We had our eye on a place in south encinitas west of the 5 but it would have put us at our peak price point and the whole place needed updating. The size was ok, probably would have worked. If I had 100k in the bank for the updates that place needed, I would have bought it. It was an older place (built in 60s). I like carlsbad but my wife and I dont like homes built 70s-90s.

I would have chosen a place further west if possible but I chose a place large enough for my family growth at a lower price point than my budget, so I could do lots of updating. I am a DIY guy and love doing projects, especially considering the labor cost on a lot of DIY jobs is ridiculous.