Introduction
If you’ve ever found yourself googling “Is Costa Mesa a good place to live?”, you’re not alone. The city of Costa Mesa, located in Orange County, California, generates a lot of interest for its blend of coastal access, thriving shopping and cultural amenities, and convenient access to Southern California hubs. In this blog post we’ll go through the good, the not-so-good, and the things you should ask yourself if you’re considering making Costa Mesa home.
What Makes Costa Mesa Attractive?
Here are some of the top reasons people find Costa Mesa appealing:
1. Location & Climate
- Costa Mesa is in Orange County and enjoys that Southern California lifestyle — mild winters, warm summers, proximity to the Pacific coast. StorAmerica Storage+2AreaVibes+2
- You’re close to the beach and to major regional hubs (and yet typically not in the thick of high-density urban chaos).
2. Lifestyle, Culture & Amenities
- The city shines when it comes to lifestyle: shopping, dining, entertainment. For example, the nearby South Coast Plaza luxury mall is a major draw.
- A vibrant cultural scene with arts, performance centers, and a mix of relaxed coastal and active suburban life.
- For those wanting a “California coastal lifestyle” with access to beach, sun, and comfort, Costa Mesa ticks many boxes.
3. Work & Education
- Schools and education are cited as positives for many moving here.
- The city also has a reasonably strong local economy and access to jobs in the region.
Key Considerations / Potential Downsides
No place is perfect, and Costa Mesa is no exception. Here are some points to keep in mind:
1. Cost of Living & Housing
- Living here is more expensive than the U.S. average. According to one source: “The cost of living in Costa Mesa is 59% higher than the national average.”
- Housing in particular is noted as a major expense: median home prices and rents are much higher than national figures.
- So: if budget is important for you, this is a factor.
2. Crime / Safety
- Some data show that the property crime rate in Costa Mesa is high. For example: your chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 28 according to a study.
- On the flip side, some other sources say the city’s crime rate is lower than some averages.
- The takeaway: Safety depends heavily on neighbourhood, and you should dig into local stats if that is a top concern.
3. Commute & Transportation
- If you rely on public transit, you might find fewer options compared to major urban centres.
- Traffic and commuting can be a factor, especially in the greater Southern California region.
4. Not Suited for Every Lifestyle
- If you’re looking for ultra-rural, super-quiet living, Costa Mesa may feel somewhat dense or “busy.”
- If you want large yards, super-affordable housing, or super-remote living, you may need to look further out.
Who Is Costa Mesa Best For?
Based on the above, here are some profiles of people who might love Costa Mesa — and those for whom it might be less ideal.
Likely to love it if you:
- Want a coastal California lifestyle with fairly easy access to beach, dining, culture.
- Are comfortable paying a premium for housing in exchange for amenities and location.
- Value being near major shopping and cultural hubs, and don’t mind some busy-ness.
- Are a young professional, family with moderate budget, or someone wanting access to Southern California’s offerings.
Might rethink or do extra homework if you:
- Are budget-sensitive and looking for lower cost housing.
- Prioritize ultra-low crime and super-quiet neighbourhoods.
- Depend heavily on public transit and want minimal car-dependency.
- Prefer very rural living or very large properties.
Quick Snapshot: Pros & Cons
| Excellent location, climate, and amenities | High cost of living and housing |
| Strong lifestyle, shopping, culture | Some areas have above-average property crime rates |
| Good education options and job market access | Can be traffic-heavy / car-dependent |
| Coastal access & Southern California vibe | Not cheapest option for budget movers |
Tips Before You Move to Costa Mesa
- Visit the neighbourhoods you’re considering — what feels right for you?
- Check housing costs (rent vs buy) and how that fits your budget.
- Look at schools, if you have children — both local public & private options.
- Check commute times from your likely workplace (and traffic patterns).
- Research crime in specific neighbourhoods, not just city-wide averages.
- Think about future growth — how the area may change, and if that aligns with your long-term goals.
Final Verdict: Is Costa Mesa a Good Place to Live?
Yes — for many people, Costa Mesa absolutely can be a very good place to live. If you value coastal-adjacent Southern California living, access to amenities and culture, and are prepared for the costs and trade-offs, it’s a strong option. But it’s not perfect for everyone. The premium you pay in cost, and the need to evaluate specific neighbourhood fit and commute/safety trade-offs, means you should do your homework.
If I were to sum it up: Costa Mesa is a “good place to live” — indeed one of the more desirable cities in its region — but whether it’s the right place for you* depends on your personal priorities, budget and lifestyle preferences.