San Marcos, Texas was recently named by Thrillist.com as one of ten of “America’s Best Small Cities to Move to Before They Get Too Popular.” Located between Austin and San Antonio, this Hill Country city, which has also been referred to as one of the “Most Hippiest Towns in the United States of America,” is a nature-lovers paradise with enough creature-comforts to make even the most indoorsy folks happy, too.
Lifestyle
San Marcos: You Better Get Here Before Everyone Else Does
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One of the Oldest Continuously Inhabited Spots in America
Photo: Facebook/City of San Marcos
With a current population of over 60,000, the city was founded on the banks of the San Marcos River and is thought to be among the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the Americas. It is home to Texas State University, which is the fifth largest university in Texas and houses the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, which the largest forensics research facility in the world.
The downtown area of San Marcos has lots of the typical college-type of bars and cheap eats, but also a varied selection of coffee bars, a new cat cafe as well as fun shopping and live music. Boasting an active arts scene, with art markets most every weekend and a thriving Farmer’s Market, it is a bustling town with fun things to do every night of the week.
Crystal-Clear, Spring-Fed Waters
Photo: Facebook/Tour San Marcos
While the population has doubled in the past 25 years, home prices in the still sit well under $250,000 – which is a rarity in the Texas Hill Country. So, now is the time to jump on that piece of land or cute bungalow close to campus that you’ve had your eye on for years.
Water recreation in the San Marcos River is some of the best in Texas. The crystal-clear, spring-fed waters of the river make for perfect tubing and even snorkeling (yes, snorkeling!) experiences. The Meadows Center, which is part of Texas State University, sits on historic Spring Lake and provides a living laboratory where researchers promote sustainable management of water systems and seek to increase the understanding of complex water and natural resource topics.
San Marcos is the Place to Be!
Photo: Facebook/Tour San Marcos
San Marcos is the place to be right now. Offering affordable housing, excellent outdoor activities and a booming education system, this town is knocking it out of the park. If you’ve ever dreamed of living in the Hill Country, San Marcos just might be your best bet. Get here while the getting’s good!
