Livability Score

62
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities B

There are some amenities close to this location.
Coffee (25) A+
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
In-sīt Coffee
Coffee Shop
Six Bean Coffee Drive thru
Coffee Shop
The Coffee Bean
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Nook
Coffee Shop
Milk & Honey
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Champagne
Coffee Shop
The Coffee Bean
Coffee Shop
Pacific Whey Cafe
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Corner Bakery
Coffee Shop
Surfas Culinary District Cafe
Coffee Shop
Champagne
Coffee Shop
Antonello Espresso
Coffee Shop
Ebar
Coffee Shop
Casa Barilla
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Corner Bakery
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Pandor Bakery and Cafe
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (15) A+
Orange Coast College
Aquarium
Pacific Amphitheater
Stadium
Harry R. LeBard Stadium
Stadium
Triangle Square Cinemas
Cinema
Location 1980
Art Gallery
Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center
Attraction
Edwards Metro Pointe Stadium 12
Cinema
Martin Lawrence Galleries
Art Gallery
Liulu
Art Gallery
Lyon Air Museum
Museum
Observatory
Nightclub
Regency Theatres South Coast Village
Cinema
Bear Street Gallery
Art Gallery
Showcase Gallery
Art Gallery
South Coast Repertory
Theatre Arts
Samueli Theater
Theatre Arts
Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Theatre Arts
Orange County Muzeum of Art
Museum
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Theatre Arts
Segerstrom Hall
Theatre Arts
Judy Morr Theater
Theatre Arts
Reptile Zoo
Zoo
Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art
Museum
Lido Theatre
Cinema
Heritage Museum of Orange County
Museum
Food and Drink (49) F
McDonald's
Fast Food
Panda Express
Fast Food
Carl's Jr.
Fast Food
Food Court
Fast Food
Jack in the Box
Fast Food
Del Taco
Fast Food
Moscow Deli
Deli
Raising Cane's
Fast Food
Chick-fil-A
Fast Food
In-N-Out Burger
Fast Food
Tin Lizzie Saloon
Bar
Tavern+Bowl
Bar
In-N-Out Burger
Fast Food
Chipotle
Fast Food
Taco Bell
Fast Food
Baba’s Hot Chicken
Fast Food
Veg'd
Fast Food
Popbar
Sweets
Ruin
Bar
Old Vine Kitchen & Bar
Bar
McDonald's
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Super Stop Mini Mart
Alcohol
Del Taco
Fast Food
Subway's
Fast Food
Fitness (2) F
Planet Fitness
Gym
Rocket Science Fitness
Gym
Costa Mesa Senior Center
Community Centre
LA Fitness
Gym
Planet Granite
Gym
Armstrong Ranch Recreation Center
Community Centre
Bodi Personal Training
Gym
Curl Fitness
Gym
24 Hour Fitness
Gym
FVHS Weight lifting
Gym
FVHS Wrestling
Gym
FVHS Paul-Berger-Gymnasium
Gym
LA Fitness
Gym
CorePower Yoga
Gym
Groceries (13) F
Vons
Grocery Store
Albertsons
Grocery Store
Henrys
Grocery Store
Goodtown Doughnuts
Bakery
Blackmarket Bakery
Bakery
Meet The Source
Bakery
Smart & Final
Grocery Store
Mitsuwa
Grocery Store
Trader Joe's
Grocery Store
Harry & David
Health Food
Grower's Direct
Grocery Store
Vons
Grocery Store
Stater Bros.
Grocery Store
Ralphs
Grocery Store
Whole Foods Market
Grocery Store
Sprouts Farmers Market
Grocery Store
Vons
Grocery Store
Trader Joe's
Grocery Store
C'est Si Bon Bakery
Bakery
La Pradera Carniceria
Butcher
ALDI
Grocery Store
Rye Goods
Bakery
Vons
Grocery Store
Pavilions
Grocery Store
El Super
Grocery Store
Parks (54) A+
Garrison Garden
Park
Dog Park
Park
Civic Center Park
Park
Wilson Street Park
Park
Te Winkle Park
Park
Tanager Park
Park
Angels Playground
Playground
bowl
Playground
Lindbergh School Park
Park
Mesa Verde Park
Park
Smallwood Park
Park
Paularino Park
Park
Gisler Park
Park
Fairview Park
Park
Estancia Park
Park
Tustin Ave Park
Park
Shiffer Park
Park
Lions Park
Park
Wakeham Park
Park
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Park
Wimbledon Park
Park
Talbert Regional Park
Park
Arevalos Park
Park
Canyon Park
Park
LeBard Park
Park
Shops (226) D-
The Home Depot
Home Improvement
TJ Maxx
Department Store
Verizon
Electronics
Edible Arrangements
Gift Shop
Vapor Shot
Electronics
Recliners LA
Furniture
The Sofa Company
Furniture
Splitends Salon
Hairdresser
Specialized
Bicycle
The Triangle
Mall
Speedway
Convenience Store
Urban Outfitters
Clothing
Company of Angels school store
Convenience Store
Red & Blue Vintage
Clothing
Crew
Beauty
BrandsWalk
Electronics
Blends
Shoes
Eye Society
Optician
Buffalo Exchange
Clothing
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
IKEA
Furniture
Vans
Shoes
Anthill ShopNPlay, LLC
Gift Shop
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
David's Bridal
Clothing
See more Costa Mesa amenity data

