San Marcos CISD serves the city of San Marcos and nearby areas of Hays County along the I-35 corridor. The city is home to Texas State University and the San Marcos River, and it sits about halfway between Austin and San Antonio.
A quick look at the district:
Location - San Marcos, Hays County
Setting - a college town with riverfront parks, historic neighborhoods, and newer subdivisions
Rating - overall C in 2026
Nearby anchors - Texas State University, the outlet malls, and the I-35 corridor
For the bigger picture, see our San Marcos real estate guide and our Hays County overview.
San Marcos CISD offers a wide mix of homes, from older houses near the university and downtown to newer subdivisions and townhomes on the edges of town. Investors and parents of Texas State students also shop here.
What buyers commonly look for:
Value - prices that are often lower than in Austin or Buda
Variety - historic homes, newer builds, townhomes, and condos
Access - quick routes to I-35, Austin, and San Antonio
Rental potential - steady demand from students and staff
HAR does not publish a city snapshot for San Marcos, so price figures are left out here. Ask your agent for recent sales in the neighborhoods you like. For nearby comparisons, see Hays CISD and Wimberley ISD. If you are weighing new builds, our guide to new construction homes in Austin may help.
San Marcos CISD kept an overall C in the 2026 state ratings, with a C in student achievement and school progress and a D in closing the gaps. According to Community Impact, four campuses earned an A, one a B, two a C, and five a D, and most campuses changed ratings from 2025.
The takeaway: results vary a lot from campus to campus, so it is worth checking the specific schools a home is zoned to. Review current results on TXschools.gov, and visit the campuses you are interested in. For a wider comparison, see our best school districts in Austin guide and our tips for buying a home near a school.
River and parks - Sewell Park, Rio Vista Park, and the San Marcos River for tubing and paddling
Dining and music - the downtown square and a lively college-town scene
Shopping - outlet malls and retail along I-35
Traffic - I-35 can be slow at peak times
San Marcos is roughly 30 miles south of downtown Austin, and most drives take about 35 to 45 minutes depending on I-35 traffic. San Antonio is about 50 miles to the southwest. Our Austin traffic and commute guide covers rush hour patterns.
What areas does San Marcos CISD serve? San Marcos CISD serves the city of San Marcos and nearby parts of Hays County.
What is San Marcos CISD's rating? San Marcos CISD earned an overall C in the 2026 state accountability ratings.
Do all San Marcos CISD campuses have the same rating? No. In 2026, four campuses earned an A, one a B, two a C, and five a D, so check the zoned campus for any home you are considering.
What types of homes are in San Marcos? You will find historic homes, newer subdivisions, townhomes, and condos. Many buyers choose San Marcos for value and I-35 access.
How far is San Marcos from downtown Austin? San Marcos is roughly 30 miles south of downtown Austin, and most drives take about 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
How is San Marcos CISD different from Hays CISD? They are separate districts with different boundaries, campuses, and ratings. Your address decides which district a home is zoned to.
San Marcos blends college-town energy with growing neighborhoods, and school zoning matters. A Spyglass Realty agent can help you confirm campus assignments, compare neighborhoods, and time your move.
Thinking of selling? Get your home value
Buying in San Marcos CISD? Start your search here
Have questions either way? Speak with a Spyglass Realty consultant
Prefer to talk it through first? Call us at 512-640-2077, and a Spyglass Realty agent can help you figure out the right next step in San Marcos CISD.
