What to Know About Cocoa Beach, FL Real Estate

Not all Florida beach towns are the same. If you want something truly unique, where life is not all about yachts, sunbathing, or nightclubs, then you should check out Cocoa Beach. Not only do you have all the amenities of an oceanfront town, it’s also one of the few good places for surfing in Florida, and you can watch rocket launches. This adventure-filled Florida beach town is truly one of a kind on the Atlantic coast.

If you’re considering moving to Florida’s Atlantic coast, learn about why people call Cocoa Beach home. We profile its real estate market and some great places to live in Cocoa Beach.

Where is Cocoa Beach?

Cocoa Beach is a barrier island on the Atlantic Ocean 60 miles east of Orlando, between Cape Canaveral and Patrick Space Force Base. The beautiful beaches stretch over 13 miles. Satellite Beach connects to the south on A1A, and Merritt Island is to the west. Popular destinations like Daytona Beach are about an hour and a half to the north, while West Palm Beach is about two hours to the south.

Why live in Cocoa Beach?

One of the great things about Cocoa Beach is that you’re never far from the water. There are over 50 public access points all over the city, so no matter where you choose to live, you’ll be able to quickly get to the beach. The Banana River runs along the mainland side, so you have even more water access for boating, fishing, and water sports.

While it’s not world-famous surfing waters, Cocoa Beach does have a strong surfing culture. Learning the basics here has propelled many well-known surfing names toward stardom. Cocoa Beach offers beginner and experienced surfers alike waves that are easy to ride and warm temperatures year-round. The shoreline here is smoother than on other beaches, so newbies can walk their boards out.

The waters on both sides of the island are rich in fishing waters. Locals love to fish from the Cocoa Beach pier for snook, bluefish, flounder, and pompano. Plus, people hang out here for the great food and fun events year-round.

If you like golf, you’re covered, too! Admire stunning waterfront views from the Cocoa Beach Country Club during your round. In addition to golf and water recreation, there are parks with trails for walking and biking amongst a native Florida landscape.

And how could we forget Cocoa Beach’s proximity to the Kennedy Space Center? Cape Canaveral is on the northern end of the island. Locals have one of the best seats in the house for watching rocket launches.

What is Cocoa Beach real estate like?

The city has many developed communities and neighborhoods, giving it an urban vibe. While it’s not as packed as some other barrier island beach towns (think Miami Beach), it attracts its fair share of tourist traffic, so you do have resorts and vacation home real estate.

Housing development really accelerated in the 1960s when Cape Canaveral was established. You’ll find mid-century and coastal Florida-style houses from this era, distinct because of their low roofline, 1,200-1,600 sq ft, and stucco siding. Newer homes are also available, and condo development is on the rise.

Waterfront real estate is abundant. You can have Atlantic coast views or be on the Banana River.

Housing prices depend on proximity to the waterfront and amenities. The 159 homes had a median list price of $520,000 in December 2022. The most expensive single-family was $3.2 million for a penthouse condo with four bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and almost 4,000 sq ft. The most affordable was $70,000 for a studio condo.

What is the cost of living in Cocoa Beach?

For a living on an island surrounded by water, the cost of living in Cocoa really isn’t too bad. Based on Sperling’s Best Places index, the overall cost of living in Cocoa Beach is about 9% above the national average. It’s only 5% above the Florida average. Housing was the most significant expenditure, coming in at 36% above the national average, but remember that most real estate is waterfront here. All the other expenses were in line with national spending.

Are there condos and townhomes in Cocoa Beach?

If you’re looking for an easy lifestyle or an affordable second home, Cocoa Beach has plenty of condos and townhomes for you to choose from. Your options include timeshares, resort communities, and high-rise luxury condos. In fact, most of the available real estate in December 2022 was condos and townhomes. Of the 159 homes on the market, 109 of those fell into this housing category.

Many new developments are primarily condominium properties in Cocoa Beach. These condominium properties tend to face the Atlantic, so you’ll have a stunning oceanfront view. Some of your options include:

• The Surf at Cocoa Beach
• Stonewood Towers
• Beach Winds
• Flores De La Casa
• Emerald Seas
• Xanadu
• Garden Bay
• Coral Seas

What are property taxes in Cocoa Beach?

Florida’s property taxes are rather complex as they have different homestead exemptions amounts for school-based and county-based taxes. Florida also offers discounts for paying property taxes early. Property taxes do have to be paid in full when they are due. The taxing year runs from January 1 to December 31 of a given year.

Cocoa is part of Brevard County. It assesses property taxes at $1.00 per $1000 of assessed property value.

The City of Cocoa Beach tax rate for 2022 was 15.7744, which included all the taxes levied in Brevard County and for that specific district.

Are there golf course communities?

Cocoa Beach has no formal golf course communities, but many developments are close to the island’s golf course. Some are right across the street from the 27-hole public course.

What is the population of Cocoa Beach, FL?

Cocoa Beach had over 11,000 residents in the April 2020 census. It only added about 100 residents, but that’s because the city is highly developed and doesn’t have a lot of room for expansion.

Only around 11% of its population was 18 and younger. Some 33% of residents were 65 years and older.

