$1,941,306Average Value$1,018Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes For Sale
Hip area not far from the beach
Downtown Costa Mesa blends the low-key suburban lifestyle with city amenities. This is a coastal community near the beach centrally located in Orange County, close to freeways and the airport, and has a great climate. The neighborhood is within walking distance of shops, restaurants and community parks. “It’s the hip area, there’s no doubt about that,” says Torelli Realty’s Valerie Torelli, who has been in real estate for over 30 years. “The food, the social scene and then, for families, the schools are fabulous. And it’s super, super close to the beach.”
With everything within reach, Downtown Costa Mesa is a popular place to live.
If your craving Mexican food visit Taco Mesa for some tasty dishes.
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Few HOAs and RV parking
Homes in Downtown Costa Mesa are a mix of single-family, condos and townhomes. Homes in the neighborhood were built between the 1920s and 1960s, heavily emphasizing the traditional California ranch. Most houses are one story, but some spacious contemporary offerings have been developed more recently. “People who don’t like all the rules and HOAs in Irvine are drawn to Costa Mesa, one of the only cities in the region to allow RV parking in driveways,” says Coldwell Banker’s Brian Gibney, who has over 20 years of experience. Houses downtown can range anywhere from about 1,000 square feet to over 3,000 square feet, costing between $1 million and $4 million. “Because the lots are large, you have some great upside,” Torelli says. Townhomes and condos cost between $750,000 and $2 million. Torelli says anything priced well will sell fast and receive multiple offers.
You can find luxury, multi-level homes in Downtown Costa Mesa.
An elevated view of Downtown Costa Mesa shows it being a short distance from the ocean.
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Commercial hotspot on 17th Street
Sidewalks line all the streets downtown, making it easy for many to walk to the schools and bustling commercial corridors. There is a hotspot around 17th Street near Newport Boulevard. “Seventeenth Street is just chock full of shops, restaurants, bike stores and some great clothing shops,” says Torelli. One of the most popular places along this stretch is Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee. “The lines are out the door,” Torelli says. Playa Mesa is a well-liked Mexican restaurant down the street, beloved for its brunch and mean margaritas. There is a Trader Joe’s for stocking up on groceries.
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee in Downtown Costa Mesa features scrumptious donuts and beverages.
People can find several dining options on 17th Street in Downtown Costa Mesa.
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Orange County fair attracts a million visitors
Costa Mesa hosts over a half-dozen annual events, including the Orange County Fair, which attracts over one million visitors annually. In 2023, the fair ran from mid-July to mid-August, with 12 sold-out days during its 23-day run. More than 400,000 stuffed toys were won by fairgoers in the carnival midway. Free concerts in the park occur on Tuesdays in July and feature live bands, a beer and wine garden, gourmet food trucks and kids’ activities. There are also community runs, an annual fish fry, the OC marathon and community events that celebrate the Fourth of July and the Christmas holiday.
Solid schools with Mandarin immersion
Newport-Mesa Unified serves school-aged children. It is a highly rated public school district graded A by Niche. "You've got some fabulous, fabulous schools here," Torelli says. Kids can start their education at Everett A. Rea Elementary, a walkable community school in downtown Costa Mesa graded C-plus by Niche, then continue at Charles W. TeWinkle Middle, a B-graded school. Students advance to Costa Mesa High School, which also serves as a middle school. It is a well-performing school graded A-minus by Niche. CMHS has a Mandarin Chinese dual immersion program that promotes academic achievement, bilingualism and biliteracy, and sociocultural competence.
TeWinkle Middle School is located in Costa Mesa, Ca.
The Performing Arts Center at Costa Mesa High School.
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Beach and park access
Costa Mesa does not border the coast, but the beach is about 5 miles west via the Costa Mesa Freeway. Huntington State Beach is a popular surfing destination on over 120 acres with over 8 miles of paved trails. In downtown, Lions Park is a classic community park with a playground, picnic tables, a baseball field and a community center. The Downtown Recreation Center has adult and youth programs, and courts for pickleball, basketball and volleyball. Dog-friendly Heller Park is a cute little offering for kids, with a robust playground and swings, open grassy areas shaded by trees, benches and a public restroom.
Children will enjoy the amenities at Lions Park in Downtown Costa Mesa.
Downtown Costa Mesa is a short drive to Newport Beach and the coastline.
