Photo of Costa Mesa, CA
( 7 Ratings )

Living in Costa Mesa, CA

Costa Mesa Area Facts

  • Costa Mesa has a Livability Score of 62/100, which is considered average
  • Costa Mesa crime rates are 54% lower than the California average
  • Cost of living in Costa Mesa is 34% higher than the California average
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Costa Mesa Reviews

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Costa Mesa - Not The Typical Southern California Beach City User Rating 4 rating By Anonymous ( Jun 09, 2010) Located near the ocean, Costa Mesa's mild climate is delightful during all months of the year. Being a gun collector, I travel to Costa Mesa quite often to visit the Crossroads of the West Gun Show. The show is filled with vendors and individuals selling guns, accessories and man ...Read More y other intriguing novelties. For the gun collector or appreciator, this show is an absolute must. Admission is slightly high, but there are several buildings packed with great deals for rare treasures.

One of my top five favorite restaurants in all of the Los Angeles area is Maggiano's Little Italy in Costa Mesa. Menu selections are all very scrumptious, but I recommend the crab cakes. I have never tasted a better crab cake in my entire life. Service at this Costa Mesa restaurant is impeccable, the premises are spotlessly clean and the menu offers choices to suit every person's tastes. The staff remind me of the staff one would find in a small restaurant in Italy, being very friendly, hospitable and accommodating. Visitors to the city of Costa Mesa must stop at the famous Newport Beach. In my opinion, this beach is truly one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California. Read Less
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      Costa Mesa, CA

      Costa Mesa is one of the biggest cities in Orange County, California and it has managed to grow from a small rural community into a mid-sized city in a very short period of time. Despite that rapid growth, much of the city has kept its small-town feel and that makes it the perfect place to move for people who might be coming from smaller areas. The economy has grown just as quickly as the population and this city is certainly an up-and-coming place with lots of potential.

      Costa Mesa's economy is primarily based on the service and retail industries, though it has begun to develop corporate relationships as well. Some of the largest employers currently are El Pollo Loco, Experian and the Orange Coast College. All types of workers will be able to find opportunities here, regardless of their specialty.

      For those interested in moving with their family or starting one, Costa Mesa has some excellent public and private school options. In terms of higher education, the city is home to Orange Coast College and Vanguard University, among several others. Costa Mesa has plenty of options for outdoor recreation and entertainment, including a beautiful fairgrounds and Pacific Amphitheater, where the Orange County Fair is held annually. For shoppers, you can find most of what you need at South Coast Plaza or the Costa Mesa Shopping Center. You likely won't have any trouble finding interesting things to do in this area.

      Public transportation is available in Costa Mesa and it connects much of Orange County. There are also well-kept highways and roads which have much less traffic than busier parts of California like Los Angeles. Most residents prefer cars for transportation but biking is also an option if you're looking to be environmentally friendly.

      The cost of living in Costa Mesa is expensive compared to the rest of the United States but cheaper than many parts of California. The average rent is a little over $2,000. Groceries are about the same as anywhere else in the country thanks to the number of local supermarkets and low-cost alternatives. Costa Mesa has a higher minimum wage than much of the United States but you should still probably aim to have a high paying job or savings to help with the high cost of the area.

      Moving to Costa Mesa is about joining a community of friendly, hardworking people. The city has grown incredibly in the past few decades alone and there is still plenty of room for positive change. If you decide to move to Costa Mesa, you will have a chance to make your own positive influence on the area and you will likely feel at home in no time at all.

      B Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Costa Mesa? Yes, there are some amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Garrison Garden
      Dog Park
      Civic Center Park
      Wilson Street Park
      Te Winkle Park
      Tanager Park
      Angels Playground
      bowl

      Entertainment

      Orange Coast College
      Pacific Amphitheater
      Harry R. LeBard Stadium
      Triangle Square Cinemas
      Location 1980
      Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center
      Edwards Metro Pointe Stadium 12
      Martin Lawrence Galleries

      Food & Drink

      McDonald's
      Panda Express
      Carl's Jr.
      Food Court
      Jack in the Box
      Del Taco
      Moscow Deli
      Raising Cane's

      C+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Costa Mesa? Of all people who commute, 2.0% take public transportation in Costa Mesa.
      Drive to Work
      73%

      3% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      2%

      3% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      2%

      equal to the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is Costa Mesa a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      College Hospital Costa Mesa
      Fairview Developmental Center

      Pharmacies

      CVS Pharmacy
      Rite Aid
      CVS Pharmacy
      Walgreens

      Doctors