The city of Costa Mesa is located on the “coastal tableland” above Newport Beach and is a major commercial and industrial center of Orange County. The city has grown from a semi-rural farming community of 16,840 to a primarily suburban and “edge” city with an economy based on retail, commerce and light manufacturing.
Newer residential communities include:
- Brickyard East and West
- Bungalow 7
- Level 1
- Seabright
- Sea House
- Superior Pointe
- Waterpointe Home Collection
- West Place
Costa Mesa formally adopted the slogan “The City of Arts” in 1999 and is home to a regional symphony orchestra and the South Coast Repertory Theater. In 1953 the City of Costa Mesa was incorporated and a City-Council Manager form of government was chosen. Since its incorporation, Costa Mesa has turned from a quet suburban community to a world-class city featuring some of the best restaurants, retail centers and cultural arts in the nation.
The single largest center of commercial activity is South Coast Plaza. With 322 stores, it is placed among the highest volume regional shopping centers in the nation, generating over one billion dollars a year. Costa Mesa also offers 26 parks, a municipal golf course, 26 pubic schools and 2 libraries. It is also home to the Orange County Fairgrounds which hosts one of the largest fairs in California. Adjecent to the fair is the Pacific Amphitheater which has had entertainers such as Madonna, Bill Cosby, Jessica Simpson, Kelly Clarkson and many more.