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Surrounded by major thoroughfares
Costa Mesa is near several cities, including Huntington and Newport beaches, Irvine, Santa Ana and Orange. It sits along the Costa Mesa Freeway, which cuts straight through town. "Traffic can be heavy because we're so close to the beach, but you can get to Huntington Beach without even getting on the freeway," Gibney says. Surrounding the city are the Corona Del Mar Freeway, I-405 and the Pacific Coast Highway. John Wayne Airport is on the city’s eastern border and just 5 miles from downtown. Los Angeles is 40 miles north, a heavy-lift drive that can take as long as two hours at rush hour. The Orange County Transit Authority operates many bus routes along major thoroughfares that connect to the broader region.
The OC Bus passes through Downtown Costa Mesa and will take you where you need to go.
Aerial view of the Downtown Costa Mesa Neighborhood.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Downtown Costa Mesa neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Costa Mesa
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Costa Mesa Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa over the last 12 months is $1,750,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Brand New Manufactured Home!! 2025 Skyline!! We will be done working on this home approximately 1-10-25!!! Get this home in Escrow now!! Don't wait !! It will be gone in a flash!
Modern luxury meets coastal convenience in this stylish home within Costa Mesa’s sought after Superior Pointe community. Built by Taylor Morrison, this 2,136 sq ft residence blends contemporary design, flexible living, and effortless lock and leave ease just minutes from Newport Beach, Lido Village, and John Wayne Airport. The thoughtful floor plan offers two ensuite bedrooms plus a versatile
Casey LesherChristie's International R.E. Southern California
Welcome to your year-round beach home! Literally within walking distance to Newport Beach, and many options for shopping and dining. This cute little 1 bedroom, 1 bath is perfect for a single person, a couple or a small family to start their new life as beach goers. Open floor plan for living room and kitchen and then private bedroom and bathroom. Kitchen has beautiful granite countertops, and
Welcome to this contemporary, energy-efficient rooftop condominium ideally located in the heart of Costa Mesa. Originally built as the coveted Residence A2 model home by Meritage Homes, this exceptional property offers original ownership and one of the most desirable floor plans in the community. Enjoy sweeping panoramic views from both the living room balcony and the private rooftop deck,
Designed and built by local firm Abode Design + Build, this extensively updated dual-residence property delivers versatility, quality, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle on an expansive 8,000+ square-foot lot in a highly sought-after Eastside Costa Mesa location. Tucked behind a gated entry, the property is surrounded by curated landscaping, newer hardscape, and multiple outdoor spaces created for
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home located in the heart of Costa Mesa. This cozy residence features a well-designed floor plan, offering comfortable bedrooms, a stylish and functional kitchen, and a tastefully landscaped yard. Situated in a quiet, established neighborhood, this home is just minutes from local shops, dining, and the coastal charm of Newport Beach.
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Eastside Apartments offers studio, one and two bedroom apartments for rent located in the heart of Eastside Costa Mesa, directly across from The Triangle and near 17th Street Promenade. Apartments feature quartz countertops, high-gloss white cabinetry, designer faucets and fixtures, and eye-catching paint schemes. Our non-smoking, pet-friendly community boasts two pools and two spas, lounge
Spacious back unit available in a prime, safe Costa Mesa neighborhood, just a short walk to Triangle Square and Mother’s Market. This charming duplex unit features large bedrooms, including a master with a walk-in closet, a generously sized bathroom, and plenty of storage throughout. The 1.25-car private garage includes a washer and dryer, with additional parking available outside. Enjoy the
Parking: Detached garage(included in rent)Outdoor amenities: Balcony or deck, poolAdditional amenities:Additional Garage Available to RentCustom PaintFarm Sink with garbage disposalFireplacePanel DoorsQuartz CountertopsStainless Steel appliancesWalk in closet
Darling two bedroom two bath home located on nice sized lot in Eastside, Costa Mesa. Pretty entryway after you enter the picked fence entrance. Gorgeous wood planked flooring that leads into living room with stacked stone accented gas log fireplace. The dining area has views of the backyard. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, shaker cabinets and white subway tile
Coastal living meets everyday convenience in this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhome just 1.5 miles from the beach and within walking distance to In-N-Out, Triangle Square, Mother’s Market, and Trader Joe’s. A highly desirable first-floor bedroom with ensuite bath offers flexibility for guests, a home office, or extended family, while upstairs you’ll find two generously sized
The Parsons Apartments in Costa Mesa, CA offers studio, one, & two bedroom apartments for rent. As part of our Advanced Urban Properties (AUP) group, The Parsons features cutting-edge modern designs that are rare to find anywhere else in the area. Our vibrant Costa Mesa community is located in the heart of the city with endless activities to explore. Grab the family and join our pet-friendly
This beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in Costa Mesa offers a unique combination of space, versatility, and modern upgrades. The property includes a fully updated 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom main house featuring wood floors, fresh paint, newer windows, and a seamless open-concept layout perfect for comfortable living and entertaining. The outdoor space includes a large front and
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