The Rancho Carrillo Neighborhood in Carlsbad California

Rancho Carrillo is a master planned community located in Carlsbad, California, not far from the beaches, and offering some excellent opportunities for Carlsbad home buyers.

Where is Rancho Carrillo Located?

Rancho Carrillo is located about 30 miles north of San Diego and about 4 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean in Carlsbad.

Melrose and Poinsettia are 2 main roads running through Rancho Carrillo with access to all of the neighborhoods. Rancho Carrillo borders on Palomar Airport Road (to the north) and on the south by Alga Road

Why do People Live in Rancho Carrillo?

Rancho Carrillo offers pleasant, and sometimes dramatic, views of the hills and backcountry, and even distant ocean views. The community was built between 1998 and 2004 so homes are reasonably new with a range of styles and sizes to suit many budgets. You will find gated and ungated neighborhoods, offering single family detached homes and town house condos. Homeowners pay Home Owner Association (HOA) dues as well as Mello Roos fees (these vary from community to community).

Rancho Carrillo straddles the hills along both sides of Melrose and has 18 villages (1548 detached homes and town homes). The location provides easy access to major commuting routes, and shopping/services/dining at Bressi Ranch, in San Marcos, or to the west in Carlsbad.

Looking for a Home for Sale in Rancho Carrillo in Carlsbad?

If you are looking for a newer-built detached single family home or townhome for sale in Carlsbad in a planned community, search for Rancho Carrillo homes for sale using this link.

What’s the Rancho Carrillo Neighborhood Like?

Rancho Carrillo is a residential community that includes a swim center (with 57’ pool, spa, PPQ area, restrooms, showers and club house), the Carrillo Elementary School, abundant open space with a nature preserve, walking trails, and the Leo Carrillo Ranch Park. The park is the original hacienda and other outbuildings that were part of Leo Carrillo’s large ranch, which is now the Rancho Carrillo Historic Ranch Park and a wonderful place to visit with free admission.

The Rancho Carrillo neighborhood provides an RV parking area for resident; spaces are available on a first come first served basis. Because of its location, there is easy access from Rancho Carrillo to all the shopping in San Marcos as well as along El Camino Real in Carlsbad. The ocean is approximately a 15-20 minute drive west.

What’s Going on Near Rancho Carrillo in Carlsbad?

Rancho Carrillo activities are pretty much restricted to biking, walking, the swim center, and exploring the Leo Carrillo Ranch Park (go see the peacocks and take a free tour of the original hacienda and outbuildings) and visitor center. However there is lots to do nearby, including visiting Carlsbad’s beautiful beaches, Legoland and The Flower Fields (open mid-March to early May).

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the recently built public course at The Crossings. Rancho Carrillo is not far from the famed Omni La Costa Resort and Spa, The Park Hyatt Aviara, or the public golf courses in San Marcos (Twin Oaks) and Encinitas (Encinitas Ranch). 

The closest shopping center is at Bressi Ranch (Bressi Village) off Palomar Airport Road at El Fuerte. Carlsbad offers a wealth of shopping along El Camino Real, and the Carlsbad Premium Outlets Mall is a 15 minute drive. San Marcos also provides abundant shopping along San Marcos Boulevard, Furniture Row, and at the Grand Mall.

The closest restaurants to Rancho Carrillo will be found at Bressi Village (e.g., Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen and Bar), along El Camino, in Carlsbad Village, and in San Marcos at Restaurant Row, an enclave of around 20 casual restaurants.

What Schools will the Rancho Carrillo Children Attend?

Children in Rancho Carrillo will attend the San Marcos Unified School District Schools. Carrillo Elementary is right there in the community at Poinsettia and Melrose. You can verify the schools with your address using the school finder link.

Ready to Start Your Home Search in Rancho Carrillo in Carlsbad California?

If you have any questions or would like more information, please don't hesitate to ask. If you are looking for Carlsbad homes for sale, your new Southern California destination could be in Rancho Carrillo! Start your search using the link below – the MLS updates this site 24/7 or let me know what you need and I will customize a search for you.

Search for Rancho Carrillo Homes for Sale in Carlsbad California