San Carlos, San Diego: Homes for Sale & Neighborhood Guide
A neighborhood of 1960s homes at the foot of Cowles Mountain, between Lake Murray and Mission Trails Regional Park.
San Carlos is a neighborhood in San Diego’s 92119 ZIP, in the city’s Navajo community, bordered by Allied Gardens, Tierrasanta, the City of La Mesa, Lake Murray and Mission Trails Regional Park (City of San Diego). In September 2026 the 92119 median detached sale was $1,230,000 (GSDAR). San Carlos has about 8,150 detached homes and 4,600 attached homes such as condos, townhomes and apartments (U.S. Census ACS 2020–2024).
Boundary: approximate neighborhood outline by Jamile Storck and Jed Bratt. Map tiles © Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS, NGA, EPA, USDA, NPS, © OpenStreetMap contributors.
San Carlos Market · September 2026
ZIP 92119 · compared with September 2025
Source: Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® Local Market Update for 92119 (San Carlos), September 2026 (current as of Oct 5, 2026). Sept 2025 figures are as shown in the same report. All data from the San Diego MLS. Medians do not account for sale concessions. Small sample sizes can swing percentages.
San Carlos Homes for Sale
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Living in San Carlos
The vibe
San Carlos was developed by the Tavares Development Company starting in 1958, with many homes built by the mid-1960s. It is part of the Navajo community with Allied Gardens and Grantville, and Cowles Mountain is its landmark.
Sources: sandiego.gov, Council District 7 communities; San Carlos Friends of the Library.
Things to do
The main Cowles Mountain trailhead is at Golfcrest Dr and Navajo Rd: about 1.5 miles to the 1,593-foot summit, the highest point in the City of San Diego. Lake Murray has a paved path along the water, and San Carlos Recreation Center is at 6445 Lake Badin Ave.
Sources: sandiego.gov; Mission Trails Regional Park.
Schools
Dailard Elementary
Grades K-5
Green Elementary
Grades K-5
Benchley/Weinberger Elementary
Grades K-5
Gage Elementary
Grades K-5
Pershing Middle
Grades 6-8
Patrick Henry High
Grades 9-12
Ratings out of 10: ELA and math = % of students meeting or exceeding the 2025 CAASPP standard, divided by 10; overall = average of the two. Source: California Dept. of Education (caaspp-elpac.ets.org). School assignment changes, so confirm with the district before you buy.
Getting around
San Carlos is car-oriented, with I-8 reached via Lake Murray Blvd and SR-125 via Navajo Rd. MTS Route 115 serves the San Carlos Library on Jackson Dr.
Source: San Diego Public Library, San Carlos Library.
Neighborhood Insight
The San Carlos Library at 7265 Jackson Dr opened in 1974. Developer Carlos Tavares named San Carlos after himself in 1958. He had already named Clairemont after his wife, Claire.
Source: San Diego Public Library.
Around San Carlos
San Carlos FAQ
Where is San Carlos in San Diego?
San Carlos is in the Navajo community of San Diego, in ZIP 92119, next to Lake Murray, Mission Trails Regional Park and the City of La Mesa.
What was the median home price in San Carlos in September 2026?
For ZIP 92119, the September 2026 median sale price was $1,230,000 for detached homes and $474,000 for attached homes (GSDAR Local Market Update).
How long are San Carlos homes taking to sell?
In September 2026, detached homes in 92119 sold in a median of 30 days and attached homes in 58 days (GSDAR).
Which schools are in San Carlos?
San Diego Unified runs Dailard, Green, Benchley/Weinberger and Gage Elementary and Pershing Middle in San Carlos, and Patrick Henry High is on Wandermere Dr. Check your exact address with the San Diego Unified School Finder.
Where is the Cowles Mountain trailhead?
The main trailhead is at Golfcrest Dr and Navajo Rd in San Carlos. Parking is free and fills fast on weekends.
Is there a library in San Carlos?
Yes. The San Carlos Library is at 7265 Jackson Dr.
Who can help me buy or sell a home in San Carlos?
Jamile Storck (DRE 01920597) and Jed Bratt (DRE 01891062) help buyers and sellers in San Carlos and across San Diego.
Neighborhoods Nearby
Twelve neighborhoods closest to San Carlos, with Sept 2026 median sale prices by ZIP from GSDAR.
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