Agua Hedionda is one of Carlsbad's three lagoons, and the only one where boating is allowed. On a typical summer day here, you'll find people having fun on their jetskis and kayaks, or just relaxing on the sandy shore. The housing in this area is varied, with some master planned communities, and some very individualized custom homes.

One of the nicest communities in the area is Capri, built in the late 1980s. This upscale neighborhood boasts ocean and lagoon views, and some of the most impressive landscaping I've seen. Homes range in size from 1728 to 2738 square feet and you can expect to pay in the $700,000s or more, depending on the view. Here you see the Lagoon View trail, which winds through the area, offering spectacular water views and picnic benches

Palisades Point and Telescope Point are hilltop communities that offer panoramic inland or coastal views. Here you'll find homes from 1450 to 2800 square feet built in the late 1980s, going from around $600,000s for the smallest, to over $800,000 for the largest with a good view

From this vantagepoint you can see some of the lagoon and the ocean beyond. Custom homes of all sizes and shapes dot the hills in this area. If you're looking for a unique home with character, this would be a good place to begin your search.

Here's a typical 1970s neighborhood. Most of these homes are being bought as "fixers" and being remodeled by people who want a Carlsbad address but without too high a price, perhaps in the high $500,000s. Another appeal is that older developments have larger lots, or views that simply cannot be duplicated in newer areas