Cocoa

Cocoa West is among the cluster of many Space Coast communities that some have credited for providing desirable spots well outside of larger places like Orlando. In fact, some residents here work in Orlando, but come home here to get away from some bigger city challenges. “It’s almost like a suburb of Orlando,” says Stephen Cintron, a real estate agent with Re/Max Solutions and who has made over 180 sales in Cocoa West. “It’s more comfortable, and it’s the slower pace of life. Things are a bit more spread out here. You’re not so cramped up.” Cocoa West residents still have access to a number of activities, many of which can occur on scenic waterfronts like the Indian and St. Johns rivers. Among the sports facilities here is the Launch Pad Sports Complex, which was once a pro baseball spring training site and now regularly hosts events like sports tournaments and instructional camps. Residents are also within a reasonable distance of Cocoa Village to the east. The Village serves as a downtown area for the city. There, residents can find a diverse mix of dining spots, shops, boutiques, events and art galleries, studios and installations. Like in much of the Space Coast, homes in Cocoa West can be found in subdivisions featuring a mix of builds ranging from ranch styles and single-story craftsmen to larger colonial and split-level homes with brightly-colored stucco siding. The more upscale homes can be found next to each other in walkable subdivisions spruced up with manicured lawns and palms. Then some homes, like on Indian River Drive, come up with additional features like private docks. The median price for homes in Cocoa West is $337,610. “There’s nothing too outlandish,” Cintron says about the architecture found here. “It’s a very family-oriented area. Very laid back. The nice thing about Brevard County is you have riverfront property, lakefront property, beach front property. You have golf views.” Those looking to find groceries or household goods can find them at the Publix in the Cocoa Commons shopping center on Florida State Road 524 or at the nearby Walmart located across the road from the Paradise Shoppes at Cocoa. Slices can be found at the Pozzy Bros. Pizza on U.S. Highway 1 in the Sharpes area, while those seeking some seafood and delicacies can travel west to the Lone Cabbage Fish Camp right where West King Street goes over the St. Johns River. Fish Camp patrons can try out gator tail, frog legs or turtle and even do so by traveling to the eatery by airboat. A 300-foot-long dock is located adjacent to the restaurant. Those interested in some regional history can go the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science just off Michigan Avenue where, among other things, they can find an exhibit on the findings of the Windover Archeological Site. Located near Titusville to the north, the historic landmark is the discovery site of well-preserved human skeletal remains that had been buried in a pond cemetery for well over 7,000 years. The museum is home to nature trails that also connect to nearby Travis Park, one of many parks in Cocoa West. Among the facilities at Travis Park is a community center containing a gymnasium. Another facility families can visit for sports is the Launch Pad Sports Complex, which recently hosted the Lou Palmer Memorial Florida World Championship Series and has a 4,700-seat stadium. Families looking for entertainment will find in the historic Cocoa Village, where a Christmas Magic Show and Grinch appearance and a “Bark and Brew Fest” are just some of the events there. Schools in or near area include Saturn Elementary School, Cambridge Elementary Magnet School, Space Coast Junior/Senior High School and Cocoa High School, all of which received grades of C or higher from ratings site Niche. Families can find an alternative at the kindergarten through 12 Space Coast Christian Academy, which received a B-minus from Niche. The Space Coast Area Transit serves Brevard County, including Cocoa West. The Rockledge Regional Medical Center is located right off U.S. Highway 1.