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Carlsbad, CA Real Estate News

By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
The 2026Great Kindness Challenge The 2026 GREAT KINDNESS CHALLENGE begins Monday, January 26th and runs through Friday the 30th. Thousands of schools around the country, as well as over 100 other countries take part in this global event, that impacts millions of students. Kindness is a wonderful idea anytime for us all, and not just in our schools but everywhere, isn’t it? Here’s a little history. The Great Kindness Challenge was founded in 2012 in Carlsbad. The Kindness Challenge was started by Carlsbad resident Jill McManigal, co-founder and Executive Director of the non-profit, Kids for Peace, with her 2 kids. The Great Kindness program was implemented at 3 schools in Carlsbad in 2012, and the Great Kindness Challenge has expanded, not surprisingly, and pretty dramatically around the...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Hearts of Carlsbad Village in Carlsbad~ New Format for 2026 ~ The 5th Hearts of Carlsbad Village in Carlsbad Village is coming soon. What a fun opportunity to spend time in Carlsbad Village outdoors exploring! The first 4 years have been very successful and this year the format is new, lasting for 1 week with multiple opportunities to participate in and enjoy the Village. The Carlsbad Village Association and Barrio Glassworks are sponsoring this newly imagined event from February 6th through the 14th.  Hearts of Carlsbad Village is also supported by Visit Carlsbad, the official tourism marketing organization in the City of Carlsbad. February is American Heart Month, and Valentine’s Day is a fitting end to the event. What could be more appropriate than a heart-themed treasure hunt and ot...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
2026 Carlsbad Marathon January 18th  The very popular Carlsbad Marathon takes place this coming Sunday January 18th.  This is also the Martin Luther King holiday weekend with the official holiday on Monday the 19th. The Carlsbad Marathon is a popular world-class event. Plus it’s a qualifying race for the famed Boston Marathon. There are typically lots of runners from other areas of the US participating in this event. The Marathon is limited to 1200 runners. The Carlsbad Marathon also offers a Double Down Challenge. There are 2 races, first the 5K (3.1 miles) followed by the half marathon, a total of 16.2 miles. If you haven’t done so already, you can register online here. But don’t delay since online registration typically closes before the event.  Keep in mind there are limits on the n...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Heart of the Village Blood Drive in CarlsbadValentine's Day 2026NOTE - FULLY BOOKED AS OF 1/21/26 Carlsbad residents once again have an opportunity to help the community, through the San Diego Blood Bank, with their need for blood donations. The 9th Annual Heart of the Village Blood Drive will be held in Carlsbad Village on Saturday, February 14th from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm.  What a special way to spend part of your Valentine’s Day! Blood donations will be taken at the San Diego Blood Bank Bloodmobile at the Barrio Glassworks parking lot at 3060 Roosevelt Street. Thank you, Barrio Glassworks for your generosity.  Each person who donates blood will receive a hand-blown glass heart from Barrio Glassworks.  Hundreds of pints have been donated through previous Heart of the Village Blood Dri...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
What’s the Value of My Carlsbad Home? Carlsbad Market Report for December 2025 The Carlsbad real estate market continues to shift, with changes from November and from 1 year ago. Private sales, mobile homes and multi-family housing are not included in this report (the numbers are taken from the MLS and believed to be accurate as reported but are not guaranteed). Media market reports typically are very generalized. Thus, they do not reflect local Carlsbad housing market conditions (read more - How Local IS Local?). Up-to-date information, and analysis, about local market conditions will benefit you when you need to make informed buying and/or selling decisions about Carlsbad homes for sale. READ MORE ABOUT CARLSBADCarlsbad Village by the Sea 86 homes sold in Carlsbad in December (92008, ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Free Christmas Tree Recycling in Carlsbad Until January 16, 2026 Now that Christmas is behind us some people have already taken down the holiday tree. Others are still waiting. In case you weren’t aware, the City of Carlsbad offers free, curbside pickup of Christmas trees for Carlsbad residents through January 16th. Christmas Tree curbside pickup is on your regular trash pick-up day. Christmas trees should be placed next to the green compost bin at curbside. Be sure to remove all decorations, lights, tinsel and tree stands before recycling. If possible cut the tree and place it in the Green Waste recycling bin for pick-up.   If the tree is taller than 6 feet it should be cut in half and placed next to the Green Waste bin. NOTE: Flocked Trees and those with fire retardant cannot be recyc...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
It has become a tradition in the last few years over the holidays to buy an amaryllis, typically 1 and red, but sometimes a white one. This year we bought our amaryllis early in December with the hope for blooming by Christmas. The plant did not disappoint. The original was just 2 flowers on one stem, in full bloom a week before the holiday. But then the amaryllis sprouted a second stem that ended up sporting 6 beautiful blossoms (feature photo). It's been such a pleasure to enjoy the brilliant color and blossoms for the holidays, especially during what's been multiple gray days and plentiful rain. It was too pretty to not share with others.   
