Section Image

Northside Costa Mesa

Northside Costa Mesa

$1,365,238 Average Value
$305 Average Price per Sq Ft
8 Homes For Sale

Some of the country's best shopping

In a part of Southern California where the HOA is king, Northside Costa Mesa is largely free from those restrictions. That is a huge draw for homebuyers, according to EQTY Forbes Global Properties Realtor Daniel Finder. “You can tear down and build new there,” he says. The neighborhood is conveniently located to some of the country's best shopping experiences, centrally located in Orange County and not too far from Los Angeles or the ocean. “It has a lot of things going for it,” Finder says.

Northside Costa Mesa is known as the city of the arts.
Northside Costa Mesa is known as the city of the arts.
Northside Costa Mesa from above.
Northside Costa Mesa from above.
1/2

Shopping South Coast Plaza

Shopping and dining in Costa Mesa happen near Bristol Street and Sunflower Avenue. South Coast Plaza is a high-end shopping destination with over 250 boutiques and 30 distinct eateries. Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom are among the many stores. From quick bites to casual and fine dining, there is something for everyone among the many award-winning restaurants. Established in 1849, Boudin SF is a California bakery chain famed for its sourdough and light American bites. Diners love the grilled cheese and tomato soup and the clam chowder. AnQi Bistro serves Asian fusion small plates and noodles in a chic, clubby space with a fashion catwalk. Further north on Bristol is a Vons supermarket and a Trader Joe’s for groceries. To support small businesses, The Lab Anti-Mall is the place — "Lab" stands for "Little American Businesses." The shopping center is a modern, open-air destination with a range of independent stores, restaurants and an art gallery.

Stroll thorough South Coast Plaza Mall and shop at all the great stores.
Stroll thorough South Coast Plaza Mall and shop at all the great stores.
The LAB Anti-Mall, in Costa Mesa, is known for its unique blend of shops and atmosphere.
The LAB Anti-Mall, in Costa Mesa, is known for its unique blend of shops and atmosphere.
1/2

Midcentury ranch-style home is typical

Homes in Northside Costa Mesa are a mix of single-family, condos and townhomes. Homes from many decades line the neighborhood’s streets, with most homes constructed between the 1950s and ‘80s. The midcentury ranch-style home is typical; there are split-level homes and more contemporary Spanish-inspired offerings as well. Homes north of the I-405, which cuts through the neighborhood, are a little bigger. Prices start around $1 million for a three-bedroom home with about 1,300 square feet to $1.7 million for a five-bedroom home with about 2,700 square feet. Condos and townhomes cost between $560,000 and $900,000, depending on the size and state of renovation.

North Costa Mesa primarily consists of residential neighborhoods.
North Costa Mesa primarily consists of residential neighborhoods.
A beautiful red door adorns this coastal North Costa Mesa beauty.
A beautiful red door adorns this coastal North Costa Mesa beauty.
1/2

High school with Mandarin dual immersion

Newport-Mesa Unified serves the school-aged children in Northside Costa Mesa. It's a highly rated public school district graded A by Niche. Kids can start their education at Paularino Elementary School, a walkable community school with a B-plus grade. Students advance to Costa Mesa High School, which also serves as a middle school. With an A-minus grade, CMHS has a Mandarin Chinese dual immersion program that promotes academic achievement, bilingualism and biliteracy, and sociocultural competence.

The Performing Arts Center at Costa Mesa High School.
The Performing Arts Center at Costa Mesa High School.
Paularino Elementary School is a K-6 School in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.
Paularino Elementary School is a K-6 School in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.
1/2

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Northside Costa Mesa has several arts and culture hotspots, including the Orange County Museum of Art. The museum features a collection of modern and contemporary artwork and hosts educational events. The Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a vast opera house-style hall with multiple theater and dance stages and an arts plaza.

Residents of Northside Costa Mesa can check out the Orange County Museum of Art.
Residents of Northside Costa Mesa can check out the Orange County Museum of Art.
Orange County Museum of Arts has splendid pieces of art you must see.
Orange County Museum of Arts has splendid pieces of art you must see.
1/2

The Orange County Fair attracts over a million visitors

Costa Mesa hosts over a half-dozen annual events, including the Orange County Fair, which attracts over a 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 at Fairview Park 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.

