In south east coastal Carlsbad (zip code 92011), Harbor Pointe is generally considered the entry point for detached Carlsbad homes. While only a handful of these homes are under $500K, it is a community near the coast where first time buyers, and those who are downsizing, can find a property within a short distance of the beaches under the median price for Carlsbad homes.

Harbor Pointe is a gated community on the hills leading down to the ocean. Rolling hills, tree-lined streets, pleasant 2-story detached homes and a private pool area provide a comfortable residential community near the beautiful coast. A number of the homes have ocean views because of the placement on the hill.

One does have to be careful, however, if noise is an issue, as the community is adjacent to the I-5 freeway (to the west) and there will be some noise, especially in the homes close by, despite a privacy wall/sound barrier.

Carlsbad State Beachis a short distance away, and while the freeway is close it provides easy commuting access to parts north and to San Diego to the south. Golf is close by at the Four Seasons Aviara Resort in Aviara, and at La Costa Resort and Spa in the La Costa areaof south Carlsbad. Harbor Pointe is also close to the beautiful Poinsettia Community Park where you can enjoy some of the free summer concerts (Carlsbad's TGIF Jazz in the Parks series).

School children in the community attend the Carlsbad Unified School District (Pacific Rim Elementary School is within walking distance).

All the homes in Harbor Pointe are detached and two story. They range in size from a little over 1000 SF to around 1800 SF, with 2 to 3 bedrooms and 2 or 2.5 baths. All homes have garage parking, and parking is available on the street but restricted.

As of this writing (September 2007) there are 6 Carlsbad homes on the market in Harbor Pointe. These range from a 1465 SF home with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths priced at $449,900 (this is a major fixer and a bank foreclosure) to a 1700 SF 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home for $645,900.

There are no Mello Roos fees, but homeowners pay HOA fees of around $85 monthly, which includes common area maintenance.

If you are looking for a starter Carlsbad home (detached) in the high $400s or low $500s, Harbor Pointe may be the right choice for you.