Single Story Homes in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa, California, nestled in the heart of Orange County, is a city that effortlessly blends coastal charm with urban sophistication. Known as the “City of the Arts,” it’s home to world-class cultural venues like the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, proximity to pristine beaches, and a vibrant community spirit. For homebuyers, Costa Mesa offers a diverse real estate market, but one segment stands out for its enduring appeal: single-story homes. As of February 21, 2025, these homes remain a sought-after option in a city where the median listing price hovers around $1.56 million (Redfin). In this blog post, we’ll explore why single-story homes in Costa Mesa are so popular, examine current market trends, highlight key neighborhoods, and offer insights for buyers and sellers considering this timeless architectural style.

At the end of this post you will find ALL ACTIVE single-story homes in Costa Mesa

The Appeal of Single-Story Living

Single-story homes—those with all living spaces on one level—have a unique allure that transcends trends. In Costa Mesa, where the housing stock spans from the 1920s to modern builds, these homes cater to a wide range of buyers: retirees seeking accessibility, families wanting open layouts, and professionals craving low-maintenance living. Unlike multi-story homes, single-story designs eliminate stairs, making them ideal for aging in place—a key consideration as 17.44% of Seal Beach’s population is over 65 (NeighborhoodScout), a demographic trend mirrored in parts of Costa Mesa.

Their appeal isn’t just practical. Single-story homes often emphasize indoor-outdoor flow, a hallmark of California living. Large windows, sliding doors, and patios connect interiors to Costa Mesa’s mild climate—averaging 70°F year-round—creating spaces that feel expansive despite modest square footage. Styles range from classic mid-century ranches to modern farmhouses, offering architectural diversity that resonates with the city’s eclectic character.

Market Trends for Single-Story Homes in Costa Mesa

As of January 2025, Costa Mesa boasts 44 single-story homes for sale, part of a broader market of 118 active listings (Redfin). The median listing price stands at $1.56 million, with single-story homes often falling between $1 million and $2 million, depending on size, condition, and location. This reflects a 7.1% increase in listings from December 2024 (Rocket Homes), signaling a slight uptick in availability—yet demand keeps pace, with homes averaging 50 days on the market and some tagged as “Hot Homes” likely to sell faster (Redfin).

Pricing for single-story homes varies by neighborhood and upgrades. A remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-story at 1169 Augusta Street in Eastside Costa Mesa, listed around $1.5 million, sold quickly due to its vaulted ceilings and chef’s kitchen (Redfin). Meanwhile, fixer-uppers or older homes—like a 3-bedroom on a 6,000 sq ft lot—start closer to $1 million, appealing to buyers willing to invest in renovations. The median price per square foot citywide is $822 (Realtor.com), but single-story homes in prime areas like Mesa Verde or Eastside often exceed $900, reflecting their desirability.

Sales data shows a seller’s market with nuance. In January 2025, 39 homes sold citywide, with single-story properties comprising a significant share (Rocket Homes). While 50% sold below asking, 36% hit the list price, and 14% went above—averaging a 98% sale-to-list ratio (Redfin)—suggesting negotiation room exists, especially for homes needing work. Compared to Orange County’s $1.3 million median listing price and 40-day DOM (Realtor.com), Costa Mesa’s single-story market holds steady, balancing coastal value with competitive demand.

Why Single-Story Homes Thrive in Costa Mesa

Several factors fuel the popularity of single-story homes here:

1. Accessibility and Aging in Place: With no stairs, these homes suit Costa Mesa’s aging population and those with mobility needs. Leisure World in nearby Seal Beach, with its $359,000 median (Redfin), underscores this trend, but Costa Mesa’s single-story options offer a broader appeal without age restrictions.

2. Land Value and Lot Size: Single-story homes often sit on larger lots—6,000 sq ft or more—maximizing outdoor space in a city where land is scarce. A Westside Costa Mesa fixer on a 10,817 sq ft lot, approved for a lot split, highlights this potential (Redfin).

3. Low Maintenance: Busy professionals and retirees favor homes without upper floors to clean or maintain, aligning with Costa Mesa’s 80,790 jobs and active lifestyle (Redfin).

4. Architectural Charm: Mid-century ranches, a staple from the 1950s-1960s (71.64% of homes pre-1970, NeighborhoodScout), offer timeless designs—think flat roofs and big windows—that buyers crave, especially when updated.

Key Neighborhoods for Single-Story Homes

Costa Mesa’s neighborhoods each bring distinct flavors to single-story living:

• Eastside Costa Mesa: Known for its trendy 17th Street corridor, Eastside blends historic cottages with modern rebuilds. Single-story homes here, like a $1.5 million remodeled ranch at 354 La Perle Lane (Redfin), average 45-60 days on market, with prices from $1.2 million to $2 million. Larger lots (6,000+ sq ft) and proximity to Newport’s Back Bay drive demand.

