Costa Mesa/Irvine

Costa Mesa and Irvine offer a diverse culinary scene. In Costa Mesa, Knife Pleat is a Michelin-rated contemporary French restaurant with prix fixe, multi-course dinners and an extensive wine list. For something a bit more casual but just as acclaimed, Vaca brings the flavors of the Basque and Madrid to Costa Mesa. Irvine is an oasis for lovers of global cuisine, with spots like All that Shabu, an all-you-can-eat Korean hot pot destination, and Cucina Enoteca, a fine dining spot with renowned Italian fare.

Absolutely! The area boasts a vibrant atmosphere with numerous tech companies and start-ups, making it ideal for young professionals. The Irvine Spectrum Center offers entertainment and dining options, while Costa Mesa's trendy neighborhoods provide a perfect balance of work and play. Apartments for rent in Costa Mesa vary from studio rentals to luxury options, while spots like Broadstone in Irvine offer plenty of space for coworking and hitting the gym, optimal for young professionals looking to settle into a new home.

While many residents in Costa Mesa and Irvine prefer to use personal vehicles, there are public transportation options in the area, many of which connect to major employment hubs. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) provides bus services throughout Costa Mesa and Irvine. For longer trips, both cities have access to Metrolink trains. Irvine also offers the iShuttle, a free shuttle service connecting key areas within the city.

Nature enthusiasts will love the abundance of outdoor spaces. Visit the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, a 1,000-acre open space, perfect for hiking and biking. In Irvine, explore the San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary for twelve miles of scenic trails and more than 300 acres of freshwater wetlands, perfect for birdwatching and strolls. To get an inside look at Orange County's history as an agriculture hub, walk the grounds of the Irvine Ranch Historic Park, or follow the Costa Mesa Art Walk to observe the city's diverse number of art installations. If you're a beachgoer, Newport Beach is only a short drive west of Costa Mesa.

Your furry friends will feel right at home in Costa Mesa and Irvine. Visit the Costa Mesa Bark Park, ideal for off-leash fun and socializing. In Irvine, your pup can run off the zoomies at Central Bark Dog Park, which offers separate areas for large and small dogs. Greystar has several pet-friendly apartments for rent in Costa Mesa and Irvine, including Rize Irvine and Baker's Block. For dining with your dog, local restaurants like Eureka! and Side Street Café offer seating for four-legged guests on their outdoor patios.

Costa Mesa is home to South Coast Plaza, a world-renowned shopping destination for luxury and designer brands. For a unique experience, visit The LAB Anti-Mall, an artsy spot for funky gifting, thrifting, and shopping small. In Irvine, explore the outdoor Fashion Island for upscale retailers and views of the Pacific. Many apartments in Costa Mesa and apartments for rent in Irvine are near these diverse shopping opportunities.

Irvine is home to the prestigious University of California, Irvine, known for its research and innovation. Costa Mesa's Orange Coast College offers a wide range of programs as one of the nation's top transfer community colleges. For K-12 students, both cities have excellent public schools, including Irvine High School and Costa Mesa Middle & High School.

Both cities are home to a particularly astute arts scene, though Costa Mesa's art & culture happenings take the cake. Costa Mesa's Segerstrom Center for the Arts hosts world-class performances, including dance, symphony orchestras, and theater performances. The Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) in Costa Mesa showcases contemporary works, while the Bowers Museum is home to an in-house collection of 1,000 art pieces from around the globe. In Irvine, the Irvine Barclay Theatre offers diverse cultural events and performances, and Irvine's new Great Park Live's outdoor venue hosts a variety of bands and musicians. Many apartments for rent in Costa Mesa are mere minutes from these excellent arts destinations.

Costa Mesa hosts the OC Fair each summer—and a small Winter Festival—featuring rides, carnival food, and live entertainment. Irvine's Global Village Festival celebrates the city's proud cultural diversity with music, art, and cuisine from around the world. The cities also host a sundry of smaller events throughout the year, including art shows and movies in the park!

Apartments for rent in Irvine and Costa Mesa vary in size and amenities, though they sit on par with the Orange County average. While the cost of living is higher than the national average, residents enjoy exceptional amenities, safety, and quality of life. The area's strong job market, particularly in tech and healthcare, also helps offset living expenses.