From rugged ridgetlines and sweeping ocean views, to thriving commercial districts and a growing educational hub, San Marcos is the perfect place to grow your business. Located just 35 miles from downtown San Diego, 60 miles from Orange County and 25 miles from Riverside County, San Marcos is an ideal central location for reaching customers all around.

Whether you’re looking for retail, commercial, industrial or office space, San Marcos offers a variety of leased space, spec buildings and land for construction - often at a considerably more affordable  rate than  its  coastal  city neighbors. Read on to learn why San Marcos is  considered one of the most desired places in  North County for business.

Despite  the  ongoing  recession,  San Marcos  remains  one  of  the  most fiscally sound cities in San Diego County. 
The city continues to manage its resources efficiently and effectively while maintaining  a  focus  on  public  safety, 
economic  development and community services.  The city boasts a diverse economic base with businesses from medical, industrial, high tech and construction calling  San Marcos home. San Marcos is also well known for being an effective small business incubator.

Most  of  San  Marcos  has  already developed,  although  some undeveloped land still remains.  Most of the development opportunities in the future are related to redevelopment.  With 51  percent  of the  city  within  one  of three redevelopment  agency   project area, we offer considerable opportunities for redevelopment.

In today’s economy, easy access to regional  economic centers are vital to business.  State  Route 78 is easily accessed from all parts of   San Marcos, and the city is conveniently  situated between Interstates 15 and 5.  The city also has a solid transportation network, including three stops along the new Sprinter light rail line that runs from Oceanside to Escondido.  San Marcos is also just six miles from the Carlsbad/Palomar Airport, 35 miles from the San Diego International Airport and 60 miles from the Orange County Airport.

Located in the beautiful foothills of northern San Diego County, San Marcos is just 12 miles from the majestic Pacific Ocean and enjoys a year-round average temperature of a  pleasant 72 degrees. From  miles  of  trails  in  the 
local  hills,  to  unique  dining  and shopping opportunities in its retail centers, San Marcos has all the ingredients that make living and doing business enjoyable.

A dedication to parks and community services is another priority in San Marcos. In addition to its rich recreational and cultural programs for children, teens, adults and seniors, the city has recently opened five new beautiful parks

Quality centers like Creekside Marketplace, Nordahl Center, Grand Plaza and Old California Restaurant Row are all
popular shopping and dining destinations, and plans for thoughtful future developments like the San Marcos Creek District and  University District will put San Marcos on the map as a regional destinations.

San Marcos is also a leader in providing quality housing with a range of prices and designs with  costs typically
$100 per foot less than its coastal neighbors.*  From the prestigious master-planned development of San Elijo Hills to the newly opened, award-winning Autumn Terrace affordable housing complex, San Marcos is a place that everyone can call home.

Residents also enjoy quick and quality access  to medical care from North County Health  Services, a regional Kaiser Permanente facility, and a Palomar Pomerado Health outpatient facility.  San Marcos will also be served by the  new state-of-the-art Palomar Pomerado  Hospital when it opens in 2012.

San Marcos is the educational hub of north San Diego County and the proud home of Cal State  San Marcos, Palomar College,  University of Phoenix, University of St. Augustine, Coleman College, San Marcos Unified School District, High Tech High and several other occupational education establishments. This offers a unique  advantage for employers by having a strong  entry-level labor pool readily available as well as access to cutting-edge academic and other partnerships.