In case you have been reading my posts on housing in the La Costa area of Carlsbad ( click link for community profile and virtual tours)and feel that it is too expensive, I put together this summary of the housing options in the area of the golf course and nearby that are all UNDER $500,000. I know that's still a lot of money, except when you consider the median price, and you can see there is a good selection of Carlsbad real estate in this area that is in the $300s and $400s.

As of May 2, 2007, there were 90 homes in 92009 (La Costa) that are under $500,000. The table provides a breakdown by price range and number of bedrooms.

[note - all the units are attached with the exception of 1 3-bedroom detached home of 1661 SF priced at $490K!]

You will find a variety of options in this area, especially near the golf course on the east side. Most of the units were built in the 1970s and 1980s and in this price range almost all are attached. Some of the homes have been remodeled beautifully while others might be called fixers. La Costa is a popular rental area so many properties have been used as investment properties, and could be purchased by investors, as second homes, or primary homes for first time or downsizing buyers.

The La Costa area of Carlsbad offers single story units as well as townhouse style, and some may have views of various sorts - greenbelt, park-like, the golf course and possibly even distant ocean and/or lagoon views. Square footage will vary quite a bit (575 SF is the smallest listed, 1972 SF is the largest), as will availability of private outdoor space such as a balcony or a patio. You may get as many as 3 baths in this price range, although 2 or 2.5 is more common.

Amenities in the complexes may include tennis, pool and/or spa, clubhouse or recreation center. The may be garage parking (attached or not), a carport or simply a space or two, and guest parking may also be available. Some complexes are gated (e.g., Plaza de la Costa, Plaza de las Flores, Plaza Bonita - pictured above top left), others are not.

La Costa is near El Camino Real which provides a broad range of shopping and amenities in Carlsbadand nearby Encinitas (see tour of Carlsbad for more details on this terrific community). You can walk from a number of the homes to the golf course for walks and the La Costa Resort and Spa (for variety of boutiques and several restaurants including Blue Fire Grill), and the shopping area along El Camino just south of the resort which features an Albertsons Grocery Store, Starbucks, a couple of fast food eateries including Bruegger's Bagels, Tommy V's (restaurant), the Postal Annex, a Dry Cleaners, and a few other shops.