Carlsbad 78 Exceptional
Carlsbad Livability #68 ranked city in California#2,228 ranked city in the USARanks better than 92% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Carlsbad

PROS
  • Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

  • Ratings

    Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

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What's it like Living in Carlsbad?

Carlsbad is a mid-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 114,411 inhabitants. In Carlsbad, there are 3,029 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (80% White). Given that fact, Carlsbad could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Carlsbad your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 28 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Carlsbad is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in California, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Carlsbad and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, health & safety, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.

Carlsbad, CA receives 77/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #99 in California and #2,369 in the USA. Clearly, Carlsbad is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. The cherry on top is that Carlsbad also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Carlsbad has higher than average scores for the following: amenities (A+), crime (B+), education (A+) and employment (A+). There are some categories that Carlsbad does not rank well for, including: cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.

If you're considering living in Carlsbad, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Carlsbad provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Carlsbad are: Legoland California, Carlsbad State Beach, and Carlsbad Village.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Carlsbad schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 70%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Carlsbad an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

Assuming that Carlsbad meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Carlsbad. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Carlsbad are simply unattainable. The median home price for Carlsbad homes is $857,300, which is 109.5% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Carlsbad, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.6, which is 18.8% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Carlsbad

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Compare Carlsbad, CA Livability

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      Carlsbad transportation information

      Statistic Carlsbad California National
      Average one way commute28min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.6%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.9%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.1%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.4%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.5%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home17.0%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Carlsbad, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).