Carlsbad

Carlsbad’s Quality of Life is Unmatched. Where else would you find a seaside community that is small enough to have village charm yet large enough to be a world-class business environment? Carlsbad is a community with near-perfect weather and two world-class resorts. It supports economic development yet sets aside 40 percent of its land for open space. It has attracted an international theme park and has become the golf capital of the world. Carlsbad has a commuter train, great bus service and the busiest single-runway airport in the nation. A great place to live, with miles of beaches, a wide variety of housing options, terrific shopping, a world-class public library and excellent schools. Where else but Carlsbad, California? Fortune Magazine rated Carlsbad as one of the nation’s five best places to retire. “An affordable Southern California dream lifestyle is still available in about one place: Carlsbad,” the magazine boasted in August, 1997. Fortune pointed out that our community has ample open space, a low crime rate, a near-perfect climate, smog-free ocean breezes, and is not in an earthquake fault zone. In 1999, Where to Retire Magazine rated Carlsbad among the best retirement towns in Southern California. Carlsbad’s population has grown considerably as more and more people become acquainted with the area. In fact, the population has increased five-fold since 1960, but the city’s award-winning Growth Management Plan ensures that the city retains its small-town charm. Despite Fortune calling us a retirement haven, Carlsbad has a relatively young population, with a median age of 32, and 78 percent of residents under age 55. Carlsbad boasts a variety of recreational and cultural events. The Carlsbad Chamber sponsors the Carlsbad Village Faire, featuring more than 900 exhibitors twice a year on the first Sunday of May and November. Recognized as the largest one-day street fair in the Country, it draws crowds from miles around, showcasing the historic Carlsbad Village. The city’s famed Flower Fields draw 200,000 visitors from Southern California and beyond each March and April when more than 50 acres of brightly colored ranunculus burst into bloom.   Carlsbad is fortunate to boast more than seven miles of beautiful, clean beaches, more than 150 acres of parks, summer Jazz in the Park concerts, picnic facilities and play areas, three community centers and three championship golf courses. Another golf course, owned by the city, is scheduled to open within the next few years. A combined effort of the city of Carlsbad and local volunteers is the Carlsbad Trails Project, which could ultimately result in a 60-mile trail system winding throughout the city. The first portion of the project, a trail through Hosp Grove, is pictured at right. The first loop of this trail was finished in 1999, spearheaded by Chamber’s Chairman Gary Hill. Additional trail segments have since been added; work continues and volunteer help will be needed. For a map, details and pictures check the Carlsbad Trails Project Website. Long enjoyed by visitors from the Southwest, Carlsbad is becoming a world-class tourism destination. The internationally renowned La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad features two 18-hole professional golf courses, several restaurants, tennis courts and a spa that attract visitors year-round. In 1997, another world-class resort, the Four Seasons Resort Aviara, opened to critical raves on the shores of Batiquitos Lagoon. Aviara’s beautiful golf course was designed by golf pro Arnold Palmer.