Residents of Cocoa Beach often feel the earth rumble beneath their feet and see fireworks in the sky. That's because this small Florida town of about 11,000 is positioned between Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Patrick Space Force Base and Kennedy Space Center in what is aptly nicknamed “The Space Coast.”
“The beach is a great place to watch the rockets launch,” says Kenne Wells, executive director of Cocoa Beach Main Street. “It never gets old.” The town is on a barrier island between the Banana River and the Atlantic Ocean. Residents frequently explore the creeks and canals, while everyone seems to appreciate Cocoa Beach’s downtown district, which has everything from wellness spas and massage studios to wine bars and cafes.
Watch a rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island.
NASA's 1960s Cape Canaveral operations made Titusville part of the Space Coast.
1/2
Beachfront condos and single-family homes with canal access
Tourism is a huge industry in Cocoa Beach. Many homes in the city are being converted to vacation rentals. Condos outnumber single-family homes, especially oceanside. On the river side, creeks break the land into smaller islands and peninsulas, making waterfront views more common. Most homes here were built between 1950 and 1980, but condos lean newer. The median home price is $475,000, slightly higher than the national average.
Riverfront homes in Cocoa Beach offer stunning views, peaceful waters, and a relaxing coastal lifestyle.
Large, high-rise condominiums line the beachfront in Satellite Beach.
1/2
Beaches on the east and golfing on the west
Cocoa Beach has several public beach access points. Lori Park allows free parking and has a dog park. The Mansfield Maritime Hammock within the park is a section of hardwood forest great for hiking. The city runs the Cocoa Isles Country Club, which has an 18-hole golf course, and the Cocoa Beach Skatepark, located behind the high school. Anyone can explore the town’s rivers and canals via boat tours or fishing charters.
The large, colorful playground at Lori Wilson Park features a fun slide, swings, and climbing areas for kids to enjoy.
The Mansfield Maritime Hammock offers a quiet coastal habitat with shaded paths, perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll in Cocoa Beach.
The Cocoa Beach Skatepark offers smooth ramps, bowls and rails for skaters of all levels to enjoy.
Cocoa Isles Country Club offers lush fairways, scenic views and a relaxing golfing experience in Cocoa Beach.
1/4
Burgeoning downtown with unique local shops and markets
The downtown section of Cocoa Beach is located right at its center, with small businesses ranging from bakeries to jazz clubs and seafood spots lined up on a Main Street-style thoroughfare. "You could spend the day shopping, eating, and having a cocktail here and there," Wells says. "There's just such a variety." Every third Friday of the month, Cocoa Beach Main Street organizes the Friday Fest, complete with music, food trucks, and artisan vendors.
Officials are keeping up with the tourism demands by building resorts and hotels. The 502-room Westin Cocoa Beach Resort and Spa broke ground in 2024 and aims to be one of Brevard County’s most upscale options. The city’s comprehensive plan also outlines areas of improvement for coastal management, infrastructure and housing.
Downtown Cocoa Beach is a vibrant area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment near the beach.
Junk Food Bakery in Cocoa Beach offers custom cakes, craft coffee, and nostalgic desserts. Everything is scratch made in house using the best quality ingredients.
Downtown Cocoa Beach features live music with local bands, great energy and a fun beachside vibe.
Friday Fest in Cocoa Beach brings live music, local vendors and a fun community vibe every 3rd Friday of the month.
1/4
Space Coast Area Transit from the barrier islands to the mainland
State Road 1A1, or the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, runs the entire length of the barrier islands, and connects to the mainland via State Roads 520 and 528 to the north and 404 to the south. Space Coast Area Transit can take Cocoa Beach locals north to Cape Canaveral and south to Canova Beach. The Cocoa Beach Express shuttle service travels to Orlando International Airport, 50 miles away. Health First’s Cape Canaveral Hospital is about 4 miles away.
Specialty aquatic program at Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School
Cocoa Beach is part of the Brevard County Public Schools, which receives a B-plus overall rating from Niche. The system serves over 74,300 students across 111 schools and specialty centers. Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School offers an aquatic science program where students can get experience studying water quality chemistry and aquarium maintenance.
Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High School guides students to success in their education and personal growth.
Roosevelt Elementary School helps students grow and succeed in a supportive learning evironment.
1/2
Community crime prevention programs and flood-related evacuation zones
The Cocoa Beach Police Department reports 83 incidences of violent crime and 230 incidents of property crime in 2024. Reports of violent crime tend to be higher around areas with high foot traffic and along the beach. The City of Cocoa Beach has City Watch and Business Watch programs aimed at limiting crime. Because of its location on a barrier island, the city is susceptible to high winds and storms, and is generally among the first Brevard County town to be evacuated.
Written By
Leilia Magee
Photography Contributed By
Rodrigo Betancor
Video By
Alex Jacobsen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melissa Murphy,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Cocoa Beach, FL sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Cocoa Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $513,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Location! Location! Location!Nestled in a serene cul-de-sac neighborhood, surrounded by Florida's natural beauty. Take a swim in the large pool while watching the dolphins in this waterfront home. Navigate the waterways of Cocoa Beach using your own personal boat lift. This home sits nestled in the heart of downtown, and blocks away from the elementary school, and the Jr/Sr Highschool. Lots
Located within the prestigious Enclave at Three Hundred, this luxury villa offers premier coastal living in a gated community of just 24 residences, situated three blocks from downtown Cocoa Beach and directly across from the ocean. With 3,463 SF under air (4,461 SF total), this home has 4 bedrooms (or 3 plus a media/office room), 3 baths, & a 3-car garage. A private courtyard entrance with an
Your affordable beachfront condo—now with the Seller paying 6 MONTHS of condo fees for the new buyer!All inspections complete, assesments paid and repairs to complex completed. This coastal-chic 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo features impact windows and sliders, an open floor plan, and an updated oversized kitchen with warm-tone granite and a laundry room off the kitchen. Enjoy a balcony with a view
Welcome home to this updated ranch blocks away from The beach, Ron Jon Surf shop & cocoa beach pier. This 5 bed 3 bath home has been completely remodeled. Drain pipes (2023) electric panel (2023) roof,windows & flooring. 2 master suites with private entrances (potential rental income/ airbnbs). Excellent investment opportunity or multi generational living. 2 car garage, fenced in yard. Central
Have you been dreaming of an affordable, updated home on the Cocoa Beach Golf Course? Look no further! This spacious 3 bedroom, 3 FULL BATH, 2 CAR GARAGE with golf course views has everything you want! The renovated kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and new cabinetry. A butcher block counter provides a warm contrast. Beautiful vinyl plank flooring flows throughout
Direct Oceanfront Cocoa Beach Luxury — Privately gated and custom-built in 2011, this exceptional residence blends timeless design with modern craftsmanship. Wide-open living spaces filled with natural light flow seamlessly to an expansive 800-square-foot oceanfront deck for effortless indoor-outdoor living. The chef’s kitchen features natural gas cooking and a Bertazzoni Italian range. The
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offering comfort and convenience in a desirable location. Step inside to find a well-designed floor plan with bright living spaces and plenty of natural light. The property features a large, fully fenced backyard, perfect for outdoor gatherings, pets, or simply enjoying your own private retreat. For added relaxation, unwind in the spacious hot tub,
Location, Location, Location! So close to the beach you can hear the Ocean! Here is your opportunity to enjoy this fabulous Cocoa Beach house. This home offers beautiful wood maple floors. Custom cabinetry, granite countertops, gas range, water heater and dryer, stainless steel appliances. Bonus room off kitchen/living area. 1/2 bath and walk-in laundry room on ground flour. Upstairs has 2
Beautiful renovated duplex available November 1st just one block from the sand and ocean! Water, sewer, trash included. Pet friendly with deposit. Washer & dryer for both sides to share out back. More work is being done to the property. Backyard will be fenced in. Kitchen is brand new with brand new appliances that have never been used!! New flooring, new bathrooms as well as new ac units to keep
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
