Welcome To
Costa Mesa
Urban energy, coastal proximity, and Orange County culture in one of Southern California’s most dynamic cities.
About Costa Mesa, CA
Located in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa is a vibrant Southern California city known for its central location, creative energy, coastal proximity, shopping, dining, arts, and lifestyle amenities. Ideally situated near Newport Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, and John Wayne Airport, Costa Mesa offers easy access to major employment hubs, beaches, freeways, entertainment, and some of Orange County’s most popular destinations.
Home to approximately 109,000 residents, Costa Mesa combines established residential neighborhoods with thriving commercial districts, arts venues, restaurants, parks, and shopping centers. The city is home to South Coast Plaza, one of the nation’s premier shopping destinations, as well as Segerstrom Center for the Arts, a major performing arts venue that helps define Costa Mesa’s cultural identity.
With its mix of suburban comfort, urban convenience, creative culture, and quick access to the coast, Costa Mesa offers an exceptional Orange County lifestyle for families, professionals, creatives, retirees, and anyone seeking convenience with personality.
Costa Mesa Real Estate Market
Costa Mesa’s real estate market is one of the most desirable in central Orange County, offering a diverse mix of single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, modern developments, investment properties, and luxury residences. Known for its proximity to Newport Beach, strong local amenities, shopping, dining, and employment centers, Costa Mesa continues to attract buyers seeking lifestyle, location, and long-term value.
From charming homes in Eastside Costa Mesa to modern properties near South Coast Metro, Mesa Verde, Westside Costa Mesa, and neighborhoods close to parks, schools, and beaches, the city offers options for first-time buyers, growing families, professionals, retirees, and luxury home seekers alike. Residents enjoy convenient access to Newport Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, John Wayne Airport, and the 55, 405, and 73 freeways.
Contact Costa Mesa real estate agent Alma Tapia to explore condos, townhomes, single-family homes, luxury properties, and homes for sale in Costa Mesa, CA.
What to Love
- A central Orange County location minutes from Newport Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, and John Wayne Airport
- Close proximity to the coast, with easy access to beaches, harbor recreation, oceanfront dining, and outdoor activities
- Premier shopping and dining at South Coast Plaza, The LAB Anti-Mall, The CAMP, South Coast Metro, and local neighborhood centers
- A strong arts and culture scene anchored by Segerstrom Center for the Arts, South Coast Repertory, Orange County Museum of Art, and public art throughout the South Coast Metro area
- Diverse neighborhoods, excellent lifestyle amenities, parks, schools, restaurants, breweries, cafés, and convenient freeway access
Local Lifestyle
- Enjoy a lively Orange County lifestyle that blends coastal convenience, arts, dining, shopping, and neighborhood charm.
- Start your day with coffee at a local café, a walk through a neighborhood park, a workout at a fitness studio, or a quick drive to Newport Beach or Huntington Beach.
- Spend afternoons shopping at South Coast Plaza, exploring The LAB and The CAMP, dining along 17th Street, visiting local breweries, or attending a performance at Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
- Take advantage of Costa Mesa’s central location, with convenient access to John Wayne Airport, Irvine, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, South Coast Metro, and major freeways.
- Choose from diverse neighborhoods, including Eastside Costa Mesa, Mesa Verde, Westside Costa Mesa, College Park, Halecrest, and South Coast Metro, each offering its own character and housing options.
- Experience a lifestyle shaped by creativity, convenience, coastal access, local businesses, and Orange County culture.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Costa Mesa is one of Orange County’s premier destinations for dining, shopping, arts, and entertainment. The city offers everything from casual cafés and chef-driven restaurants to international cuisine, craft breweries, bakeries, upscale dining, and neighborhood favorites.
Shopping is a major part of Costa Mesa’s identity. South Coast Plaza is one of the country’s leading luxury shopping destinations, with designer boutiques, department stores, restaurants, and access to nearby arts venues. The city is also known for The LAB Anti-Mall and The CAMP, which offer a more eclectic mix of local shops, restaurants, wellness businesses, and creative spaces.
Entertainment options include live performances at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, productions at South Coast Repertory, exhibitions at Orange County Museum of Art, live music, local events, breweries, and nearby attractions in Newport Beach, Anaheim, Irvine, and Huntington Beach. With its combination of culture, cuisine, shopping, and coastal access, Costa Mesa delivers a lifestyle that feels energetic, convenient, and distinctly Orange County.
Things to Do
Costa Mesa offers an active and culturally rich lifestyle with shopping, dining, parks, arts, entertainment, and quick access to beaches and regional attractions. Whether you’re spending the day outdoors, browsing boutiques, enjoying a show, or dining with friends, there’s always something to experience.
South Coast Plaza
South Coast Plaza is one of Costa Mesa’s signature destinations and one of the nation’s premier shopping centers. It features luxury retailers, restaurants, department stores, designer boutiques, and a central location near the city’s arts and theater district.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a world-class performing arts center offering concerts, Broadway productions, dance, theater, cultural performances, and community programming. It is also home to resident arts organizations including Pacific Symphony, Pacific Chorale, and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.
The LAB Anti-Mall & The CAMP
The LAB Anti-Mall and The CAMP are popular Costa Mesa destinations known for local boutiques, creative dining, cafés, wellness concepts, outdoor spaces, and an independent, artsy atmosphere.
Fairview Park
Fairview Park offers open space, trails, scenic views, natural habitat, and outdoor recreation. It is a favorite destination for walking, biking, nature watching, and enjoying a quieter side of Costa Mesa.
17th Street & Eastside Costa Mesa
17th Street and Eastside Costa Mesa are known for restaurants, cafés, fitness studios, shops, and close proximity to Newport Beach. This area offers a lively neighborhood feel with easy access to both city amenities and the coast.
Nearby Beaches
Costa Mesa is just minutes from Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and the Orange County coastline. Residents can enjoy surfing, paddleboarding, boating, biking, beach walks, oceanfront dining, and sunset views within a short drive.
Schools
Costa Mesa is served primarily by Newport-Mesa Unified School District, which provides public elementary, middle, and high school options for students in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. The city is also home to private school options and is near several colleges and universities.
Top schools and districts serving the area include:
- Newport-Mesa Unified School District — A well-established public school district serving Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, offering academic programs, athletics, arts, career pathways, and extracurricular opportunities.
- Costa Mesa High School, Estancia High School, Early College High School, TeWinkle Middle School, and local elementary schools — Public school options serving families throughout Costa Mesa neighborhoods.
- Orange Coast College — A major community college located in Costa Mesa, offering associate degrees, transfer programs, career education, and continuing education opportunities.
Families also have access to nearby higher education institutions, including Vanguard University, University of California, Irvine, California State University, Long Beach, Coastline College, and Golden West College.
With strong school options, family-friendly neighborhoods, parks, arts, shopping, dining, and coastal proximity, Costa Mesa remains one of Orange County’s most desirable communities for students, families, professionals, and lifelong learners.
Overview
Overview for Costa Mesa, California
About 109,000 people live in Costa Mesa, where the median age is approximately 37 years and the median household income is around $111,500. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau and affiliated Census sources. Data Commons lists Costa Mesa’s 2024 population at 109,131 and median age at 36.7, while U.S. Census QuickFacts lists $111,505 median household income and $59,742 per capita income for 2020–2024.
109,131
36.7 Years
High
$59,742
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Real Estate Goals
You’ve learned a little about Alma’s story and approach—now let’s focus on yours. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply exploring your options, Alma is ready to provide trusted guidance, honest advice, and personalized support throughout your real estate journey.