Please note that Cocoa Beach is separate from the City of Cocoa, located on the Florida mainland across from the island.

What county is Cocoa Beach located in?

The city is part of Brevard County, one of the state’s most populated counties. It ranked number 10 in the 2020 Census for state population.

Brevard County is known as the Space Coast because it is home to Cape Canaveral. People come here to watch rocket launches and to work for NASA.

The Space Coast has many family-friendly amenities and activities for residents and tourists. Besides Cocoa, Brevard County offers 72 miles of Atlantic Ocean sunny beaches, with popular beach vibe towns such as Indian Beach, Satellite Beach, and Melbourne.

Families benefit from a high concentration of top-ranked public schools, and the school district is one of the state’s best-ranked.

Historic Titusville acts as the county seat, but Palm Bay is the largest city by population.

What are the best neighborhoods in Cocoa Beach?

Cocoa has no shortage of great beach communities to live in. The resort condos have their own amenities and flair, but the neighborhoods add to the beachfront and island living experience.

Seacrest Beach is ideally close to shopping and dining thanks to The Village of South Walton Beach town center. It’s a quick walk south of Lori Wilson Park for added green space, and of course, there’s the easygoing beachfront itself.

Cocoa Isles sits along the Banana River and is made of several sections developed starting in the late 1960s. Most homes are single-family on quarter-acre lots. The neighborhood is on a series of fingers and peninsulas that make for quiet, suburban, and waterfront living. It’s convenient to Publix for grocery shopping.

What areas are near Cocoa Beach, FL?

Immediately north awaits Port Canaveral, where cruise ships come and go on their way to the Caribbean and beyond. The ships launch from Port Canaveral, separate from the Space Force base just immediately north. There is a rocket launch viewpoint just north of the Port, but to access Kennedy Space Center, you’ll need to follow the A1A back to the mainland.

Immediately south on A1A are the Patrick Space Force Base, Satellite Beach, and Indian Harbour Beach. These are more popular destinations for beachfront fun.

Following the A1A or Highway 520 to the mainland, first, you pass Merritt Island, one of the best places to live in Brevard County. The island is surrounded by the Banana and Indian Rivers. It’s home to the Kennedy Space Center and several national wildlife refuges.

On the mainland is the City of Cocoa. The Brevard Zoo is on the mainland to the south. Titusville is to the north. Orlando is about an hour’s drive, almost due west.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Cocoa Beach, Florida

Is Cocoa Beach a family-friendly destination for homebuyers?

Cocoa Beach, Florida, is an excellent family-friendly destination for homebuyers. The area offers a vast range of activities and comforts that cater to families of all sizes. Attractions include the Cocoa Beach Pier, which features shops, restaurants, and opportunities for fishing and surfing, and Lori Wilson Park, a popular spot for picnics, beach volleyball, and beach fun.
Furthermore, the nearby Kennedy Space Center provides educational experiences with its exhibits on space exploration, perfect for kids and adults alike.

Is Cocoa Beach, Florida, at risk for hurricanes?

Cocoa Beach, Florida, is located on a barrier island, making it susceptible to hurricanes, particularly during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June to November. The area has experienced several hurricanes historically, with notable storms including Hurricane Dorian and Hurricane Frances. However, the local government and emergency services are well-prepared, offering robust evacuation plans and resources for residents.

What is the median household income in Cocoa Beach, Florida?

According to data from the latest U.S. Census, the median household income in Cocoa Beach, Florida, is approximately $80,880 as of 2024. This income level reflects the economic status of the area, with notable variations across different age groups and household types. For example, households headed by individuals aged 45 to 64 tend to have the highest median income, while those over 65 years old typically have lower median earnings.

What are the most stunning beaches near Cocoa Beach?

Cocoa is filled with coastal beauty, and daily living here means unrestricted access to nice beaches. The ones on this list provide a mix of activities, from peaceful nature exploration to lively beachside entertainment, catering to a variety of preferences.

1. Playalinda Beach at Canaveral National Seashore offers a serene and natural setting, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. It’s an undeveloped beach with beautiful sand dunes and a well-known spot for watching rocket launches.
2. Cocoa Beach Pier is a lively area famous for its surf-friendly waters and bustling atmosphere. The pier extends 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and features restaurants, surf shops, and activities.
3. Jetty Park Beach in Cape Canaveral is a family-friendly spot with a fishing pier, playgrounds, and picnic areas. It’s a great place for camping and enjoying various water activities like fishing and kayaking.
4. Cherie Down Park offers a more tranquil experience with its sand dunes and sea grasses. This seven-acre park is perfect for a relaxed day of swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the scenic views.
5. Sidney Fischer Park Beach is ideal for families, with amenities like picnic areas, playgrounds, and outdoor showers. It’s a safe beach for kids with gentle waves and patrolling lifeguards, making it a great spot for a family outing.

Living in Cocoa Beach, FL

As you can see, this city is a pretty special place along the Florida east coast. Yes, residents get to live next to the ocean, but there are very few places in the world where you can watch rockets head into space. Surfing is also rare in Florida, so having it here makes living in Cocoa that much more special.

Get help finding the right home or condo in Cocoa Beach with a local real estate agent.