Near the neighborhoods of Del Cerro, Lake Murray, Tierrasanta, Navajo, Allied Gardens, La Mesa and Mission Trails lies the middle-class community of San Carlos. Because of its prime location beside Mission Trails Regional Park and Lake Murray, this neighborhood has a feeling of separateness from the city grind, though it is still conveniently central and close to San Diego's main business district.

The nearby recreation area of Lake Murray is a very popular spot because of its numerous campgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic jogging and hiking trails. These trails weave their way through the expansive and beautiful park. For those with a taste for golf, Mission Trails Golf Course is a favorite destination and at the heart of San Carlos, though there are several other golfing opportunities in the area.

Along with Allied Gardens and Del Cerro, San Carlos is served by Patrick Henry High School, a member of the San Diego City Schools District. This school dsitrict is the second largest in California and provides a rewarding educational experience to grades 9-12. For those who are looking for college opportunities, San Carlos is also home to San Diego Communtiy College's Navajo campus and bordered by Grossmont College to the north.

There are quite a few shopping opportunities in and around San Carlos including the Fletcher Hills Town & Country Shopping Center and Lake Murray Village Shopping Center. A bit farther from the community lies the largest shopping center, Grossmont Center. Nearby San Carlos is Gillespe Field, an airfield for general aviators and San Diego Air and Space Museum restoration facility, whose museum boasts replicas of the Spirit of St. Louis and a F-102 A Delta Dagger.