Hills of Hays, San Marcos,TX

If you're considering a move to San Marcos, TX, the Hills of Hays neighborhood in the southeast part of the city offers a wonderful blend of comfort and convenience. This community is known for its welcoming atmosphere, making it a great choice for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Residents enjoy well-maintained homes with spacious yards and plenty of greenery, which adds to the overall charm of the area. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby parks and walking trails that encourage an active lifestyle, while local schools provide excellent options for families with children.

One of the standout features of the Hills of Hays neighborhood is its proximity to some of San Marcos' best local attractions. Just a short drive away, you’ll find the San Marcos Premium Outlets, a popular shopping destination offering a wide variety of brand-name stores and dining options. For those who love nature, the nearby Purgatory Creek Natural Area provides scenic hiking trails and opportunities for bird watching. Plus, the community is close to several golf courses, perfect for weekend recreation. The neighborhood also benefits from its access to quality healthcare facilities and everyday conveniences like grocery stores and coffee shops, making daily life both comfortable and easy.

Conveniently situated in the southeast area of San Marcos, the Hills of Hays neighborhood is only about a 10 to 15-minute drive from Downtown San Marcos. This means residents can quickly access the vibrant downtown area, which is known for its lively music scene, charming boutiques, and a variety of restaurants showcasing local flavors. Whether you want to enjoy a night out, attend community events, or explore the historic district, downtown is just close enough to enjoy without the hassle of city living. Overall, Hills of Hays offers a fantastic balance of suburban tranquility with easy access to the excitement and amenities of downtown San Marcos.

In Hills of Hays, 29% of residents aged 16 and older are married, which is notably higher than the national average. This could point to a more settled, community-driven neighborhood where long-term residents and homeowners are common. It’s the kind of place where stability, and a close-knit atmosphere make it especially appealing to families and couples looking to put down roots.

With only 29% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Hills of Hays demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 87 residents, Hills of Hays is notably smaller than many other San Marcos neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

With a lower than average population density of 804 people per square mile, Hills of Hays offers a more open and spacious environment compared to many other San Marcos neighborhoods. This often means quieter streets, less congestion, and a relaxed atmosphere — all while still providing access to the amenities and conveniences of city living.

Home to a population with a higher-than-average age of 47, this area offers a calm and refined atmosphere shaped by experience and tradition. The neighborhood’s more mature demographic fosters a strong sense of community, a relaxed pace of life, and an environment that’s both welcoming and well-established — making it an especially appealing choice for retirees seeking comfort, stability, and connection.

The Hills of Hays crime map offers a clear, data-driven look at how crime is distributed throughout the neighborhood, using block group data to highlight both safer areas and potential hot spots. The color-coded map makes it easy to see where crime is more concentrated and where it occurs less frequently, helping residents and prospective buyers better understand local safety patterns. It’s important to note that darker or red zones on the map don’t necessarily mean those areas are unsafe — locations near busy transit hubs, shopping districts, or popular attractions often show higher activity simply due to larger crowds and increased foot traffic.

Housing trends offer valuable insight into the accessibility and character of a neighborhood. In Hills of Hays, the median home price is $171,333, which is less than many surrounding areas. This affordability makes it an attractive option for first-time buyers, young families, or anyone looking to enter the housing market without a significant financial barrier. Looking at appreciation rates and past market trends in Hills of Hays can offer valuable insight into the neighborhood’s investment potential. Understanding how home values have changed over time helps buyers gauge future growth, assess long-term stability, and make more informed real estate decisions.

The median rent is around $1,088, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

School quality plays an important role in shaping the overall appeal of a neighborhood like Hills of Hays. Ratings based on student achievement, graduation rates, and standardized tests — supported by national benchmarks like the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) — help paint a clearer picture of how local schools perform. Additionally, understanding the education levels of residents in Hills of Hays offers valuable context about the community’s emphasis on learning and opportunity, helping families make confident decisions about where to settle and invest in their children’s future.