Central Costa Mesa Neighborhood Guide
Researching Central Costa Mesa neighborhood in Costa Mesa California? Here is a complete guide with the most up to date information about Central Costa Mesa neighborhood!
Overview
ABOUT Central Costa Mesa
Central Costa Mesa is a small neighborhood located in the center of Costa Mesa in Orange County. The area is known for its clean streets, vibrant nightlife, excellent schools, and close proximity to a number of beaches and shopping destinations. Central Costa Mesa is a sought-after neighborhood by individuals and families in all demographic groups. The neighborhood offers excellent public and private schooling options for pre-K, K-12, and post-secondary schools.
Most notably, Central Costa Mesa is mere minutes from UC Irvine, one of the nation’s top-ranked public universities. Centrally located in Costa Mesa and bordered by freeways, the neighborhood is close to a myriad of shopping centers and other entertainment destinations. Notable nearby shopping destinations include South Coast Plaza, Fashion Island, the LAB Anti-Mall. Other nearby attractions include world-renowned beaches — including Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and more — as well as Disneyland and several other Southern California theme parks.
With a population of under 30,000, Central Costa Mesa showcases a diverse culture with people from many different demographic groups. Predominantly middle-class and affluent, the neighborhood has an average household income of just under $80,000, nearly 1.5 times that of that national average. The bulk of Central Costa Mesa’s workforce holds white collar jobs, with nearly 40% of the adults in the neighborhood holding at least a bachelor’s degree.
Over 60% have some college experience. Spending habits of Central Costa Mesa residents tend to exceed national averages by under 10% in every category. The area’s residents spend more on education, opting to send their children to private K-12 institutions and tuition-collecting colleges.
TOP Central Costa Mesa HIGHLIGHTS
Natural Disasters
Despite Central Costa Mesa’s more urban location, this neighborhood isn’t entirely safe from the state’s seasonal risk of wildfires. Intense temperatures, drought, and high winds can all be contributing factors to fires spreading closer to this neighborhood.
Additionally, Central Costa Mesa has one of the highest earthquake indexes in both California and the U.S. as a whole. Residents experience over twice as much seismic activity than is average in California. Almost 160 earthquakes reaching 3.5 magnitudes or greater affected the area between 1950 and 2010.
Annually, tens of thousands of dollars in property damages are caused by weather events like supercell thunderstorms, intense hail storms, and windstorms.
Commute
In Central Costa Mesa, commuting is easy (and common). The neighborhood is located mere minutes from some of Southern California’s most-frequented highways. These include the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to the south, Interstate 405 to the north, and CA-55 to the east.
Crime Rate
Central Costa Mesa’s crime rates are roughly 40% higher than the country’s average. Meanwhile, violent crimes in the neighborhood are more than 20% lower than the national average.
There is an estimated 1 in 28 chance of being a victim of a crime in this California neighborhood. For additional reference, the estimated crime rate per 1,000 residents is 36.47. Also, around 4,200 crimes are reported annually in this area of the state.
However, recent trends show a year-over-year decrease in crime of 12%. Considering both historic data and current projections, this neighborhood can be considered safer than about 25% of residential areas across the country.
Education
SCHOOLS IN Central Costa Mesa
Central Costa Mesa is conveniently located near a number of schools for pre-K, K-12, and college students. Most notable among these schools is UC Irvine, a nationally-ranked university just minutes northeast of the neighborhood.
The bulk of Central Costa Mesa’s schools are among the best in the state, receiving either A or B ratings from Niche. Top schools serving Central Costa Mesa include Orange County School of the Arts, Newport Harbor High School, and Maude B. Davis Elementary School.
Schools
- ELEMENTARY
- MIDDLE
- HIGH
- PRIVATE
Real Estate
Central Costa Mesa Housing 2020
As a centrally-located, highly sought-after area with only so much space, Central Costa Mesa is home to a hot real estate market. Current housing prices range from $79,900 to $1,100,000 with an average price per square foot of $442 and the median home value sitting at $378,520. Median rent is $1,757. Housing prices and renting rates are on the rise in Central Costa Mesa.
Given its size, the neighborhood features a large selection of new construction and luxury property options. The starting price for luxury homes in Central Costa Mesa sits at roughly $1,000,000. The feel of the Central Costa Mesa neighborhood is distinctly urban with a relatively quiet atmosphere. Real estate in Central Costa Mesa is considered highly-desirable thanks to the region’s proximity to top schools, scenic parks and beachside destinations, and other Southern California landmarks and cities.
Central Costa Mesa Homes for Sale
Central Costa Mesa offers a diverse selection of housing types to suit the needs of individuals, couples, and families in virtually every economic bracket. The neighborhood dates back only to 1956, so even its oldest properties are relatively new.
Homes in Central Costa Mesa come in a wide range of prices, styles, and sizes. Current housing prices range from $79,900 to $1,100,000 with an average price per square foot of $442. Lot sizes for homes and townhouses range from 0 to 5 acres, many with garages and yards. The neighborhood is also home to a number of apartment complexes.
FEATURED HOMES FOR SALE
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