Livability Score

78
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities A+

There are lots of amenities close to this location.
Coffee (24) A+
The Daily News Café
Coffee Shop
Cafe Elysa
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Vinaka Cafe
Coffee Shop
Chocolate Bar
Coffee Shop
Ground Up Cafe
Coffee Shop
Carlsbad Coffee House
Coffee Shop
Steady State Coffee Roasters
Coffee Shop
French Cafe And Bakery
Coffee Shop
Bobby's Hideaway Cafe
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Hill Street Cafe and Gallery
Coffee Shop
seaborne coffee FTS
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Fun Town Market
Coffee Shop
Granny's Apple Fries
Coffee Shop
Dino's
Coffee Shop
Swami's Cafe
Coffee Shop
Cabo Grill
Coffee Shop
The Famous HIGH-Pie
Coffee Shop
Pier View Coffee Company
Coffee Shop
Seabreeze Cafe
Coffee Shop
Bubble Tea
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (45) F
Regal Cinemas Carlsbad 12
Cinema
Seacoast Gallery
Art Gallery
Carlsbad Flower Fields
Attraction
Museum of Making Music
Museum
LEGOLAND Water Park
Water Park
LEGOLAND Water Park
Theme Park
Fun Town Police and Fire Academy
Attraction
Fun Town
Attraction
Sky Patrol
Attraction
Wild Woods Golf
Attraction
Regal Cinemas 16
Cinema
Legoland California
Theme Park
Kid Power Tower
Attraction
Lego San Francisco
Attraction
Lego Golden Gate Bridge
Attraction
LEGOLAND California
Attraction
Lego Star Wars
Attraction
Miniland Marina
Attraction
Lego New York City
Attraction
Lego Southern California
Attraction
Miniland USA
Attraction
Lego New Orleans
Attraction
Lego Las Vegas
Attraction
Lego New England
Attraction
Coastersaurus
Attraction
Food and Drink (95) A+
Big Pig Liquor Store
Alcohol
Cold Stone Creamery
Sweets
Knockout Pizzaria
Fast Food
Gelato Love
Sweets
Sub Zero
Sweets
Board & Brew
Fast Food
Coyote Bar and Grill
Bar
Boar Cross'n
Bar
The Goods
Fast Food
Barrel Republic
Bar
Vigilucci’s Gourmet Market & Catering
Deli
Swirlicious Frozen Yogurt
Sweets
Village Pub
Bar
The Alley
Bar
Handel’s Homeade Ice Cream
Sweets
83 Degrees
Bar
Hennessey's Tavern
Bar
Tom Giblins Irish Pub
Bar
KFC
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Paradise Pizza
Fast Food
Jack in the Box
Fast Food
Vallarta Express
Fast Food
Texas Wine & Spirits
Alcohol
Carl's Jr.
Fast Food
Fitness (13) C-
Harding Community Center
Community Centre
M Power Pilates & Fitness
Gym
LA Fitness
Gym
Crunch Fitness
Gym
Mantra
Gym
24 Hour Fitness
Gym
North County LGBTQ Resource Center
Community Centre
Groceries (19) F
Smart & Final
Grocery Store
Vons
Grocery Store
Cream of the Crop
Health Food
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Stater Bros.
Grocery Store
Sprouts Farmers Market
Grocery Store
Vons
Grocery Store
Trader Joe's
Grocery Store
WinCo Foods
Grocery Store
Smart & Final
Grocery Store
Ralphs
Grocery Store
Corner Bakery
Bakery
Garden State Bagels
Bakery
petite madeline
Bakery
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Albertsons
Grocery Store
Lighthouse Fish and Seafood Market
Seafood
Parks (156) A+
Rotary Park
Park
San Diego District Office Building
Park
Magee Park
Park
Brierly Field
Park
Maxton Brown Park
Park
Chase Field
Park
Holiday Park
Park
Hosp Grove Park
Park
Lions Club Park
Park
South Oceanside Park
Park
Hosp Grove Playground
Playground
Hosp Grove Park
Park
Buccaneer Beach Park
Park
Marshall Street Park
Park
Cannon Park
Park
Ann D. L'Heureux Memorial Dog Park
Park
Hidden Canyon Community Park
Park
Car Country Park
Park
Laguna Riviera City Park
Park
Fire Mountain Park
Park
Skylark Park
Park
Tyson Street Park
Park
Recreation Park
Park
Pacific Street Linear Park
Park
Calavera Park
Park
Shops (115) A+
Farenheit 451 Books
Books
The Hair Spa
Hairdresser
Famulare Jewelers
Fashion
California Wear
Clothing
Cindy's Swimwear
Clothing
Sock District
Clothing
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
Cielo Boutique & Body Bar
Clothing
Coolest Shoes In California
Shoes
Mulloys Fine Jewlery
Fashion
Scissors On State Street
Hairdresser
Jayden P Boutique
Clothing
Jayden Presleigh Salon And Spa
Beauty
Olde Joy Antiques
Furniture
Hey Flower Man
Florist
Salty Lash
Beauty
Black & Brass
Hairdresser
Lhooq Bookstore
Books
Carlsbad Salon & Spa
Hairdresser
Carlsbad Optical
Optician
Supercuts
Hairdresser
Top Knot
Beauty
Verizon
Electronics
El Camino Florist
Florist
Food Mart
Convenience Store
See more Carlsbad amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 1.1% take public transportation in Carlsbad.
Public Transit Stops (182)
Stops & Stations
A+
Carlsbad Boulevard & Oak Avenue
Bus Stop
Carlsbad Boulevard & Pine Avenue
Bus Stop
2
Bus Stop
Carlsbad Village Station Stall 3
Bus Stop
Carlsbad Village
Transit Station
Carlsbad Village Station Stall 4
Bus Stop
Carlsbad Village Station Stall 5
Bus Stop
Carlsbad Village Station Stall 6
Bus Stop
Carlsbad Boulevard & Cypress Avenue
Bus Stop
Carlsbad Boulevard & Army Navy Academy
Bus Stop
Carlsbad Boulevard & Chestnut Avenue
Bus Stop
Carlsbad Boulevard & Maple Avenue
Bus Stop
Carlsbad Boulevard & Tamarack Avenue
Bus Stop
Carlsbad Boulevard & Tamarack Avenue
Bus Stop
Coast Highway & Eaton Street
Bus Stop
Coast Highway & Vista Way
Bus Stop
Coast Highway & Vista Way
Bus Stop
Carlsbad Boulevard & Beach Tower 32
Bus Stop
Coast Highway & Cassidy Street
Bus Stop
Coast Highway & Cassidy Street
Bus Stop
Coast Highway & Whaley Street
Bus Stop
Coast Highway & Morse Street
Bus Stop
1
Bus Stop
8
Bus Stop
2
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
1.1%
F
See more Carlsbad commute data

