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
Nick Seitz
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
William Means,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Cocoa, FL sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Cocoa, FL over the last 12 months is $324,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This Lovely home is spacious, freshly painted living area, open floor plan, updated kitchen, granite counters, new cabinets, split bedrooms, brand new impact windows, Ac new 2020, roof, 2018, so much storage, large screened in porch, The attached ADU has its own entrances, and porch, 832 sq ft. have multi-generational family or rent it out. It has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, a kitchen and living room,
One of a kind riverfront condo! This ground floor oasis has been completely renovated and smartly redesigned with entertainment in mind. Upon entering this home you are greeted with a panoramic view of the Indian River. This is the amazing view from the open concept living/dining areas and HUGE kitchen. This kitchen boasts a large quartz center island and modern wall to wall cabinetry. There's
Huge, perfectly arrayed corner-lot on quiet, clean street. Large front, back & side yards. 3/2 with brand new 2025 roof, AC unit 2023 & hot water heater 2019. Luxury Vinyl throughout & updated kitchen shaker cabinets, bath vanities & bathroom showers.
Beautifully Furnished Riverfront Condo! Welcome to your own oasis with stunning views of the Indian River. This fully updated, move-in-ready, furnished home features an open layout, updated kitchen with granite counters, breakfast bar, and stainless steel appliances. The guest bath offers a jacuzzi tub, while the primary suite includes a walk-in closet and a beautifully updated bath with dual
Spacious 3BR/2BA manufactured home on a rare .43-acre oversized lot! Enjoy NO HOA and no land lease; and plenty of room for RVs, boats, and trailers with easy access parking on this large corner lot. The fenced yard offers privacy and space to add a pool, workshop, or garden. Inside, an open floor plan features a bright living area, eat-in kitchen, and comfortable bedrooms. Furnished and move-in
Super affordable 1bed 1bath home with huge enclosed Florida room and a convenient utility shed for extra storage and laundry facilities. Located in Forest Lakes of Cocoa, a gated active 55 + neighborhood! Low HOA and YOU OWN THE LAND! Enjoy a heated pool, fishing pier, boat launch, clubhouse, playground, shuffleboard, Located close to 95, Beachline, beaches, OIA, shopping, dining, hospitals
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.
Fully Furnished 3BR/2BA Home - All Utilities Included!Welcome to 4270 Fairfax St, Cocoa, FL 32927 a beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with 1,357 sq ft of living space (1,798 sq ft including the 2-car garage). This move-in-ready rental includes all utilities, even high-speed internet! Enjoy a spacious, open layout, a fully equipped kitchen, and a fenced backyard perfect for
MUST SEE!!! cozy upgraded 2 bedrooms 1 bath condo with assigned parking in front of unit and front patio. Available 11/1/25-$1200.00 a month $1300.00 security deposit. Rent includes water, sewer, and trash, pest control, tenants responsible for electric and cable.The spacious living area features New kitchen appliances, New Carpet in the bedrooms, New Shower Tile and Vanity in the bathroom,
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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.
