Real Estate
La Costa real estate and La Costa homes are built in the varied topography which creates the setting for a diversity of neighborhoods and property types, from affordable single-family homes and condominiums to multi-million-dollar luxury estates. The varying land heights, abundant canyons and nearby ocean offer homeowners exquisite views in a country-like environment. Numerous residents live here part of the year, enjoying their La Costa home for a getaway in any season. Although land is going quickly, several new planned communities are being developed, most of which include neighborhood parks, hiking trails and other recreational facilities. The last of the original Rancho La Costa land holdings are among those being developed into new master-planned, residential communities. Some of the communities in La Costa include La Costa Valley, Brookfield, Aviara, Seapoint and Harbor Shore. La Costa Valley, built out in 2002, contains parks, open space, walking trails, community recreation facilities and a day-care center. The most recent communities developed, La Costa Greens and La Costa Oaks, offer homes beginning in the $800,000 range. Both retirees as well as younger families are attracted to the peaceful, pastoral, quality of life that is La Costa.
La Costa Area
Three square miles of rolling hills, fertile canyons and ocean views comprise the exclusive community in East Carlsbad known as La Costa. Named for its world renowned resort and spa, La Costa is situated between the Buena Vista Lagoon, Batiquitos Lagoon and Agua Hedionda Lagoon, with the Pacific Ocean just two miles to the West. The moderate year-round climate and 30-minute accessibility to San Diego to the South and Orange County to the North make La Costa a perfect destination for locals and visitors. Outdoor lovers can partake in surfing, fishing, cycling, hiking, tennis and world-class golf.
History
In 1965, one of the owners of a Las Vegas hotel purchased 3,500 acres in what is today La Costa. He built a golf course and sold sites for homes. In order to lodge visitors to the golf course, he built the 90-room Rancho La Costa Inn. The Spa was added subsequently and another 2,000 acres were added as the Inn grew. In 1987, the resort was bought by a Japanese company and resold in 2001 to KSL, a California resort hotel company. KSL completely renovated the resort, adding more retail stores and has plans to construct a 42,000 square-foot ballroom. Another innovation will be the addition of 197 one, two and three bedroom villas that will be a partial time-share arrangement. Owners will be able to use them part of the year and they will be available for rent the remainder of the time, which is ideal for snowbirds. From the start, La Costa Resort and Spa has attracted wealthy and famous guests from around the globe, which has served to raise the image and awareness of the community. In 1972, the La Costa Resort and Spa and its surrounding residential neighborhoods officially became part of the city of Carlsbad.
Demographics
Although the figures are variable, the most recent census indicated that the population of La Costa is just over 25,000, the median age is 41 years and the median family income is almost $75,000—well about the national average. The typical La Costa resident is employed as a service professional or in the fields of science and technology. The majority commute to work, but many don’t have to drive any further than the Palomar Airport Business Park area, merely two freeway exits North. Employment in the La Costa area comprises various industries including education, health services, science, management, biomedical, manufacturing and retail. As part of the city of Carlsbad, La Costa residents have access to top schools in the Carlsbad, Encinitas and San Marcos areas.
Points of Interest and Events
La Costa Resort and Spa is, of course, the main attraction in this Carlsbad community. The two 18-hole P.G.A. championship golf courses, 23 tennis clubs, three swimming pools, restaurants, fitness programs, luxurious spa and exceptional personal service are available to both guests and club members. The resort also houses the internationally known Chopra Center, which provides a full spectrum of healthy offerings from retreats and lectures to a beautiful retail outlet. La Costa Resort and Spa also hosts the World Golf Championships in February attracting the top golfers from around the world. In August, the Acura TIG Tennis Tournament invites the world's top women tennis players to Carlsbad. La Costa affords walkers, hikers and bikers plenty of sidewalks and nature trails in and around the area, with the secluded Batiquitos Nature Trail a popular place for bird watching. Local shopping and dining abound in strip centers, with the Carlsbad Company Stores several miles North and the Forum just South. The La Costa branch of the Carlsbad City Library serves as a center for community activities and supplies enough reading and listening material to last a lifetime. Convenient Palomar Airport is close enough for visitors and residents to avoid the hassle of arriving and departing in San Diego.