• Westside Costa Mesa: Once an industrial hub, Westside now hosts chic single-story homes near Harbor Boulevard. A $1 million fixer or a $1.39 million median listing (Redfin) reflects its range, with DOM at 88 days due to some needing updates. Larger lots and development potential—like the lot-split duplex—appeal to investors.

• Mesa Verde: This green, family-friendly area features sprawling ranches from the 1960s. Homes like a 3-bedroom with travertine floors (Redfin) list around $1.5 million, selling in 50-60 days. Its golf course and parks boost value.

• South Coast Metro: Closer to the action, single-story homes here (median $1.43 million, Redfin) sell in 61 days, often fetching multiple offers (6 on average). A mix of ranches and bungalows caters to urbanites near Triangle Square.

Factors Influencing Market Time

Why do some single-story homes sell in 30 days while others linger past 90? Key drivers include:

• Condition: Renovated homes—39% sold within 30 days (Rocket Homes)—move fast. A $1.56 million Eastside single-story with quartz counters closed in weeks, while older homes (25% over 90 days) need price cuts or TLC.

• Pricing: Overpricing stretches DOM. A $1 million fixer sold below asking after 90 days, while a $1.5 million turnkey hit the mark in 35 days (Redfin).

• Interest Rates: At 6.75% (Bankrate), monthly payments ($2,075 for a $400,000 loan) slow some buyers, though C.A.R.’s 5.9% year-end forecast could cut DOM to 40-50 days.

• Location: Pier-adjacent Old Town homes in nearby Seal Beach sell in 38 days (Movoto), a trend echoed in Costa Mesa’s coastal-adjacent single-stories.

Opportunities for Buyers

For buyers, single-story homes in Costa Mesa offer distinct advantages:

• Negotiation Room: With 50% selling below asking (Redfin), fixer-uppers or homes over 90 days (25%) provide leverage. A $1 million Westside ranch could drop to $950,000 with patience.

• Value Appreciation: Prices rose 8.1% citywide (Rocket Homes), and single-story homes in Eastside or Mesa Verde often outpace this, hitting 10% in hot pockets.

• Customization: Older homes (pre-1970) on big lots invite ADUs or expansions, legal under California’s Small Lot Ordinance (Redfin listing example).

• Tech Tools: Virtual tours (60% of listings, Realtor.com) help remote buyers—18% foreign-born (NeighborhoodScout)—scout efficiently.

Challenges include competition for “Hot Homes” and financing at 6.75%, though a pre-approval strengthens offers in a market with 2 offers per listing (Redfin).

Strategies for Sellers

Sellers of single-story homes can maximize appeal:

• Renovate: Upgrades shrink DOM—39% under 30 days (Rocket Homes). A $1.5 million Mesa Verde home with a chef’s kitchen sold in 35 days (Redfin).

• Stage: Highlight indoor-outdoor flow with patios and gardens; 36% sell at asking when presented well (Redfin).

• Price Right: Avoid overpricing—25% linger past 90 days (Rocket Homes). A $1.2 million Eastside home adjusted from $1.3 million sold in 60 days.

• Use Tech: Virtual tours and drone shots cater to Costa Mesa’s 109,994 residents and beyond (Redfin), boosting visibility.

Predictions for 2025

Single-story homes in Costa Mesa are poised for a strong year:

• Price Growth: Expect 3%-5% increases (Bankrate), with renovated single-stories in Eastside or Mesa Verde hitting 8%-10% by 2026.

• Faster Sales: Rates dropping to 5.9% (C.A.R.) could cut DOM to 40-50 days by summer, especially for mid-range homes ($1M-$1.5M).

• Sustainability Push: Eco-features like solar panels, in 50% of luxury listings by 2028 (Coldwell Banker prediction), will speed sales.

Conclusion

Single-story homes in Costa Mesa embody the city’s blend of practicality and charm, thriving in a market where $1.56 million medians and 50-day DOM reflect steady demand. From Eastside’s trendy ranches to Westside’s fixer potential, these homes offer accessibility, value, and a California lifestyle that’s hard to beat. For buyers, 2025 brings negotiation windows and growth potential; for sellers, it’s a chance to shine with upgrades and strategy. As Costa Mesa evolves, single-story living remains a timeless cornerstone—proof that in this coastal gem, one level can elevate your life. Whether you’re buying or selling, now’s the time to stake your claim in this enduring market.

ALL ACTIVE Listings of Single-Story Homes in Costa Mesa

 

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