Living in La Cima San Marcos TX: Homes & Costs

I've been helping buyers relocate to the Austin suburbs and Central Texas for years. I was born and raised in South Austin, and I know what it feels like to want that Hill Country topography without giving up practical access to jobs, shopping, and the rest of your life. La Cima sits on the west side of San Marcos, west of I-35, and it's one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the area if you're in that $500,000+ price point. The rolling hills are unimaginable. The views are real. And the Perry Homes floor plans on 60-foot lots bring in natural light like you wouldn't believe.

But it's not all sunshine and blue skies. I'm also going to tell you the biggest things buyers need to verify here before you ever write an offer or go under contract. Because of the topography, picking the right lot is more complicated than most agents will tell you. You could end up with a stair nightmare if you don't choose wisely. And with San Marcos growing toward a second high school, school zones are changing. You need to verify your exact address, not just what the builder's site plan shows. I'm also going to share the latest update on the Hill Country Studios project and why buying based on future promises can be risky.

Perry Homes build time is about 4 to 5 months after the foundation is poured. Permitting can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months depending on the city. Once they pour the foundation, the build goes pretty quickly. They'll get the framing up in a couple weeks, and it speeds up from there. The model home I toured is actually going to be for sale towards the end of this year when they open up a new section and build a new model. You don't find that very often. It takes years to be able to sell model homes, so if you like this floor plan, it could be an option.

You're right off I-35, so you've got Kyle and Buda to the north, and then South Austin above that. The downtown Austin area is about 30 minutes north on a good day. San Antonio is to the south. If you need to be in the middle of downtown Austin every day or you need a super short commute into the urban core 5 days a week, this probably may not be the best fit community for you. But if you want space, new construction, and you're okay with a 30-minute drive when you do need to get into Austin, La Cima makes a lot of sense.

For buyers relocating to the Austin Texas Suburbs, San Marcos is that middle ground. You're staying connected to the Austin area without paying Austin prices or dealing with the density. You're also close to Texas State University and the downtown San Marcos square, which has tons of restaurants and bars. And you're not that far from the San Marcos River, which is a big thing in San Marcos and even in the New Braunfels area. You can jump on a tube and take a float. It's usually 2 to 3 hours depending on how well the water is flowing.

The kitchen has enough bar space for 4 bar stools, and they have cabinetry under the bar so they utilize all the space. You've got your fridge, cabinets above, beautiful countertops, and a pantry. The cabinetry goes all the way up top. The glass door finishes on the cabinets are always extra if you want them, but you've got beautiful hardware and this beautiful island. I would say this is probably a 10-foot island. You've got the farm sink, which almost everybody loves, just the one big sink. Your hood vent with a nice backsplash. 5 burners, built-in gas, which I prefer. I know some people don't care, but I just love cooking on gas. And then you've got your oven and microwave built in. You've got an upper and lower oven, but I believe you can just build one oven as well if you just want the one oven. That's kind of cool if you want to cook for holidays and you've got a separate oven. You can definitely fit a turkey on the bottom and put your sides up top.

The dining space is beautiful. I mean, just look at the views. That's your neighbor's backyard, but this is what people love about La Cima, Texas blue skies, the beautiful topography. The owner's suite has vaulted ceilings and tons of natural light. You get to face the green space back there, and then you've got this amazing soaker tub. You could completely just lay and spread out in there. You've got the frost on the windows so your neighbors can't see you in the bathroom, which is probably an add-on but more of a necessity if you do have neighbors right up against you. You've got your dual vanity, but I always love when they separate them so you've got your own counter space. There are 2 closets in this one. You've got a full walk-in shower. You could definitely add a rain head to this if you wanted. And you've got your little linen closet and your second closet.

The backyard has a covered patio, standard with Perry on almost if not all their floor plans. You've got recessed lighting, a fan (which is a big necessity here in Texas), and a huge outdoor patio. You could add a gas line out here and put your barbecue pit or your smoker. You've got this big patio, and then you've got this yard with wood fencing where your neighbors are and iron rod fencing on the back side to really open up the area. This is what La Cima is known for, this beautiful rolling hill topography.

