La Costa Valley is one of Carlsbad's most popular new areas. It's in the very desirable San Dieguito school district, which includes the highest ranked high school in the area. Located on the southern edge of town, La Costa Valley is an easy commute to the high tech employment center of Sorrento Valley at the I-5 and I-805 interchange

This community has the best private recreational center in town. There's an awesome pool, a kiddie pool, whirlpool hot tub, tennis courts, a gym with workout equipment, and a large meeting hall for parties. The community has a full-time recreation director, who organizes community activities, such as Easter egg hunts, giving the area a sort of "small-town" feeling

With so much going for it, you would guess that prices are high, and you would be right. Homes range from 1500-3600 square feet here, and you can expect to pay in the $700,000s to $1.2M, depending on size and upgrades. But if you're looking for the best schools and upscale amenities, this is the place for you. Here's a typical street in La Costa Valley. The terrain is hilly, and since the area is new, the trees haven't grown up yet. Some yards are larger than others, depending on where it is on the block, but most lots are around 4000-6000 square feet.