Right between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, the City of Cocoa offers its 20,000 residents access to Brevard County's outdoor amenities in a more relaxed environment than its sister city Cocoa Beach. "I would say it's not beachy, but it's riverfront," says Lisa Marie of Ryan's Pizza, a local favorite since the 1970s. "You have the Indian River right here, and you're only four miles from Cocoa Beach. The east side is more suburban, and on the west side, people might have land and some horses. Downtown Cocoa Village is our tourist area, but we get a lot of locals coming in. People love this place." This love manifests in year-round events in the downtown district, bringing locals and tourists together in Cocoa.
Cocoa West keeps a small town feel while being close to the city and beaches.
Many boaters go to the Indian River outside of Cocoa.
Cocoa Village is at the heart of Downtown Cocoa.
Ron Jon Surf Shop is a must for tourists visiting Cocoa.
Cocoa Riverfront Park has boat launch access.
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Cocoa's support for small businesses
Aerospace manufacturing is one of Brevard County's main industries, employing over 12,000 county-wide. Major employers include Collins Aerospace, Northrup Grumman, L3Harris Technologies and the John F. Kennedy Space Center. Other major industries are educational services, healthcare, tourism and retail. With its Upstart Program, the City of Cocoa helps encourage small businesses to grow. The program offers grants to minority- and women-owned businesses.
The Northrop Grumman Corporation is located at 5335 N Courtenay Pkwy near Cocoa.
Welcome to discover the technological marvels of the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville.
A family explores astronaut history at Kennedy Space Center near Titusville.
Orlando Health Rockledge Hospital is located at 110 Longwood Ave near Cocoa.
The Cocoa Village prides itself on locally owned businesses.
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Cocoa Beach, Indian River and local parks
While it's 4 miles east of town and a city in its own right, Cocoa Beach is a huge attraction for tourists and residents. This 6-mile stretch of golden sand connects to the rest of the Space Coast beaches, offering bright blue waters and challenging surf. Close to home, the Indian River is popular with boaters, kayakers and water skiers. Several parks are available to residents, including Cocoa Riverfront, Taylor and Lee Wenner Parks. Riverfront Park's amphitheater is often used for outdoor concerts, and its lawn hosts about 75 beermakers at the annual Cocoa Village Brewer's Bash.
Happy welcome signage to Cocoa Beach
Residents enoy the beach year-round while living in Cocoa Beach.
The Cocoa Beach Pier offers stunning ocean views, dining and entertainment over the Atlantic.
Merritt Island is a great place for families.
The Hubert Humphrey Bridge is a well known sight over the Indian River in Cocoa.
Cocoa Riverfront Park has an amphitheater for events.
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Cocoa offers midcentury houses and riverfront condos
The median sale price in Cocoa is $182,700, 35% lower than the national median sale price of $281,900, according to Niche. Most homes were built in the mid-20th century, but there are some newer builds and multi-family communities. In the center of town, prices may range between $225,000 and $500,000, and going north on the Indian River, houses and condos close to the riverfront may cost between $325,000 and $900,000.
Cocoa West embraces the tropical lifestyle with newer homes featuring large palm trees.
Cocoa has seen a trend in mid-century homes being refurbished.
You will find large waterfront homes along the Indian River in Cocoa West.
New multi-family developments are being built in Cocoa.
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B-plus rating for Brevard Public Schools
Serving 73,000 students across its 111 campuses, Brevard County Public Schools is one of the 15 biggest districts in Florida. It has a B-plus grade on Niche. Most elementary schools instruct kindergarten through 6th grade, and high schools are 7th through 12th. While younger kids have several magnet and charter options, they'll likely attend Cocoa Beach High for later grades, as it's the only public high school in the city. Its football program won back-to-back state championships in 2022 and 2023, and a Cocoa Tiger has played in every Super Bowl since 2020.
Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High School proudly rallies behind the Minutemen mascot with beach pride.
Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High School guides students to success in their education and personal growth.
Ronald McNair Magnet Middle School is located on Challenger Drive in Rockledge, Florida.
Welcome to the main entrance of Ronald Mcnair Magnet Middle School.
