Costa Mesa is a city in Orange County near Newport Beach and Fountain Valley. It’s centrally located between Los Angeles and San Diego, and it features amenities such as world-class shopping, theater and arts, and quality dining options. Originally, the city was named “Harper,” but after being confused with a nearby town called Harperville, residents held a name changing competition in 1920, and Costa Mesa was born. Today, the city of Costa Mesa has blossomed from its agricultural roots, and it’s one of the most desirable places to live in the region. It’s also best known to locals for hosting the annual Orange County Fair.

For someone who’s interested in moving to Costa Mesa, picking the best neighborhood to live in is a crucial decision. Below is a description of each neighborhood in Costa Mesa. 

Typical home in Orange County area

South Coast Metro

A go-to destination in Costa Mesa is South Coast Metro, which sits on the north end of the city, acting as its urban-retail district. Homebuyers looking to purchase a home in this neighborhood can expect to find dense, residential buildings as well as a few single-family, condo, and attached homes. Home prices in this neighborhood come in a wide range from the mid $200s to over $1 million with a median home price of $700,000, per Neighborhoods.com data. Compared to the rest of Costa Mesa, South Coast Metro has the most apparent city-feel with high-rise corporate, hotel, and residential towers. This neighborhood is also home to the city’s world-renowned shopping mall–South Coast Plaza. Residents living in this community enjoy the convenience of the best amenities, while also having quick access to John Wayne Airport.

Mesa Verde

For those nature-goers and adventurers who enjoy a laid-back community and easy access to recreational areas, Mesa Verde might be the right community for you. A favorite place in this neighborhood is Mesa Verde Park, a 2.5-acre greenspace with a shelter, playground, and picnic tables. This Costa Mesa neighborhood offers residents safety, a sense of community, and plenty of options for dining. Many homes in this neighborhood are rather impressive, with most of them attached or single-family homes. While the median home price in Mesa Verde is $910,000, potential buyers might be able to find more affordable prices farther north.

Central Costa Mesa

The neighborhood of Central Costa Mesa is home to several local parks and recreational areas, some of the most popular being Tewinkle Park, The Costa Mesa Tennis Center, and the Orange County Fairgrounds. Over 1 million visitors travel through this district every year to attend the annual Orange County Fair. With a mostly urban vibe, Central Costa Mesa has some of the region’s largest businesses and government offices, especially along Fair Drive. Located towards the heart of the community is Orange Coast College, one of the nation’s top transfer community colleges. Also, the city’s first master-planned community called College Park can be found in Central, and it offers homebuyers a variety of condos, townhouses, and single-family residences.

Westside

Located towards the southwest corner of Costa Mesa and just above Newport Beach is the neighborhood of Westside. A community in flux, Westside Costa Mesa is best known as an industrial area that has yet to be activated, especially along 19th Street. However, the city is currently working on a redevelopment plan that would revitalize the area by constructing new housing and live/work dwellings in the community. Westside is also known for its well-respected parks, including the hidden residential Canyon Park and the popular Talbert Regional Nature Preserve.

East Side Costa Mesa

Situated towards the southeast edge of the city, East Side Costa Mesa is pedestrian-friendly and considered a foodie haven with its trendy restaurants. Simply head towards the community’s popular 17th Street and you’ll find a string of strip malls, health-conscious restaurants, and artisanal goodies. Most residences in this community are condos and charming single-family Craftsman-style homes. With quality eateries, beautiful properties, great schools, and easy access to local malls such as Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza, East Side Costa Mesa is considered one of the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods.