Aviara is the most upscale area of Carlsbad (link is to a short virtual tour of Carlsbad, with music, so turn up the sound), anchored by the Four Seasons Aviara Resort. With many beautiful views of the ocean, the Batiquitos Lagoon and the inland hills and panorama, this community attracts many first-home and second-home buyers to the rolling hills dotted with gated condo and detached home subdivisions, many of which rim the Aviara golf course or overlook the hills to the ocean.
Aviara is an affluent and resort-like residential community (in other areas of the country it would likely be described as a bedroom community).
Other than the Four Seasons, there are no stores, shopping areas, restaurants, or commercial operations, although at the edge of this area along El Camino Real one does find these amenities. But who cares - the Four Seasons is there, offering very upscale shopping, several restaurants for dining, a comfortable bar with an outdoor terrace offering gorgeous views of the grounds and the ocean (terrific place to enjoy a glass of wine and appetizer, and to take out-of-town visitors), plus their world class spa. The resort also offers The Argyle Restaurant, located at the Golf Course Clubhouse on Batiquitos Drive.
Most of the housing is on the newer side, having been built in the 90s. There is no new construction in Aviara per se, but several new subdivisions (The Bay Collection, Emerald Point) have sprung up on the border that also enjoy spectacular views, with homes starting in the low $1 millions. The homes tend to be tract housing, with each community offering a number of floor plans, but a consistent look of style (primarily Spanish and Mediterranean) and feel, and the emphasis on an outdoor California lifestyle is evident.
Vegetation is plentiful and many streets are lined with palm trees and other mature plantings and flowers, and are beautifully tended year-round. Many communities are gated, the bird theme is common as a street name (Kestrel, Surfbird, Spoonbill, Egret, Tern) and each is named (Bella Lago, Isla Mar, Aviara Point). The Four Seasons also offers its Residences, for those seeking to live here only part of the year.
Typically, there are not a lot of homes for sale in Aviara (which falls in the 92011 zip code - added in the last couple of years, formerly 92009). Right now there are 34 detached homes on the market, ranging in price from $600,000 to $2.5 million (average price is about $1.1M). In contrast, within 92011, there are 108 detached homes on the market. In 2006, the median price of the 202 homes sold in 92011 was $875,000, with an average of $886,000. Average marketing time was 55 days, and homes generally sold within 94% of list price. Within Aviara itself, 40 homes were sold in 2006 at an average price of $903,219.
Within Aviara there are two schools for younger children - Aviara Oaks Elementary and Middle Schools. Older students will go to either La Costa Canyon High School or Carlsbad High School, depending on where they live.
Amenities within Aviara are limited to the Four Seasons...but WHAT amenities. The resort offers a fabulous spa, terrific golf course, and upscale dining, especially at Vivace, their signature Italian-themed restaurant. They also host a jazz series in the summertime as well as other community events. However, like La Costa, because of the location residents can easily enjoy dining and shopping in other nearby areas, and the South Carlsbad beaches are just minutes away. The Batiquitos Lagoon and wildlife preserve is a popular area for hiking, running and bird watching.
Aviara offers a wonderful Southern California outdoor lifestyle in a resort area of beautiful homes, manicured grounds, moderate year-round temperatures and coastal climate, including a marine layer from time to time. Many of the homes have ocean views, and the entire area offers a feel of upscale living in a residential enclave.
Nearby attractions for residents include miles of Pacific Ocean beaches (South Carlsbad State Beach - photo above right, off coastal Highway 101 to the west), camping facilities, the Flower Fields (off Palomar Road, top right photo), the Museum of Making Music, Legoland, and the historic Rancho Carrillo.
Perhaps this lifestyle is the one you are seeking, whether you already live in the area, are buying your first home, or are planning a relocation. Start DREAMING about your new home.
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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360
or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
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