College Park Real Estate Agent, Homes For Sale Near Me

Alex Yu helps buyers, sellers, and investors move through College Park and the wider Orange County market with confidence, backed by First Team Real Estate, more than a decade of experience, and over $400 million in closed sales.

Home Buying Home Selling Investment Home Valuation Relocation
10+Years Licensed
$400M+In Closed Sales
500+Five-Star Reviews
~32Days on Market*
About Alex Yu

A College Park broker who treats your deal like his own.

I am Alex Yu, a licensed Orange County real estate broker with First Team Real Estate and over a decade of full-time experience. I serve buyers, sellers, and investors across College Park and the wider Orange County market, and I have been personally endorsed by Shark Tank's Barbara Corcoran.

Before real estate, I advised JPMorgan Chase as an REO manager, working closely with bank-owned property and complex transactions. That background shaped how I protect a client's interests, with sharp negotiation and a clear, data-backed read on value. I treat every deal as if the money were my own.

I stay active in causes I care about, supporting animal rescue, child welfare, and cancer advocacy. Whether you are buying your first College Park ranch home, selling a remodeled single-story near Orange Coast College, or building an investment portfolio in Costa Mesa, my goal is a process you understand and control at every step.

Track record that speaks for itself

$400M+ in Closed Sales

More than $400 million in real estate sold across coastal Orange County.

500+ Five-Star Reviews

A reputation built on 500+ five-star client reviews and steady referrals.

Endorsed by Barbara Corcoran

Personally endorsed by Shark Tank's Barbara Corcoran for results and trust.

  • Buyer representation across College Park
  • Seller representation & pricing strategy
  • Real estate investment guidance
  • Relocation & remote buyer support
  • Condo, townhome & detached homes
  • Home valuation & market analysis
Work With Alex

How I Work

Buy, sell, or invest in College Park, guided block by block.

College Park is its own market inside Orange County. Its grid of college-named streets is lined with 1950s and 1960s single-story ranch homes, many now beautifully remodeled or expanded with ADUs, and value shifts block by block. I bring more than a decade of local deals and a former REO manager's read on the numbers to every client.

We help you:

  • Buy the right ranch home, remodel, or rebuild in College Park
  • Sell for top dollar with comps worked street by street
  • Invest with data-backed market guidance
Start a Conversation
Two-story farmhouse-style homes lit at dusk on a College Park street, the kind of home buyers find with Alex Yu

Buy

Bright modern kitchen with a marble island, staged to sell by Alex Yu in College Park

Sell

Distinctive single-family home set on a large lot, a College Park investment property

Invest

Palm-lined College Park street with Spanish-style homes, marketed for sale by Alex Yu
Listing Marketing

Your College Park home, marketed like a campaign, not a yard sign.

College Park sells on the details, not just a sign in the yard. I price each home against recent sales on its own street, because a remodeled ranch can trade far apart from an original one two blocks over. Then I prep it, shoot it, and launch it across Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and Homes.com on day one.

Most College Park buyers tour several homes in one weekend and compare them side by side. With low turnover and quick closings, the homes that price right and show best are the ones that win. My team handles staging guidance, professional media, and timing built around your goals.

Get a Listing Plan
Property Presentation

Photos that turn a quick scroll into a showing.

Buyers judge a College Park home in the first few photos, usually on a phone before they ever call. These mid-century ranch homes photograph well when the light, the open layout, and the deep lot are captured right, so I commission clean, professional images for every listing.

Sharper photos pull more online views, more showings, and stronger offers. For a College Park ranch that often means featuring the remodeled kitchen, the natural light, and the backyard an ADU could use. Buyers remember the home shown with care.

Ask About Presentation
Single-family home framed by lush landscaping, photographed to show its best
Local Knowledge

Living in College Park.

