborhoods, Hill Country homes on the west side, and newer master-planned communities. Homes and condos near Texas State are popular with investors and landlords. Parts of town are near the San Marcos and Blanco rivers, so I check flood zones for every home we consider.

A little history

The city takes its name from the river, which Spanish explorers reached on April 25, the feast day of St. Mark. San Marcos was settled in 1846 and incorporated in 1851.