r/CostaMesa

I have been living in France for the last few years, but have a job opportunity in Costa Mesa that pays 220k USD a year. I’m not trying to be naive, because on paper that sounds amazing, and definitely the most I’ve ever seen in my career so far.

But, I’ve always heard just how expensive SoCal is, and wondering if that amount is enough to actually have a lifestyle upgrade (buy a house, take some nice vacations, etc) vs what I have here now in France. I lived in the Bay Area from 2019-2023, and was always blown away how expensive housing was there (3000 USD for a studio apartment expensive).

Any insight on this would be genuinely insightful. Thank you!

So many of them this year. I don’t know how many Terro baits I’ve gone through and they just keep coming. They’re even wandering around upstairs through the bathroom sinks, even though there’s no food there.

I am the ant king. I am one of them now.

I don’t have all the information but I do not support turning this land into 4000 housing units. I saw the next council meeting is 9/15/26. We need to organize and fight this.
Signs, petitions, showing up to this meeting on 9/15/26… what can us citizens do?
Is there any group that is already organized to fight this?
Do we need to organize??? Who’s in?

What are your favorite restaurants in Costa Mesa? I'm looking for places that I've maybe never heard of. Maybe a date night spot or a good lunch spot or somewhere that you can only order togo because it's such a hole in the wall... Ok Go!

Help a girl out!!

I’m planning to drive/walk around Costa Mesa looking for FOR RENT signs and smaller/private rentals that may not make it onto Zillow. Any specific streets, intersections, neighborhoods, or buildings I should check out?

Looking around $2–3k for a studio, 1BR, or 2BR. Must have central AC + in-unit W/D.

I especially love lofts, high/vaulted ceilings, huge windows, lots of natural light, open layouts, and interesting architecture, plus some private outdoor space.

Would also love to be walkable to coffee/restaurants. I’ve been looking around The LAB/CAMP, South Coast Metro, Eastside, and the Newport border, but I’m open to other pockets.

Would really appreciate any specific streets/buildings to drive by, smaller landlords/property managers to check, or complexes you’d recommend or avoid!

Give me your favorite happy hour deal or just your favorite local bar to go to!

Howdy neighbors! I need to get my wedding suit tailored for a custom fit. Anyone have good tailor recommendations in the area they trust and like working with?

Does anyone have any recommendations for welcoming, family friendly, casual swim clubs locally? NBTC was a great space for families to swim but the CEO of Mother’s market joined and has been making it really uncomfortable, yelling at kids and demanding the pool to herself during family swim. Lots of families are looking to leave.