Life in Carlsbad for single 26 y/o? (San Diego, Oceanside: renters, condos)

[tampabay2007]

Hello,

I currently live in FL and am considering a job offer in Carlsbad. Any opinions on Carlsbad for a 26 y/o professional female? My initial research leads me to believe that it's mostly families/suburbia. I want to live in a safe city, but also want some type of 20/30-something social scene. No offense to anyone reading this, but I've lived in FL alongside retirees for many years, and I would prefer to be in an area where there are more people my age, even if it's just a certain part of town. If Calrsbad doesn't sound like the town for me, do you recommend any surrounding areas that would be a reasonable (<25 min.) commute? Thank you so much for your help and advice!

[jessemh431]

Carlsbad is very suburban, but, correct me if I'm wrong, I think it is mostly young and middle aged people, most with families. I don't think there are many old people. I think Oceanside may be a little more fun. I'm not sure though, but that is how I see them when I visit. But, I may be also getting them confused.

This is from Wiki on Oceanside
There were 56,488 households out of which 35.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.33.

On Carlsbad
There were 31,521 households out of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.3% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% were non-families. 24.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.3% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 31.9% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males.

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by tampabay2007

Hello,

I currently live in FL and am considering a job offer in Carlsbad. Any opinions on Carlsbad for a 26 y/o professional female? My initial research leads me to believe that it's mostly families/suburbia. I want to live in a safe city, but also want some type of 20/30-something social scene. No offense to anyone reading this, but I've lived in FL alongside retirees for many years, and I would prefer to be in an area where there are more people my age, even if it's just a certain part of town. If Calrsbad doesn't sound like the town for me, do you recommend any surrounding areas that would be a reasonable (<25 min.) commute? Thank you so much for your help and advice!

Carlsbad has some bars and restaurants downtown, it's not exactly what I would consider hopping but it's not Florida either. Most of the nightlife is down here in town, people from all over go down to the SD City beaches and Downtown SD for the bars and nightlife. A nice medium would be maybe someplace like Encinitas or La Jolla, a bit more lively than Carlsbad but not such a long way from the fun stuff in the city.

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

Carlsbad is very suburban, but, correct me if I'm wrong, I think it is mostly young and middle aged people, most with families. I don't think there are many old people. I think Oceanside may be a little more fun. I'm not sure though, but that is how I see them when I visit. But, I may be also getting them confused.

San Diego has a huge retiree population and they are everywhere, especially in the more affluent areas. The young families are in the newer tracts especially east of I-5. 10 years ago there was very little over there. The Village and 'Old Carlsbad' tends to be wealthier / older homeowners mixed with renters / condos / etc. O'side nightlife means partying with Marines, that is definitely not for everyone. I personally wouldn't mess around with O'side on a weekend at night.

[dakicka]

I'm a single 26 yr old guy and I have been hearing from a lot of people that mission valley is a good spot to be. particularily the numerous rental properties, they appear to be vibing with 25-30 yr old single professionals. I believe most parts of MV are within 15 minutes of downtown. downtown is where all the nightlife is, that's the spot to go out and party, club, bar-hop, or dine. If you don't like living in a city then you gotta look for a spot a bit more suburban or less urban slightly outside of the city but still in close proximity. Any other places people recommend? I'm up in OC and thinking about moving to SD and pretty much had the same questions the girl in the first post did.

oops I re-read your post and didn't realize your job was in Carlsbad, I thought you were just going to live there. I am not sure then, I think Mission Valley is sort of far from there if I'm not mistaken.

[LHudson]

I hear the schools are good. What about the diversity? We're looking for a culturally diverse school system.

THanks!

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by LHudson

I hear the schools are good. What about the diversity? We're looking for a culturally diverse school system.

THanks!

Carlsbad is not what most would consider culturally diverse by California standards, but by say, midwestern standards, it is diverse in that there is a racial mix. Socioeconomically the area tends to be fairly uniform - upper middle class.

[tampabay2007]

Thank you all for the helpful information. I decided not to accept the job in Carlsbad and now have an opportunity to work downtown. I've been downtown for work events several times and love what it seems to offer-- views of the water, vibrant nightlife, walking distance to restaurants and shops, etc. Overall a great area for 25-30 single professionals. My job doesn't start until January, but I'll be heading out there over the next month to find a place. I can't wait!

[kdobie73]

Carlsbad is the coolest town! I lived there for 3 years (job made me move). I lived in the Village, and loved every minute of it. The people are SO friendly and everything you'd need is within walking distance. Beautiful beaches, great restaraunts and shopping. I'm doing my time out here and heading right back to Carlsbad. There is a lot of nightlife, but not the younger PB crowd or pretentious Downtown SD crowd. Just a laid back eclectic group of people. Stop by Mas Fina Cantina if you get a chance. Best food and cocktails in town.

[SocalAli]

I lived in Calrsbad last year, and also found it the coolest little town. I also love the other small towns along the 101 highway such as Encinitas, and Del Mar. I am itching to move back and am looking to network with folks there or considering moving there.