Carlsbad Apartments and Rentals

LEGO enthusiasts, beach bums and young families alike may be jazzed to find Carlsbad apartments for rent. Carlsbad, Calif., is perhaps most well known as home to the LEGOLAND California Resort, but it is also home to the headquarters of renowned fitness company Jazzercise and weight control giant Jenny Craig, Inc., as well as the Museum of Making Music.

The 106,888 people who call Carlsbad home enjoy a resort community with beautiful beaches and lagoons, a thriving economy and well-planned neighborhoods.

Carlsbad is named for a 19th century spa in Europe, but its history dates back to the indigenous Luiseno and Dieguenos tribes before it was claimed as a territory by Spain and Mexico, and eventually became part of the United States. The city weathered the Great Depression with support from a group of film industry settlers from Los Angeles, and grew after World War II thanks to its proximity to Marine Corps' Camp Pendleton. The city was incorporated in 1952, and since then it has grown nearly 700 percent.

Carlsbad may be widely known as a resort, but it is also a fantastic place to live. The coastline is a large part of Carlsbad's identity as a beach community, but most of the beaches along the city's coast are actually not officially part of it. They are managed by the California State Parks Department, which perhaps adds to their appeal - they have lifeguard services, restrooms and picnic areas for surfers, families and other residents to enjoy. Aside from the beaches, this area boasts three lagoons set among more than 1,000 acres of nature preserves, hiking trails and other places to enjoy the great outdoors.

The community is divided into four quadrants - Northwest, Southeast, Northeast and Southwest - and the downtown area maintains a historic charm.

Those looking for apartments in Carlsbad will likely be met by a job market filled with highly skilled workers. About 51 percent of residents over age 25 have a bachelor's degree or higher and 19 percent have a graduate or professional degree. This is not surprising, considering the number of colleges and universities within 30 miles. The University of California, San Diego; California State University, San Marcos; the University of San Diego and a handful of smaller colleges draw people to the area and provide Carlsbad with a steady stream of educated workers.

Biotechnology, golf equipment manufacturing, communications, resort and theme park industries are booming in Carlsbad.

The city also draws families with young children because of the high-quality public education in the area. It has four top ranking school districts, and its schools have earned a number of accolades for achievement.

Those looking for Carlsbad rentals can expect to pay slightly more than in other parts of the country. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the median gross rent in the city was $1,531 in 2010. The cost of living may be high, but incomes in the area line up accordingly. The average household income is about $96,000, higher than the San Diego County average of $79,330.

Of course, one of the main reasons many people visit Carlsbad is to see LEGOLAND, California, a 128-acre theme park made up of more than 57 million LEGO bricks. However, there are attractions in this city to suit residents of all interests. The Carlsbad Skateboard Park, which was the first skateboard park in the world, is still a draw for many people, but the city's Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch will stun those looking for a colorful escape from city life each spring.

Outdoor enthusiasts will likely find it difficult to feel bored in this oasis - from Carlsbad's expansive beaches and freshwater marshes to trails and golf courses, there are extensive opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors in this city.

The city is also music-oriented. The Museum of Making Music will likely appeal to anyone interested in learning about the way music has played a role in our society, and the city hosts the Carlsbad Music Festival each September.

To find a Carlsbad apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.