$1,910,191Average Value$317Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes 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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michael Arguello,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Mariners Park
Pinkley Park
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Cliff Drive Park
Heller Park
Multi-Purpose Field
Lions Park
Playground
Ketchum-Libolt Park
Playground
Transit
Airport
John Wayne/Orange County
7 min drive
Bus
Harbor-Bernard
Bus
19Th-Harbor
Bus
Harbor-Ford
Bus
newport-19th
Bus
19Th-Anaheim
Bus
17Th-Pomona
Bus
17Th-Orange
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Costa Mesa
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
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 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa over the last 12 months is $376,000, down 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN THIS GEM! YOU WON'T FIND ANOTHER HOME OF THIS SIZE WITH 4 BEDROOMS FOR UNDER $2M ANYWHERE ELSE IN EAST COSTA MESA. DON'T MISS OUT! Meticulously renovated from top to bottom, this reimagined residence pairs modern elegance with laid-back coastal luxury. Set in the desirable Eastside Heights neighborhood of Costa Mesa, just moments from the coast, this thoughtfully
Just completed full exterior & interior painting, along with new carpeting. Ideally situated walking distance from restaurants and Trader Joes, this exceptional 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom townhome is a true masterpiece. Offering over 2,100 sq. ft. of luxurious living space across three meticulously designed levels, every detail has been crafted with functionality and sophistication in mind. Upon
Welcome to The Palms #25 - your charming, laid-back luxe beach bungalow in the heart of Eastside Costa Mesa, just one mile from the shores of Newport Beach. Enjoy the ocean breeze, stroll to neighborhood favorites like El Matador, Shake Shack, Target, Greenleaf, Mi Casa, or Starbucks-or hop on your bike and cruise to the beach and beyond. Perfectly situated off the vibrant 17th Street strip,
A labor of love by Shannon McLaren, founder of Prairie Home Styling, this stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home spans 3,278 sqft on a 6,308 sqft lot, blending California coastal charm with modern traditional aesthetics. Located in the heart of Eastside Costa Mesa, 224 Flower Street has been freshly painted inside and out, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere with impeccable design details
2 BEDS + OFFICE + LOFT + 5 BATHS | Elevate your lifestyle in this stunning END-UNIT residence in coveted 17 West -- less than 1.5 miles to the iconic Lido Marina Village, Newport’s finest beaches, and the vibrant energy of the Peninsula. Premium INTERIOR location, truly one of the BEST in the community, featuring a lush verdant landscaped courtyard in front, and easy access to the numerous
Donna PfannerPacific Sotheby’s International Realty
Modern design meets effortless living in this beautifully crafted Residence Three Plan by Olson Homes, offering approximately 1,714 SF across three light-filled levels. A thoughtful layout provides three bedrooms, two and one-half baths, and a rare combination of a two-car attached garage plus an additional two-car carport spaces. Inside, refined details shine — quartz countertops, custom
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
Just a little over 3 miles from the beach, 1929 Arnold Ave delivers everything you love about coastal living—without the hassle. Whether you’re heading to the OC Fair, grabbing lunch at triangle square or another local favorite, or commuting to nearby freeways, this spot makes everyday life feel effortless.Step inside this detached single-family home and you’ll find a space that blends
Welcome to Charle Square Apartments! Located in the highly desirable city of Costa Mesa, one of Orange County's premier rental markets bordering the affluent city of Newport Beach. This location gives residents convenient access to world class beaches, the Newport Back Bay Trails, a plethora of hip dining establishments and South Coast Plaza, the nation's largest shopping center on the West
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michael Arguello,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
17,491
Median Age
38
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.8%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$103,774
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$136,725
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.4%
College Graduates
49.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
12.2%
% Population in Labor Force
76.1%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
9''
Average Winter Low Temperature
50°F
Average Summer High Temperature
72°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
78/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
88/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
40/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