Walkable community parks in the neighborhood

Several parks are within the neighborhood, including Wakeham Park, which, at 10 acres, is the largest park in Northside Costa Mesa. The park has many amenities, including basketball and volleyball courts and two playgrounds for kids. Tall trees, picnic tables and barbecue grills accent the sprawling green space. Wimbledon Park is a peaceful destination for meditation or exercising outdoors; it attracts dog owners to its open green space and kids to the playground and swing set.

Shiffer Park in Northside Costa Mesa is a great park for long walks.
Shiffer Park in Northside Costa Mesa is a great park for long walks.
Northside Costa Mesa does not lack views in any direction you look.
Northside Costa Mesa does not lack views in any direction you look.
1/2

Highway access and air traffic

Interstate 405 runs through Northside Costa Mesa and is the main thoroughfare in the neighborhood. The freeway and the area around Bristol Street are known for traffic. John Wayne Airport is on the neighborhood’s eastern border, meaning air traffic is heavy. 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.

Northside Costa Mesa is conveniently located next to the 405, 55 and 73 freeways.
Northside Costa Mesa is conveniently located next to the 405, 55 and 73 freeways.
John Wayne airport is less than a few blocks away from the Northside Costa Mesa neighborhood.
John Wayne airport is less than a few blocks away from the Northside Costa Mesa neighborhood.
1/2
Amber Steinmetz-Cole
Written By
Amber Steinmetz-Cole
Darren Asay
Photography Contributed By
Darren Asay
Bob Yukich
Video By
Bob Yukich

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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 Will Sinon, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

John Wayne/Orange County

3 min drive

Bus

Baker-Bear

Bus

Baker-Fairview

Bus

Bristol-Town Center

Bus

Baker-Randolph

Bus

Anton-Sakioka

Bus

Baker-Century

Bus

Anton-Park Center

Northside Costa Mesa Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$635,000
Median Sale Price
$710,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$710,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$360,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$1,612,450
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
76
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
115%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$305

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,732
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Median Year Built
1969
Months of Supply
1.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,833
On par with the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,497
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,227
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
867
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Aug 3
    1 - 4pm

    3131 Lincoln Way, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

    $1,800,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,231 Sq Ft
    • 3131 Lincoln Way
    • New 14 days ago

    Welcome to the end of the cul-de-sac and the beginning of something special. Set on an expansive 9,025 sq ft lot, this single-level home offers the space, flexibility, and upgrades that are hard to find and even harder to replicate. Whether you're dreaming of an ADU, future expansion, or simply craving room to spread out and relax, this home is built to adapt with you. Step inside through a

    Heather Applegate Heritage Coast

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Aug 2
    2 - 4pm

    553 Sturgeon Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

    $1,799,950

    • 5 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,237 Sq Ft
    • 553 Sturgeon Dr
    • New 23 days ago

    Introducing a beautifully renovated gem at 553 Sturgeon Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626—a coveted address where modern comfort meets timeless charm. Thoughtfully updated, this inviting residence embraces stylish sophistication and practical living, delivering a move-in-ready home that is sure to impress discerning buyers.Step inside to discover light-filled living spaces enhanced by recent

    Chris Saunders Signature One Realty Group, Inc

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Aug 2
    1 - 3pm

    3499 San Rafael Cir, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

    $1,899,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,912 Sq Ft
    • 3499 San Rafael Cir
    • New 28 days ago

    Welcome to 3499 San Rafael! Reimagined from the walls in, this oversized lot cul-de-sac home features 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with custom finishes. Entering the front entryway, soaring ceilings and an open floor plan make this property ideal for entertainment. An exceptional kitchen island stands out with plenty of bar top seating. Find cooking inspiration in the chef’s kitchen which includes

    Michelle Wahler Marterra Real Estate

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Will Sinon, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
16,885
Median Age
38
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.1%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$104,315
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$119,975

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.1%
College Graduates
43.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
12.5%
% Population in Labor Force
76%
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

Bikeable

Bike Score®

54 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

61 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

41 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Northside Costa Mesa neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Northside Costa Mesa
Will Sinon
Kielty Realty
Section Image