The community of La Costa, in South Carlsbad, is anchored by the world renowned La Costa Resort and Spa. The area of La Costa was formerly a town in and of itself but was annexed by Carlsbad a number of years ago. Many folks, however, refer to the area as La Costa, and most people in the area know of this upscale residential neighborhood.

The area was vacant prior to the building of the golf course and resort back in the early 1960s (the course was built in 1965 and the Rancho La Costa Inn was added soon after, as was the Spa) and the Carlsbad homes that sprung up around the golf course form a unique and charming community unlike any other in Carlsbad.

This area is bounded on the west by El Camino Real, on the north by Alga Road, on the south by the resort, and on the east by Almaden.

The La Costa Resort had a reputation in its early days for being a playground for the rich and famous, including celebrities from Hollywood, and the Rat Pack is known to have partied here, allegedly at the “Hollywood House” (and at the nearby Del Mar Race Track). The A-list of names (some perhaps rumors, others are supposedly reliable) include Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Durante, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford, Lucille Ball, Dustin Hoffman and many others (one can imagine, knowing the many entertainers who partied together during the 1950s and 60s according to Hollywood lore and gossip).

Robert Anderson (from TV’s “Father Knows Best”) had a home here (it recently sold), as did the former owner of Caesar’s Palace in La Vegas. The “No Fear” estate borders the golf course and is currently for sale; one home close to the resort is known to have been used by “problem” gamblers who were not allowed to gamble at the resort itself.

The resort reportedly also appealed to members of the mafia, some of whom allegedly maintained homes in the area years ago.

Carlsbad homes immediately on or near the La Costa golf course are primarily detached homes, although there are a few condo complexes (e.g., Casitas de la Costa) along some of this neighborhood’s streets that were formerly part of the resort. Many homes are single story and despite what you see from the street, many are quite large with expansive courtyards hidden behind walls.

The majority were built in the late 1960s and 1970s (there is a handful of new homes on a couple of the streets) and some original owners remain, although many home has been sold at least once. Remodeling is fairly common, and a good number of homes are single story, with dramatic golf course and La Costa hills views. Golf carts on the streets are a common site as the resort is within walking distance of many homes.

The La Costa area has a reputation for being fairly expensive, and this neighborhood is no different. You will be hard pressed to find anything for sale under $1 million (even a fixer), and recent sales in 2007 (a total of 8) have ranged from $1,000,000 to $2,100,000.

Currently there are 3 detached La Costa homes on the market on the handful of streets and cul-de-sacs along the golf course. Prices range from $997,000 to $2,695,000 (the “No Fear” estate, originally built by the CEO of No Fear action sports wear, is priced at $2,595,000 for the 5700 SF golf-course frontage contemporary home).

This La Costa neighborhood is desirable not only for the location, the views and the proximity to the famed resort, but also the ready access to shopping and restaurants (why not dine at the upscale BlueFire Grill at the La Costa Resort?) and the fabulous beaches of South Carlsbad and Encinitas, just 15 minutes away.

Children in the neighborhood on the west side of the golf course attend the schools in Carlsbad (Aviara Oaks Elementary and Aviara Oaks Middle School); those on the other side attend San Marcos Schools.

Perhaps YOUR next Carlsbad home will be in this La Costa neighborhood! Please let me know if I can provide more information, answer questions, or otherwise assist you in your search for the perfect property.

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All content copyright © 2007 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits