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La Costa

La Costa

Suburban Neighborhood in Carlsbad, California

San Diego County 92009, 92011

$1,636,414 Average Value
$701 Average Price per Sq Ft
77 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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.
La Costa is known for the famous Ponto Bridge near the beach.
La Costa is known for the famous Ponto Bridge near the beach.
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Ed Coombs
Written By
Ed Coombs
Matt Brown
Photography Contributed By
Matt Brown
Khalil Chisholm
Video By
Khalil Chisholm

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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 Robyn Flint, 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

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,521,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,900,000
Median Townhouse Price
$750,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$778,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$561,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$701
Number of Homes for Sale
77
Last 12 months Home Sales
605
Months of Supply
1.50
Median List Price
$1,497,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
9%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
10,751
Median Year Built
1986
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,616
Significantly above the national average
1,937
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,859
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,449
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,052
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
713
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,583

Open Houses

  • Sunday, May 4
    11am - 3pm

    2352 Altisma Way Unit 15, Carlsbad, CA 92009

    $715,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,040 Sq Ft
    • 2352 Altisma Way
    • Unit 15
    • New 1 day ago

    This is not your typical remodel—crafted with care and designed by someone who intended to live here, not flip it. Every detail in this end-unit townhome exudes intentional design, comfort, and personality, offering a rare blend of character and quality in the coveted La Costa community.Set in a serene, landscaped enclave with no neighbors above or below, this home offers exceptional privacy and

    Trish Yelenosky & Mindi Estrada Wedgewood Homes Realty

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  • Sunday, May 4
    11am - 3pm

    1413 Branta Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92011

    $1,799,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,818 Sq Ft
    • 1413 Branta Ave
    • New 2 days ago

    Beautiful property located in the highly sought after Cantata neighborhood. Just a short stroll to Batiquitos Lagoon, enjoy the trails and proximity to Aviara Golf Course. Close to Award Winning Aviara Oaks Elementary and Middle Schools. Enjoy the coastal lifestyle and the amazing Carlsbad Beaches. Downstairs bedroom features a Murphy bed, allowing for optional office/guest room. Upstairs Primary

    Roderick Dargie Phillips & Company The J.R. Phillips Group, Inc.

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  • Sunday, May 4
    1 - 4pm

    3501 Corte Ramon, Carlsbad, CA 92009

    $1,400,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,889 Sq Ft
    • 3501 Corte Ramon
    • New 2 days ago

    This gorgeous 4 bed / 2.5 bath Carlsbad home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and location. Situated on a desirable corner lot adjacent to open park space, the Meadowood neighborhood provides a welcoming cul-de-sac feel with parks, a community pool and sports courts. The light-filled interior includes a living room with vaulted ceilings and the dining room. An updated kitchen features

    Wesley Besemer Trinity Homes & Investments

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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 Robyn Flint, 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.

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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