College Park sits in central Costa Mesa, just south of Orange Coast College, bounded roughly by Harbor Boulevard on the west and Fairview Road on the east. The neighborhood is famous for its grid of streets named after universities, Cornell, Notre Dame, Princeton, Wake Forest, Villanova, Fordham, and more. The area sits in ZIP code 92626. You will find wide, walkable streets lined with single-story 1950s and 1960s ranch homes, many remodeled or expanded with ADUs. Here is what buyers ask me most.

What are the best neighborhoods in College Park for families?

Families look at the College Park core, College Park Harbor Estates, and College Park Sherwood Ranchos, along with nearby Mesa del Mar and Halecrest. The whole area sits in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, and most homes are a short walk from College Park Elementary, TeWinkle Park, and the OC Fairgrounds.

Source: Costa Mesa neighborhood data & City of Costa Mesa (2026).

How much do homes cost in College Park?

The median sale price in ZIP 92626 was about $1.4 million as of 2026, near $823 per square foot. Most College Park sales land in the $1.35M to $1.47M range, with quick closings in a tight market. Condos and townhomes nearby start lower, and larger remodeled homes run higher.

Source: Redfin 92626 (2026).

How far is College Park from the airport and South Coast Plaza?

South Coast Plaza is about 5 minutes away, and John Wayne Airport is roughly 10 minutes by car. Newport Beach sits about 12 to 15 minutes south, and the 55, 405, and 73 are all close, keeping jobs, shopping, and the coast within easy reach.

Source: Off-peak driving estimates (2026).

Who lives in College Park?

College Park is home to roughly 7,150 residents and is one of Costa Mesa's most family-oriented, long-tenure neighborhoods. Costa Mesa's median household income is around $95,000. The community draws families, educators, and buyers who want quiet, walkable streets near the colleges.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau via neighborhood data (2026).

Is College Park a good place to invest?

College Park is a stable, low-turnover market, fewer than 2 percent of homes hit the market in a typical year, with large lots and strong ADU potential under California law. Steady rental demand from nearby Orange Coast College and Vanguard University supports long-term holds. I help investors run the numbers first.

Source: College Park market guide (2026).

What is there to do near College Park?

Daily life centers on Orange Coast College, the OC Fair & Event Center, and TeWinkle Park with its lake and tennis center. South Coast Plaza, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and the eclectic CAMP and LAB on Bristol Street are all a short drive away.

Source: Travel Costa Mesa (2026).
Schools

Schools serving College Park.

College Park sits inside the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, graded A by Niche. The neighborhood school is College Park Elementary on Notre Dame Road, which feeds into TeWinkle Middle School, then Costa Mesa High or Estancia High depending on the street. Two colleges, Orange Coast College and Vanguard University, sit right next door. Always confirm attendance zones with the district for a specific address.

Elementary · K-6

College Park Elementary

Mandarin Immersion
  • The neighborhood school at 2380 Notre Dame Road
  • Mandarin Immersion and GATE gifted programs
  • Walkable for most College Park families
District: Newport-Mesa Unified School District.
Middle · 7-8

TeWinkle Middle School

Newport-Mesa USD
  • Serves College Park students on Bear Street
  • Feeds into Estancia or Costa Mesa High by zone
  • Arts, athletics, and elective programs
District: Newport-Mesa Unified School District.
High · 9-12

Estancia High School

Newport-Mesa USD
  • The centrally located high school for the area
  • Strong local pride, the Estancia "E" is everywhere
  • Costa Mesa High School also serves parts of the area
District: Newport-Mesa Unified School District.
Find Your Street

See what is on the market inside the College Park school boundaries right now.

View Homes For Sale
Lifestyle

Life around College Park.

Orange Coast College

The neighborhood's namesake, OCC opened in 1948 and is one of the largest community colleges in the country, serving roughly 24,000 students just north of College Park.

OC Fair & Event Center

Home of the Orange County Fair, which draws about a million visitors each summer, plus the Pacific Amphitheatre, the OC Marketplace, and year-round events on Fair Drive.

TeWinkle Park

A central Costa Mesa park beside the fairgrounds with a lake full of ducks and birds, picnic areas, sports fields, and the Costa Mesa Tennis Center, a short hop from College Park.

