Hi all, Median household income is $110,073, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 61--F, so the weather is moderate. You can expect to pay around $2,395 for rent here. Household incomes average around $110,073 in Costa Mesa. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Anyone in a similar situation? The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
38 upvotes
6 Replies
kcliving2026
Saving this thread
25 upvotes
Wesley Thomas
great question, following
24 upvotes
Luca Mitchell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 39, moved here 15 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Highland and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The public transit situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Chicago, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
11 upvotes
Cora Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 54, moved here 13 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited shopping options
3. The healthcare situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Chicago, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
11 upvotes
Aaron Evans
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
8 upvotes
Leo Kim
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Midtown area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
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