Living in College Park, Costa Mesa: A Local Guide to Homes, Parks, Restaurants & More

If you're thinking about living in College Park, Costa Mesa, it’s one of those neighborhoods that can sometimes fly under the radar compared with Mesa Verde or Eastside—but it has a lot going for it.

College Park is known for its mid-century homes, mature trees, larger lots, quiet residential streets and central Costa Mesa location. Sitting next to Orange Coast College and just minutes from the OC Fairgrounds, Newport Beach and some of Costa Mesa’s best restaurants, it’s an especially convenient pocket of the city.

Homes in College Park, Costa Mesa

College Park is one of Costa Mesa’s older established neighborhoods, with many of the homes originally built in the late 1950s and 1960s.

The neighborhood is easy to recognize by streets named after colleges and universities, including Princeton, Cornell, Rutgers, Villanova, Columbia and Dartmouth.

Most of College Park is made up of detached single-family homes, with plenty of classic single-story ranch and mid-century floor plans.

Over the years, some homeowners have kept the original character of these properties while others have completely remodeled, expanded or opened up the floor plans. That gives buyers a good mix—you may find a fully remodeled home on one street and an original home with tons of potential a few doors down.

Many of the homes also have good-sized yards, which is becoming harder to find in newer Orange County communities.

Location and Getting Around College Park

One of the biggest advantages of College Park is its location.

The neighborhood sits between Harbor Boulevard and Fairview Road, with Orange Coast College directly nearby and easy access to Wilson Street, Adams Avenue and the 55 and 405 freeways.

From College Park, you can get to Newport Beach, Eastside Costa Mesa, Mesa Verde, South Coast Plaza and John Wayne Airport without having to travel very far.

It’s a great location for someone who wants a traditional residential neighborhood while still being right in the middle of Costa Mesa.

Parks and Outdoor Activities Near College Park

There are plenty of places to get outside around College Park.

TeWinkle Park is just minutes away and is one of Costa Mesa’s longtime favorites, with walking paths, large grassy areas, sports fields and plenty of room to spend time outside.

Nearby Fairview Park offers more than 200 acres of open space, walking and biking trails and access toward the Santa Ana River Trail.

You’re also close to the Costa Mesa Golf Course, Tanager Park, Newport Back Bay and, of course, the beach.

College Park is also right next to the OC Fair & Event Center, so residents are close to the annual OC Fair, concerts, farmers markets and events throughout the year.

College Park Community and Neighborhood Vibe

College Park has a really established neighborhood feel.

The mature trees, larger yards and older homes give it character that feels different from many newer Orange County developments. You’ll regularly see people walking dogs, riding bikes, gardening or working on their homes.

There’s also a good mix of longtime homeowners and younger buyers coming into the neighborhood and updating some of the original properties.

One of the things I like about College Park is that it feels residential without feeling isolated. You can be tucked onto a quiet street and still be a few minutes away from restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, the fairgrounds or the beach.

Restaurants, Coffee and Local Favorites Near College Park

This is another area where College Park's location really shines.

One of the biggest additions nearby is Mercado González at Northgate Market, which has become a destination on its own. The large Mexican food hall and marketplace has different food stalls, fresh tortillas, tacos, churros, baked goods, aguas frescas and specialty vendors all under one roof. The Los Angeles Times even devoted a full dining guide to the mercado and its food offerings.

Just down Harbor Boulevard is Newport Rib Company, a longtime Costa Mesa staple that has been part of the community for years. It’s the kind of neighborhood restaurant that locals know well, especially for barbecue, ribs and family dinners.

You’re also close to plenty of smaller local restaurants along Harbor Boulevard and around the College Park area, including Amorelia Mexican Cafe and other longtime neighborhood spots. Mercado González and Newport Rib Company are actually only a short distance from one another along Harbor.

A few minutes away, The CAMP and The LAB give residents even more options. The LAB is home to places like Habana, Nook Coffee Bar, Seabirds Kitchen and Hana Re, while The CAMP has spots including Folks Pizzeria, AhbA, Mesa, Chafinity Matcha and 1954 Egashira Bakery & Cafe.

So while College Park itself is mostly residential, you’re surrounded by some of the best food pockets in Costa Mesa—from longtime neighborhood staples to newer destinations.

College Park Costa Mesa Home Prices

Home prices in College Park can vary significantly depending on the condition, lot size, floor plan and exact location within the neighborhood.

An original home that hasn’t been updated in decades can sell very differently from a remodeled property with an opened-up floor plan, expanded square footage and newer finishes.

There can also be a noticeable difference between homes tucked deeper into the neighborhood and properties closer to busier streets.

Because of that, looking at the average home price for College Park doesn’t always tell the whole story. When I’m evaluating a home here, I pay close attention to lot size, location within the neighborhood, square footage, remodel quality, additions and the original floor plan.

Two homes that look very similar on paper can have very different values once you actually see them.

Why Live in College Park, Costa Mesa?

College Park offers a combination that is becoming harder to find in Orange County: established homes, mature trees, larger yards, quiet residential streets and a really central location.

You can grab food at Mercado González, have dinner at Newport Rib Company, spend the afternoon at TeWinkle Park, head over to the OC Fair, meet friends at The CAMP and still be at the beach in minutes.

It’s also a great option for buyers who love the character and lot sizes of Costa Mesa's older neighborhoods but want to stay close to everything.

If you're considering buying or selling a home in College Park, Costa Mesa, it’s important to understand how much values can change from one property to another based on the floor plan, lot, updates and exact location.

As a Costa Mesa Realtor who was born and raised locally, I spend the majority of my business helping buyers and sellers throughout Costa Mesa and can help you understand where a College Park home fits within the current market.