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Chapter 2 Sector Two Today SECTOR TWO TODAY Introduction In order to formulate a sector plan that will strengthen the identity of the neighborhoods and guide change within the sector compatible with the aims of the Master Plan, it is important to understand the present Sector Two. This chapter, "Sector Two Today, " describes specifics of the sector; its natural environment, built environment, its people, and the community facilities within the sector. Sector Two is primarily a residential area, characterized by single-family homes. A significant amount of the vacant land in San Marcos is also found in this sector. Rentals, both duplexes and single family homes, are more prevalent in the southern portions of the sector, in the Westover and Southwest Hills neighborhoods. Oak Heights, an older established neighborhood of homes on large, tree-shaded lots, and Greater Castle Forest, one of the fastest-growing residential areas in the city, contain a higher proportion of owner-occupied units. Park Place, a small neighborhood facing Ranch Road 12 next to San Marcos Cemetery, consists solely of owner-occupied single family homes. The areas along Ranch Road 12 are above the Balcones Escarpment, and the sector steps down gradually to the west, and in a series of two bluffs to the south and east. Most of the vacant areas are primarily brushy pasture land in the western and southern portions of the sector. One of the city's most well-known tourist attractions, Wonder World Park and its 30 million year old fault-line cave, is adjacent to Sector Two; Ezell's Cave, owned by the Nature Conservancy, is located in Sector Two; and at least one other cave with an opening in the sector has been identified. Location Sector Two occupies 1.27 square miles in northwest San Marcos, encompassing the Greater Castle Forest, Oak Heights, Southwest Hills, and Park Place neighborhoods, and portions of the Westover and neighborhood. The sector is generally bounded by Ranch Road 12 on the north; Midway and Prospect streets on the east; and the city limits on the south and west. Sector Two comprises approximately 7% of the 17.84 square miles of the City. Maps of Sector Two and the Neighborhood Associations within it are presented on the following pages. 2-1