Realtors are saying that Carlsbad, California, located in north San Diego County, is one of the best places in America to retire - without the retirement atmosphere.

"Carlsbad begins as Highway 78 meets Interstate 5 and Old Highway 101," say Realtors Jim Cullen and Kristi Davis. "Follow the Coast Road south along the beach for a few miles through the newer community of La Costa and you will just begin to see the magic of this resort community."

Add the Realtors, "Fortune 500 says this is the third best place in America to retire. But don't expect a retirement atmosphere! This city is exciting! With pristine beaches, quaint downtown shopping areas, and high tech industrial complexes, Carlsbad has something for everyone. Just south, in the La Costa area of Carlsbad, construction is on-going, creating wonderful, brand new communities, complete with housing, shopping, schools, and friendly neighborhoods. Golf? This the place! Come for a long walk....and stay for a life time!"

Jim and Kristi explain the market conditions in the Carlsbad area. "Marketing trends continue to reflect a strong selling environment. However, the number of days on the market and, price increases in general, seem to be slowing somewhat! The homes along the coastal strip and in golf communities continue in high demand. Both potential buyers and sellers should be aware that the market situation does vary by specific location and neighborhood. While the resale market continues to be brisk and demand driven, with prices still on the climb, there are some price adjustments and reductions being seen. Inventory remains low."

Says Realtor Arthur Chatroo, "Carlsbad is a desirable coastal community with near ideal climate, charming downtown area, good schools, and close to local attractions, including Legoland, flower fields, beaches and more."

"The Carlsbad market is continuing to maintain a strong sales pace, although the number of days on the market has increased, and prices appear to have leveled off," he says, "especially in the higher price ranges."

Chatroo explains, "The average resale price for the 126 detached single-family homes that closed escrow in July (largely reflecting contracts entered into in June) was $531,344. This was up from the $519,950 average sales price for June when 121 re-sales were concluded, but below the average sales price of $537,108 for April (based on adjusted data from the Sandicor MLS) and almost 16 percent above the average resale price from a year ago (when 100 re-sales were reported.) The average number of days on the market of 43 days was about the same as June's 42 days, but above May's low of 37 days. At $344,956, the average re-sale price of the 67 single-family attached homes in the Carlsbad market that closed in July was up 10% from the $313,757 average re-sale price for the 71 homes that sold in June and was nearly 13.5% higher from the same month a year ago. The average number of days on the market, however, increased to about 56 days (from about 22 days for June.) With a strong seller's market (especially in the low to mid price ranges), and interest rates at historically low levels, this would still appear to be a good opportunity to consider upgrading your real estate position."

Realtor Dawn Valenti agrees.

"Carlsbad is a coastal and inland city with a quaint downtown area, some rural horse property, good school district, awesome weather, close to playhouses, museums, zoo, Scripps Aquarium, Lego Land, and lots to do for family and night life," she says. "Th market is continuing to hold low on active listings. With a shortage of good basic properties, buyers are having a difficult time finding affordable good quality homes. Therefore, the market is continuing to be a sellers' market. Properties are selling quickly and at higher prices because of the shortage.

She cautions, "Sellers should be hiring agents who can give them a good sense of the market and can work quickly so as to obtain the best price for their home and also not get caught up in the overpricing on properties. We are starting to see appraisal problems, because prices are rising so quickly. Buyers should be working with agents who can afford the time to be updated daily on new listings and who work in a large network of Realtors in order to be well informed of upcoming listings that may fit their clients needs."

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Published: August 26, 2002

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