Carlsbad, California

The city of Carlsbad, CA, located on the Pacific coast approximately 35 miles north of San Diego and with a population of nearly 90,000, is known as “The Village by the Sea” because of its quaint charm and beauty. Real estate values in this community are above the national average, with home values soaring over 30% in the past twelve months. Homebuyers considering relocation to Carlsbad will find much to lure them to this 48-square-mile community of sandy beaches, vibrant scenery, quality schools, and seemingly endless recreational opportunities.

Although the city is named for the famous nineteenth-century European spa, Karlsbad, the first inhabitants of this area were the Luiseno Indians, centuries before the arrival of Spanish explorers on an expedition for their king. It was these explorers who christened the lagoon Agua Hediondo. Under the control of Spain and later Mexico, the area was primarily private ranch land until the early 1880's, when a forty-acre tract of coastal right-of-way was deeded to the Arizona Eastern Railway, opening the land for homesteading and real estate speculation. The cool artesian and mineral waters tapped there soon made the area a much-anticipated stop on the railroad line. When Gerhard Schutte and his friend purchased the land in 1886 and a chemical analysis of the water showed the same chemical composition as the famous spa in Germany, Mr. Schutte determined that the city he planned to build would be called Carlsbad. Over the next fifty years, the city grew in both population and fame, and at the end of World War II became home to many war veterans who remembered the little town from their wartime experiences at nearby Camp Pendleton. The city was incorporated in 1952, and although it has grown by 700% since then, it still boasts much scenery that would be recognized by its first residents over 200 years ago.

Among Carlsbad's natural attractions is its temperate climate. Average temperatures range from 58 degrees in January to 73 degrees in July. Sunny days abound in Carlsbad, with an average of 263 days of sunshine and a mere ten inches of rain per year.

The Carlsbad Unified School District proudly operates ten public schools in the city: seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and a high school. Carlsbad High School has received several California Distinguished School Awards, and all schools in the district have met Adequate Yearly Progress criteria in the past school year. In addition to the public school district, there are several quality private schools in Carlsbad, as well as two alternative schools, affording a variety of educational opportunities for homebuyers. The average pupil/teacher ratio for the district is 20.9, with the size of schools ranging from less than twenty in select private schools to nearly 3,000 at Carlsbad High School. A new elementary school and a new middle school were recently completed, with plans for two new elementary schools already in motion. Several schools are located near the North County Transit BREEZE bus service, providing safe, reliable transportation for students.

In such a prime location in north San Diego County, Carlsbad is an excellent place to live while commuting to work in San Diego. Public transportation options include the North County Transit, with its Coaster Connection commuter shuttles. The city is also in close proximity to two regional airports. In the city of Carlsbad, the unemployment rate is at a low 2.8%, lower than the national average, and future job growth is projected at 16.1% in the next twelve months. Professional, scientific, and management industries provide much of the employment in the city, with Callaway, Titleist, and Taylor Made having a major presence in Carlsbad, creating more than 1,000 new jobs. Because of this job growth, housing developments are being built rapidly, boosting real estate values and sales of new homes. Another perk of living in Carlsbad: the city is located on a no earthquake fault zone!

For your relaxation, the city of Carlsbad maintains 980 acres of parks, including Carlsbad State Beach and Batiquitos, Agua Hedionda, and Buena Vista Lagoons. Annual events feature the Flower Fields opening in April, the Carlsbad Village Fair in May, and the Toshiba Tennis Classic at LaCosta Resort in August. Public golf courses in the area include Aviara, Rancho Carlsbad, and Encinitas Ranch, while the LaCosta Resort offers two private courses for its guests.

For the children (or the child at heart), Legoland, the toy maker, operates an amusement park in Carlsbad with more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions, providing year-round entertainment for both residents and tourists. Another popular attraction is Flower Fields, a 50-acre hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, covered in the springtime with the magnificent color of Giant Tecolote ranunculus flowers in bloom.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to own a home in one of the most desirable cities in San Diego County. The climate, schools, employment, and recreation available in Carlsbad make it a prime place to live and buy a home.