$1,956,665Average Value$1,052Average Price per Sq Ft20Homes 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 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa over the last 12 months is $1,740,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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,
Welcome to Elevated Costa Mesa Living! Tucked within the gated community of Pacifica at Newport Plaza, this beautifully positioned 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence offers 1,568 sq ft of stylish living space in one of the most desirable locations within the community. With no units above and only one neighboring side, this home provides a rare level of privacy, quietness, and natural light that
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 195 Broadway, a rare opportunity in the highly sought-after Eastside Costa Mesa neighborhood. Situated on an expansive 7,405 square-foot lot and zoned R2-HD, this property offers exceptional flexibility for investors, developers, or owner-users looking to create a custom coastal compound in one of Orange County’s most desirable locations. Currently situated on the property are two
NEW 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 this impeccably remodeled 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence, privately positioned at the deepest part of the community for enhanced tranquility. Thoughtfully designed for modern living, the open-concept kitchen showcases a striking tile backsplash, custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, designer lighting, instant-hot and water filtration, and brand new stainless steel premium
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
Welcome to 175 Costa Mesa Street—an extraordinary residence in the heart of Costa Mesa’s highly sought-after Eastside community. Recently constructed by Willhoit Construction, this premier home has been thoughtfully upgraded and meticulously restored to a condition that feels nearly new while offering exceptional value. This stunning home features 5 bedrooms and 5+ bathrooms, each with its own en
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
Located in the highly desirable Westside Costa Mesa, this modern end-unit townhome with a north-south orientation offers 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, including 2 full and 2 half baths, across approximately 1,900 sqft of well-designed living space, just minutes from the beach and within walking distance to everyday conveniences including Trader Joe’s, dining, and coffee shops along 17th Street. The
Welcome to the rare opportunity to own a brand-new coastal contemporary single family residence in the heart of Eastside Costa Mesa. This thoughtfully designed 2,673-square-foot home embodies modern luxury, blending architectural elegance with maximum livability. The expansive open-concept layout showcases soaring ceilings and walls of glass, bathing the interiors in natural light and creating an
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
Located in the heart of coveted Eastside Costa Mesa, this extraordinary four-story architectural residence stands as one of the neighborhood’s most distinctive homes. Privately gated and designed with remarkable scale, the property blends character, craftsmanship, and unforgettable living spaces. Inside, soaring vaulted ceilings and walls of windows fill the home with natural light, while
Eastside Haven on 17th's prime Eastside Costa Mesa location puts the lifestyle you've imagined within easy reach. Ideally located on East 17th Street, with seamless access to Newport Boulevard and Santa Ana Avenue, you're just moments from Costa Mesa's premier dining, shopping, and entertainment destinations.
Welcome to this charming 1BD/1BA apartment perfectly situated in the heart of Costa Mesa. Vinyl flooring flows throughout the home, giving the space a fresh, modern feel while keeping it comfortable and easy to maintain. The layout offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s ideal for relaxing at home or entertaining friends in a space that feels both stylish and welcoming.Step outside
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
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
Updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath, cottage-style apartment features updated kitchen with quartz counter tops, refrigerator, dishwasher, updated bathrooms, and dual glazed windows.Primary suite includes a generous sized closet and a spacious ensuite bathroom. Features internal washer-dryer, and 2 dedicated parking spots (these 2 tandem pkg spots can fit 4 cars) and ample street parking. Large
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
Our mobile homes are updated and well maintained. We are a quiet calm community right off of the 55 exit. Gated off and assigned parking space included with every home.Walking distance from The Triangle and close enough to the beach to feel the breeze. Eateries are fast and local with top rated activities near us.
Welcome to Pacific Park! You might think you've been transported to a tropical rain forest or an island in the south Pacific. Who knew life could be like a year-round vacation? Just minutes to the beaches of Newport, this tropical retreat of boutique-style apartment homes in Costa Mesa is all about 24/7 tranquility and peace of mind; small enough to enjoy personalized service, yet large enough to
Welcome to Villa Nova, a residential community featuring two and three bedroom apartments in Costa Mesa, CA. Spacious layouts and amenities welcome you home, along with exceptional service and an ideal location within walking distance to shopping, dining and entertainment options. Are you looking for an apartment for rent in Costa Mesa, CA? Contact our friendly, professional office staff to
Staged photos of matching layout and similar décorImagery shows same floorplan and building, and similar décor as we finish photographing this new unit.Be the first to rent!Show up and start living from day one in Costa Mesa with this sophisticated two bedroom Blueground apartment. You’ll love coming home to this thoughtfully furnished, beautifully designed, and fully
Staged photos of matching layout and similar décorImagery shows same floorplan and building, and similar décor as we finish photographing this new unit.Be the first to rent!Feel at home wherever you choose to live with Blueground. You’ll love this stylish East Side Costa Mesa furnished one bedroom apartment with its modern decor, fully equipped kitchen, and exquisite
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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.
