As the second largest state in the US, Texas has many great places to live. You might already recognize a few big cities like Austin or San Antonio, but did you know there’s an amazing city centrally located between them? San Marcos, TX is not one to be overlooked. This city is well-known for its natural beauty and is often referred to as “San Marvelous.” It’s also the fastest-growing city in the US with folks flocking here for the many positive attributes. You can rest assured a move here will offer a high-quality, well-rounded lifestyle with a low cost of living, great schools, and plenty of entertainment.
If you’re considering a move to this eclectic Texas city, but not sure where to plant roots, Dream Finders Homes is happy to offer single-family homes at Blanco Vista. This master-planned community sits right at the edge of San Marcos with even more ways to enjoy a move here. Let’s explore more of what it’s like living in San Marcos and the beautiful Blanco Vista community.
What’s It Like Living in San Marcos, TX?
It’s not hard to understand why this city continues to grow. Its location between Austin and San Antonio allows residents to enjoy a small-town feel close to big-city excitement. The low cost of living is a big draw. It’s lower than the national average and lower than most cities in the state. The housing costs are also lower than average. Plus with great schools and tons of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder it was on Fortune’s list of 25 Best Places to Live for Families. Both high school graduation and college enrollment are higher than Texas state averages. San Marcos was also listed as one of Forbes’s Best Places to Retire, so it offers a diverse population that adds to its appeal.
The mild year-round climate, pristine San Marcos River, and rugged hills of limestone make San Marcos the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities in natural beauty. Throughout the town, there are 22 miles of trails providing hiking opportunities from simple to more challenging options. The Purgatory Creek Natural Area is a great place for a more simple hiking experience featuring 570 acres of wetlands, meadows, and canyon bluffs. Need more of a challenge? Try one of the almost seven miles of trails at the Spring Lake Natural Area. More natural beauty can be found on the banks of the river, where you can relax with a picnic or have an adventure in the water. Plenty of water activities from fishing to kayaking and paddle boarding to canoeing can be enjoyed. There’s even an annual canoe race called the Texas Water Safari known as the toughest canoe race in the world.
The Texas Hill Country city is more than an affordable, family-friendly area with outdoor activities, it’s a hub for incredible shopping, dining, and entertainment. Shopaholics will love San Marco’s two major outlet malls, the San Marcos Premium Outlets and the Tanger Outlets. Combined, these malls have more than 240 brand-name and luxury outlet stores. It’s a shopper’s paradise with everything from Jimmy Choo to Versace and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th to Vera Bradley. San Marcos hosts a range of different cuisines, but we can’t go without mentioning the famous Black’s Barbecue. This family-owned restaurant was ranked as one of the Top 50 Best BBQ Places to Taste in Texas. To wash it down, you’ll find several breweries and wineries throughout San Marcos, including Roughhouse Brewing and Patio Dolcetto wine bar.
For entertainment, you can’t go wrong in San Marcos. In addition to the long list of annual events, eye-catching art galleries, and museums, there’s a big music scene here. Whatever kind of music you enjoy, you’ll find live music venues that are sure to interest you. The Summer in the Park concert series, the Hill Country Jazz Festival, the Eddie Durham Celebration, and the MR Fest are just a few options to fulfill your live music cravings.
One-of-a-Kind Activities in San Marcos!
1. Earthquake-Formed Caves
Located in Wonder World Park, there’s a world of adventure beyond the theme park features worth viewing. Take the 1.5-hour guided tour of the oldest cave formed by an earthquake. You’ll go deep underground to explore the Balcones Fault Line Cave along with fossilized prehistoric creatures embedded in the formations.
2. Glowing Paddleboard/Kayak Rides
Experience an impressive nighttime paddleboard or kayak ride offered by Paddle SMTX. The boards are equipped with LED lights that make the river glow in rainbow colors. On the Glow Tour, you can choose from 7 different colors and effects. View the aquatic plants and wildlife of the San Marcos River in a whole new way.
3. Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
Another great way to explore river depths is with a glass-bottomed boat tour at Spring Lake. The glass-bottom and clear water lets you see bass, turtles, and local flora and fauna. Plus, you’ll catch where the aquifer bubbles up to form the lake.
4. Historic World War II Aircraft
Located in the Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, there’s a vintage hangar that houses a range of historic military aircraft. A favorite is the That’s All Brother C-47 military transport plane used to lead the formation to drop American paratroopers into Normandy on D-Day. The 1943 hangar also features a museum and the Stokes Library with one of the largest collections of military books.
5. Lyndon B. Johnson Museum
Lyndon B. Johnson was the 36th president of the US and grew up in the Texas Hill Country. After moving to San Marcos to attend college, he began teaching for a poverty-stricken Mexican American school. The museum named after him showcases how his college and teaching experiences impacted his legislation through news clippings, memorabilia, photographs, and oral histories of his story.
6. The Corner of LBJ and MLK
Just a few blocks from the Lyndon B. Johnson Museum is the LBJ and MLK Jr. Crossroads Memorial. At the crossroads of LBJ Drive and MLK Drive (the only intersection with both leaders’ names) lies a sculpture in an oval gazebo. It replicates a famous photo of the two leaders discussing Civil Rights legislation.
7. A Unicycle Football Game
Only in San Marcos can you catch a game that combines American football and unicycling. The game is played similarly to flag football with a few specific rules unique to the Unicycle Football League. Created by Marcus Garland in 2008, the game has grown into an entertaining yet competitive sport played every Sunday from August to April.
Take a Look at Blanco Vista by Dream Finders Homes
Blanco Vista has everything you could need all in the prime location of San Marcos. This master-planned community is 575 acres of prime, riverfront land spread across eight distinct neighborhoods. In addition to easy access to incredible shopping, dining, major employers, and local schools, the community hosts its own first-class amenities. Blanco Vista has its own on-site TEA-recognized elementary school, a fully stocked pond, a Junior Olympic-sized pool with a splash pad, hiking and biking trails, and so much more.
When you’re ready to start living your best life in San Marcos, Dream Finders Homes has a wide range of our most popular single family floor plans. These one- and two-story plans include incredibly spacious living spaces with modern interior finishes and range from 1,597 to 2,503 square feet. You’ll also have the option of brick and other sidings. We also have several homes available now and more on the way. There’s truly something for everyone! To learn more about Blanco Vista or any of our other amazing communities, connect with us today!