San Marcos sits along the crystal-clear San Marcos River, halfway between Austin and San Antonio on the Interstate 35 corridor. Home to Texas State University, this historic town features one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the Americas. The San Marcos Springs, which feed the river, are the third-largest collection of springs in Texas and have never run dry in recorded history.

Renters in San Marcos enjoy a variety of housing options, from boutique apartment communities near the downtown historic district to townhomes and single-family homes in quieter neighborhoods. The city offers a mix of rental styles, with many properties providing easy access to outdoor recreation along the spring-fed river. Downtown San Marcos features a charming town square surrounded by restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment venues. Neighborhoods like Willow Creek, Blanco Gardens, and Spring Lake offer comfortable living with convenient access to shopping centers and the San Marcos Premium Outlets, one of the largest outlet shopping destinations in Texas.

San Marcos provides a 30-minute commute to Austin and a 50-minute drive to San Antonio, making it ideal for professionals who work in either city. The local economy is supported by education, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors, with top employers including Texas State University, Amazon, and the San Marcos Premium Outlets. Residents appreciate the moderate cost of living, with average rent prices below those of nearby Austin. The city also offers excellent recreational opportunities with multiple parks, hiking trails along the rivers and creeks, and water activities like tubing, swimming, and kayaking on the San Marcos River.