New Homes by Suburb
New Construction Homes in San Marcos
South of Austin along I-35, Hays County. A buyer-side guide to new construction in San Marcos, with live listings, the builders and communities here, schools, taxes, and the honest tradeoffs.
The short answer
San Marcos is one of the most affordable new-construction markets in the region, about 30 miles south of Austin on I-35 in Hays County, midway to San Antonio. Home to Texas State University and the spring-fed San Marcos River, it offers attainable prices, access to two metro job markets, and a river-and-outlet-mall lifestyle. As of 2026, new homes generally run from the low $180,000s to around $700,000, with a new-construction median around $340,000, from entry townhomes to Hill Country homes in La Cima and 55-plus living in Kissing Tree.
Live from the MLS
143 new homes for sale in San Marcos
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New ConstructionAt a glance
San Marcos new construction, by the numbers
- County
- Hays County
- School districts
- San Marcos CISD, Hays CISD
- Price range
- As of 2026, new construction runs from the low $180,000s for townhomes and smaller homes to around $700,000 for Hill Country homes in La Cima, with a median around $340,000. San Marcos consistently offers some of the lowest new-home entry prices in the region.
- Commute
- Downtown Austin is roughly 30 miles north, about 35 to 50 minutes off-peak and 50 to 80 minutes in weekday rush hour on I-35 (mid-2026), and downtown San Antonio is a similar distance south. That midpoint location gives access to jobs in both metros, though the I-35 commute either direction can be heavy, and the ongoing central-Austin I-35 construction adds time.
- Location
- South of Austin along I-35
Where to buy
Communities in San Marcos
- La Cima (Hill Country master-planned)Perry Homes, Brohn Homes, Scott Felder Homes, Chesmar Homes
- Kissing Tree (55+ active adult)Brookfield Residential
- Blanco VistaD.R. Horton, Lennar
- WhisperD.R. Horton
- Cotton CenterVarious regional builders
Who builds here
Active builders
- D.R. Horton
- Lennar
- KB Home
- Perry Homes
- Brohn Homes
- Scott Felder Homes
- Chesmar Homes
- Brookfield Residential
- Pacesetter Homes
Before the base price
Many new San Marcos communities sit inside a MUD or PID that adds its own levy on top of city, Hays County, and school taxes, with combined effective rates commonly around 2.3 to 2.7 percent. Confirm the exact combined rate and taxing entities for the specific lot during your option period.
How MUD and PID taxes work →Honest tradeoffs
The case for and against San Marcos
No suburb is right for everyone. Here is how I would frame it for a client.
The case for
- Among the lowest new-home entry prices in the region, including sub-$200,000 product
- Midway between Austin and San Antonio, with access to jobs in both metros
- Texas State University plus a spring-fed river and outlet-mall lifestyle
- Range of options from entry townhomes to La Cima Hill Country homes and Kissing Tree 55-plus living
- Hays County growth with expanding retail, medical, and dining
The case against
- Far south of Austin, so the downtown-Austin commute is long on a congested I-35
- A large college-town rental population affects some neighborhoods and traffic
- Most new communities carry MUD or PID taxes that raise the combined rate
- School quality varies across San Marcos CISD, so verify the specific zone
- Summer river-tourism crowds and traffic around the university and outlets
On your side of the table
What a buyer’s agent watches for in San Marcos
- +Confirm whether the exact lot sits in a MUD or PID, and get the current combined tax rate in writing
- +Estimate taxes on the final improved sale price and every taxing entity, not the first-year land bill
- +Verify the school district and zone, since San Marcos-area lots can fall in San Marcos CISD or Hays CISD
- +Check flood plain status near the river and creeks for lower-lying sections
- +Have buyer representation in place before touring; builder contracts favor the builder
- +Watch for lot premiums and design-center minimums that push the real price above the low base
On new construction the builder pays your representation, so all of this costs you nothing. Updated August 14, 2026.
Good to know
San Marcos new construction, answered
- How far is San Marcos from Austin?
- About 30 miles, roughly 35 to 50 minutes off-peak and 50 to 80 minutes in rush hour on I-35 as of 2026. San Antonio is a similar distance to the south, giving access to both job markets.
- How much do new construction homes cost in San Marcos in 2026?
- New homes run from the low $180,000s for townhomes to around $700,000 for Hill Country homes in La Cima, with a median around $340,000. It offers some of the lowest new-home entry prices in the region.
- What are the main new communities in San Marcos?
- The largest are La Cima, Kissing Tree (55-plus), Blanco Vista, Whisper, and Cotton Center, ranging from entry-level to Hill Country and active-adult living.
- Do San Marcos new homes have MUD or PID taxes?
- Many do, with combined rates commonly around 2.3 to 2.7 percent. Always confirm the exact rate for the specific lot.
- What school district serves new homes in San Marcos?
- Most of the city is served by San Marcos CISD, with some areas in Hays CISD. Verify the zone for the exact address.
- Is San Marcos a good place to buy new construction?
- It is a strong fit for value-focused buyers who want low entry prices and access to both the Austin and San Antonio job markets, and who accept a long Austin commute and a college-town setting.
Related
Keep exploring
- 01New Homes by SuburbCompare new construction by Austin suburb: price, commute, taxes, and schools.
- 02Search New Construction HomesLive new-build MLS listings across the Austin metro, filterable by price and build status.
- 03New Home Cost CalculatorSee the real monthly cost of a new Austin home, MUD and PID taxes included.
- 04New Homes by BudgetNew construction under $300K, $400K, and $500K, with the suburbs that fit each.
- 05Do You Need a Buyer's Agent?Why the builder's on-site agent is not on your side, and why your agent is free.
Free buyer representation
Thinking about San Marcos?
Before you tour a builder in San Marcos, get your representation registered so it stays free, and get the real tax rate, the current incentives, and honest builder notes. Luke replies personally.
Luke Allen
Licensed Texas REALTOR, TREC #788149
Austin Marketing + Development Group