Fairview Park

More than 200 acres of open space with native habitat, walking and biking paths, vernal pools, and a miniature railroad, a favorite weekend destination for Costa Mesa families.

The CAMP & The LAB

Costa Mesa's SoBeCa district on Bristol Street, where The CAMP and The LAB Anti-Mall pack indie shops, cafes, and restaurants into a famously offbeat, walkable setting.

South Coast Plaza & the Arts

One of the largest shopping destinations in the country sits minutes away, alongside the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and South Coast Repertory for world-class dining and performances.

Getting Around

Commute times from College Park.

College Park sits between Harbor Boulevard and Fairview Road, with the 55 Freeway just east and the 405 and 73 close by. Adams Avenue, Baker Street, and Merrimac Way carry local traffic. That central position puts job centers, John Wayne Airport, South Coast Plaza, and the beaches of Newport within an easy daily reach. Drive times below are approximate, off-peak estimates.

DestinationDistanceTypical Drive
South Coast Plaza~2 miles~5 min
John Wayne Airport (SNA)~5 miles~10 min
Newport Beach Pier~6 miles~14 min
Downtown Santa Ana~5 miles~12 min
Irvine Spectrum~11 miles~18 min
Disneyland, Anaheim~15 miles~22 min
Downtown Los Angeles~40 miles~70 min

Source: Off-peak driving estimates from mapping tools (2026). Distances measured from central College Park, ZIP 92626.

Local Roots

A side of Costa Mesa history few people know.

College Park sits on land with a long story, running from Spanish ranchos through a wartime air base, the opening of Orange Coast College, and a postwar boom that filled its streets with mid-century homes named after universities. Here are a few facts that shape the area buyers move into today.

1920

The Name Costa Mesa

On May 11, 1920, the small railroad town of Harper officially changed its name to Costa Mesa, chosen by public contest, Spanish for coastal tableland.

Source: City of Costa Mesa.
1948

Orange Coast College

Orange Coast College opened in 1948 just north of the neighborhood. One of the largest community colleges in the country, it gave College Park both its name and its identity.

Source: Orange Coast College.
1820s

The Estancia Adobe

A small adobe built in the 1820s to shelter Mission herdsmen still stands at 1900 Adams Avenue, restored by the city as a local history museum.

Source: City of Costa Mesa.
1942

Santa Ana Army Air Base

A 1,336-acre WWII air base opened here in 1942, fueling a postwar building boom. Its land later became the OC Fairgrounds, John Wayne Airport, and Orange Coast College.

Source: Wikipedia: SAAAB.
1953

A City Is Born

Costa Mesa incorporated as a city on June 29, 1953, with about 16,840 residents and 3.5 square miles, ending its quiet farming era.

Source: City of Costa Mesa.
1950s

College Park Is Built

In the late 1950s College Park rose as one of Costa Mesa's first master-planned communities. Developers named its streets for universities, Cornell, Notre Dame, Princeton, Wake Forest, and more.

Source: City of Costa Mesa.
Eat & Shop

Where College Park dines and shops.

College Park is quiet and residential, with some of Orange County's best dining and shopping just a few minutes away on Bristol Street and at South Coast Plaza. The eclectic CAMP and LAB anchor the SoBeCa district, while SOCO and The OC Mix add chef-driven food and design. Here are local spots buyers ask about, with the map link for each.

Dining

California

Old Vine Kitchen & Bar

New American · $$$

A chef-driven, market-fresh kitchen tucked inside The CAMP, known for its seasonal small plates, weekend brunch, and a loyal Costa Mesa following.

2937 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
View on Map
Vietnamese

East Borough

Modern Vietnamese · $$

A modern Vietnamese spot at The CAMP serving fresh banh mi, pho, and shaking beef in a bright, casual setting, a favorite for a quick, quality lunch.

2937 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
View on Map
Plant-Based

Seabirds Kitchen

Vegan · $$

A beloved plant-based kitchen in The LAB Anti-Mall, turning out crispy avocado tacos and comfort favorites that win over vegans and skeptics alike.