commute F

Of all people who commute, 2.0% take public transportation in Costa Mesa.
Public Transit Stops (7)
Stops & Stations
F
OCTA
Bus Stop
178
Bus Stop
178
Bus Stop
OCTA
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
178
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
178
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
173
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
35
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
2.0%
F
See more Costa Mesa commute data

cost of living F

The cost of living in Costa Mesa is 187/100 - which is 34% higher than California.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
F
See more Costa Mesa cost of living data

crime F

Costa Mesa crime rates are 4,146 per 100k, which is 46% higher than California
Property Crime
3,557 crimes per 100k
F
Violent Crime
589 crimes per 100k
F
See more Costa Mesa crime data

employment A+

The median income in Costa Mesa is $90,370 - which is 42% higher than California.
Med. Household Income
$90,370
A+
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
C+
See more Costa Mesa employment data

health D+

There are some hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (15)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
campus safety
Police
Costa Mesa Police Department
Police
Costa Mesa Fire Station 5
Fire Station
Rite Aid
Pharmacy
Fairview Developmental Center
Hospital
Costa Mesa Fire Station 1
Fire Station
College Hospital Costa Mesa
Hospital
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Costa Mesa Fire Station 4
Fire Station
Costa Mesa Fire Station 2
Fire Station
Costa Mesa Fire Station 3
Fire Station
Bonakdar Aesthetics
Clinic
Xpress Urgent Care
Clinic
Walgreens
Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Newport Beach Fire Station 6
Fire Station
MedPost Urgent Care
Clinic
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Kaiser Permanente Harbor-MacArthur Medical Offices
Clinic
John B Chrispens DDS
Dentist
Dentistry
Dentist
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
OCFA Station 33
Fire Station
New Image
Dentist
Hoag Health Center
Doctor
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
F
See more Costa Mesa health & safety data

housing C+

Costa Mesa home prices are $807,000 - which is 97% higher than California
Home Price
$807,000
A+
Home Appreciation Rate
21%
A+
Home Affordability
8.9x (home price to income ratio)
F
See more Costa Mesa housing data

schools C-

The Costa Mesa graduation rate is 83% - which is 4% higher than California
School Test Scores
42%
F
High School Grad. Rates
83%
C-
Elementary Schools (32) D-
College Park Elementary
Maude B. Davis Elementary
Saniku East-West Language School
Montessori Christian School
The Childs-Pace Foundation, Inc.
Montessori Harbor Mesa School
St John The Baptist Catholic School
Sonora Elementary
Page Academy
Paularino Elementary
Adams Elementary
Everett A. Rea Elementary
Renascence School International
Killybrooke Elementary
Christ Lutheran School
Wilson Elementary
Pomona Elementary
Heinz Kaiser Elementary
International Christian Montessori Schl Of Newport
St Joachim Elementary School
The Waldorf School Of Orange County
International School For Science And Culture
Woodland Elementary
California Elementary
Access County Community
High Schools (13) B-
Costa Mesa High
Coastline Rop
Saniku East-West Language School
Estancia High
Monte Vista High
Early College High
Back Bay High
The Waldorf School Of Orange County
Access County Community
Occs:Chep/Pchs
Central Orange County Cte Partnership (Ctep)
Orange County Special Education
Global Learning Academies
Calvary Chapel High/Maranatha Christian Academy
California Pacific Charter - Sonoma
California Pacific Charter - San Diego
Segerstrom High
Newport Harbor High
Corona Del Mar High
Halstrom Academy - Newport Beach
Newport Christian School
Edison High
Saddleback High
Fountain Valley High
See more Costa Mesa education data

ratings A

Costa Mesa has an overall rating of 80% from 7 reviews.
User Reviews (1)
From AreaVibes
A
User Surveys (6)
From AreaVibes
A
See more Costa Mesa user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Costa Mesa, CA
( 7 Ratings )

