I lived in San Clemente during the 80’s, and Carlsbad during the 90’s. When I was there, SC had been unmolested by developers. That is no longer the case. I don’t find the place quaint anymore. I’d say the same thing about Carlsbad. On the upside, if you live in Cbad, you’re a lot closer to the life of a real city, SD. OC tends to be a soul-less wasteland, FWIW. It’s really a coin toss.