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

Thinking about living in Eastside Costa Mesa? This neighborhood is one of Costa Mesa’s most desirable areas thanks to its mix of charming homes, walkability, great restaurants, coffee shops, fitness studios, parks and easy access to Newport Beach.

Eastside feels residential and established, but you’re still close to some of the best things Costa Mesa has to offer.

Homes in Eastside Costa Mesa

One of the things that makes Eastside Costa Mesa real estate unique is the variety of homes.

You’ll find everything from original cottages and ranch-style homes to remodeled properties, modern builds and custom homes. Many streets have mature trees, larger lots and homes with a lot of character.

Because the neighborhood is so varied, home values can change quite a bit depending on the exact street, lot size, condition and location.

Walkability & 17th Street

One of Eastside Costa Mesa’s biggest perks is how walkable it can be.

For residents closer to 17th Street, it’s easy to walk or bike to coffee, restaurants, grocery stores, workouts and shopping.

You’re also just minutes from Newport Beach, Corona del Mar and the Back Bay, making Eastside especially popular with people who enjoy biking, running and spending time outdoors.

Restaurants & Coffee Shops in Eastside Costa Mesa

Eastside has become one of Costa Mesa’s best neighborhoods for food and coffee.

Some local favorites include:

• Rye Goods for pastries, sourdough and coffee

• Ospi for Italian food and pizza

• Harper Barbecue

• Eat Chow

• Plums Café

• Pitfire Pizza

• Sidecar Doughnuts

• Jan’s Health Bar

• Hi-Time Wine Cellars

Nearby, you also have Nick’s Newport Beach, Bear Flag Fish Co., and even more restaurants just across the Newport Beach border.

With Erewhon planned for 17th Street, the area continues to attract more restaurants, retailers and businesses.

Gyms & Fitness

Eastside Costa Mesa is also a great neighborhood for anyone who likes staying active.

There are plenty of boutique fitness studios, Pilates studios, personal training gyms and strength-training options around 17th Street.

Popular options include Moxie, Pilates studios, RA Yoga, Grit Cycle and several smaller local fitness concepts.

Add in biking and running around the Back Bay, and there are plenty of ways to stay active without having to drive far.

Parks & Outdoor Space

Eastside also has several smaller neighborhood parks, including Harper Park, Brentwood Park, Heller Park and Pinkley Park.

For something bigger, the nearby Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is one of the best spots in the area for walking, running, cycling and getting outside.

What Is It Like Living in Eastside Costa Mesa?

Eastside has a great balance of neighborhood feel and convenience.

You can live on a quiet residential street, walk to coffee in the morning, bike the Back Bay, grab lunch on 17th Street and be at the beach within minutes.

That combination of walkability, restaurants, fitness, parks, coastal access and desirable homes is a big reason Eastside Costa Mesa continues to be one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the city.

If you're considering buying or selling a home in Eastside Costa Mesa, it’s important to look closely at the specific pocket and comparable sales. Homes can vary significantly from one street to the next depending on lot size, condition, renovations and location.

As a Costa Mesa Realtor who was born and raised locally, I’m always happy to help with questions about Eastside Costa Mesa homes, neighborhoods and current real estate values.