Living or Moving to Costa Mesa, CA
🌼 Costa Mesa: The Heart of Orange County With a Little Bit of Everything
Part hometown nostalgia, part modern urban glow — all Costa Mesa charm.
🏡 Growing Up in Costa Mesa — Back When It Was Mostly Fields (Literally)
Costa Mesa and I go way back — all the way back to when it was strawberries, tomatoes, and dirt roads instead of shopping centers and skyline views. When our parents moved here in 1964, the city was barely a decade old and still shaking off its farming-town roots.
You wouldn’t know it today, but back then Costa Mesa was the kind of place where you could smell the crops before you saw them, and tractors were as common as cars. And honestly? I loved it like that. There was something so peaceful about fields stretching across what is now bustling cityscape.
Fast-forward to now and Costa Mesa is home to some of the tallest buildings in Orange County, world-class shopping, a buzzing arts scene, and more restaurants than my younger self biking around Mesa Verde could ever dream of.
🚲 Mesa Verde Memories & Beach-Day Freedom
Growing up in Mesa Verde was its own kind of magic. My sister and I had the quintessential “Orange County childhood” — the kind where you hop on your bike, say “I’ll be back later,” and nobody worries because Newport Beach was basically our extended backyard.
A bike, a swimsuit, and a whole summer day ahead of us? That was the life.
The city has grown up a lot since then — more homes, more shops, more everything — but those pockets of old Costa Mesa still peek through if you know where to look.
My old home, my parents have passed and someone else’s home now. Built in 1964. My parents had 6 children and needed a bigger home. This was were we settled.
🏙 1953 → Today: From Quiet Farm Town to Thriving Urban Hub
Costa Mesa officially incorporated in 1953 with just 16,840 residents and a whole lot of open land.
Today?
👉 It’s one of the region’s largest commercial centers.
👉 It’s home to South Coast Plaza, one of the top luxury shopping destinations in the entire U.S.
👉 Major employers span retail, design, light manufacturing, tech, and hospitality.
👉 It has a diverse population, a strong creative identity, and a personality that’s equal parts polished and laid-back.
Costa Mesa grew up — but it didn’t lose its heart.
🍽️ The Culinary Scene: Something for Every Craving
If you’re hungry in Costa Mesa, the problem isn’t finding somewhere to eat — it’s choosing which amazing spot to try.
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Trendy brunch cafés
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Ramen spots tucked into little plazas
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Fine dining with wine pairings
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Food halls
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Craft breweries
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Bars and lounges
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And oh yes — the occasional pub (our brother even owned Patrick’s Pub here before selling it)
From street tacos to omakase to artisan bakeries, Costa Mesa has quietly become one of the most underrated food cities in Orange County.
🎨 A Growing Art + Culture Scene
Costa Mesa has always had creativity in its DNA, but it’s become even more impressive over the years:
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Segerstrom Center for the Arts
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South Coast Repertory Theatre
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Local galleries
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Seasonal art walks
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Cultural festivals
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Events at The LAB and The CAMP
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Pop-ups showcasing OC artists and makers
Whether you’re into performing arts, contemporary gallery pieces, or quirky handmade finds, Costa Mesa is happy to be your playground.
🛍️ South Coast Metro — The Border-Blending Mega-District
There’s a part of Costa Mesa known as South Coast Metro, which blends right into Santa Ana, giving it that “two cities, one vibe” feeling.
If you’re into:
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shopping
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dining
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high-rise living
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modern condos
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walkable districts
…this might be your sweet spot.
Just know that some of South Coast Metro is technically Santa Ana. People still call the whole thing “Costa Mesa-ish,” so it’s worth widening your search if that’s your desired lifestyle.
🏡 Thinking of Moving Here? Let’s Talk Homes
Costa Mesa has charm, personality, and older communities with character. If you love:
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established neighborhoods
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mature trees
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unique homes
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that “lived-in and loved” vibe
You’ll feel right at home.
But if you’re hunting for newer builds, they definitely exist — just not in high volume. In that case, you might want to broaden your radius a bit. Great nearby options include:
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Irvine (newer everything + award-winning schools)
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Huntington Beach (if you still want close-to-the-coast energy)
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Fountain Valley (quiet, clean, great family neighborhoods)
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Newport’s newer pockets (pricey but stunning)
Costa Mesa is less about cookie-cutter developments and more about character-rich living.
❤️ Why Costa Mesa Still Feels Like Home
For me, Costa Mesa is a beautiful mix of nostalgia and reinvention.
It’s where my childhood memories live, where my family built its story, and where the city itself blossomed from farmland into a vibrant cultural hub.
It’s a place with depth, humor, creativity, personality — and the perfect blend of beach-day freedom and urban sophistication.
If you’re looking for a city that has history, soul, convenience, and endless things to do…
Costa Mesa might just be the one.
Things to Do in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa is completely immersed in the arts, dining, and entertainment. The great Pacific Amphitheatre where there is alway some great entertainment. Art? you got it! They hold the Orange County Fair with music, animals, rides, and food it always a good time. So much to embrace in the little unique spot. Shopping is abundant and South Coast Plaza one the largest shopping center in is the largest shopping center on the West Coast. And Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
This was Tesoro High School performing
But, Just because you’re living in the city doesn’t mean you’re far from nature either. I feel like Orange County is the Mecca for everything nature. Costa Mesa is minutes away from some of the best beaches in California where you can surf, swim, or just soak up the sun. You can also easily access hiking trails, parks, and nature reserves that offer breathtaking views and a chance to unwind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And, don’t forget Mesa Verde Golf Course. This city has so fabulous attractions.
Costa Mesa Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for Sale
🏡 Buying a Home in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa is one of those cities that offers the perfect blend of convenience, creativity, and coastal proximity — which means the housing options here are wonderfully diverse.
Older established neighborhoods like Mesa Verde, College Park, and Eastside Costa Mesa offer charm, character, and larger lots. Newer developments near South Coast Metro give you more modern designs and townhome-style living. And the best part? Newport Beach is just a quick bike ride or drive away.
If you’re seriously considering buying in Costa Mesa (not just “window shopping” online), I’ve written a home-buying guide that shares practical tips on how you can potentially save hundreds on your monthly mortgage, especially in an evolving market.
👉 It’s a great read if Costa Mesa is on your radar. 🌼đźŹ
Costa Mesa is perfect if you want a lively, central, creative community with amazing food, close beach access, and lots of personality — at prices friendlier than some surrounding coastal cities.
Hi, I’m Dianne Hicks — a former business software analyst and programmer who traded debugging code for helping people build real wealth through homeownership. I’ve been a real estate agent for 17 years, and I truly believe owning a home (and investing wisely) can change your life.
My goal?
To help you start — or restart — your journey toward stability, confidence, and financial freedom.
I love breaking down the complicated stuff, translating real estate into plain English, and making the process feel a whole lot less intimidating (and maybe even fun).
If you want a knowledgeable guide who actually listens, speaks human, and loves helping people win… I’m your person.
Email: OCpropertysisters@gmail.com
Phone: (949)441-9091
Website: OCpropertysisters.com
