1. Research: Start by gathering information about Costa Mesa, including neighborhoods, schools, and local services.
2. Budgeting: Create a moving budget to manage expenses such as moving services, packing supplies, and travel costs.
3. Hiring Movers: If needed, research and hire a reputable moving company well in advance.
4. Packing: Begin packing non-essential items early, and label boxes by room and contents.
5. Utilities: Set up utilities in your new home, including water, electricity, gas, internet, and cable.
6. Address Change: Update your address with the post office, banks, and other important institutions.
7. Schools: If you have children, arrange for their school records to be transferred to their new school.
8. Medical Records: Transfer medical records to new healthcare providers in Costa Mesa.
9. Insurance: Update your home, auto, and health insurance for your new location.
10. Emergency Kit: Pack an emergency kit with essentials you’ll need on moving day and the first few days after.
11. Essentials Box: Prepare a box of essentials that includes toiletries, medications, chargers, and important documents.
12. Final Walkthrough: Do a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.
13. Travel Arrangements: Confirm travel arrangements for you, your family, and any pets.
14. New Home Preparation: Clean and prepare your new home for move-in, or arrange for a cleaning service.
15. Unpacking Plan: Have a plan for unpacking and setting up your new home to make the process smoother.
16. Community Engagement: Explore ways to get involved in the community to start building your new network.

Each Costa Mesa neighborhood has its own ambiance, amenities, and housing options, catering to different lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking urban excitement, suburban tranquility, or a mix of both, Costa Mesa has something to offer!

South Coast Metro: This bustling neighborhood is home to the renowned South Coast Plaza, one of the largest shopping centers in the United States. Expect upscale living, high-rise apartments, and easy access to theaters, restaurants, and cultural events.

Eastside Costa Mesa: Known for its laid-back vibe, Eastside offers a mix of mid-century homes, charming cottages, and tree-lined streets. Residents enjoy proximity to local cafes, parks, and the Back Bay Nature Preserve.

Mesa Verde: A family-friendly area with spacious homes, Mesa Verde boasts well-maintained golf courses, community parks, and excellent schools. It’s a peaceful enclave close to shopping centers and dining options.

Westside Costa Mesa: This neighborhood is a blend of residential and industrial spaces. It features loft-style apartments, artist studios, and trendy eateries. The SOCO Collection and The LAB Anti-Mall are popular hangouts here.

Central Costa Mesa: A mix of older homes and newer developments, Central Costa Mesa offers a central location with easy access to major highways. Explore local markets, diverse dining options, and nearby entertainment venues.

Halecrest: A hidden gem, Halecrest features mid-century modern homes and a tight-knit community. It’s close to schools, parks, and the Fairview Park Nature Preserve.

College Park: Primarily residential, College Park offers a variety of housing styles, including single-family homes and condos. It’s close to Orange Coast College and has a friendly neighborhood feel.

Costa Mesa is a vibrant city with a cost of living that reflects its many amenities and Southern California location. Here’s an overview:

• Housing: The median home cost in Costa Mesa is $1,097,500, which is significantly higher than the national average. Renting a two-bedroom unit averages around $2,790 per month.
• Utilities: Residents can expect to pay approximately 90.4% of the national average for utilities, including water, electricity, and gas.
• Transportation: Transportation costs are about 106.6% of the national average, considering the need for cars and the price of gas.

While the cost of living in Costa Mesa is higher than the national average, it is important to note that salaries and job opportunities in the area often offset these expenses.

Costa Mesa is served by a variety of educational institutions, catering to the diverse needs of its residents:

Public Schools: The Newport-Mesa Unified School District encompasses several highly rated schools. Notable examples include Maude B. Davis Elementary School and Heinz Kaiser Elementary School, both known for their strong academic programs.

Private Schools: For those seeking private education, Sage Hill School stands out as one of the best private high schools in California, offering a rigorous academic program and a low student-teacher ratio.

Higher Education: The city is in proximity to several universities and colleges, including Orange Coast College, which is known for its comprehensive programs and community involvement.

Special Programs: Costa Mesa also offers specialized educational programs such as the International School for Science and Culture, providing a unique curriculum that emphasizes global perspectives.

Costa Mesa’s job market is dynamic and diverse, reflecting the city’s economic vitality. The city offers a range of employment opportunities across various sectors. The proximity to technology, healthcare, and educational institutions contributes to a robust job market.

Major Employers: Some of the major employers in the area include Experian, El Pollo Loco, and Winfield Locks. The retail sector is also significant, with South Coast Plaza as a major employer.

Unemployment Rate: As of February 2024, the unemployment rate in Costa Mesa stands at 3.9%, which is lower than the long-term average of 4.51%.

Employment Resources: Job seekers in Costa Mesa can utilize OC Workforce Solutions, which offers a wealth of services including job search assistance, resume building, and interview preparation. Additionally, the Orange County Workforce Development Board provides valuable resources such as career planning, training programs, and access to employment opportunities across various industries.

Costa Mesa is home to a variety of healthcare facilities that cater to the needs of its residents:

College Hospital Costa Mesa: An acute care hospital with a range of medical and surgical services, including psychiatric care.

UCI Health – Costa Mesa: Features comprehensive care with primary and specialty services, including a digestive disease center, orthopedics, sports medicine, and a women’s healthcare center.

Hoag Health Center Costa Mesa: A wide array of health care services including primary care, pediatrics, and imaging services.

