Market Overview for Trace
There are 20 active listings in Trace with a median list price of $299K and a median sold price of $335K.
Homes average 120 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 3 homes have sold, with 41 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $189.
About Trace
Trace is a 420-acre master-planned community in San Marcos, Texas, developed by Highpointe Communities. The development commenced in January 2017, with a total project value of $475 million. Trace is planned for 996 single-family homes and up to 850 multifamily units, with a 200-acre commercial area including a 9-acre neighborhood retail site, a 13-acre community retail site with I-35 frontage, and a 43-acre corporate office campus. The community is an approved Planned Development District with a Public Improvement District (PID).
Seven builders are active in Trace: D.R. Horton, Chesmar Homes, Pacesetter Homes, Terrata Homes (LGI Homes family), Buffington Homes, Empire Communities, and Waterloo Homes by Brohn. Homes range from approximately 1,211 to 2,652 square feet with two to five bedrooms. Standard features include two-car garages, open-concept living, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances.
On-site amenities include the Presidio at Trace Park with a resort-style pool, covered pavilion, basketball court, sand volleyball court, and picnic areas. Additional parks include Nacogdoches Park and Tejas Park with playgrounds and open space. The community includes 75 acres of open space with natural streams and up to 3 miles of trails, 9 acres of public park, and 5 private neighborhood parks. Rodriguez Elementary, a San Marcos CISD campus, was built within the community and opened in August 2019.
Trace is located on the south side of San Marcos at the Posey Road interchange on I-35, at 1028 Esplanade Parkway.
Living in Trace
Trace is served by San Marcos Consolidated ISD. Rodriguez Elementary, located within the community at 1481 Esplanade Parkway, opened in August 2019 and serves approximately 436 students with an 11:1 student-teacher ratio. Students feed into Doris Miller Middle School (TEA C rating for 2024-25) and San Marcos High School (TEA C rating, improved from F in 2022-23). The overall district received a C (76/100) for 2024-25.
Trace is located approximately 32 miles south of Austin and 51 miles north of San Antonio via I-35, with direct access via the Posey Road interchange. The San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets are approximately 3 miles from the community, offering a combined 240-plus stores and 1.2 million square feet of outlet shopping. The San Marcos River, a spring-fed river that maintains 72 degrees year-round, is approximately 8 miles from the community. Texas State University, with approximately 44,596 students (fall 2025), is within San Marcos city limits. Christus Santa Rosa Hospital San Marcos, a 178-bed hospital, provides healthcare services in San Marcos. The community is positioned along the I-35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio in one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas.
Things to Do in Trace
- San Marcos River: A spring-fed river maintaining 72 degrees year-round. Access from Rio Vista Park and City Park for tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.
- Wonder World Cave and Adventure Park: Texas's first commercial show cave, established 1903. Formed by the Balcones Fault Line, with a 190-foot Tejas Observation Tower and wildlife park.
- San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets: Combined 240-plus stores and 1.2 million square feet of outlet shopping along I-35, approximately 3 miles from Trace.
- Rio Vista Park: A park on the San Marcos River at 555 Cheatham Street with three drops and artificial rapids for swimming, tubing, and surfing. Includes tennis courts, pavilion, and trails.
- Five Mile Dam Park: A 34-acre park along the Blanco River with swimming, picnicking, hiking, and the 2.3-mile Five Mile Dam Loop trail.
- Downtown San Marcos Square: Historic downtown with shops, boutiques, and restaurants. The Commemorative Air Force Museum houses rare WWII planes in a 1943 hangar.
Major Employers in Trace
- Texas State University (Higher Education): More than 1,700 full-time faculty and 2,300 full-time staff. One of the largest employers in Hays County with approximately 44,596 students (fall 2025).
- San Marcos Premium Outlets (Retail): Approximately 2,100 employees at one of the largest outlet shopping destinations in the country.
- Tanger Outlets (Retail): Approximately 1,500 employees at the adjacent outlet center on I-35.
- Christus Santa Rosa Hospital San Marcos (Healthcare): A 178-bed hospital with approximately 650 employees.
- Hunter Industries (Manufacturing): A global irrigation products manufacturer with approximately 650 employees in San Marcos.
Trace Schools
Trace is served by San Marcos CISD (TEA C, 76/100 for 2024-25). Rodriguez Elementary was built within the community and opened in August 2019.
School District: San Marcos CISD
Public Schools
- Rodriguez Elementary
- Hernandez Elementary
- San Marcos High School
Higher Education
- Texas State University - Located within San Marcos city limits. Approximately 44,596 students (fall 2025).
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is Trace?
Trace is a 420-acre master-planned community planned for 996 single-family homes and up to 850 multifamily units, with a total project value of $475 million. The community also includes a 200-acre commercial area.
What builders are in Trace?
Seven builders are active: D.R. Horton, Chesmar Homes, Pacesetter Homes, Terrata Homes (LGI Homes family), Buffington Homes, Empire Communities, and Waterloo Homes by Brohn. Homes range from approximately 1,211 to 2,652 square feet.
What school serves Trace?
Rodriguez Elementary, located within the community at 1481 Esplanade Parkway, opened in August 2019 and serves approximately 436 students. Students feed into Doris Miller Middle School and San Marcos High School in San Marcos CISD.
What amenities does Trace offer?
Trace includes the Presidio at Trace Park with a resort-style pool, covered pavilion, basketball court, and sand volleyball. The community has 75 acres of open space, natural streams, up to 3 miles of trails, and multiple neighborhood parks.
How far is Trace from Austin and San Antonio?
Trace is approximately 32 miles south of Austin and 51 miles north of San Antonio, with direct I-35 access at the Posey Road interchange. The San Marcos Premium Outlets are approximately 3 miles away.
