Want to live and work in Costa Mesa?

Costa Mesa is demographically diverse. Approximately 49% of the population is non-Hispanic white, 36% is Hispanic (predominantly Mexican, concentrated in the Westside and central neighborhoods), 9% is Asian, and the remainder is distributed among African Americans, multiracial individuals, and other backgrounds. The Westside, historically a working-class Hispanic area, has been undergoing gentrification with the arrival of the creative class (artists, designers, surf wear professionals).

The university presence of Orange Coast College (approximately 22,000 students) and the proximity to Vanguard University (private, near the OC Fairgrounds) bring the median age down to around 35. Neighborhoods such as Mesa Verde and Mesa del Mar, to the west, have established white and Hispanic families. South Coast Metro, to the east near the shopping center, has luxury apartment buildings and young professionals. Eastside Costa Mesa, close to Newport Beach, has become an upscale destination with concept restaurants and cafes.

The Vietnamese community has a presence, though smaller than in Garden Grove. Iranians and Armenians are notable in certain enclaves. The Brazilian community in Costa Mesa is small, generally linked to technology professionals in Irvine, surf brands (some of which have partnerships with Brazilian athletes), or the media industry. Religious diversity reflects this profile: Catholic churches, Evangelical congregations, Presbyterian churches, synagogues, Buddhist temples, and Mormon centers are scattered throughout the city.

Costa Mesa has considerable architectural variety. The Westside, close to the Santa Ana River, has post-war homes from the 1950s and 60s (stucco ranches), some renovated by the new creative class residents. The Mesa Verde area, to the northwest, is more residential, with homes on curving streets around the Mesa Verde Country Club. Mesa del Mar and College Park are other classic family neighborhoods.

Eastside Costa Mesa, between 17th Street and the Newport border, has charming beach-style bungalows, duplexes, and small homes on small lots. It was discovered by creative professionals over the past 20 years and has become expensive. 17th Street is lively with cafes, restaurants, and shops. South Coast Metro, to the east around the shopping center, is the most urban area, with luxury buildings such as Avenue of the Arts and Plaza Tower, and apartment complexes like The Met and South Coast Promenade.

Rental applications typically require a credit check, proof of income 2.5 to 3 times the rent, and references. Those arriving without a US credit history often need a guarantor or must pay two to three months upfront. Sites such as Zillow, Apartments.com, Trulia, and Westside Rentals are the main resources. Surf and media brands attract young professionals competing for apartments in Eastside and South Coast Metro. Supply falls short of demand, especially during seasonal periods.

Costa Mesa has Orange Coast College (OCC), a community college founded in 1948, with approximately 22,000 students and strong programs in culinary arts, design, marine sciences, and nursing. Tuition for international students runs around USD 8,000 per year, a common option for immigrants starting with English as a second language who later transfer to a UC or Cal State. Vanguard University, a private Christian institution next to the OC Fairgrounds, has approximately 2,000 students.

K-12 education is served by the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, which covers Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. Schools such as Estancia High and Costa Mesa High serve the city, with average ratings. Newport Harbor High and Corona del Mar High, in Newport Beach, are consistently well-rated, and higher-income families often prefer to move to Newport for the schools. There are also charter and private schools, including Mariners Christian School. Families with children commonly consider Irvine (consistently top-ranked schools in the state) as an alternative.

In higher education, the University of California, Irvine (UCI), 10 minutes away, is one of the best public universities in the United States, ranked among the top in computer science, medicine, and biology. Chapman University, in Orange (15 minutes away), is private and strong in film, business, and law. California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), and Cal State Long Beach round out the options. UCI has approximately 36,000 students and attracts international students from around the world.

Costa Mesa is considered a safe city, with crime rates near the average for Southern California cities. Mesa Verde, Mesa del Mar, College Park, and Eastside Costa Mesa (especially near Newport Beach) are quiet neighborhoods with low violent crime. South Coast Metro, with new buildings and constant traffic, is safe for residents and visitors. The intense commercial presence brings policing and security cameras.

The Westside, historically a working-class area, has transitional zones. Some stretches near the Santa Ana River, around Placentia Avenue and 19th Street, have a homeless population presence and some gang activity in specific corridors. Property crimes (car smash-and-grabs, catalytic converter theft, package theft) are the most common, especially in South Coast Plaza, OC Fairgrounds, and shopping center parking lots. Pacific Amphitheatre parking during concerts can see incidents.

The Costa Mesa Police Department is active, with community policing programs and a partnership with the private sector in South Coast Metro. For immigrants, it is advisable not to leave anything visible in cars, to install home cameras (Ring, Nest), and to use services like Amazon Locker to avoid package theft. Overall, Costa Mesa is a city that many families and young professionals choose for combining safety, culture, and proximity to the beach.

Summer in Costa Mesa is dry and mild, with highs between 72°F and 79°F from June through September. Pacific breezes keep afternoons comfortable, and nights rarely exceed 64°F. Morning marine layer (known as June Gloom) blankets the coast through late morning in June and July.

Winter is cool and sunny, with highs of 64°F to 68°F and lows around 48°F to 52°F. Rainfall is concentrated between December and March, totaling roughly 13 inches per year across a few frontal systems. Frost is virtually nonexistent.

For daily life, a home without heavy heating is workable; a simple system or heat pump is sufficient. Central air conditioning is not required, though it adds comfort in homes further inland. Beach attire is suitable on pleasant days year-round, with a light jacket for winter evenings.

Costa Mesa concentrates some of Orange County's main attractions. South Coast Plaza is one of the most famous luxury shopping centers in the United States, with over 250 stores including Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Cartier, Chanel, and Gucci, plus hundreds of restaurants and cafes. It is a tourist destination in itself, with elaborate seasonal decorations. The adjacent Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a cultural landmark featuring the Pacific Symphony, South Coast Repertory, and Broadway productions.

The OC Fair & Event Center hosts the Orange County Fair in July and August, drawing over 1.3 million visitors, with rides, traditional foods (the famous deep-fried Twinkie was born there), concerts, and exhibitions. The Pacific Amphitheatre, in the same complex, hosts outdoor concerts in the summer. The Lab Anti-Mall and The Camp, on Bristol Street, are concept retail complexes with independent shops, restaurants, and outdoor art. The OC Mix in SoCo District brings together award-winning dining, including Taco María (Michelin).

For nature, Talbert Regional Park, to the west near the Santa Ana River, has walking and mountain biking trails. Fairview Park and Estancia Park complement the green offerings. The beaches are very close: Newport Beach is 5 minutes away (with Balboa Peninsula and Lido Marina Village), and Huntington Beach is 15 minutes away (with the famous Huntington Beach Pier and the US Open of Surfing in July). For children, the Discovery Cube Orange County, in nearby Santa Ana, is a popular destination.