These two neighborhoods often get grouped together because of their close proximity to one another in Costa Mesa (they are back to back), but each neighborhood has a unique character all its own. Halecrest was built in the mid-1950's as one of the first planned neighborhoods in Costa Mesa. These 384 homes were built in the postwar era when families weren't yet familiar with Orange County (other than orange groves), let alone Costa Mesa. Similar postwar neighborhoods exist in Van Nuys, Studio City, and Burbank. The original builder/developer, Herman Hale, had originally intended to name the neighborhood College Estates, but soon discovered that another neighborhood called College Park was being built a mile away. Built on raised foundations, these homes have a huge "cute" factor and most are in fantastic shape for being fifty years old, a testament to the workmanship that was built into these homes. As one of Costa Mesa's earliest neighborhoods, many original and longtime residents still call it home, and now many younger families and first-time homebuyers are buying the original homes, adding their own touches and calling it home. Several of the homes are going through dramatic transformations with the recent remodeling wave.

The Hall of Fame tract was built shortly after the Halecrest tract with a unique tahitian/comtemporary architechture that was en vogue in the 1960's. These 197 homes boast a similar architechture that is found in certain tracts in the Mesa Verde neighborhood of Costa Mesa. This neighborhood has a nice feel to it with larger trees, quiet interior streets, and close proximity to the Halecrest Association clubhouse, park and school. Most of the homes are 4 and 5 bedroom models and newer remodeling has put wonderful touches on the existing architechture.

Facts at a Glance

Bedrooms: 3, 4, and 5 (5= Hall of Fame or remodel)
Baths: 2 and 3 (4 or more= remodel)

Square Footage: 3 bedrooms are generally about 1100 to 1500; 4 bedrooms are usually between 1600 and 2000; 5 bedrooms are about 2100 square feet + or -

Stories: single stories are common for 3 and 4 bedroom homes. Two story homes are mostly on 4 and 5 bedroom homes. Several of the four bedroom models have a downstairs bedroom (hall of fame).

Unique: All of the original homes in the Halecrest track came with oak hardwood floors throughout the home. Oftentimes owners have kept the hardwood under carpet for years, and these floors are easy to refinish and they can be unbelieveably beautiful again! There was a "bungalow craze" at the time when the Hall of Fame tract was built in the sixties which can still be seen in the steep pitch of and long eaves of many of the rooflines in the neighborhood.

Fixer-Uppers: Yes, very common. Original owners have often not updated the homes and these will sell at a reasonable price compared to market for updating.
These homes are perfect for the owner who would like to put in a little "sweat equity" or just add their own touches. The majority of these homes were very, very well built, and these are a great choice for the fixer-upper.

Association: Like a breath of fresh air, their is an association for the neighborhoods that is completely optional! If you'd like to join, dues are only $10/year. The Halecrest & Hall of Fame Homeowners Association gets together regularly and focuses on neighborhood beuatification, works with the city of costa mesa on neighborhood issues, and generally watches over the two neighborhoods for the betterment of their own community. Attend a meeting and you can really feel the passion, pride and joy for living in this neighborhood.

Swim & Tennis Club: Another optional club, this recreation facility is right in between Halecrest and Hall of Fame and offers an Olympic-size pool, acquatic lessons for everyone, voleyball courts, picnic areas, park grounds and tennis for the family. Banquet and meeting facilities are also available for private parties.

Today

Halecrest and Hall of Fame encompass over 600 homes including The French Quarter, which are private townhomes, an elementary school (Killybrooke), and The Halecrest Tennis and Swim club. The northern edge of Hall of Fame backs to the 405 freeway and the streets of Baker, Harbor, and Fairview encapsulates the remainder of the neighborhood. Convenience is high for those who like to walk to shops and services which are a short walk from any part of either neighborhood.

Local Conveniences

Walk to major shopping!! You're close to all the major shopping chains which have a branch nearby. The neighborhood is less than a mile from the 405 Freeway, the 73 Freeway and the 55 Freeway, making it easy to get to wherever you're going.

Local Stores/Services: (within a mile of Halecrest/Hall of Fame)
Henry's
Stater Brothers
Diedrich Coffee
French's Bakery
First Bank
Daphne's Greek Restaurant
Baja Fresh
Vons
Target
Sav-On
Rite Aid
Home Depot
Albertsons
Starbucks
McDonalds
Burger King
Ihop
Subway
Submarina
Bank of America
Wells Fargo
Pacific Coast Credit Union
Citibank
Pick up Stix
Newport Rib Company



© 2000-2007 Colin Delaney, Pacific Standard Real Estate Corporation, Veranda Homes and colindelaney.com