Section Image

La Costa

La Costa

Suburban Neighborhood in Carlsbad, California

San Diego County 92009, 92011

$1,653,288 Average Value
$704 Average Price per Sq Ft
75 Homes For Sale

The sweet spot of Carlsbad

Of all the neighborhoods in Carlsbad, La Costa could be considered the sweet spot of the area. With quiet residential communities, two of Niche's top five school districts in the San Diego area, and access to surfing and hiking within minutes of each other, the neighborhood checks the boxes for comfortable, convenient suburban living. La Costa's footprint stretches from the mountains to the Pacific Ocean, providing a best-of-both-worlds setting for outdoor lovers. It’s also home to several prestigious golf courses. Realtor Ingrid Pasco with Keller Williams, who's lived in North County San Diego since 2001, says, "It's still one of the few places where you can have mountain views with an ocean breeze coming through your house." These amenities might add up to one of the most expensive neighborhoods in North County. However, La Costa's prices are comparably lower than those of Aviara to the north or Encinitas to the south. The result is a just-right Goldilocks fit for its residents.
La Costa is known for the famous Omni resort and spa in the middle of the community.
La Costa is known for the famous Omni resort and spa in the middle of the community.
This resident is riding towards Ponto Beach and the new Alila Marea Resort in La Costa.
This resident is riding towards Ponto Beach and the new Alila Marea Resort in La Costa.
1/2

Suburban homes with ocean and valley views

La Costa’s sprawling communities are considered some of the nicest in Carlsbad . "La Costa is a bit lower priced because most of the homes were built in the 1990s, whereas Aviara has a lot of newer, custom homes," says Pasco. "Plus, there's no Mello-Roos, which is a big draw." Mello-Roos is a local tax that's common in California. Districts can impose Mello-Roos to fund public projects like schools and parks, but communities like La Costa that already have sufficient infrastructure don't need the tax. With the neighborhood's size, each area offers something different. West of Interstate 5, near the beach, options are varied from manufactured homes to single-family Spanish Revivals. Prices here can range from $300,000 up to $2.5 million. The communities around the Park Hyatt Aviara and Omni La Costa Resorts are known for being more luxurious. Spacious ranch-style homes and Spanish Revival mansions with pools and grassy lawns decorated with tall palms range from $1 million to $4 million. Condos around the resort's golf courses can range from $500,000 to over $1million. The streets climb to the east, where homes with valley and ocean views can start at $1 million and reach over $5 million.
These home near Alga road sit on a hill with their own personal views.
These home near Alga road sit on a hill with their own personal views.
There are many types of custom homes in many different colors in La Costa.
There are many types of custom homes in many different colors in La Costa.
1/2

Golfing, surfing and hiking a few miles apart

Having easy access to surfing and hiking isn't rare in North County. What distinguishes La Costa's recreational offerings is the amount of world-class golf within the neighborhood. Most notable is the Omni La Costa Resort Course. This 18-hole course has hosted almost 40 PGA Tour events, but it's more famous for its reputation as a getaway for Hollywood A-listers since opening in the 1950s. The Park Hyatt Aviari Golf Club is another luxurious resort course just 2 miles west. Its 18-hole track was designed by Arnold Palmer. Those who enjoy more vigorous outdoor activity have plenty to do. The mountains and valleys to the east are full of hiking and mountain biking trails. The Ridgeline Trail is a 4-mile path that begins on a residential street and leads along the ridge of Box Canyon. The Rancho La Costa Reserve offers hundreds of acres of open space and miles of trails east of the neighborhood. This is San Diego County, so surf culture is big here. Ponto Beach is the closest break, and Grandview Surf Beach is less than a mile down the coast.
There is plenty of area to grab a beach blanket and layout at the Ponto Beach La Costa.
There is plenty of area to grab a beach blanket and layout at the Ponto Beach La Costa.
The Park Hyatt Aviara Golf Club has a world class golf course in La Costa.
The Park Hyatt Aviara Golf Club has a world class golf course in La Costa.
1/2

Two of the top five school districts in San Diego County

La Costa is split by two of San Diego County's best school districts. The Carlsbad Unified School District covers the area west of El Camino Real. It earns an A-plus from Niche and is ranked the No. 4 best school district in the San Diego area. Students in this area may begin at A-plus-rated Aviara Oaks Elementary and continue at Aviara Oaks Middle, given an A. They finish a few miles north at Sage Creek High, which is also graded an A-plus. Students at Sage Creek can participate in the Genius Project, a year-long capstone leading to a lecture presentation at the Genius Project Symposium. The area east of El Camino Real is part of the A-rated San Marcos Unified School District, ranked the No. 5 best district in the San Diego area. Students might begin at La Costa Meadows Elementary and continue a few miles east at San Elijo Middle and San Marcos High — all graded an A. San Marcos High is highly regarded for its biotech, genetics and robotics programs.
Students can enjoy time in the courtyard at Aviara Oaks Middle.
Students can enjoy time in the courtyard at Aviara Oaks Middle.
The Sage Creek High Team exists to create an interconnected learning community.
The Sage Creek High Team exists to create an interconnected learning community.
1/2

Beachfront concerts at the Camp Store

The Camp Store's beachside concerts are a must for many locals. This casual beach shack and its spacious patio sit on the cliffs overlooking South Carlsbad State Beach. They hold afternoon concerts at least once a month. Folks can order burgers and pizzas from the window and enjoy the music from a picnic table while the sun sets over the Pacific.

