So, you’re looking at Camden Martinique Apartments Pinecreek Drive Costa Mesa CA.
Maybe you saw a listing that looked a little too good to be true, or perhaps you’re just trying to figure out if that commute to Orange Coast College is actually as easy as the map says. Honestly, there is a lot of noise online about this place. Some people call it a "hidden gem" while others... well, they have some pretty loud complaints about the "tech package" fees and the parking situation.
But here is the thing: Most of the info out there is actually outdated.
The biggest thing people get wrong right now? It isn’t even technically called "Camden Martinique" anymore. Back in late 2023, Camden Property Trust sold the massive 714-unit complex to Advanced Real Estate for a cool $234 million. It’s been rebranded as The Grand Costa Mesa.
If you are still searching for the old name, you’re likely seeing reviews from five years ago that don't reflect what is happening on the ground in 2026.
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The Real Vibe on Pinecreek Drive
Living at 2855 Pinecreek Drive puts you in a very specific pocket of Costa Mesa. You are basically neighbors with Orange Coast College (OCC). Because of that, the vibe is younger, more energetic, and—if we’re being real—a bit noisier than a sleepy suburb in Irvine.
You’ve got the 405 freeway right there, which is a blessing and a curse. You can get to Newport Beach or South Coast Plaza in ten minutes, but you’re also dealing with that classic OC traffic hum.
The property itself is huge. It’s like a small village. Because it’s so large, your experience depends entirely on where your unit is. A unit near the back might feel like a quiet sanctuary with palm tree views, while something closer to the main entrances might feel like Grand Central Station during move-in week.
What Actually Changed with the Rebrand?
When Advanced Real Estate took over, they didn’t just swap out the signs. They dropped about $45 million into renovations. This is a big deal because the old "Camden" version was starting to show its age.
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- In-Unit Laundry: This was the biggest gripe for years. Residents used to have to lug baskets to shared laundry rooms. Most of the renovated units now have actual washers and dryers inside.
- The "Face Lift": We’re talking stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and those farmhouse-style sinks that everyone is obsessed with.
- The Pool Scene: They leaned hard into the "resort" aesthetic. The pools now have cabanas and those outdoor "social lounges" with fire pits and ping-pong tables.
It’s definitely trying to compete with the high-end Irvine Company builds, but it keeps a bit more of that Costa Mesa "character" (read: it’s not quite as sterile).
The "Gotchas" Nobody Mentions
I’m not here to sell you a lease, so let’s talk about the stuff that actually bugs people.
First, the parking. Every unit usually gets one or two reserved spaces in the gated garage. That sounds great until you have a friend come over on a Friday night. Guest parking is basically a competitive sport. If your guest doesn't find a spot on the street, they might be walking a country mile to get to your front door.
Second, the "mandatory" fees. Like many large complexes in California, there’s often a technology package bundled into the rent. It covers high-speed internet and cable, which is convenient, but you can’t opt out. If you’re the type who only uses a 5G hotspot and doesn't watch TV, you’re still paying for it.
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Third, the scale. With 700+ units, the maintenance crew is busy. While many residents rave about guys like Lorenzo and Paco—who have been there forever and really know the plumbing—the sheer volume of requests means you aren't always going to get a same-day fix for a squeaky cabinet.
Is it worth it in 2026?
Rent for a one-bedroom here is hovering anywhere from $2,500 to over $2,800 depending on the floor plan and "upgraded" status.
Compared to the brand-new luxury builds in the South Coast Metro area, it’s actually somewhat of a value play. You’re getting the same stainless steel appliances and pool cabanas for a few hundred dollars less a month than the ultra-modern towers.
But you have to be okay with the "college-adjacent" lifestyle. If you want total silence and neighbors who only come out to check the mail, this isn't it. If you want to be able to bike to a local brewery, walk to class, and hit the beach in fifteen minutes, it’s a solid choice.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are seriously considering a move to the apartments on Pinecreek Drive, do these three things before signing anything:
- Visit at 7:00 PM on a Tuesday: Most tours happen at 11:00 AM when the complex is empty and quiet. You need to see what the parking situation and noise levels are like when everyone is actually home from work and school.
- Ask for a "Renovated" Unit Confirmation: Don't just look at the model. Ask specifically if the unit you are signing for has the in-unit washer/dryer. Some older floor plans may still be in the "transition" phase.
- Check the Map Location: Look for a unit that faces the interior courtyards rather than Pinecreek Drive or the freeway-facing edges if you are a light sleeper. The "quiet side" of the building makes a massive difference in your quality of life.
- Audit the "Tech Fee": Get a line-item breakdown of the monthly "utilities" and "media packages" so you know exactly what your "all-in" price is, not just the base rent you see on the website.