Central allandale By Jackie Potts

San Marcos

Halfway between San Antonio and Austin is a place where youthful energy and the charm of yesteryear coexist in a scenic snapshot of the Texas Hill Country. Welcome to San Marcos, the Gateway to the Texas Hill Country and home to Texas State University (formerly Southwest Texas State University) and the magnificent San Marcos River. Here, visitors and residents enjoy a wealth of recreational opportunities, academic pursuits and historical architecture and landmarks. Even with its urban growth, the city remains rich with downtown allure.

"Downtown has shopping, eating, medical facilities and, with its proximity to the university, it has an active nightlife," says Kelly Franks, manager of the Main Street revitalization program. "It's very popular for its loft apartments. I think there are 71 residences in the downtown area. People can walk to campus or walk to the grocery store."

While downtown continues to thrive, so does new-home construction in the surrounding areas. Ted Berg, a regional sales manager for KB Home says San Marcos' lack of big-city congestion is a major draw. "It's not too big, but it has everything a big town can offer" he says, noting that its appeal will likely lead to continued growth. Berg also says three- and four-bedroom homes ranging in price from the $100s to the $140s will continue being built by his company and others. "It's a sweet little town with a neat university, lots of cultural stuff and two great rivers," says Henry Skinner-Larsen, sales counselor with Pulte Homes, which is building in the Mockingbird Hill community. "This place is a gem waiting to be discovered," he says.

A gem that was long ago discovered and to this day remains treasured is the beautiful San Marcos River. Besides its evident splendor, the river also is home to a handful of endangered species and historical lore. "The San Marcos River is an historical river," Franks says. "Different tribes of Indians considered it a sacred place. Our river has always been part of our folklore."

As are the historical buildings and cemeteries that are being revitalized for the so they can be appreciated by current and future generations. "People want to see a building from the 1800s and what it looks like," Franks says. "We've got buildings with iron fronts, pressed tin, square nails and other things you just don't see anymore. Maintaining the integrity of these buildings is important to us. We like to say that the great accomplishments from our past are the inspiration for our future."

Holly Mullins, senior planner for the City of San Marcos, says the city has four locally designated historical districts and is in the process of designating two more. "(The designation) ensures that any changes to the buildings would not destroy their historical character," she says. "One developer in particular has rehabilitated two (downtown) buildings. There are a surprisingly large number of residences in the downtown area. In the last couple of years, they've brought an increase in the number of downtown businesses."

There also is an increase in new housing being offered in the outlying areas, says Skinner-Larsen. "Normally, to find these kinds of homes at these prices ($100, 000-$150,000), you have to go out to the middle of nowhere," he says. "Here, we've got nice houses, shopping, a 14-screen movie theater, the outlet mall .... once this places catches on, it's going to take off. A person can find an 1,800-square-foot, three-to-four-bedroom home with all kinds of upgrades in the $130s."

Dr. Gwen K. Smith, a native of San Marcos and longtime member of numerous civic groups, says the city's wide range of opportunities will feed continued population growth. Change is inevitable, she says, noting that the increase in population is the biggest change she's see in more than 50 years as a San Marcos resident. "Population growth happens everywhere, but we try to keep a small-town atmosphere," she says.

Schools San Marcos Unified School District San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District

Amenities San Marcos River Tanger Factory Outlet Mall Prime Outlet Mall City of San Marcos

Resources Search articles mentioning Allandale in the Austin American-Statesman's archives. Find area restaurants on Austin360

MLS Area: HS

Zip Code 78666

Halfway between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos offers a rich downtown experience, the beautiful San Marcos River and an array of shopping opportunities with the outlet mall located nearby. Housing opportunities vary from downtown lofts to new communities.