Commute by car or Coaster train

Carlsbad's industrial area is just north of the neighborhood. It's home to major golf brands, like Callaway and TaylorMade, along with pharmaceutical and logistics companies. Many residents commute to North County's biotech hubs, like Sorento Valley, 20 miles south. They can drive on Interstate 5, which runs down the neighborhood's west side, or take the Coaster train from Carlsbad Poinsettia Station, also on the west side. The Coaster makes stops along the San Diego County coastline. It also goes to downtown San Diego and San Diego International Airport, about 30 miles south. Locals go to McClellan-Palomar Airport — just north of the neighborhood — for convenient regional flights.

Shop at the Forum and dine in Carlsbad Village

La Costa has little commercial activity, but its few shopping centers provide necessities and high-end retail. The Forum — south of the Omni La Costa Resort on El Camino Real — is one of the area's premier retail malls. This outdoor complex has stores like Sur La Table, Anthropologie and Lululemon. Just up the road, The Beacon shopping center has posh athletic clubs like Equinox and gourmet grocers like Gelson's. On the neighborhood's east side, along Rancho Santa Fe Road, La Costa Town Square has a Vons for groceries and local spots like Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery. Residents near the beach can get groceries at Ralphs, just off the 5. Next door, Pelly's Fish Market & Café serves and sells the day's fresh catch. Folks drive 10 miles north to Carlsbad Village — the heart of Carlsbad — for the nightlife and lively dining scene. Its rows of open-air restaurants are always buzzing with diners and live music.

While La Costa has sufficient shopping, its overall lack of commercial activity adds to its residential appeal. There's notably low crime; the neighborhood has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
This brand new store has lots of hand made furniture and interior design options in La Costa.
This brand new store has lots of hand made furniture and interior design options in La Costa.
Locals like to grab a custom coffee or tea from the  Lofty Coffee in La Costa.
Locals like to grab a custom coffee or tea from the Lofty Coffee in La Costa.
1/2
Ed Coombs
Written By
Ed Coombs
Matt Brown
Photography Contributed By
Matt Brown
Maurice Boone
Video By
Maurice Boone

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Chad Basinger, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Diego International

36 min drive

Bus

Olivenhain Rd & El Camino Real

Bus

Carlsbad Bl & Avenida Encinas

Bus

Rancho Santa Fe Rd & La Costa Av

Bus

El Camino Real & Costa Del Mar Rd

Bus

Olivenhain Rd & Camino Alvaro

Bus

Rancho Santa Fe Rd & Paseo Lupino

Bus

El Camino Real & Circle K

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime La Costa US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

La Costa Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$1,499,949
Median Sale Price
$1,525,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,900,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$915,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$791,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
587
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
9%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$704

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
10,763
Number of Homes for Sale
75
Median Year Built
1986
Months of Supply
1.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,616
Significantly above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,839
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,448
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,050
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
701
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,583

Open Houses

  • Thursday, Jun 19
    1 - 3pm

    2404 Altisma Way Unit C, Carlsbad, CA 92009

    $839,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,620 Sq Ft
    • 2404 Altisma Way
    • Unit C

    Beautifully Remodeled La Costa Condo Come see this home that has new LPV flooring, new windows, new modern stair railings, new custom paint, new modern lighting, new quartz counter tops, new kitchen cabinets and sink, new water heater. That's a lot of new! Natural light and bright interior with views from each room, this condo stands out above all others in the area. With oversized living spaces,

    Agent Photo
    John Vogel
    John Vogel Real Estate
    (442) 207-5811
    Section Image
    Section Image
  • Saturday, Jun 21
    10am - 1pm

    2544 Navarra Dr Unit 4, Carlsbad, CA 92009

    $785,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,326 Sq Ft
    • 2544 Navarra Dr
    • Unit 4
    • New 9 days ago

    A beautifully upgraded 2 BD/ 2 BA townhome nestled in the serene La Costa Fairways community. Spanning 1,326 sq. ft., this two-story residence seamlessly blends modern elegance with timeless charm. Upon entry, you're greeted by soaring vaulted ceilings adorned with exposed wood beams, floor to ceiling windows for an abundance of natural light, and rich wood laminate flooring. The open-concept

    Agent Photo
    Ryan Main
    Compass
    (442) 228-1029
    Section Image
    Section Image
  • Saturday, Jun 28
    1 - 3pm

    2340 Caringa Way, Carlsbad, CA 92009

    $700,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,080 Sq Ft
    • 2340 Caringa Way
    • New 11 hours ago

    Welcome to your sunny slice of La Costa! This super cute 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhome is tucked away in the vibrant Casa Grande community, just behind the fabulous Omni La Costa Resort and Golf Course—hello, lifestyle goals! Inside, you’ll love the bright and breezy vibe with fresh neutral paint and gorgeous wood-look floors that tie everything together. The open-concept layout makes the space

    Victoria Sandoval Select Premier Properties

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Chad Basinger, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
29,978
Median Age
48
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.3%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$153,816
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$180,162

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97%
College Graduates
65.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
40°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

46 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

33 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

26 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the La Costa neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
La Costa