2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
View on Map
Cuban

Habana

Cuban · $$$

A moody, candlelit Cuban restaurant in The LAB, pouring mojitos alongside ropa vieja and plantains, a long-running date-night staple in Costa Mesa.

2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
View on Map
Mexican

Taco María

Modern Mexican · $$$$

A nationally acclaimed, Michelin-recognized Mexican restaurant at The OC Mix, where chef Carlos Salgado turns heirloom corn and local produce into art.

3313 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
View on Map
Coffee

Portola Coffee Roasters

Cafe · $$

An award-winning micro-roaster at The OC Mix in SOCO, pulling meticulous pour-overs and espresso that helped put Orange County coffee on the map.

3313 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
View on Map

Shopping

Luxury Mall

South Coast Plaza

Shopping & Dining

One of the largest and highest-grossing shopping centers in the country, with 250-plus boutiques and restaurants, minutes from College Park on Bristol Street.

3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
View on Map
Lifestyle

The CAMP

Eco Retail & Dining

A green, design-forward retail campus built around independent boutiques, restaurants, and fitness studios, the heart of Costa Mesa's SoBeCa district.

2937 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
View on Map
Indie Retail

The LAB Anti-Mall

Shopping & Dining

The original "anti-mall," set in a former goggle factory with an indoor-outdoor courtyard, vintage shops, record stores, and offbeat eateries across the street from The CAMP.

2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
View on Map
Design + Food

SOCO & The OC Mix

Design & Culinary

South Coast Collection blends furniture and design showrooms with a curated food hall, home to Taco María, Portola Coffee, and dozens of makers.

3315 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
View on Map
Marketplace

OC Marketplace

Weekend Market

A weekend open-air marketplace at the OC Fair & Event Center, with hundreds of vendors selling everything from produce to antiques, just up the road.

88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
View on Map
Home Goods

SEED People's Market

Home & Lifestyle

A spacious, well-curated home and lifestyle store inside The CAMP, stocking artisan goods, ceramics, gifts, and design pieces with a community focus.

2937 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
View on Map

A sampling of well-regarded local spots, not an exclusive list or paid placement. Alex Yu and First Team Real Estate are not affiliated with these establishments. Verify hours and details before you visit.

Live Near All Of It

Browse active College Park and central Costa Mesa listings minutes from these spots.

View Homes For Sale
Amenities & Services

Nearly everything you need, ten minutes away.

What exists here, and roughly where. College Park sits inside the City of Costa Mesa in ZIP 92626, so the city runs police, fire, parks, and permits. Water, sewer, and trash come from two independent special districts instead. Use the linked official sources to check details against a specific address.

Recreation

Parks, trails, and recreation

Fairview Park covers 208 acres at 2525 Placentia Avenue, about a mile and a half west. TeWinkle Park adds 49 acres on Arlington Avenue with a lake, a waterfall, an amphitheater, tennis courts, and the Costa Mesa Bark Park. Wakeham Park sits closer in on Smalley Road with playgrounds and sport courts.

Source: City of Costa Mesa
Daily Errands

Groceries, pharmacies, and errands

Grocery stores, pharmacies, and everyday retail line Harbor Boulevard, Fairview Road, and Baker Street, all within a few minutes of the neighborhood. South Coast Plaza, one of the largest shopping centers in the country, sits about two miles north with Metro Pointe across the road. Most errands never leave the ZIP code.

Source: City of Costa Mesa
Health Care

Hospitals, urgent care, and pets

Hoag Hospital Newport Beach handles major care a short drive south on Newport Boulevard. College Hospital Costa Mesa operates inside the city as well. Urgent care clinics, dental offices, and veterinary practices cluster along Harbor Boulevard, Baker Street, and 17th Street, so routine visits stay close to home.

