Living in San Marcos, TX, Texas

San Marcos sits between Austin and San Antonio, but it’s definitely not just a stop along I-35. With Texas State University at its core and the San Marcos River flowing right through town, this is a place with its own unique mix of energy, nature, and Central Texas charm. It feels younger and looser than the suburbs to the north—and that’s a big part of the appeal. Some call it a "mini-Austin".

Students, artists, remote workers, and outdoorsy types all mix here. You’ll find music on patios, people tubing the river year-round, and a bit of a crunchy, free-spirited vibe that sets San Marcos apart. But the city is growing up. New housing developments, a redeveloped downtown, and increased interest from remote workers and retirees are changing the landscape.

What to keep in mind: It’s still a college town. That means a shifting population, louder weekends, and some areas that feel very student-heavy. But it also means fun events, decent affordability, and access to everything from tacos to live music on a Tuesday.

At the center of life in San Marcos is the San Marcos River—crystal-clear, spring-fed, and constantly 72 degrees. Whether you're tubing, paddleboarding, or just lounging under a cypress tree, the river gives the whole town a natural reset button. Surrounding the river are a series of parks and trails, including Sewell Park and Rio Vista Park, where students and locals gather almost every weekend.

Downtown has kept its funky charm while welcoming new restaurants, cocktail bars, coffee shops, and even some art galleries. There’s a local farmers market, plus the San Marcos Premium Outlets, which draw serious shoppers from across the state.

It's not polished like a master-planned suburb, but the trade-off is a city that still feels real, with community events, river cleanups, and live music that people actually show up for.

San Marcos CISD is a smaller district that has seen some challenges but is improving in key areas. The district gets a “C+” on Niche.com overall, though some individual campuses are showing stronger performance. The proximity to Texas State University also means there are partnerships and enrichment programs that give students access to university-level resources.

Two local schools that stand out:

Crockett Elementary: One of the better-rated elementary schools in the district, with good parent reviews and a B on Niche.

San Marcos High School: Large, diverse, and improving—but worth checking for recent updates if you’re moving here with high schoolers.

Some families opt for private or charter options like Hill Country Christian School or KIPP campuses nearby.