Carlsbad is a coastal resort-town in northern San Diego County surrounded by mountains, lagoons and the Pacific Ocean, with a population of around 95,000. Because of its location, relatively low population density and high performing school districts, the city has a high quality of life and tends to be more affluent. The northwestern quadrant is Carlsbad’s oldest and most densely populated region. The village, or downtown Carlsbad features many antique shops, clothing stores, restaurants, as well as a weekly farmer’s market and an annual marathon. Olde Carlsbad features older single-family homes and is perhaps the most socio-economically diverse section of the city, where homes range from enormous mansions to modest, one-story homes in a variety of architectural styles. The northeast quadrant is home to communities like Summerhouse, which has views of the preserve and cool ocean breezes, and The Colony, an established and desirable neighborhood featuring unique cottage-style homes with shingle facades, large yards and quaint streets named after Scottish towns. Much of the community is designated open space, with trails and a lake for public use. La Costa refers to both a residential community in the southeast quadrant featuring the world-class golf and tennis resort and spa that thrives at its center. The southwest quadrant plays host to Aviara, a community overlooking a lagoon and a world-class golf course, characterized by miles of tree-lined streets, as well as hikers, runners and bicyclists using the Batiquitos Nature Trail. It’s also home to the famous Four Seasons Aviara Resort.