Source: California HCAI facility records
Community

Schools, libraries, and community

Orange Coast College sits at 2701 Fairview Road on the neighborhood's northern edge, one of the largest community colleges in the country. OC Public Libraries runs the Donald Dungan Library on Park Center Drive. Newport-Mesa Unified serves local students, and the city adds recreation programs at its community centers.

Source: OC Public Libraries and Orange Coast College
Dining & Cafes

Restaurants, bars, and coffee

The LAB Anti-Mall at 2930 Bristol Street and The Camp at 2937 Bristol Street sit about a mile and a half away, both packed with independent kitchens and coffee bars. The SOCO Collection and The OC Mix on Hyland Avenue add chef-driven food and design shops. Eastside Costa Mesa and Newport Beach round out the rest.

Source: City of Costa Mesa
Venues

Arts and entertainment venues

Segerstrom Center for the Arts sits at 600 Town Center Drive, roughly two miles north, alongside South Coast Repertory. The OC Fair & Event Center on Fair Drive runs the county fair each summer plus events year round. Costa Mesa bills itself the City of the Arts, and the venue list backs it up.

Source: City of Costa Mesa
Parks & Green Space

A 208-acre park a mile and a half from the front door.

Costa Mesa protects a long green corridor along the Santa Ana River, and College Park sits a short drive from most of it. Fairview Park holds 208 acres on the west side. Talbert Regional Park adds 180 acres of nature preserve below it. TeWinkle Park brings a lake and an amphitheater within a mile. The green shows up in daily life here.

Fairview Park
208acres
Talbert Regional Park
180acres
TeWinkle Park
49acres
Park Dedicated
1965
City Park

Fairview Park

The city's largest park covers 208 acres at 2525 Placentia Avenue, split between 195 acres of natural open space and 13 acres of manicured landscape. It holds a nationally registered cultural resource historic site and five distinct habitat ecosystems that shelter rare and endangered plants and animals. Trails carry hikers, runners, cyclists, and horseback riders, and the park works as a regional gateway to the Santa Ana River Trail and the adjacent Talbert Regional Park. Portions of the trail system close periodically for habitat work, so check the city map before you go.

Source: City of Costa Mesa
Neighborhood Park

TeWinkle Park

Forty-nine acres at 970 Arlington Avenue, dedicated January 31, 1965 and named for Charles TeWinkle, the first mayor of the newly incorporated city. It carries a lake with a waterfall, an amphitheater, tennis courts, a baseball field, two softball fields, three shelters, and thirty picnic tables. The Costa Mesa Bark Park shares the site.

Source: City of Costa Mesa
Nature Preserve

Talbert Regional Park

OC Parks manages 180 acres north and south of Victoria Street, 91.5 acres in the north section and 88.5 in the south. Nine trails run roughly three miles through six plant zones, from coastal strand to a wetland at the southern end. The Santa Ana River Bicycle Trail links the park to Newport Beach and the ocean.

Source: OC Parks
Living With The River

Flood risk, honestly

Redfin and First Street data put about 1 percent of properties in Central Costa Mesa at risk of severe flooding over the next 30 years, which is a minor rating. The same data flags about 1 percent for wildfire risk and rates severe wind risk as minimal. Individual parcels vary, and homes closer to the Santa Ana River and the Greenville-Banning Channel score higher. Read the seller disclosure, pull the FEMA map, and quote insurance during your inspection period rather than at the end.

Source: Redfin and First Street, 2026
Taxes & Utilities

Who bills you, and who to call, by address.

The practical questions buyers ask on the drive home, answered with a link to the agency that sets the rate. College Park sits inside Costa Mesa city limits, but water, sewer, and trash run through two independent special districts rather than the city. Rates and boundaries change, so confirm against a specific address before you budget.

Property Taxes
OC Assessor · Treasurer-Tax Collector

Proposition 13 caps the base rate at 1 percent of assessed value, and the Assessor sets that value at your purchase price. It rises no more than 2 percent a year until the property changes hands or you make major improvements. Voter-approved bonds and special assessments push most Costa Mesa bills modestly above 1 percent.

