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San Carlos

San Carlos

$1,056,038 Average Value
$224 Average Price per Sq Ft
10 Homes For Sale

Snuggling up to Mission Trails Regional Park

Cowles Mountain is the highest peak in San Diego and overlooks the peaceful suburban neighborhood of San Carlos. The residential haven attracts locals seeking panoramic valley views and access to the popular recreational hub, Mission Trails Regional Park. San Carlos is close enough to San Diego State University that students can live at home and commute to campus. "The area has fantastic public schools and is within walking distance of the popular Lake Murray," says Michael Willis, a Realtor and local area specialist for the region.

A hikers makes his way down Cowles Mountain in San Carlos.
A hikers makes his way down Cowles Mountain in San Carlos.
Mission Trails Regional Park in Lake Murray.
Mission Trails Regional Park in Lake Murray.
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From hilltop hiking to lazy picnics

To the north is Mission Trails Regional Park, which has more than 8,000 acres of rugged terrain for outdoor adventures. The large space is an open invitation for rock climbing among the park's five mountainous peaks or camping near Kumeyaay Lake. Off-road enthusiasts may head to the BMX park, known locally as Devil's Velodrome. Hiking among the 60 miles of trails is popular with locals in the region. The grounds include Lake Murray, a reservoir that serves as a favorite spot for shore fishing and boating; Murray Lake is also used by the San Diego Public Utilities Department. Locals can tee off on the fairways at the public Mission Trails Golf Course. The San Carlos community provides several neighborhood parks, including Dailard Park and Tuxedo Park. Further east is the San Carlos Recreational Center, where kids can take dance and art classes.

The canyon trail path at Mission Trails.
The canyon trail path at Mission Trails.
Small lake within the Mission Trails path accessible for fishing.
Small lake within the Mission Trails path accessible for fishing.
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Houses and condos from the 20th century

San Carlos is filled with homes built during the 1960s to late 1980s. Most of the properties entering the market feature renovations and modernized upgrades. The housing stock includes ranch-style and split-level homes. Many display stucco exteriors, red tile roofs and other Spanish architectural influences. San Carlos properties are valued at almost double the national average, but listing prices are still lower compared to the rest of the San Diego area. On average, detached single-family homes list between $900,000 and $1.2 million. Condos and townhouses may cost anywhere between $400,000 to upwards of $700,000. The community is located within a high fire hazard zone, and the local government's new Zone Zero law seeks to reduce vulnerability to residential spaces by removing specific plants and vegetation.

Condominiums such as the Brentwood allow for buyers to enter the market at lower price-points.
Condominiums such as the Brentwood allow for buyers to enter the market at lower price-points.
San Carlos housing is an eclectic mix of ranch homes, split levels and custom builds.
San Carlos housing is an eclectic mix of ranch homes, split levels and custom builds.
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A series of events in the San Carlos area

"The area has easy access to most major attractions in the city and a strong sense of community," Willis says. San Carlos events are supported by a dedicated network of volunteers and community organizations, such as the Lake Murray Fireworks and Music Festival. The nearby San Carlos Recreation Center also hosts a Spring Egg Hunt and a Halloween Carnival.

Restocking the kitchen and sipping cider

On the eastern side of San Carlos, residents pick up an espresso at Simple Coffee House or sit down for breakfast inside The Trails Eatery. Afterward, patrons can shop for groceries and bakery items at the neighborhood supermarket, Keil's Fresh Foods Store. Those looking for a relaxing spot after work may venture to the neighborhood's western side to Library Tavern, the local sports bar, or Poochie's Hooch Urban Cidery & Tasting Room.

The Simple Coffee House invites locals and visitors to enjoy a wide array of espresso drinks.
The Simple Coffee House invites locals and visitors to enjoy a wide array of espresso drinks.
Keil's, a local grocery chain, serves residents of San Carlos.
Keil's, a local grocery chain, serves residents of San Carlos.
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San Carlos students head to A-rated schools

Children may start the school day at either Myron B. Green Elementary or Ralph Dailard Elementary; both receive an A grade from Niche. Sixth to eighth graders will likely head east to attend Perishing Middle, which has an A-minus from Niche; the remaining may go to Lewis Middle, earning an A grade. Patrick Henry High School also has an A grade from Niche, promising a dedicated Visual and Performing Arts program, Advanced Placement classes, as well as college entry-level courses through a partnership with Mesa College. The neighborhood is less than 5 miles away from San Diego State University.

