Carlsbad info.... Help? (Los Angeles, San Diego, Oceanside: apartment, renting, house)

[caberstory]

HI! I am a mom planning a move to California with my two middle-school boys. They will both be in 6th grade next year. The two cities I am looking into are Carlsbad (North county San Diego) and L.A. L.A would be a better option for my work situation, but although I have been there many times... I am not very familiar with the L.A area. The main reason for our move is to better my children's education situation. Florida does not have the highest quality schools and my oldest is in an ESE program from autistic children. I would like to know from the L.A and Carlsbad locals about the best middle school areas in as well as the best (and most affordable) residential areas. I think we will end up with a three bdrm house or apt. depending on cost. Thanks in advance... ~Kim

[boyd]

There is huge difference between Los Angeles and Carlsbad CA. You can not compare the two. Carlsbad is small tightly wound city. Clean and safe with great schools and a little more affordable than communities south of there but less affordable than Oceanside. I work in Carlsbad and its a nice place for a family with a lot to do and nice clean beaches. I would avoid Los Angeles if possible unless you just have a fabulous job that you can't refuse, but you'll pay in other ways for living there.

[caberstory]

Thanks for the info. I actually lived in Carlsbad for a few years in the nineties... pre-children days.. I LOVE CARLSBAD, it is my first choice... however.... my work is more feasible in L.A. So they are both on the table... what are the best middle schools in Carlsbad? When I lived there I was single and knew NOTHING of the school. hahaha.. If I can work in Carlsbad, I will live their as a first choice....

[sunn]

Hi Kim,

Although we do not presently live in the area at this time, we are also planning a move to Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach or Carmel Valley this summer. Please note that these areas are in the San Dieguito school district, which is a great place to be, so I've heard and read. As for Carlsbad, we are looking at the southern area of the city as it is in this school district. Please take a look at the San Dieguito Union school web site to see the boundaries for this district. Depending on the neigborhood, there are two middle schools that South Carlsbad students attend. (Oak Crest and Digueno? Double check.) Great high schools. The other half (or so) of Carlsbad is in the Carlsbad or San Marcos school district. Not as good of schools, so I've heard/read. Also, if you look at the greatschools web site, you can find a lot of parent reviews that are very helpful. Anyway, good luck to you and happy moving. It's a lot of work, but it's all worth it in the end. Life is full of new adventures. We're also moving with a middle schooler (future eighth grader).

[AutumnD]

Hi! I would say Carlsbad over LA. Or one of the north county coastal cities. There is a website called Schooldigger.com -- Search and compare elementary, middle, and high schools. that is a great resource for comparing schools all over the country. We have been considering moving from San Diego to Atlanta or Richmond and the site has been really helpful in choosing which areas would be best for us and our kids.

[caberstory]

Hey Sunn and Autmn...

Thanks so much for the tips and weblinks.. I will check those out. The diference in LA and Carlsbad is DEFINITELY night and day.... I think Carlsbad would be much more desirable for raising children. My work is in the entertainment industry as a booking agent. I'm sure there must be agencies outside of LA to work... just not sure if Carlsbad would be a hub of Entertainment agency prospects... LOL... Anyway.... as I've said before... if it is meant to be I think everything will fall in place for us. Although a move cross country is very difficult with children... I can't imagine their life would be any worse off in CA... Believe me... It can only get better. Especially where schools are concerned. THANKS AGAIN! I will check out the links!!! Have a great week/end.... Kim

[Sampaguita]

Unfortunately, there really aren't any booking agencies in SD County like ICM, Opus3Artists, CAMI, etc...as there are in LA, Chicago or NYC. I don't know if there are smaller outfits though.

Could you work via a satellite office (ie., home office) out of Cbad? All of my work with these agencies was always via phone/internet so I'm wondering if you could work remotely and head to LA for important meetings, etc...

We moved to south Carlsbad/LaCosta in Dec07, in part, for the schools.

[caberstory]

I actually work out a home-office for the most part now and attend meetings, events whatever as needed. I would love that option in CA.. but since I will be with a new employer, I don't know that I will have the "rank" to work from home. But I am going to push for that option.


Do you know anything about the "Aviara Oaks" middle school? I am looking into that school as the middle school of choice for my sons. Any info is appreciated.


THANK YOU!!!



~Kim

[ashellfish]

Hi Kim,

Are you settled in carlsbad yet?
I am moving there with my family in 2 weeks and the school thing has me going kinda crazy.
I would like my son to attend Aviara Middle since we'll be renting a house in the LA Costa area, and AO is only a couple miles away.
But the house is in the San Marcos School District.
I may try to get a district transfer for high school as someone relied to my post and suggested.
I am just wondering if you're settled in yet and you could tell me a bit about how your 8th-grader is doing? My son is also in 8th grade.

Thanks!
Shelli

[JakeInSoCal]

Go for Carlsbad. A decent sized town with access to the beach and great schools. It safer than Oceanside. There is alot of gang related kids in Oceanside and LA. My middle school cousin lived in Oceanside and there were kids who brought knives to school and threatened to kill him. But you can still find that anywhere in the SD area. Plus in LA since it's so huge you could land in a home or apartment mile from your job. Plus the terrible traffic they have there only makes it worse. Good luck in your decision.