Homeowners' Exemption
Orange County Assessor

California trims $7,000 off the assessed value of a primary residence, worth roughly $70 a year. File the claim with the Assessor after closing. Veterans, seniors, and disabled owners may qualify for larger reductions, so ask before you assume the standard exemption is all you get.

Transfer Tax
OC Clerk-Recorder

Orange County charges a documentary transfer tax of $0.55 per $500 of consideration, which works out to $1.10 per $1,000 of the sale price. Costa Mesa is a general law city and adds no separate city transfer tax. Escrow calculates the exact figure at recording, and the seller pays it by local custom.

Electricity
Southern California Edison

SCE delivers power across Costa Mesa and sends the bill. Set up service before your closing date. Much of College Park was built in the late 1950s, so ask when the panel and the HVAC were last replaced and budget accordingly on an unremodeled home.

Natural Gas
SoCalGas

Southern California Gas Company supplies natural gas here and bills separately from electricity. Transfer service into your name before move-in, since some accounts need a short lead time and an in-person meter turn-on.

Water
Mesa Water District

Mesa Water District serves most of Costa Mesa plus a portion of Newport Beach and John Wayne Airport. It is an independent special district formed in 1960, so it bills separately from the city and from the sewer district. Set up the account in your own name at closing.

Sewer
Costa Mesa Sanitary District

CMSD collects wastewater and sends it to Orange County Sanitation District facilities for treatment. The district formed in 1944 and covers Costa Mesa plus small portions of Newport Beach and unincorporated county. Sewer laterals on older homes are worth a camera inspection before you close.

Trash & Recycling
CMSD · CR&R

The Costa Mesa Sanitary District administers curbside trash and recycling for single-family homes and buildings of four units or fewer, with CR&R as the contracted hauler. Confirm the collection day and cart setup for a specific street rather than assuming it matches the block over.

Internet
Cox · AT&T

Cox Communications and AT&T both serve Costa Mesa, and fiber has reached parts of the city. Availability still changes block by block in an older neighborhood like this one, so check the exact address before you rely on a plan or a work-from-home setup.

Sources: City of Costa Mesa, Orange County Assessor, OC Clerk-Recorder, Mesa Water District, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, and FEMA. Verify current rates and boundaries by address.

Client Voices

What clients say.

These are real reviews from buyers and sellers who worked with Alex and his team. Read the full reviews on Zillow.

wscg dpgc

"Alex and Trisha did a fantastic job to help me find my dream home. Trisha is very knowledgeable and mindful of the entire home buying processes. She is very receptive and works hard for her clients. They are an awesome team!!"

5.0Zillow

gabbyseratti7

"Amazing experience working with Alex and team. I bought and sold my home with them and could not have asked for a more dynamic, helpful and professional agent to represent me."

5.0Zillow

Pejimmy Faragalla

"Alex and his team we're fantastic. Ray Guerrero represented me as the buyer and was awesome. He was very responsive and was with me through the entire process. Highly recommend!"

5.0Zillow
Where to Live

Featured College Park neighborhoods.

College Park is made up of several distinct collections, with a couple of nearby tracts that share its mid-century feel. Here is how the options compare, with approximate price ranges. Ranges shift with the market, so ask Alex for current numbers on any street.

College Park

College Park Core

$1.3M to $1.6M
Single-StoryCollege StreetsMature Trees

The heart of the neighborhood, single-story 1950s and 1960s ranch homes on wide, walkable streets named for universities, many beautifully remodeled.

View Homes →
College Park

College Park Harbor Estates

$1.3M to $1.7M
Built 1958-60PoolsLarger Homes

Built from 1958 to 1960 with homes roughly 1,300 to 2,300 square feet, many featuring private backyard pools on quiet, tree-lined streets.

View Homes →
College Park

College Park Sherwood Ranchos

$1.3M to $1.6M
Single-LevelLate 1950sFamily

A single-family enclave of late-1950s single-level homes, prized for its calm streets and a true heart-of-Costa-Mesa location.

