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Area Guide: Living in Costa Mesa, CA

February 12, 2017 by Todd Bousman
The 405 freeway runs through Costa Mesa

The 405 freeway runs through Costa Mesa

Over the years, Costa Mesa has grown to become one of the best places to live in Orange County. Let Todd Bousman, a local real estate specialist residing in Eastside Costa Mesa, help you get a better look at life in this wonderfully eclectic locale.

Location

Costa Mesa occupies an enviable area – it’s situated right in the heart of Orange County, with the Pacific Ocean only a mile away. Newport Beach is its closest neighbor, which is less than 10 minutes away from the city. Other nearby communities include Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, and Irvine.

Several thoroughfares weave in and out of Costa Mesa. The closest airport is the John Wayne Airport, the only international airport serving Orange County. World-famous SoCal attractions are less than an hour’s drive away from Costa Mesa, with the most popular being Disneyland Park.

Costa Mesa is already home to several recreational spots, but if you’re looking for more outdoor recreation in the area, Orange County will not disappoint. Beaches and cliffs aside, places such as the Upper Newport Bay Nature Reserve, Crystal Cove State Park, and Lake Forest’s Red Rock Canyon, are all accessible from Costa Mesa.

Education

Well-performing schools and nearby opportunities add to Costa Mesa’s family-friendly allure. Public schools in Costa Mesa are run by the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.

There are a handful of elementary schools scattered throughout the city. This includes Heinz Kaiser Elementary School and Sonora Elementary School. Mariners Elementary services a portion of Eastside Costa Mesa.

Meanwhile, options for both middle and high schools are limited. Costa Mesa Middle School and Costa Mesa High School share the same campus. The other middle school in Costa Mesa is Tewinkle Middle, and the other high school Estancia High is located in Newport Beach.

As for higher learning, Costa Mesa is home to Orange Coast College, Whittier Law School, and National University, among others. University of California Irvine is also located in close proximity to Costa Mesa.

Getting Around

Costa Mesa is home to an extensive road network that makes traveling in the city a breeze. Most residents drive but public transport options are readily available. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) operates several bus lines ready to ferry you in and out of Costa Mesa.

Several highways and major roads run through Costa Mesa. In fact, the city is the terminus of two freeways: State Route 73 and State Route 55 or Costa Mesa Freeway. Interstate 405 and the San Diego Freeway also intersect Costa Mesa.

Quick Facts About Costa Mesa, CA

  • Costa Mesa is the home of the Orange County Fair, held for 23 consecutive days over the summer. The OC Fair is estimated to attract a million visitors each year.
  • Costa Mesa is considered an “edge city.” That means the city has its own thriving business environment without being a traditional downtown area. Light manufacturing, retail, and commerce are some of the primary sources of job opportunities in the area.

Experience Life in Costa Mesa, CA

bouHAUS Properties’ Todd Bousman is well-equipped to take you on a memorable tour of Costa Mesa. Contact bouHAUS Properties today at 949-533-8633 or todd(at)bouHAUS(dotted)com.