Costa Mesa calls itself "The City of the Arts" for its collection of performing arts centers, museums and music venues that differentiate it from its neighbors along Orange County's coastline. Kimber Wuerfel of Kimber/Alana Boutique Real Estate, who's been selling in the Huntington Beach-Costa Mesa area for over 20 years, says that it's "a bohemian Newport Beach." However, its artistic identity and lack of "beach" in its name often lead to it being overlooked. "The cities on either side — Newport Beach and Huntington Beach — have way higher prices because they have beach names," says Wuerfel. "Costa Mesa is a beach city; it just has the wrong name." The Pacific Coast Highway is the only thing separating the city from the oceanfront, but that's enough to keep prices significantly lower than Newport Beach or Huntington Beach.
The Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall is an architectural wonder in Costa Mesa.
Enjoy the thrill of electrifying rides at the OC Fair in Costa Mesa.
An amusing chicken mural in Costa Mesa resembles an album cover of a famous band.
Tuesday Night Dance is hosted by award-winning dancers that offers plenty of fun and energy.
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Celebrating the arts
At the Costa Mesa Theater District in the northern part of the city, residents can find the cultural epicenter of their community, a revolving door of events and performances in multiple artistic venues. The Segerstrom Center for the Arts features dance performances, plays and musicals. At Julianne and George Argyros Plaza, locals can watch free public events, from live jazz to movie nights. The Orange County Museum of Art has a permanent collection focused on Californian artists, plus regular play times for kids and happy hours. The Orange County Fairgrounds and the Pacific Amphitheatre are located in the center of the city. The fairgrounds and outdoor concert venue host a regular lineup of events and well-known artists. The Orange County Fair is the marquee event, held every year from July to August.
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa features many award-winning performances.
Summer Sounds brings electrifying artists to the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza.
Kids enjoy making bubbles at the Beckman Arts & Science Family Festival.
The OC Fair is held annually from July to August and draws large crowds for its attractions.
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Lower home prices near the coast
With a median price of around $1.5 million, Costa Mesa might sound expensive — until it's compared to neighboring Newport Beach's median of almost $3.5 million. Costa Mesa has multimillion-dollar homes but still has a healthy number of options under a million. "The mix of housing in Costa Mesa is super charming," says Wuerfel. "You've got cottages on nice lots that have been there for decades and insane new mansions a few streets over." West Costa Mesa — the neighborhood west of Harbor Boulevard and south of Fairview Park — offers the most home variety, from $800,000 cottages to $2 million contemporary tri-level homes with ocean views. Prices have climbed significantly in East Costa Mesa. On these streets east of state Route 55, luxurious ranch-style homes and modern mansions can cost $2 million to over $7 million. While the city still caters to many budgets, Wuerfel believes it's best to take advantage of it now. "It's only going to rise in price since it's close to the beach," says Wuerfel. "If someone bought a cottage in West Costa Mesa today, I wouldn't doubt if it was surrounded by mansions in a few years."
Costa Mesa is a prime location for good schools, low crime, and being close to the beach.
Costa Mesa offers a variety of housing options, from condos, townhomes, to single-family.
Beautiful modern architectural builds are popping up in Downtown Costa Mesa.
Costa Mesa is becoming an emerging market for large luxurious mansions.
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17th Street and South Coast Plaza
Seventeenth Street is downtown Costa Mesa's classic main drag. Strip malls, local businesses, boutique shops and stand-alone restaurants line either side of the road. Downtown residents can easily walk to 17th Street's different eateries, which offer a wide variety of cuisines. Just north of Interstate 405, shopaholics can have a field day at South Coast Plaza. This expansive shopping mall has over 250 shops, including fashionable department stores like Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue, along with designer brands like Hermes and Chanel.
South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa is a major hub for luxury shopping and upscale dining.
South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa is a shopping haven for those looking for high-fashion.
Residents of Northside Costa Mesa can head over to Sugo, for some great tasting pizza.
17th Street in Costa Mesa features many dining options, including Mendocino Farms.
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Newport Beach and wetland trails
Ocean activity at Newport Beach is just south of the city, no more than a 5-mile drive from most homes. Beachgoers can swim and surf or hang out on Newport Pier. The pier is a popular fishing spot and one of the best places to watch the sunset. The Santa Ana River runs along the city's west side. Nature lovers can hike through the river's wetlands at Fairview Park, an over 200-acre natural space with five different habitat zones showcasing the local biodiversity. Costa Mesa also has community spaces like TeWinkle Park, which offers athletic fields and a tree-studded lawn with walking paths around a tranquil pond. Costa Mesa Golf Course is next to Fairview Park. Golfers can play on two 18-hole courses at this public club. Mesa Verde Country Club is a private golfing option in the Mesa Verde neighborhood.
Costa Mesa is just north from the iconic Newport Beach Pier and the warm sandy beaches.
Costa Mesa is in close proximity to the ocean for surfing and other water recreation.
The Costa Mesa Country Club offers a mountain view at their driving range.
Fairview Park in Costa Mesa has several wetland habitats, where you can observe wildlife.
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A-plus public college prep schools
The city is part of the Newport-Mesa Unified Schools District, which receives an overall A rating from Niche. Students might attend highly regarded schools like A-minus-rated Costa Mesa High. They can also apply to Early College High, which earns an A-plus and is ranked the No. 3 standout high school in California on Niche.
Teachers encourage learning at Early College High School.
California Elementary School serves students in the Mesa Verde neighborhood of Costa Mesa.
Costa Mesa Middle School is a public middle school with modern amenities and a great location.
The Performing Arts Center at Costa Mesa High School.
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Just over 5 miles to Irvine
Costa Mesa has industrial businesses and the corporate offices of large companies like Deloitte, but many residents commute to neighboring Irvine. Irvine — considered Orange County's commercial capital — is a hub of tech and finance. It's just over five miles north on state Route 55 from many homes. If LA comes calling, it's about 40 miles northwest on Interstate 5. The Hoag Hospital is an expansive healthcare facility just south of Costa Mesa and is also an important employer in the area. Folks who don't wish to drive can take buses throughout the city. John Wayne Airport is the nearest outlet for regional flights, located just east of the city.
The city's crime rate has steadily grown along with its commercial activity. According to FBI data, Costa Mesa's violent crime rate has increased since 2019. The Costa Mesa Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 74 offenses per 100,000 people in 2019, compared to California's rate of 87. By 2023, Costa Mesa's violent crime rate had risen to 123 offenses per 100,000 people, compared to 103 for California.
Since 2021 to now, Chris has been awarded the Chairman’s Circle Gold where she is the top 2% out of 45,000 agents in Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Network Agents Nationwide. Chris is smart negotiator, patient, experienced in cross border transactions, and speaks Chinese and English.
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