View Homes →
College Park

College Park Cambridge

$1.2M to $1.5M
Mid-CenturyADU PotentialEntry Point

A classic mid-century pocket within College Park, a relative entry point into the neighborhood with strong remodel and accessory dwelling unit potential.

View Homes →
Nearby Tract

Mesa del Mar

$1.3M to $1.9M
Larger LotsFamilyQuieter

A family-friendly tract just west of College Park with larger lots and roomier floor plans, a short drive from the College Park core.

View Homes →
Nearby Tract

Halecrest

$1.2M to $1.7M
Pool & Park ClubTwo-Story OptionsCentral

A central Costa Mesa community known for its private pool and park association, offering both single and two-story homes near the colleges.

View Homes →
The Experience

College Park Real Estate. Advice first, No Pressure .

Alex runs his College Park practice like a well-annotated playbook. He shows you what is happening, what it means for your price, and what he recommends next. After more than a decade and over $400 million in closed Orange County sales, the goal stays the same: a clear head and a confident decision, never a rushed one.

Start the Conversation

Clarity at Every Step

You always know where things stand, what comes next, and why each move makes sense. Alex explains contracts, comps, and contingencies in clear, simple terms. no surprises.

Annotated, Not Improvised

Data Over Theatrics

Every recommendation comes from current comparable sales and real College Park numbers, never pressure or sales talk. Alex spent years as a JPMorgan REO manager, so he reads value the way lenders do.

Logic and Integrity

A Steady Hand

Buying or selling is a big chapter. Alex absorbs the pressure of offers, inspections, and deadlines so your move stays calm, organized, and under control.

Understated Empathy
Ready When You Are

Let's make your College Park move happen.

With more than a decade in Orange County, an endorsement from Shark Tank's Barbara Corcoran, over 500 five-star reviews, and more than 400 million dollars in sales, Alex Yu is ready to help you buy, sell, or invest in College Park with a clear plan. Reach out for a no-pressure conversation about your goals.

Contact Alex Yu
FAQ

College Park real estate questions, answered.

Start by getting pre-approved so you know your budget, then tell Alex your must-haves. College Park moves fast, with low inventory and original ranch homes that often draw multiple offers. Alex sets up tailored searches, tours homes with you, and guides you through offers, inspections, and closing.

Selling well starts with accurate pricing and strong presentation, then real marketing exposure. Alex prices using current comparable sales, prepares the home to show its best, and promotes it across Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and Homes.com. In a market this active, a sharp launch protects your final price.

As of 2026, the median sale price in ZIP 92626 was about $1.4 million, near $823 per square foot, with homes selling in a median of about 32 days. College Park holds its value through very low turnover and a central, heart-of-Costa-Mesa location, so block-by-block comps matter most.

Buyer closing costs typically run about 2% to 4% of the price, covering lender fees, title work, and taxes. Seller costs include agent compensation plus prep and any concessions. Commission is negotiable and agreed in writing up front. Alex walks you through a clear estimate before you commit.

Most College Park homes are detached single-family houses with no citywide HOA and no Mello-Roos special taxes, unlike many newer Irvine villages. Some nearby condo and townhome communities do carry HOA dues, and a few tracts have voluntary pool or park associations. Alex confirms any dues for a specific property before you write an offer.

College Park is part of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, graded A by Niche. The neighborhood school is College Park Elementary on Notre Dame Road, which offers Mandarin Immersion and GATE programs. Students continue to TeWinkle Middle School, then Costa Mesa High or Estancia High depending on the address. Always verify zones for a specific address.

Yes. Alex works with relocating and remote buyers often, using video tours, neighborhood briefings, and digital signing so you can move forward from anywhere. He helps you understand commute times to John Wayne Airport, school options, and which College Park collections fit your lifestyle and budget.

First-time buyers usually need steady income, a credit profile a lender can work with, and funds for a down payment and closing. Many programs allow lower down payments, including FHA and conventional loans. The first step is a lender pre-approval, then you shop within a budget you are comfortable with.

