7 Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Mesa, California [2023]

Choosing the perfect place to call home involves considering various factors that align with your preferences and lifestyle. Costa Mesa, California, a vibrant city in Orange County, offers an array of benefits and considerations for prospective residents. In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of living in Costa Mesa, helping you gain valuable insights to make an informed decision about this sunny California destination.

Pros of Living in Costa Mesa

1.  Location

Costa Mesa enjoys a favorable location in Southern California's Orange County, offering residents a range of benefits and convenient access to various attractions and destinations. Here are some key aspects of Costa Mesa's location and the advantages it provides:

Proximity to the Ocean

Costa Mesa is located just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, making it a desirable destination for beach lovers. Residents can easily reach popular coastal cities such as Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, known for their pristine beaches, water sports, and stunning sunsets. The ocean is approximately 5 miles away, providing residents with convenient access to recreational activities, including swimming, surfing, and beachside relaxation.

Nearby Mountains and Outdoor Activities

While Costa Mesa is not situated directly in the mountains, it is within reasonable driving distance of several mountain ranges. The Santa Ana Mountains lie to the northeast, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and scenic drives. Additionally, the San Bernardino Mountains and the famous Big Bear Lake are approximately a two-hour drive away, providing residents with access to skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports during the winter season.

Proximity to Airport

John Wayne Airport (SNA), located in nearby Santa Ana, is the primary airport serving Costa Mesa. It is conveniently located within a short drive from most areas of the city, making air travel accessible and convenient for residents. The airport offers domestic and limited international flights, providing easy connections to various destinations.

Disneyland and Other Theme Parks

Costa Mesa is located approximately 15 miles from Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, making it a favored destination for families and Disney enthusiasts. The world-famous theme park offers a magical experience with its iconic rides, entertainment, and attractions. Additionally, other popular theme parks such as Knott's Berry Farm and Universal Studios Hollywood are within driving distance from Costa Mesa, adding to the region's diverse range of entertainment options.

Access to Los Angeles and Other Major Cities

Costa Mesa enjoys excellent proximity to major cities in Southern California. Los Angeles, with its vibrant cultural scene, iconic landmarks, and entertainment industry, is approximately 40 miles north of Costa Mesa. Residents can easily access LA's attractions, including the Getty Center, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Santa Monica Pier. San Diego, with its beautiful beaches and attractions like the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld, is located about 90 miles south of Costa Mesa, offering exciting day trip possibilities.

Costa Mesa is a great place to live because its central position makes it a perfect base to enjoy a wide range of exciting recreational, cultural, and travel adventures.

2. Weather

Embrace the year-round mild climate of Costa Mesa. With its Mediterranean weather, you'll experience pleasant temperatures and abundant sunshine throughout the year. This delightful climate creates an inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities, from beach days to hiking trails and enjoying the city's numerous parks.

Mild Temperatures

Costa Mesa experiences mild temperatures throughout the year. Summers are generally warm and dry, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-70s°F (mid-20s°C) to the mid-80s°F (around 30°C). Winters are typically mild and slightly cooler, with average high temperatures in the mid-60s°F (around 18°C) to low 70s°F (around 22°C). Overall, the climate in Costa Mesa is known for its comfortable and moderate temperatures.

Limited Temperature Extremes

Costa Mesa benefits from a climate that avoids extreme temperature swings. The city experiences relatively stable temperatures with minimal fluctuations between seasons. While heatwaves can occur during summer months, with occasional high temperatures reaching the 90s°F (32-35°C), they are typically short-lived. Similarly, winters are generally mild, with rare instances of temperatures dropping below the 40s°F (4-9°C).

Abundant Sunshine

Costa Mesa is blessed with a considerable amount of sunshine year-round. On average, the city experiences about 270 to 300 sunny days annually. This abundance of sunshine creates an inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities and contributes to the overall pleasant and enjoyable climate of the region.

Limited Rainfall

Costa Mesa is known for its relatively low annual rainfall compared to other regions. The city receives an average of around 10-15 inches (25-38 cm) of precipitation per year, with the majority of rainfall occurring during the cooler months between November and March. The dry and mild climate of Costa Mesa contributes to its appeal for those seeking a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor lifestyle.

3. Cultural Scene

Immerse yourself in Costa Mesa's thriving cultural scene.

Performing Arts

Costa Mesa is home to the renowned Segerstrom Center for the Arts, one of the premier performing arts venues in Southern California. The center hosts a variety of world-class performances, including Broadway musicals, dance productions, classical music concerts, and contemporary performances. It is also the residence of the Pacific Symphony, offering symphonic concerts throughout the year.

Art Galleries and Museums

The Orange County Museum of Art in Costa Mesa showcases modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. The Hilbert Museum of California Art, situated in nearby Orange, celebrates the work of California artists, particularly those associated with the California Scene Painting movement.

Whether you're a theater enthusiast, art lover, or music aficionado, Costa Mesa offers a diverse range of cultural experiences that cater to various tastes and interests.

4. Shopping and Dining

Indulge in retail therapy and culinary delights in Costa Mesa. South Coast Plaza, one of the largest and most prestigious shopping destinations in the country, presents an unparalleled shopping experience. From luxury brands to unique boutiques, you'll find a wide range of options to satisfy your shopping cravings. The city is also a culinary haven, with renowned restaurants and local eateries offering diverse cuisines to tantalize your taste buds.

5. Educational Institutions

Costa Mesa is home to excellent educational institutions, providing educational opportunities for residents of all ages. Residents can access quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.

Costa Mesa is served by the Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD), which oversees several elementary, middle, and high schools in the area. The district is committed to providing a well-rounded education and offers various programs and services to support student success.

Orange Coast College (OCC) is a prominent community college in Costa Mesa that offers a wide range of academic and vocational programs. OCC provides an accessible pathway to higher education and career preparation for many students in the area.

In addition to OCC, Costa Mesa is situated within close proximity to renowned universities, including the University of California, Irvine (UCI), and California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). These institutions offer a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study.

Cons of Living in Costa Mesa

1.  Cost of Living

One drawback of living in Costa Mesa is the cost of living in Costa Mesa, which can be relatively high compared to national averages. Housing prices, utilities, and overall expenses may present challenges for those on a tight budget or looking for more affordable options.

Median home price in the US: 408K (as of April 2023)
Median home price in Costa Mesa, CA: 1.1M (April 2023)

2. Traffic Congestion

As a bustling city, Costa Mesa experiences traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Because of the dense population, commuting times and transportation convenience may be affected, requiring careful planning and consideration of alternate routes or transportation options. Major roads such as the 55 freeway, I-405, and I-5 will all experience traffic at peak hours.

Even with all the traffic, in comparison to Los Angeles, LA still has more traffic hotspots than Orange County.

Conclusion

Living in Costa Mesa, California, offers an exciting blend of advantages and considerations. Its prime location, pleasant weather, vibrant cultural scene, and abundant amenities make it an appealing destination. While, the cost of living and dense population are things to consider when moving to Costa Mesa.

If the pros outweigh the cons for you, Costa Mesa is an amazing place to live offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, a beautiful coastline, and something for everyone.

Check out this video I made about the pros and cons of living in Costa Mesa and let me know how I can help!