Located thirty miles southwest of Austin, Texas, San Marcos is part of the San Marcos-Austin-Round Rock MSA. San Marcos has a population of 44,894 and is home to Texas State University. Founded on the banks of the San Marcos river, the area is thought to be among the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the Americas.
San Marcos' central location along IH-35 and strong infrastructure makes it ideal for industry. The city includes business incentives, a high quality of life, regional airports and proximity to major international airports, access to major roadways such as IH-35, SH-130, SH-183, and IH-10, networking opportunities and support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, a healthy tax structure, and a diverse and talented workforce.
Along with its easy access to air travel, the city has ready access to several freight routes and IH-35 and IH-10, which run north/south and east/west, respectively, through the region. The access points of the area provide an easy route to major cities in Texas such as Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston.
The region has several institutions of higher education that provide a continual source of talent for the region’s workforce. These institutions include the fourth-largest university in the state, Texas State University; Gary Job Corps, an education and career technical training program; and two Austin Community College campuses.
The area’s quality of life is highlighted by the San Marcos River, which is naturally fed by the San Marcos Springs. Many other lakes and rivers dot the local landscape, and the region’s location within the Texas Hill Country provides easy access to the many outdoor amenities. In June 2006, The View named the San Marcos Outlets as the third-best place to shop in the world. About six million people visit the malls annually.