A contingency is a condition that must be met for the sale to proceed. Common ones cover inspection, financing, and appraisal. They protect you by giving an exit if a problem appears, like a failed inspection or a low appraisal. Alex structures contingencies that protect you without weakening your offer.

Escrow is a neutral third party that holds funds and documents during the transaction. Your deposit sits in escrow until closing, then is applied to your purchase. The escrow officer makes sure money and the deed change hands correctly. Alex coordinates with them so nothing slips through the cracks.

College Park can work well for the right investor. Deep lots, no citywide HOA, and strong ADU potential under California law support multi-generational living and rental income near the coast. As a former bank REO manager, Alex brings an investor's eye to the numbers and helps you run them first.

South Coast Plaza is about 5 minutes away, and John Wayne Airport is roughly 10 minutes by car. Newport Beach and the harbor sit about 12 to 15 minutes south, and Downtown Los Angeles is roughly 55 to 70 minutes off-peak. The 55, 405, and 73 are all close.

College Park is too specific for a one-size-fits-all model. Each collection prices and sells differently, and lot size, zoning, and ADU potential vary street to street. A local agent who knows the neighborhoods, schools, and recent sales gives you sharper pricing and stronger negotiation.

Downtown Santa Ana is the closest urban core, about 5 miles away and roughly 12 minutes off-peak. Downtown Los Angeles runs about 40 miles north, closer to 70 minutes without traffic. College Park sits between Harbor Boulevard and Fairview Road with the 55 Freeway just east and the 405 and 73 nearby, so most Orange County job centers stay inside a 20 minute drive. Rush hour on the 405 adds time, so test your own route on a weekday morning before you commit.

Yes. The Costa Mesa Bark Park sits at 970 Arlington Drive inside TeWinkle Park, roughly two acres of off-leash space about a mile from most College Park streets. For leashed walking, Fairview Park and Talbert Regional Park add miles of trail on the west side of the city. Check the City of Costa Mesa for current hours and closure notices before you go.

Grocery stores, pharmacies, and everyday retail line Harbor Boulevard, Fairview Road, and Baker Street, all within a few minutes of the neighborhood. Larger shopping runs to South Coast Plaza and Metro Pointe about two miles north on Bristol Street. Most College Park households handle a full week of errands without leaving ZIP 92626.

Fairview Park covers 208 acres at 2525 Placentia Avenue, split between 195 acres of natural open space and 13 manicured acres, with trails for hiking, running, cycling, and horseback riding. TeWinkle Park adds 49 acres on Arlington Avenue with a lake, a waterfall, and an amphitheater. Talbert Regional Park holds 180 acres of nature preserve managed by OC Parks. Wakeham Park sits closer in on Smalley Road, and the Santa Ana River Trail links the system to the beach.

Taco Maria and Portola Coffee Roasters sit at The OC Mix inside the SOCO Collection on Hyland Avenue. The LAB Anti-Mall at 2930 Bristol Street carries Seabirds Kitchen and Habana, while The CAMP at 2937 Bristol Street holds Old Vine Kitchen and Bar and East Borough, all about a mile and a half from the neighborhood. Eastside Costa Mesa and Newport Beach add more within a short drive.

John Wayne Airport sits about 5 miles east, roughly a 10 minute drive off-peak. Most residents take Fairview Road or Bristol Street to the 405 or the 55, then follow MacArthur Boulevard to the terminals. Long Beach Airport and LAX both sit further north and are worth pricing when SNA fares run high. Allow extra time on weekday mornings.

Free Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Buying in College Park, All in One PDF

Alex wrote this guide from more than a decade of Orange County transactions. No fluff, no sales pitch. Just the data, the numbers, and the details every College Park buyer should see before touring.

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A 24-page PDF written by Alex, three parts covering the place, the process, and the partnership. Everything you wish you knew before touring your first home in College Park and ZIP 92626.

  • Current pricing and inventory snapshot for ZIP 92626
  • Collection breakdown: College Park core, Harbor Estates, Sherwood Ranchos
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