$1,931,216Average Value$1,043Average Price per Sq Ft21Homes 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 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa over the last 12 months is $1,750,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! This prime Eastside Heights location is hard to beat— conveniently nestled between 17th Street’s vibrant restaurant, retail, and entertainment offerings, and the laid-back luxury of Newport Beach’s iconic peninsula and harbor. Beautifully updated, this home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, an office/second living room, AND 3 parking spaces in nearly 2,000 square feet.
Welcome to your dream home in Costa Mesa's coveted Eastside neighborhood! This beautifully remodeled single-family residence combines modern flair with timeless charm, offering 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms—the second bathroom having been recently added for your convenience. "An accessory dwelling unit exists; Permit status is unknown and not verified."It features a studio bedroom with a
450 Cabrillo is a warm and inviting home with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths with approximately 3,409 SF of well-designed living space set on a large, approximately 8,104 SF lot. Extensively remodeled and expanded by the owner--a licensed general contractor--the home features many special, well crafted touches. The floor plan works beautifully with a wing for 3 bedrooms (or 2 plus office), and a
Are you looking for a contemporary coastal residence that lives like a single-family home, with the ease of lock-and-leave living? Welcome to Costa Mesa’s highly sought-after 17 West community. Built in 2018 and impeccably maintained by the original owners, 1653 Topanga offers modern coastal design, a premium interior location (the best view in the community!), and true turnkey living just over
Presenting a rare gem of a lot in one of the most sought-after areas of Costa Mesa, this prime real estate offering is perfectly situated in Eastside Heights, providing a unique canvas for visionary developers ready to create innovative new constructions. Zoned R2, the property allows for multi-family residential development. Nestled in a thriving neighborhood, this lot boasts proximity to
Welcome to 175 Costa Mesa Street—an extraordinary residence in the heart of Costa Mesa’s highly sought-after Eastside community. Recently constructed by renowned Willhoit Construction, this premier home has been thoughtfully upgraded and meticulously restored to a condition that feels nearly new—while offering exceptional value compared to the builder’s latest luxury offerings in Costa Mesa and
Whether you're looking for a multi-family residence, an investment opportunity, or a place to call home while renting out the other units, this income generating triplex offers endless possibilities. There are three units with solid rental income. Unit A and B have the same floor plan. Single level with no one above or below. Two large rooms with walk in closets and one bathroom. Unit A has a
Gorgeous brand new 2 bed 2 bath home in a Costa Mesa 55+ community... close restaurants, shopping, nightlife and easy freeway access! Just a short drive to Newport and Huntington Beach! Brand new kitchen appliances included!! Financing is available... call today!
Revel in this remodeled and expanded Cliff May inspired Mid-Century Modern home with true indoor/outdoor Rancho style. The 2022 remodel doubled the livable square footage and left nothing undone, bringing the home up to today's standards while honoring its architectural heritage. Open great room with kitchen, living, and dining, plus 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a laundry room complete the interior.
Welcome to 1741 Tustin Ave #3C, a beautifully remodeled, truly turn-key condo in one of the most sought-after pockets of Eastside Costa Mesa. Just moments from the shops, restaurants, and everyday energy of 17th Street, this home offers the kind of lifestyle buyers are always looking for—easy, convenient, and close to everything that makes Costa Mesa so special. Inside, the home feels fresh,
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
This 2 bedroom 1 bath 2 story townhouse/condo was built in 2008. The unit has travertine and hardwood floors throughout , granite countertops, granite fireplace, dual paned windows, and stainless steel appliances including refrigerator. The unit comes with a stackable washer/dryer and attached 2 car garage. There is a fireplace and TV included in the living and already mounted and ready to use.
Welcome to Eastside Alley on 17th, where comfort, leisure, and modern design come together to create your ideal Orange County lifestyle.Our garden-style apartments in Costa Mesa feature one and two-bedroom layouts with spacious open floor plans, vaulted ceilings, and generously sized private patios and balconies that bring an elevated living experience to every home.Eastside Alley
This contemporary townhouse offers a rare balance of comfort, functionality, and easy coastal living. Thoughtfully designed across three levels, the home features three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, two half bathrooms, a flexible bonus room, and inviting living spaces that make everyday life feel both elevated and effortless. On the entry level, a flexible office or bonus space opens to a private
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
With modern architectural details, this light-filled home offers a seamless flow from room to room. The spacious layout features a large living room, a separate dining area, and two generously sized bedrooms with mirrored wardrobe doors. Finishes include hardwood flooring, granite countertops, a stainless steel gas range with built-in oven, refrigerator, and contemporary fixtures throughout. 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
Welcome home to 17 West, conveniently located in the heart of Costa Mesa, just 1 mile from the beach! Live/work condominium with easy access to the 55 and 405 freeways, as well as walkability to Trader Joe’s, retail, and restaurants on 17th Street. Upon entering, you’ll find a large office space on the ground level, complete with enclosed patio and bathroom. Enjoy direct access to your attached
Thoughtfully remodeled and beautifully appointed, this single-level two-bedroom, two-bath residence offers comfort, privacy, and an exceptional location close to shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences. Inside, the home is filled with natural light and features new flooring, fresh paint, new windows, recessed lighting, ceiling fans, and an updated fireplace, creating a warm and inviting
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
Come view this nicely upgraded spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit with an open layout. The unit features wood plank luxury vinyl flooring, updated kitchen, recessing lighting, ceiling fan, and upgraded bathroom. This property is very close to shopping, freeway access, and employment centers. The Balboa Peninsula and local beaches are approximately 2 miles south.
Live like you want - that’s our anthem. AVA is a new kind of living space in Costa Mesa by Newport’s Back Bay. This is a choice of ’hood where tacos meet sushi, double expressos meet green tea and yoga, and shopping depends on your mood of the moment. Public transportation’s right here, if you need it. AVA’s studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments feature newly renovated kitchens and
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