cost of living F

The cost of living in Carlsbad is 197/100 - which is 41% higher than California.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
F
See more Carlsbad cost of living data

crime B

Carlsbad crime rates are 1,980 per 100k, which is 30% lower than California
Property Crime
1,772 crimes per 100k
C
Violent Crime
209 crimes per 100k
A-
See more Carlsbad crime data

employment A+

The median income in Carlsbad is $112,933 - which is 77% higher than California.
Med. Household Income
$112,933
A+
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
C
See more Carlsbad employment data

health D+

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (25)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
Carlsbad Village Faire Dentists And Orthodontics
Dentist
Stephen A. Lawrence, DDS, Inc.
Dentist
Bell Family Dentistry
Dentist
Cassidy Medical Group
Clinic
Carlsbad Village Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Rite Aid
Pharmacy
Scripps Coastal Medical Center
Clinic
Rady Children's Hospital Clinic
Clinic
Genoa Healthcare
Pharmacy
NextMed Center of Carlsbad
Clinic
Urgent Care3D
Clinic
Tri-City Medical Center
Hospital
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
F
See more Carlsbad health & safety data

housing C+

Carlsbad home prices are $857,300 - which is 109% higher than California
Home Price
$857,300
A+
Home Appreciation Rate
21%
A+
Home Affordability
7.6x (home price to income ratio)
F
See more Carlsbad housing data

schools A+

The Carlsbad graduation rate is 94% - which is 18% higher than California
School Test Scores
70%
B-
High School Grad. Rates
94%
A+
Elementary Schools (28) F
Jefferson Elementary
St Patrick Catholic School
Buena Vista Elementary
Leport School - Carlsbad Village
Beautiful Saviour Lutheran School
Valley Middle
Magnolia Elementary
South Oceanside Elementary
Palmquist Elementary
Lincoln Middle
Oceanside Adventist Elementary
Kelly Elementary
St Mary Star Of The Sea School
Hope Elementary
Carlsbad Country Day School
Discovery Isle - Carlsbad
E. G. Garrison Elementary
Mission Elementary
Calavera Hills Elementary
Calavera Hills Middle
Jefferson Middle
Laurel Elementary
Audeo Charter Ii
Audeo Charter Ii
Christa Mcauliffe Elementary
High Schools (7) A
Army & Navy Academy
Carlsbad Village Academy
Carlsbad Seaside Academy
Carlsbad High
Oceanside High
Ocean Shores High (Continuation)
Audeo Charter Ii
Audeo Charter Ii
Sage Creek High
See more Carlsbad education data

ratings A+

Carlsbad has an overall rating of 92% from 35 reviews.
User Reviews (2)
From AreaVibes
A+
User Surveys (33)
From AreaVibes
A+
See more Carlsbad user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Carlsbad, CA
( 35 Ratings )

Living in Carlsbad, CA

Carlsbad Area Facts

  • Carlsbad has a Livability Score of 78/100, which is considered exceptional
  • Carlsbad crime rates are 30% lower than the California average
  • Cost of living in Carlsbad is 41% higher than the California average
New Real Estate Listings in Carlsbad Area
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Carlsbad Reviews