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Another Visit to Ho Ho Highland in Carlsbad Neighbors living on Highland Drive in Olde Carlsbad (up the hill and east of Carlsbad Village) celebrate the holiday season with large inflatable Santas at the front of their properties. You can’t miss them and they are worth seeing in person during the day, or better at night when lit up.  My wife and I were out running errands yesterday and took a drive down Highland south of Carlsbad Village Drive. I am still surprised I was not aware of them untiI I discovered them for the first time in 2023 despite having living in Carlsbad since 2005. While we did not do a count there had to be over 30 of the large inflatable Santas in the several block drive we took. Reportedly per residents online there are 70 in total. There are more further down High...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
What’s My Carlsbad Home Worth? Carlsbad Market Report for November 2025 The Carlsbad real estate market continues to change, with shifts from October and from 1 year ago. Private sales, mobile homes and multi-family housing are not included in this report (the numbers are taken from the MLS and believed to be accurate as reported but are not guaranteed). Media market reports typically are very generalized. Thus, they do not reflect local Carlsbad housing market conditions (read more - How Local IS Local?). Current information, and analysis, about local market conditions can benefit you when you want to make educated buying and/or selling decisions about Carlsbad homes for sale. READ MORE ABOUT CARLSBADCarlsbad Village by the Sea 87 homes sold in Carlsbad in November (92008, 92009, 92010...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Carlsbad Village Holiday Window Decorating Contest Carlsbad’s holiday events are in full swing. And that means it’s time once again for the popular Carlsbad Village Window Display Contest. Residents will certainly recall the Holiday Window Display contest in Carlsbad Village from previous years. The Contest is sponsored by the Carlsbad Village Association and there are always some amazing window displays.  There are 22 retailers participating this year according to the website. Public voting online is available now through 5:00 pm on December 16th for the “People’s Choice Award.” The online ballot is on the Carlsbad Village Association website. Here's a holiday window display from a few years ago;  A special panel of judges will select winners of the “Classic Holiday Charm, Children’s D...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
2025 Holiday Tree Lighting in Carlsbad Village~ December 7th ~ The 40th annual Holiday Tree Lighting will take place on Sunday, December 7th in Carlsbad Village. As is the tradition, the Holiday Tree Lighting is held at the front entrance to the Carlsbad Village Faire shopping center, located at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive and just west of the railroad tracks. The photo below is from a prior year event I attended.  This special holiday event runs from 2:00 – 4:30 pm and is always well attended! There will be a holiday music program featuring Adrienne Nimes in the Courtyard from 12:00 until 2:00 pm. The Tree Lighting festivities are sure to put you into the holiday spirit if you aren't by then. Why not come enjoy this popular annual tradition with a crowd of Carlsbad residents in the hear...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
What’s the Value of My Carlsbad Home? Carlsbad Market Report for October 2025 The Carlsbad real estate market continues to evolve, with shifts from September and from 1 year ago. Private sales, mobile homes and multi-family housing are not included in this report (the numbers are taken from the MLS and believed to be accurate as reported but are not guaranteed). Media market reports typically are very general. As a result, they do not reflect the local Carlsbad housing market conditions (read more - How Local IS Local?). Current information, and analysis, about local market conditions can benefit you when you want to make educated buying and/or selling decisions about Carlsbad homes for sale. READ MORE ABOUT CARLSBADCarlsbad Village by the Sea 86 homes sold in Carlsbad in October (92008...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Celebrate Small Business Saturday in Carlsbad Village ~ November 29, 2025 ~ The holiday shopping season is approaching fast - it seems to arrive earlier every year, doesn’t it? Halloween is now a distant memory, and the Thanksgiving holiday is less than 2 weeks away. This means the 16th annual Small Business Saturday in Carlsbad Village will be here before you know it. The first Saturday following Thanksgiving is the traditional day to support small businesses throughout the US. And there are certainly plentiful opportunities in Carlsbad Village to #shopsmall. Plenty of residents and visitors already support small businesses in Carlsbad but this is a special opportunity! And with the holiday shopping season upon us, that’s good news for shoppers. Mark your calendar to #ShopSmall in Carl...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
2025 Annual Veterans Day Military Review in Carlsbad ~ Tuesday November 11 ~ The 17th Annual Veterans Day Military Review takes place in Carlsbad on Tuesday, November 11, at Bliss Stadium on the campus of the Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad Village. The stadium is just north of the Village at 2600 Carlsbad Boulevard. This special Veterans ceremony runs from 10:45 am to 12:00 noon. The ceremony will include a special speaker presentation, a Military Review by the ANA Corp of Cadets, and a wreath-laying presentation and Taps. There will also be a flyover by the Salute Formation Flying Team. What a wonderful emotional tribute to the dedication and courage of our Nation’s Veterans and families. Food and beverages will be available. The memorial and military review is sponsored by the Rota...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
