I just posted an article on my What's Up Doc blog about the announcement of 3 Carlsbad schools winning top honors in California. The honors in 2007 were awarded to secondary schools - elementary schools get their chance next year.

I thought you might be interested if you are exploring Carlsbad homes for sale or are considering a move to this great community in San Diego's North County. As you know many folks chose their community based on the reputation of the schools, which can also have an impact on home values.

If you are contemplating moving to the Carlsbad area and are interested in new construction, or if your interest is simply learning more about master planned communities as an alternative for your next home, you might want to visit my community profile on La Costa Ridge.

La Costa Ridge is the newest master planned community in the south Carlsbad area known as La Costa, located on the highest hill with dramatic views in all directions. While still being built, there are currently a number of homes for sale in La Costa Ridge. 

Each of the 4 builders has model homes to explore, and some of the completed homes are ready for occupancy. You can also buy pre-construction which can provide some opportunities for site selection and customization depending on the builder options.

Are you considering a move to the Carlsbad area?

La Costa Greens is a new master planned community that offers a range of housing in 6 neighborhoods built by 4 well-known area builders.

Take a look at the community profile and learn more about homes for sale, amenities (including The Presidio, the residents' private club) and more.

If I can answer questions about the area, the housing market, relocation, or if you are a first time buyer, please let me know. Fans of Coastal San Diego has more information on life here in "paradise."

If the La Costa area appeals to you, from what you have heard and perhaps read here, there are a number of complexes offering a variety of homes, with varying prices, styles, and size. There are a number of gated communities, although not so much as in Aviara, as well as homes along a number of streets that don't belong to a particular "complex" or subdivision. This is only a partial list. Some complexes are quite small with only a dozen or so homes while others number in the hundreds.

Alga Hills - large hilly neighborhood, mix of housing, ungated

The Fairways - gated, detached, many homes fronting the hill above the golf course

The Jockey Club - upscale, gated, attached town homes on the golf course (high $800s and $900s)

La Costa Greens - large new construction subdivision by 5 builders, many homes with views of the ocean and La Costa, ungated ($700s to over a million)

La Costa Ridge - still under construction, atop the hill above La Costa, most homes start around $1 million

Brookfield - good sized neighborhood of detached homes, with community pools, tot lots, ungated (under $700K for the most part with some under $600K)

La Costa Estates - larger, hilltop homes of varying styles, most $1 million or more

La Costa Oaks - another recently built subdivision, ungated

Sea Pointe Tennis Club - ungated, attached homes with tennis (most under $500K)

Plaza Bonita - small gated complex of town homes, some with golf course views

Plaza de las Flores - another small gated complex of attached town homes along the golf course

Some of the well-known streets are Almaden, Alicante, El Fuerte, Estrella de Mar, Luciernaga, Corintia, Argonauta, and Alga

In follow-up to my recent tour of AVIARA, in Carlsbad, here is a list of some of the complexes available to you. This is NOT the complete list but you will recognize some of these names from the MLS. They vary quite a bit in price, size, and views (ocean, golf course, hills, greenbelt, lagoon)

Aviara Point - probably the most exclusive and expensive ($1.5 million to over $2 million) - gated

Bella Lago - gated, along the lagoon, views, in the mid to high $1 millions

Isla Mar - gated, some views, under $1 million and above

Tramonto - not gated, townhouse style, detached                     

Sanderling - gated, attached

Avocet - not gated, under $1 million   

Sandpiper - detached, not gated

Cristalla - detached, gated, some ocean views    

Brindisi - attached, gated

Marea - attached, gated

Viagio -attached, gated

Viadana - detached, not gated

Carina - detached, not gated