Hoag Medical Group – Fountain Valley: Provides family medicine and internal medicine services, with a focus on patient-centered care.

MemorialCare Medical Group: Offers family medicine, rheumatology, and laboratory services.

Costa Mesa offers a variety of public transportation options to help residents and visitors navigate the city and surrounding areas:

OCTA Buses: The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) provides extensive bus services with several routes covering Costa Mesa and connecting to other cities in Orange County.

Metrolink: For longer distances, the Metrolink trains connect Costa Mesa to the greater Los Angeles area, with nearby stations such as Santa Ana and Irvine.

Cyclists and Pedestrians: Costa Mesa supports a network of sidewalks and bike lanes for those who prefer to walk or cycle around the city.

Rideshare Services: Rideshare options like Uber and Lyft are widely available for convenient, on-demand transportation.

These public transit options provide reliable and convenient ways to explore Costa Mesa and beyond, ensuring connectivity and accessibility for all.

Costa Mesa is a city brimming with activities and sights that cater to a variety of interests:

Segerstrom Center for the Arts: A premier destination for theater, music, and dance performances.

The LAB Anti-Mall: An eclectic mix of boutiques, art galleries, and eateries for a unique shopping and dining experience.

Orange County Museum of Art: Showcases modern and contemporary art, with a focus on California-based artists.

The CAMP: An eco-friendly retail campus in the SoBeCa District, promoting active and healthy lifestyles.

Noguchi Garden: A tranquil outdoor sculpture garden designed by Isamu Noguchi, reflecting the geographical diversity of California.

626 Night Market: An Asian-inspired night market featuring a variety of food, merchandise vendors, arts, crafts, and entertainment attractions.

Costa Mesa’s calendar is filled with a variety of events and festivals that celebrate the city’s vibrant community spirit:

Orange County Fair: An annual event with rides, games, exhibits, and various forms of entertainment.

Pacific Coast Sport Fishing Festival: Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts gather for this event that showcases sport fishing gear, boats, and seminars.

Costa Mesa Community Run: A family-friendly event featuring races for all ages and abilities, promoting health and community engagement.

Southern California Spring Garden Show: A must-visit for gardening aficionados, offering the latest in garden design, plants, and products.

OC Marathon: A premier Southern California event that includes a full marathon, half-marathon, and 5K races.

Costa Mesa’s commitment to public safety is reflected in its crime rates and law enforcement efforts:

Overall Crime Rate: The city has an overall crime rate of 4,146 per 100,000 people, which is 78% higher than the national average and and 60.65% higher than the California average.

Violent Crime: Violent crime in Costa Mesa is 59.4% higher than the national average, with 589 incidents per 100,000 people.

Property Crime: Property crime rates are 82% higher than the national average, with 3,557 incidents per 100,000 people.

Law Enforcement: The Costa Mesa Police Department is proactive in maintaining safety and can be contacted at 911 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, the department can be reached at (714) 754-5280 or (714) 754-5252 after hours.

For more detailed information on public safety policies and procedures, residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the Costa Mesa Police Department’s official website. The department is dedicated to working with the community to reduce crime and enhance the quality of life in Costa Mesa.

Setting up essential services in Costa Mesa is straightforward. Here’s how you can get started:

Water: To set up water service, contact the Mesa Water District. They provide safe, high-quality drinking water to most of Costa Mesa. You can start your water service by calling 949-631-1200.

Electricity: For electricity, Southern California Edison (SCE) is the primary provider. You can start or transfer service by visiting their website or calling their customer service number.

Internet: There are several internet service providers in Costa Mesa, including AT&T, Spectrum, and Cox Communications. You can choose the one that best fits your needs and contact them to set up service.

Waste Disposal: In Costa Mesa, CR&R Environmental Services is responsible for waste disposal and recycling services. Residents can set up their service by visiting the CR&R website or contacting them directly.

Remember to contact these service providers well in advance of your move to ensure a smooth transition to your new home in Costa Mesa.

Costa Mesa offers a wealth of resources to foster a strong sense of community and provide support to its residents:

Community Centers

Norma Hertzog Community Center: A modern facility for events, classes, and meetings, featuring a large meeting room, a smaller conference room, and an outdoor patio area.

Downtown Aquatics Center: Provides swimming facilities and programs for all ages.

Costa Mesa Senior Center: Offers a variety of programs and services tailored to the senior community.

Libraries

Costa Mesa-Donald Dungan Library: A branch of the Orange County Public Libraries with a wide selection of books and resources for all ages.

Mesa Verde Library: Another branch offering a range of educational and recreational materials.

Orange Coast College Library: Supports the educational program with over 100,000 titles of books, periodicals, and more.

Non-Profit Organizations

Serving People in Need (SPIN): Provides resources and support for homeless and low-income families.

Project Independence: Promotes civil rights and community integration for people with developmental disabilities.

Girls Inc. of Orange County: Inspires girls to be strong, smart, and bold through direct service and advocacy.

Parks

Fairview Park: Offers hiking trails, open spaces for picnics, and a model glider flying area.

Tewinkle Park: A serene park featuring a lake, athletic fields, and a children’s playground.

Canyon Park: Features a renowned hiking trail within a canyon setting, picnic tables for family gatherings, and a peaceful environment for nature enthusiasts.

Lions Park: Known for its historical significance, this park includes a community center, library, and a unique playground with an airplane theme for children’s adventures.