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Local businesses and events in Cocoa Village
The city’s downtown area, Cocoa Village, offers plenty of small-town shopping and dining. This walkable district's historic architecture houses 20-plus restaurants and a handful of boutiques. Residents might also attend one of the downtown events: golf carts haunt the parade during Halloween in the Village, and classic cars pull up for the Cocoa Village Concourse. For more retail, nearby Viera offers big box stores and The Avenue Viera shopping mall. To learn about the Space Coast, the Kennedy Space Center and the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum are within 15 miles.
The Cocoa Village is nostalgic and quaint filled with small businesses.
At the heart of Cocoa is the Cocoa Village, a mecca of mom and pop type retail.
Dog N Bone British Pub is located in the middle of Cocoa Village.
Titusville is located across the Indian River from NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
Boeing displays its space suit at Kennedy Space Center and has facilities in Titusville.
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Getting around Cocoa
Cocoa Boulevard and State Road 501 run north and south across town; State Road 520 can carry drivers across the eastern causeway to Meritt Island and Cocoa Beach, 6 miles away. Orlando Health Rockledge Hospital is the closest medical center. Port Canaveral is 12 miles from Cocoa, which is convenient for residents like Realtor Monica McKune with Keller Williams Brevard, who's been in real estate for 22 years. "We're a cruise family," McKune says. "With the port being so close, we can go on cruises a few times a year without worrying about flights." Melbourne Orlando International Airport is 20 miles from Cocoa, and Orlando International Airport is 37 miles away.
Weather and crime in Cocoa
Cocoa has hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters, with an average high of 85 degrees Fahrenheit. As with all of Florida, Cocoa is often in the path of hurricanes. "We board up the windows like everybody else," says Lisa Marie. "Our docks get a little banged up sometimes, but that's normal for this area. Hurricanes are a part of life here."
Crime data is not widely accessible for the City of Cocoa, but data is available for Brevard County. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement's most recent annual report, published in 2021, notes that overall crime in Brevard County decreased by 13% from 2020 to 2021.
Written By
Micaela Green
Photography Contributed By
Jay Welker
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
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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.
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On average, homes in Cocoa, FL sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Cocoa, FL over the last 12 months is $315,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Imagine relaxing in this beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo with screened porch to enjoy the tranquil views of the Indian River. The coastal vibe, vaulted ceiling, top floor location includes updated luxury vinyl plank flooring 2020, modern impact windows & sliding door 2020 and AC 2019. The community offers a pool, spa and fishing dock to watch the rocket launches. Water, trash, basic cable
Welcome to this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath home with a 2-car garage and a fully fenced yard. As you step inside, you’ll appreciate the bright, open layout. To your right, the kitchen overlooks the spacious dining and family room combo, creating a perfect space for entertaining and everyday living. The kitchen features ample cabinet and counter space along with a convenient closet pantry.
Built in 2013 and meticulously maintained, this unique property is packed with features that cater to both relaxation and recreation. The screened-in pool offers the perfect retreat for sunny Florida days, while the oversized covered parking is ideal for your RV, boat, or other toys. A detached side building—already equipped with power and water—is currently being used as a gym and workshop, but
Spacious, versatile, and perfect for Florida living!This pool home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a flexible bonus room on the main floor ideal for a potential 5th bedroom, gym, home office, or playroom. A dedicated dining room and half bath are also located downstairs, along with a bright, open-concept kitchen featuring an island, prep sink, pantry, all overlooking the large living space.
Spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 1332 living sq. ft., 1 story home. Living room, dining room, kitchen with breakfast bar, primary bedroom with walk-in closet, primary bath with walk-in shower. Laundry/utility room. Large back yard with shed. 45 minutes to Orlando! Renters Insurance Required. No pets.
Come home to luxury Cocoa living at Integra Trails. This brand new community offers one, two and three-bedroom residences designed for a premium living experience – featuring modern appointments, granite countertops, designer kitchens, and spacious floor plans. Perfectly positioned in the Cocoa Villas neighborhood, Integra Trails offers the all-inclusive, resort lifestyle you’ve been looking for.
Welcome to this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom concrete block home in Port St John! Open and bright, this home features stainless steel appliances, indoor laundry room, and a huge fully fenced back yard. Store your toys on the concrete RV/boat pad with gated entry for added security. Pad is equipped with 30-amp electrical hookup.
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.
