Home to California State University San Marcos and Palomar College, San Marcos stands out as one of San Diego County's premier educational hubs. Located in the North County region, this city of approximately 96,000 residents combines well-planned neighborhoods with extensive trail systems and preserved open spaces. The San Elijo Hills and Discovery Hills neighborhoods feature newer rental houses near popular trails like Double Peak Park, while the Twin Oaks Valley area offers established homes close to Restaurant Row and the Grand Plaza shopping center.

Major employers like Hunter Industries and Kaiser Permanente anchor the local job market, while the SPRINTER light rail service connects residents to Oceanside and Escondido. San Marcos's strategic location along State Route 78 puts both Carlsbad's beaches and the Wild Animal Park in Escondido within a 20-minute drive. The city's Mediterranean climate maintains comfortable temperatures throughout the year, with an average household income of $98,500. House rentals range from single-story properties in established neighborhoods to hillside homes in newer developments, many offering views of the Merriam Mountains and San Marcos Mountains that frame the city.