Carlsbad is a seaside resort-town in the North County section of San Diego County, California. According to the state Department of Finance, the city had a total population of 90,271 in 2003. Carlsbad was incorporated in 1952, in large part to generate sufficient funding to connect with the water pipeline running through San Diego County, but also to avoid being annexed by Oceanside. It is the most expensive coastal city in North County, San Diego .

The city has drafted ordinances protecting sensitive wildlife habitat, one of the first such ordinances within the state of California. The city has also promised to protect a certain amount of land within city limits from development of any kind, along with spending significant funds to restore habitats destroyed by newer development projects.

Because of its location, relatively low population density and high performing school districts, the city is seen to have a high quality of life. Thus, real estate tends to be rather expensive compared to most cities. In the annual Forbes Magazine ranking of "Most Expensive Zip Codes" in the U.S. the city of Carlsbad placed as one of the top most expensive zip codes. In a recent article published in San Diego's "Riviera" December issue, the magazine reported San Diego County's priciest neighborhoods, stating that "Rancho Santa Fe is the most expensive with the average prices just over $2 million. La Jolla's average is $1.4 million...and Carlsbad is just over $1 million."