More than just a beach city with stunning Pacific views!
While Carlsbad’s shores, sunshine, and the most famous kids’ theme parks (that’s LEGOLAND for you newbies) are a big draw, there’s a whole lot more brewing in this coastal gem.
For instance, Carlsbad is an emerging hub for biotech, technology, the wellness industry, and a thriving arts scene. These options make it a fantastic place for anyone hoping to work and play.
It’s the kind of place where you can surf in the morning, crush it at work, and still have time for a wine-tasting sunset. But, could there be more to know before taking that final step towards moving to Carlsbad?
Time for some inside scoop on what to expect when you call Carlsbad home.
Let’s get right into it!
- Cost of Living in Carlsbad — The Beach Life Comes at a Price
Everyone knows about California’s higher-than-average cost of living. Well, Carlsbad took it seriously, with an overall cost of living 70% higher than the national average.
What this means is that if you have an income that’s closer to the national median (around $75,000), you will likely struggle to live comfortably here.
As a single person, you will need about $8,000 per month whereas a family should prepare to spend around $21,000 monthly.
- Average House Rent: $3,221
- Median Home Value: $1.6 million
Housing is the biggest factor, of course. So, as you call on movers to relocate, know that the median home prices often exceed $1 million. Even renting a modest apartment can set you back over $3,000 per month.
The high cost of living in Carlsbad is, however, for a good reason — a high quality of life. Pristine beaches, low crime rates, excellent schools, a thriving job market, and an abundance of outdoor activities make Carlsbad a desirable place to live.
Here are other expense information on everything you need to know before moving to Carlsbad:
| Expense Category | Compared to the National Average |
| Housing | 191% higher |
| Utilities | 20% higher |
| Groceries | 14% higher |
| Transportation | 35% higher |
| Healthcare | 4% higher |
- What’s Work is Like in Carlsbad
If the thought of earning almost double the national average median household income appeals to you, then you would understand why moving to Carlsbad should be in your future.
- Median Household Income: $134,139
- Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
- Poverty Rate: 6.9%
The city’s economy thrives on hospitality, but it’s so much more than its tourism industry. Professional and technical services, manufacturing, and healthcare are some of the toppers holding forte for the Carlsbad economy.
Strong industries in biotechnology, clean energy, and tech startups are also reasons major employers like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Viasat, and TaylorMade Golf, have settled here.
For remote workers, reliable internet and an abundance of co-working spaces have made working seamless and pleasant.
- The Weather is Perfect
Carlsbad’s Mediterranean climate is a dream!
Mild winters that rarely dip below 45°F and warm summers that peak at 78°F, combined with the coastal breeze, make for a pleasant climate.
Winters here include occasional rain, but there’s no need to worry about snow or extreme cold. However, if you are moving, you should be particular about your moving season, regardless of the beautiful climate.
So, what month is best to move to Carlsbad?
Late summer to early fall (August to October) should work out best. The weather is still gorgeous now, but the tourist crowds have started to thin.
Average Seasonal Temperature in Pompano Beach
Winter — 55°F
Fall — 65°F
Spring — 59°F
Summer — 68°F
- How Secure is Carlsbad?
Carlsbad is one of the safest cities in California. Its crime rates are lower than both the state and national averages.
It means you don’t have to worry about your safety or that of your property in Carlsbad as much as you would in other California cities.
With a 1 in 489 chance of falling victim to violent crime here, it’s easy to take those midnight beach walks or enjoy a jog through a local park.
| per 1,000 residents | Carlsbad Median | California Median | National Median |
| Violent Crime | 2.04 | 5.08 | 4.0 |
| Property Crime | 16.85 | 23.26 | 20.0 |
- Neighborhoods You Should Consider to Live in
Carlsbad is an organized area with neighborhoods designed and developed to cater to different lifestyles.
So, what area of Carlsbad is best to live in?
Well, it depends on your lifestyle preference. Carlsbad’s neighborhoods are in the northwest, northeast, southwest, and southeast quadrants.
- Carlsbad Village. A lively, walkable area with beachy charm in the northwest area. It’s great for those who love cafes, shops, and nightlife.
- Calavera Hills. Located in the northeast quadrant has a more suburban feel. It has parks, good schools, and a quiet, excellent atmosphere for families.
- La Costa. Known for its luxury homes, golf courses, and top-rated schools. This southwestern area is ideal for families.
- Aviara. Like La Costa, it’s upscale and scenic, and is in the southwest area. It’s close to the lagoon, making it a great spot for those seeking quiet and a higher-end lifestyle.
- Bressi Ranch. To the southeast quadrant features more modern homes in a planned community. There are many new and modern amenities in this area, including parks and pools.
- What to Know on the Education Front
Families moving to Carlsbad will be happy to know that it has some of the best schools in San Diego County and California.
The Carlsbad Unified School District is top-rated and has a school quality rating better than 93.5% of all California school districts. For the same index, it has a rating better than 93.7% of all U.S. school districts.
Some of the best schools in Carlsbad include:
- Pacific Rim Elementary
- Aviara Oaks Elementary
- Magnolia Elementary
- Kelly Elementary
Note:
There are excellent private and charter schools as well.
- Basic Means of Transportation in Carlsbad
Carlsbad is car-friendly, with about 70.9% of the residents driving themselves.
However, traffic on the I-5 can be a headache during rush hours. This pushes the average commute time to 35 minutes, 3 minutes more than the U.S. average.
Moving to Carlsbad, you can use public transit options like the North County Transit buses and the Coaster train if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving in this traffic congestion. The train runs to San Diego.
Note:
Many residents also bike or walk, though, especially in The Village and along the coast.
- Where to Get Medical Care
Access to quality healthcare is excellent in Carlsbad.
Yes, it’s a bit pricey, costing an average of $145.52 for a doctor’s visit. However, you can count on having access to well-trained healthcare professionals.
Carlsbad’s physician distribution per capita is 233 physicians per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 210 physicians.
Also, your health is in good hands with healthcare institutions like Scripps Coastal Medical Center and Tri-City Medical Center nearby.
Moreso, upon moving to Carlsbad, you will find there are numerous wellness centers, holistic health practitioners, and fitness studios to keep you in top shape.
Final Take — The Carlsbad Info Guide
Moving to Carlsbad, CA, is an exciting adventure!
Its coastal beauty, booming job market, and excellent schools ensure that you have everything you need to live a high-quality and comfortable life.
To crown it all, the city is safe despite its teeming tourist population.
Sure, you will pay a fraction of a fortune to live here, but that enviable quality of life and sun-soaked days will have you falling in love with Carlsbad.