I walked the neighborhood and you can see the different elevation of these homes. You've got one home that sits flat, and then the one next to it sits up a lot higher. When you get a lot that sits on a higher hill, your house is going to sit higher up. You see the stairs, you see the steep driveway, and that's kind of what you get. And then you've got flat lots on the other side of the street. So you've got flat lot here, flat lot here, a lot of flat lots on one side, and then just across the street it gets really hilly.

This is why it's important to understand what your needs are for a lot. Do you want a flat lot? Do you want a lot with a view? Are you okay with stairs in the front and a steep driveway? Or do you need everything to be level? When you work with us, we help you pick out that lot, make sure you're making the right choice, and get you the perfect lot with the perfect floor plan that fits your lifestyle. Because if you pick the wrong lot, you could end up with a stair nightmare. And that's not something you can change after you build.

For families, the big thing is to verify the schools at the exact address. The builders can sometimes show that they are zoned to a certain school, and because they are continuing to grow these suburb areas, the schools tend to change on a year-to-year basis sometimes. I believe San Marcos is actually getting a second high school, but it's going to be years down the road. So you need to verify your exact address with the school district, not just what the builder's site plan shows. School zone changes for new construction are real, and you don't want to find out after you close that your address got reassigned.

One thing I would not do as a buyer is make a purchase decision based on any long-term planned project unless it's actively moving. For example, the reporting I reviewed on Hill Country Studios showed it was being stalled. And now we don't even know if it's going to be built. So you just have to really understand where the growth is in the area, what is making you pick this location, and is this going to be an area for you for the next 3, 5, 10 years. That all matters, especially when you are building.

For buyers who prioritize space over proximity, La Cima is one of the best neighborhoods in San Marcos TX for young families and anyone who wants new construction with a Hill Country feel. You're 30 minutes outside of Austin, 45 minutes outside of San Antonio, and you've got access to the San Marcos Outlets, local food spots like Dos Gatos and the new Tejas Parrillas location, and the San Marcos River for tubing. You're also close to Texas State University and the downtown square if you want that college vibe.

FAQ

How much do homes cost in La Cima San Marcos TX?

Homes in La Cima start at $500,000+. Perry Homes is the featured builder, and their floor plans on 60-foot lots bring in natural light and take advantage of the Hill Country views. The topography is beautiful, but picking the right lot is critical because some lots are flat and some are really hilly.

What is the commute from La Cima to Austin and San Antonio?

It's about a 30-minute commute into Austin and closer to a 45 to 50-minute commute into San Antonio. You're positioned almost in the middle ground between the two cities. If you work in San Marcos or work remote, this is a great spot. If you need to be in downtown Austin every day, you'll want to factor in that 30-minute drive.

What should I verify before buying in La Cima?

Verify your school zone at the exact address with the school district, not just what the builder's site plan shows. School boundaries change as suburbs grow, and San Marcos is getting a second high school in the future. Also, pick your lot carefully because the topography varies significantly. You could end up with a steep driveway and stairs if you don't choose wisely.

What is the food and shopping like near La Cima?

I rate La Cima about an 8 out of 10 for food access. You've got Dos Gatos kolaches, a long-running local brand, and Tejas Parrillas is opening a location in San Marcos. The San Marcos Outlets are only about 15 minutes away, and it's one of the largest outlet malls in all of Texas. You've also got your local H-E-Bs nearby.

How long does it take to build a Perry Home in La Cima?

Is La Cima a good fit for families?

La Cima is one of the best neighborhoods in San Marcos TX for young buyers who want new construction, space, and a Hill Country feel. You're close to the San Marcos Outlets, local food spots, and the San Marcos River. But you need to verify your school zone at the exact address because boundaries change as suburbs grow. San Marcos is getting a second high school, but it's going to be years down the road.

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