Welcome to Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa blends Southern California cool with genuine community warmth, offering newcomers a perfect balance of urban sophistication and beach town relaxation. This Orange County gem attracts young professionals, families, and creatives with its thriving arts scene, exceptional dining, and proximity to world-class beaches—all without the pretense of its coastal neighbors.
📍 Costa Mesa, CA at a Glance
- Population: 111,918
- Location: Heart of Orange County, 37 miles southeast of Los Angeles, adjacent to Newport Beach
- Incorporated: 1953
- Known For: South Coast Plaza shopping, vibrant arts district, craft dining scene
🔗 Dive Deeper into Costa Mesa
💸 Cost & Budget
🏘️ Housing & Lifestyle
🚍 Utilities & Transportation
🏙️ City Comparisons
🔍 In-Depth Relocation Overview
🗳️ Politics & Civic Life
Costa Mesa maintains a balanced political landscape with active civic engagement. The city council represents diverse viewpoints, and residents participate enthusiastically in local governance through neighborhood associations and community forums. Recent elections show a purple-leaning electorate that values pragmatic solutions over partisan politics.
🚓 Crime & Safety
Costa Mesa enjoys relatively low crime rates compared to similar-sized California cities. The Costa Mesa Police Department maintains strong community relations through neighborhood watch programs and regular town halls. Property crime rates have decreased steadily over the past five years, while violent crime remains well below state averages.
🍽️ Dining & Entertainment
The culinary scene rivals any major city, with standouts like Taco Maria’s Michelin-starred Mexican cuisine, Playa Mesa’s modern California fare, and The Crack Shack’s elevated fried chicken. The Camp and The Lab anti-malls host indie restaurants and boutiques, while South Coast Plaza offers world-class shopping. Segerstrom Center for the Arts brings Broadway shows and symphony performances to your doorstep.
🏛️ Local Government
Costa Mesa operates under a council-manager form of government with five elected council members. City services receive high marks for responsiveness, and the municipal website provides excellent transparency. Building permits and business licenses can be processed efficiently online, making it easier for new residents and entrepreneurs.
🚍 Transportation
Strategic location at the intersection of the 405 and 55 freeways provides easy access throughout Orange County. John Wayne Airport sits just minutes away for domestic flights. While public transit exists through OCTA buses, most residents rely on cars. Bike lanes continue expanding, especially around the 17th Street corridor.
🏘️ Housing & Real Estate
The median home price hovers around $950,000, with condos starting in the $600,000s. Rental options range from $2,200 for one-bedrooms to $3,500+ for family homes. Eastside Costa Mesa offers more affordable options and emerging neighborhoods, while Mesa Verde and South Coast Metro command premium prices. The market remains competitive but less frenzied than coastal communities.
🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life
Fairview Park’s 208 acres provide trails, model airplane flying, and native habitat preservation. TeWinkle Park features lakes and athletic facilities, while Talbert Nature Preserve offers peaceful walking paths. Newport Beach’s pristine coastline sits just 10 minutes away, and hiking trails in the nearby hills provide year-round outdoor recreation.
💼 Job Market
Major employers include South Coast Plaza (10,000+ jobs), Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center, and Experian’s headquarters. The median household income reaches $80,000, with strong representation in retail, healthcare, and professional services. The burgeoning creative sector attracts designers, marketers, and tech startups to shared workspaces like Eureka Building.
🧑🏫 Education
Newport-Mesa Unified School District serves Costa Mesa with several California Distinguished Schools. Private options include St. John the Baptist Catholic School and Mariners Christian School. Orange Coast College, Vanguard University, and National University provide higher education opportunities within city limits, unusual for a mid-sized city.
🌞 Climate & Weather
Mediterranean climate delivers 280+ sunny days annually with average temperatures ranging from 65°F in winter to 75°F in summer. Morning marine layer burns off by noon most days, and rainfall concentrates between December and March. The proximity to the ocean moderates temperatures year-round, eliminating extreme heat or cold.
💬 Community Sentiment
Residents praise Costa Mesa’s “goldilocks” positioning—not too touristy like beach cities, not too suburban like inland communities. Locals appreciate the walkable neighborhoods, diverse population, and authentic community feel. Common complaints center on traffic during peak shopping seasons and rising housing costs, though most feel the lifestyle justifies the expense.
✨ Why People Are Moving to Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa offers the rare combination of cultural sophistication, economic opportunity, and laid-back California living without the astronomical prices of coastal communities. New residents discover a city that’s evolved far beyond its strip-mall past into a dynamic hub for arts, dining, and innovation—all while maintaining the approachable, community-focused atmosphere that makes Orange County special.