What’s the Value of My Carlsbad Home? Carlsbad Market Report for September 2025 The Carlsbad real estate market continues to shift, with changes from August and from 1 year ago. Private sales, mobile homes and multi-family housing are not included (the numbers are taken from the MLS and believed to be accurate as reported but are not guaranteed). Media market reports typically are very generalized. Thus, they do not reflect the local Carlsbad housing market conditions (read more - How Local IS Local?). Up-to-date information, and analysis, about local market conditions will benefit you when you want to make informed buying and/or selling decisions about Carlsbad homes for sale. READ MORE ABOUT CARLSBADCarlsbad Village by the Sea 89 homes sold in Carlsbad in September (92008, 92009, 9201...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
2025 Halloween Pumpkin Plunge~ Alga Norte Aquatic Center in Carlsbad ~ Halloween is coming soon, and stores are filled with decorations, and have been for some time. The Carlsbad pumpkin patch and corn maze are open, and the annual 2025 Carlsbad Pumpkin Plunge will be hear soon. This popular floating pumpkin patch takes place at the Alga Norte Community Center in South Carlsbad (La Costa area), located at 6565 Alicante Road (corner of Poinsettia Lane), on Saturday October 18th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Carlsbad kids will have the opportunity to lasso their favorite pumpkin from the floating pumpkin patch, using a hula hoop, and take them home for carving, decorating, and Halloween festivities. You’ll likely find only the traditional orange pumpkins good for decorating, unlike the ones pictu...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Carlsbad Celebrates Halloween in the Village 2025 The Annual Halloween in the Village will take place in Carlsbad on Saturday October 25th beginning at 2:00 pm with all kinds of Halloween fun and games. The Halloween in the Village event is FREE, as is parking in Carlsbad. The Carlsbad Village Association does a wonderful job of promoting businesses and Village events, and Halloween in the Village is one of many.Kids in costume should stop by 2697 State Street early to pick up their free Trick or Treat bag to decorate (only 200 will be available). Kids will trick or treat at the participating businesses in the Village. Keep an eye open for the candy corn decal in their windows for those who are participating. There will be a costume contest for all at the Carlsbad Village Faire Shopping...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
2025 Carlsbad Oktoberfest~ September 20 ~ The 43rd annual Carlsbad Oktoberfest is Saturday, September 20th, 1 week from tomorrow. Don’t forget to put it on your calendar. Carlsbad’s annual Oktoberfest Family Fall Festival will be held at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company on Cannon Road just east of the I-5 freeway. The Oktoberfest festival runs from 12 noon until 8 pm. Entrance fee (separate from food and drink) for the Carlsbad Strawberry Company is $15 and paid at the entrance, with children 5 and under free or buy online. Parking is complimentary but limited. No cash is accepted. As in the past the 2025 Oktoberfest is sponsored by Carlsbad’s 2 rotary clubs – the Rotary Club of Carlsbad, and the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club. The festival is a major fundraiser for the Carlsbad Rotary Clu...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
What’s the Value of My Carlsbad Home? Carlsbad Market Report for August 2025 The Carlsbad real estate market continues to change, with shifts from July and from 1 year ago. Private sales, mobile homes and multi-family housing are not included (the numbers are taken from the MLS and believed to be accurate as reported but are not guaranteed). Media market reports typically speak in general terms. Thus, they do not reflect the local Carlsbad housing market conditions (read more - How Local IS Local?). Up-to-date information, and analysis, about local market conditions will benefit you when you want to make informed buying and/or selling decisions about Carlsbad homes for sale. READ MORE ABOUT CARLSBADCarlsbad Village by the Sea 86 homes sold in Carlsbad in August (92008, 92009, 92010 and ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
ArtWalk Carlsbad 2025~ September 20 and 21 ~ No doubt artists and art lovers alike are looking forward to the popular ArtWalk Carlsbad…the 6th annual. This art fair takes place on September 20th and 21st. What a fun way to celebrate the end of Summer 2025 with the 1st day of Fall on Monday the 22nd. The first ArtWalk Carlsbad was in 2018. The 2020 and 2021 ArtWalks were canceled due to the pandemic. ArtWalk San Diego, the organization that produces the Mission Federal ArtWalk in Little Italy and the ArtWalk @ Liberty Square, is the organizer of ArtWalk Carlsbad. There are multiple sponsors that help make this art event affordable for people to attend as well as for artists to participate.  ArtWalk Carlsbad is free, and will feature more than 150 local, regional and international artists...
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