Carlsbad, CA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Carlsbad is a city situated along the Pacific Coast in the San Diego metropolitan area. This coastal city keeps residents as busy as they choose with outdoor activities such as strawberry picking and bird watching. With the beach as a backyard it’s no wonder retirees are seeking out 55+ communities in Carlsbad.

Carlsbad Climate & Geography

The climate in Carlsbad is semi-arid Mediterranean. Therefore the area experiences year-round mild temperatures with dry summers and periodic rain in the winters. Occasionally during the fall months, the Santa Ana winds will bring hot, dry air that causes a spike in the temperature. Residents can expect no snowfall, less rain than the national average, and approximately 263 sunny days throughout each year.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment in Carlsbad

Residents can take advantage of the beautiful Southern California weather by visiting South Carlsbad State Beach to stroll on the sand or swim. The Batiquitos Lagoon has well-kept trails where visitors can hike, bird watch, and enjoy spectacular views of the ocean. Coordinated displays of natural color and beauty can be found at The Flower fields at Carlsbad Ranch. Some more popular Carlsbad landmarks include Oceanside Pier, LEGOLAND, and U-Pick Carlsbad Strawberry Company, among several museums, parks and other attractions.

Carlsbad Village, the city's downtown area, is full of plenty of options for shopping including antique and specialty shops. There are also dozens of local restaurants, bars, and cafes to choose from.

For more shopping, dining, and entertainment options both San Diego and Los Angeles are within an hour or two drive.

Carlsbad Cost of Living & Taxes

The overall cost of living in Carlsbad is nearly double the national average. This is primarily due to the extremely high cost of homes and housing, although grocery and transportation costs are above average as well. However, the cost of utilities and healthcare are below average.

California is typically not considered tax friendly for retirees. Though the state does not tax Social Security benefits, all other forms of retirement income are taxed at ordinary rates. However, there is a special exemption available for residents who are 65+ that allows them to double that standard exemption. Depending on filing status, the standard exemption can be doubled to a maximum of $516. Property tax rates are relatively low in the state, but due to the high cost of homes this can be a very significant expense. This is offset slightly by a homeowners' exemption that reduces the taxable value of a home for qualifying residents.

Health Care in Carlsbad

55+ communities in Carlsbad are part of the San Diego-Carlsbad area ranks as one of the top 15 on Gallup’s Well-Being Index. Overall, the state of California ranks highly compared to other states as well.

There are two medical centers and hospitals in the surrounding cities of Carlsbad. Tri-City Medical Center is located in Oceanside, less than five miles from Carlsbad. Scripps Memorial Hospitals is located in Encinitas, less than seven miles from Carlsbad, and is rated high performing according to U.S. News.