Young ones head to Myron B. Green Elementary School.
Young ones head to Myron B. Green Elementary School.
San Carlos residents are just a short drive from San Diego State University.
San Carlos residents are just a short drive from San Diego State University.
Main building architecture of Patrick Henry High School.
Main building architecture of Patrick Henry High School.
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Heading out by MTS or I-8

The Kaiser Permanente Zion Medical Center is located about 5 miles west of San Carlos. Interstate 8 rests south of the community, leading commuters to downtown and the San Diego International Airport, about 15 miles away. Locals may also travel the area by bus or trolley along the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System.

MTS offers public transportation solutions to residents of San Carlos.
MTS offers public transportation solutions to residents of San Carlos.
Man boards metro bus in San Carlos.
Man boards metro bus in San Carlos.
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Ashley Kennedy
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
Michael Hirsch
Photography Contributed By
Michael Hirsch
Amon Parson
Video By
Amon Parson

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 James Nelson, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Diego International

21 min drive

Bus

Jackson Dr & Navajo Rd

Bus

Jackson Dr & Hyde Park Dr

Bus

Navajo Rd & Margerum Av

Bus

Jackson Dr & Golfcrest Dr

Bus

Lake Murray Bl & Kiowa Dr

Bus

Navajo Rd & Jackson Dr

Bus

Navajo Rd & Park Ridge Bl

San Carlos Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$377,500
Median Sale Price
$383,600
Median Single Family Sale Price
$391,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$409,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
81
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
37%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$224

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
5,103
Number of Homes for Sale
10
Median Year Built
1972
Months of Supply
1.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,954
On par with the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,372
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,108
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
681
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
426
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    2 - 4:30pm

    7855 Golfcrest Dr Unit 13, San Diego, CA 92119

    $539,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 936 Sq Ft
    • 7855 Golfcrest Dr
    • Unit 13
    • New 10 hours ago

    The best value in San Carlos! Home just appraised for $565,000 and it offers so much! Garage? It has it. Patio? it has it, Fully updated kitchen? it has it. New fllors? It has it. new bathrooms? it has it! centrally located? It is! A Sauna? Believe it or not it has it! This is one you must see!

    Francisco Lopez LPT Realty,Inc

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  • Saturday, Aug 2
    1 - 4pm

    6771 Golfcrest Dr, San Diego, CA 92119

    $1,299,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,783 Sq Ft
    • 6771 Golfcrest Dr
    • New 17 hours ago

    Welcome to your San Diego dream home—featured on American Dream TV! This turnkey, stunning 3br/2ba single-story residence is nestled on a coveted corner lot in the heart of San Carlos. Offering breathtaking views of Cowles Mountain from the resort-style backyard & just a short stroll away from Lake Murray, this home is truly the one you’ve been waiting for! Step inside to 1,783 sq. ft. of

    Katie Herrick Compass

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  • Saturday, Aug 2
    11am - 3pm

    6884 Caminito Montanoso Unit 25, San Diego, CA 92119

    $649,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,141 Sq Ft
    • 6884 Caminito Montanoso
    • Unit 25
    • New 1 day ago

    Welcome to The Woodlands – a beautifully upgraded ground-floor 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo located in the desirable San Carlos community of San Diego! This first-floor, 1,141 sq. ft. unit offers modern style, quality upgrades, and exceptional convenience in a quiet, well-maintained complex. Enjoy a renovated kitchen with quartz countertops, soft-close cabinets, and all-new stainless steel

    John Varon Avaron Realty

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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 James Nelson, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
12,884
Median Age
45
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.4%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$119,776
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$140,783

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.7%
College Graduates
63.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
12''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

14 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

29 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

24 / 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
San Carlos