Cocoa Beach is one of those places that people are drawn to for a lot of good reasons. The beaches, the weather, the laid-back vibe, and the fact that you’re surrounded by water all play a role. I’ve lived in the area a long time and still enjoy calling it home. That said, living in Cocoa Beach full-time is very different than visiting on vacation. This post focuses on the things that don’t always get talked about, so you can decide if this lifestyle actually fits you.
Traffic can be frustrating
Cocoa Beach is long, narrow, and relies heavily on A1A. When traffic backs up, there are very few good alternatives. Sure, there’s Ocean Beach Blvd & N Banana River Blvd at the north end of town or Brevard Ave at the south end. These roads are only 2 lanes & 25 mph. Plus, these roads do not run throughout Cocoa Beach. If you are between Cocoa Isles and Wakulla Lane…you are stuck in traffic. Traffic gets thick from snowbird season, spring break, surf contests, boat races, the air show, cruise traffic, holidays, nice weekends, or a rocket launch, and things slow down quickly.
Tourism changes the feel of the town
Cocoa Beach is a destination town. That brings restaurants, events, and energy, but it also brings crowds. From January through April, the population swells thanks to the snow birds and spring breakers. Beach season can be year round and draws a lot of weekend warriors from Orlando and the mainland. Minutemen Cswy in downtown, Alan Shepard Park at the end of 520, & the Cocoa Beach Pier are hot spots that I refer to as “mayhem” because of the crowds they attract
Parking is limited and often paid
Parking can be a real pain point, especially near the beach and downtown. City lots are metered and enforcement is strict. It’s $6 an hour. Fortunately, the city does offer parking permits that are reasonable for Cocoa Beach residents at $20 a year. Non-residents cost $75 a year.
Homeowners insurance is expensive
Cocoa Beach homes are older, located on a barrier island, and exposed to storms. Insurance costs are higher here than in many inland areas. $5,000 a year is reasonable. I have seen quotes over $10,000. It depends on the house and the location.
Hurricane evacuations are a reality
Cocoa Beach is a barrier island surrounded by water. When storms approach, evacuations are common. You will need to have a plan on how to protect your home. How old is your roof? Do you have impact windows? Do you have hurricane shutters? Since power outages can happen, do you have or need a generator? Are you going to ride it out, or will you evacuate? Do you have a pet? Can you take your pet(s) with you?
Most homes are older
Many Cocoa Beach homes were built in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Older homes can be charming, but they also come with higher maintenance considerations. Have the windows been updated? How old is the electrical panel? Is there aluminum wiring? Does the house still have cast iron pipes, or have they been replaced? If you are on the river or a canal, how old is the seawall?
Condo living comes with added risk
Rising insurance costs, new Florida condo laws, reserve requirements, and potential assessments have made condo ownership more complex. There are more condos in Cocoa Beach than single family homes. There are also more condos in Cocoa Beach than in any other city in Brevard County. It seems the average condo fees are in the $600-$800 per month range right now. There are associations with as high as $1600 per month.
Shopping options are limited
There are great local businesses and grocery stores…we do have 2 Publix, a Winn Dixie, several Dollar stores, and an Ace Hardware…There aren’t any no big box shopping….aka WalMart, Target, Home Depot, or Lowes…You have to cross bridges to Merritt Island or maybe even the mainland.
Noise can be an issue
Live music, bars, festivals, and events bring life to Cocoa Beach, but depending on location, noise can be a factor. I used to live on South Orlando near 13th St. Traffic noise was a factor all the time. We can occasionally hear music from downtown or from a hotel near 15th St. There are flyovers from Patrick. Even though I like the rocket launches, some people do not.
Late summer heat and humidity
August and September are hot, humid, and uncomfortable for many people, with warm nights and limited relief.
If you are still curious about the Cocoa Beach area, see what’s available for sale here https://www.ericlarkin.com/cocoa-beach-cape-canaveral
Final Thoughts
Cocoa Beach isn’t perfect. No town is. The people who love living here understand the tradeoffs and accept them for the lifestyle. The people who struggle usually expect something closer to a quiet resort town or a suburban setup.
If you’re thinking about a move to Cocoa Beach and want to talk through whether it makes sense for you, I’m always happy to help. I’ve lived in the area for decades and work with buyers who are relocating, downsizing, or looking for a second home. Feel free to reach out with questions or spend some time exploring the other Cocoa Beach content on my site.
Eric Larkin is a Broker Associate with Real Broker, LLC. He lives, works, and plays in the Cocoa Beach area. If you have questions about moving or relocating to Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast, let me know! I get calls, texts, direct messages & comments on my posts every day about the real estate market and things that are happening in Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast that I love answering. Ask me your questions on moving, relocating here, or anything about the community. I am here to help. I have been helping buyers and sellers with their real estate needs since becoming a real estate agent in 2003. My focus is always on helping, answering your questions, and doing everything possible to make certain you have a smooth transaction from beginning to end.
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