Living in Costa Mesa, CA

Costa Mesa Area Facts

  • Costa Mesa has a Livability Score of 62/100, which is considered average
  • Costa Mesa crime rates are 46% higher than the California average
  • Cost of living in Costa Mesa is 34% higher than the California average
New Real Estate Listings in Costa Mesa Area
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Costa Mesa Reviews

Write a review about Costa Mesa Tell people what you like or don't like about Costa Mesa…
Costa Mesa - Not The Typical Southern California Beach City 4 rating By Anonymous ( Jun 09, 2010) Located near the ocean, Costa Mesa's mild climate is delightful during all months of the year. Being a gun collector, I travel to Costa Mesa quite often to visit the Crossroads of the West Gun Show. The show is filled with vendors and individuals selling guns, accessories and man ...Read More y other intriguing novelties. For the gun collector or appreciator, this show is an absolute must. Admission is slightly high, but there are several buildings packed with great deals for rare treasures.

One of my top five favorite restaurants in all of the Los Angeles area is Maggiano's Little Italy in Costa Mesa. Menu selections are all very scrumptious, but I recommend the crab cakes. I have never tasted a better crab cake in my entire life. Service at this Costa Mesa restaurant is impeccable, the premises are spotlessly clean and the menu offers choices to suit every person's tastes. The staff remind me of the staff one would find in a small restaurant in Italy, being very friendly, hospitable and accommodating. Visitors to the city of Costa Mesa must stop at the famous Newport Beach. In my opinion, this beach is truly one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California. Read Less
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Compare Costa Mesa, CA Livability

      vs

      Costa Mesa, CA

      Costa Mesa is one of the biggest cities in Orange County, California and it has managed to grow from a small rural community into a mid-sized city in a very short period of time. Despite that rapid growth, much of the city has kept its small-town feel and that makes it the perfect place to move for people who might be coming from smaller areas. The economy has grown just as quickly as the population and this city is certainly an up-and-coming place with lots of potential.

      Costa Mesa's economy is primarily based on the service and retail industries, though it has begun to develop corporate relationships as well. Some of the largest employers currently are El Pollo Loco, Experian and the Orange Coast College. All types of workers will be able to find opportunities here, regardless of their specialty.

      For those interested in moving with their family or starting one, Costa Mesa has some excellent public and private school options. In terms of higher education, the city is home to Orange Coast College and Vanguard University, among several others. Costa Mesa has plenty of options for outdoor recreation and entertainment, including a beautiful fairgrounds and Pacific Amphitheater, where the Orange County Fair is held annually. For shoppers, you can find most of what you need at South Coast Plaza or the Costa Mesa Shopping Center. You likely won't have any trouble finding interesting things to do in this area.

      Public transportation is available in Costa Mesa and it connects much of Orange County. There are also well-kept highways and roads which have much less traffic than busier parts of California like Los Angeles. Most residents prefer cars for transportation but biking is also an option if you're looking to be environmentally friendly.

      The cost of living in Costa Mesa is expensive compared to the rest of the United States but cheaper than many parts of California. The average rent is a little over $2,000. Groceries are about the same as anywhere else in the country thanks to the number of local supermarkets and low-cost alternatives. Costa Mesa has a higher minimum wage than much of the United States but you should still probably aim to have a high paying job or savings to help with the high cost of the area.

      Moving to Costa Mesa is about joining a community of friendly, hardworking people. The city has grown incredibly in the past few decades alone and there is still plenty of room for positive change. If you decide to move to Costa Mesa, you will have a chance to make your own positive influence on the area and you will likely feel at home in no time at all.

      B Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Costa Mesa? Yes, there are some amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Garrison Garden
      Dog Park
      Civic Center Park
      Wilson Street Park
      Te Winkle Park
      Tanager Park
      Angels Playground
      bowl

      Entertainment

      Orange Coast College
      Pacific Amphitheater
      Harry R. LeBard Stadium
      Triangle Square Cinemas
      Location 1980
      Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center
      Edwards Metro Pointe Stadium 12
      Martin Lawrence Galleries

      Food & Drink

      McDonald's
      Panda Express
      Carl's Jr.
      Food Court
      Jack in the Box
      Del Taco
      Moscow Deli
      Raising Cane's

      C+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Costa Mesa? Of all people who commute, 2.0% take public transportation in Costa Mesa.
      Drive to Work
      73%

      3% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      2%

      3% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      2%

      equal to the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is Costa Mesa a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      College Hospital Costa Mesa
      Fairview Developmental Center

      Pharmacies

      CVS Pharmacy
      Rite Aid
      CVS Pharmacy
      Walgreens

      Doctors