Write a review about Carlsbad Tell people what you like or don't like about Carlsbad…
Great place to live 5 rating By Anonymous ( Feb 25, 2020) We have lived in Carlsbad for 10 years and it is the best place we have ever lived. Neighborhoods are safe, beaches are beautiful, schools are top notch. The downtown area is so nice. It is expensive however all beach cities are. The weather is perfect almost all the time. A true ...Read More so cal beach culture. Read Less
Carlsbad, CA: Both Charming And Thrilling 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 28, 2010) Carlsbad is a gorgeous city to see. I live north of the city in the Los Angeles area and found it to be a refreshing break. While I was there, in addition to visiting friends I visited Legoland. Legoland is the famous amusement park built to reflect the popular Lego building bloc ...Read More ks. Also I found the Museum of Making Music to be an intriguing place; certainly any other music lover would enjoy this. Flower Fields is another beautiful place travelers must see.

My friends who live there absolutely love the city of Carlsbad. Everywhere I went in the city seemed clean and well-kept. My friends have lived there for their entire lives and said the Carlsbad crime rates are low compared to the rest of California. If I ever had to the urge to move, I would certainly consider Carlsbad. Since the city is so close to the beach, the climate is mild and the weather is always perfect. There are plenty of shopping options, fun and clean nightlife venues and excellent restaurants. The best ones are always the small hole-in-the-wall places close to the beach, which are found plentifully. I would highly recommend this city to anyone visiting or planning on moving. Read Less
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Compare Carlsbad, CA Livability

      vs

      Carlsbad, CA

      Carlsbad, California is a beach town in San Diego County. As one can imagine, it is in close proximity to the greater San Diego area, being only 35 miles away. It is also only about 85 miles away from downtown Los Angeles. Carlsbad is one of the most popular tourist beach towns on the west coast, with beautiful access points to the Pacific Ocean throughout.

      Carlsbad has four neighborhoods that represent its four quadrants. These include the northwest, the northeast, the southwest and the southeast neighborhoods. The northwest neighborhood is the most historic with those such as The Barrio. Most family-based homes are found in the northeast region at locations such as Chestnut Hills. Southeast showcases neighborhoods more made for young professionals and upscale living. The northwest area is made for the more affluent individuals.

      Carlsbad's cost of housing is significantly higher than the rest of the nation. Housing is actually the most expensive bill in this city. The average price for a home in Carlsbad is close to $700,000. The average rental price for a simple one-bedroom apartment is more than $1,200 a month. Prices go up when considering larger homes and apartments, however.

      The expensive cost of living continues in all other bills as well. All bills that need to be paid in Carlsbad are significantly higher than those found in the rest of the nation and the rest of California. Grocery costs are around ten percent higher than those in the rest of the country, as well as the cost of healthcare. Utility prices are about thirty percent higher than those found in the rest of the country.

      Transportation costs are even more expensive in Carlsbad due to gas prices and to public transportation prices. North County Transit provides public bus services, public railways for commuters and shuttle services for commuters. There is also an iCommute service offered through public transportation to assist in ride shares and carpooling. There is always a way to get where you need to go in Carlsbad.

      The beaches throughout Carlsbad have pristine sand and beautiful, blue water. They are surrounded by beautiful, historical homes and buildings. There are wide-open, undeveloped spaces that accent the beach as well through hiking trails, coastline and marsh. The historical value continues, however, through the Carlsbad Village that is found downtown. It hosts international cuisine, antique stores, art galleries and more.

      Carlsbad has so much to offer to its visitors and to its residents. It is full of historical charm and natural beauty. The expenses of living in this city are worth it when considering what comes along with the move. You will fall in love with this gorgeous city in the greater San Diego area as soon as you step foot in it.

      A+ Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Carlsbad? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Rotary Park
      San Diego District Office Building
      Magee Park
      Brierly Field
      Maxton Brown Park
      Chase Field
      Holiday Park
      Hosp Grove Park

      Entertainment

      Regal Cinemas Carlsbad 12
      Seacoast Gallery
      Carlsbad Flower Fields
      Museum of Making Music
      LEGOLAND Water Park
      LEGOLAND Water Park
      Fun Town Police and Fire Academy
      Fun Town

      Food & Drink

      Big Pig Liquor Store
      Cold Stone Creamery
      Knockout Pizzaria
      Gelato Love
      Sub Zero
      Board & Brew
      Coyote Bar and Grill
      Boar Cross'n

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Carlsbad? Of all people who commute, 1.1% take public transportation in Carlsbad.
      Drive to Work
      73%

      4% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      1%

      4% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      2%

      1% lower than the US average

      B+ Health & Safety

      Is Carlsbad a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are some hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Pharmacies

      Carlsbad Village Pharmacy
      Rite Aid
      Rite Aid
      CVS Pharmacy

      Doctors

      First Aid