Job transfer from Ontario, Canada to Carlsbad CA. Where to live???? (Oceanside: house, neighborhoods)

[acrews]

My husband will be working in Carlsbad and we are looking for advice on where we should be looking to live. We are english and white with two children ages 1 and 3. We are looking for a friendly community to meet others with parks, excellent schools etc. We would like to buy a house 2600+sq ft with garage, pool, 4+ bedrooms and 2+bathrooms ($500,000- $600,000). What areas are reasonable to commute from and can provide us with the lifestyle we are looking for ? Thanks for any advice.

[Encinitan]

Carlsbad itself seems to fit what you are looking for. Your price range may not get you a place right on the beach, but go a few miles inland (look in the Carlsbad communities/neighborhoods of La Costa and Aviara specifically) and you'd be able to find something near the high end of your range.
The schools in those areas are for the most part good to very good, from elementary all the way through high school. The city also is very family oriented, with all the parks, recreational programs, and "play date" opportunites you'd need.
If your husband doesn't mind a short commute to the office in Carlsbad, you could settle in the adjoining cities of Encinitas (coastal south of Carlsbad) or San Marcos (inland east of Carlsbad). I don't think you'd find housing you describe for your price range in the other cities in the area (Solana Beach and Del Mar) and I wouldn't recommend Oceanside, the city immediately north of Carlsbad.
I suppose you could commute from as far south as Carmel Valley, which could open up more opportunities for housing and has great parks and schools.
Good luck on your move!