Pros and Cons of Living in Cocoa Beach

If you’re researching Cocoa Beach as a place to live, you’re probably weighing more than just how close you’ll be to the ocean. Daily life, convenience, costs, and long-term livability are also important considerations. This post breaks down the biggest pros and cons of living in Cocoa Beach so you can set realistic expectations before making a move.

The Pros of Living in Cocoa Beach

Easy access to the beach

No matter where you live in Cocoa Beach, you’re never far from the ocean. The widest point of our barrier island is Minutemen Causeway, and the homes at the west end are only 1.5 miles from the beach. Most of the homes are only a few blocks away from the beach. Public beach access points and parks are spread throughout the city. 

Laid-back, walkable lifestyle

Driving down A1A, Ocean Beach Blvd, Brevard Ave or any of the streets in Cocoa Beach, you will see the active lifestyle here. Many residents walk or bike to the beach, restaurants, coffee shops, and local events. We have sidewalks and bike paths that connect the entire town. Not counting the entire beach to walk, run, or ride a bike on. I like a bike ride at low tide.

Surrounded by water

With the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Banana River to the west, or the canal ways that connect you to the Banana River, boating, kayaking, fishing, and sunsets are part of everyday life.

Strong local food scene

Cocoa Beach has a large number of locally owned, mom-and-pop restaurants covering everything from casual to higher-end dining. There is a large concentration of restaurants near downtown between 4th St and Minutmen Causeway. Other options can be found along A1A, 520, and near the Cocoa Beach Pier.

Rocket launches

Rocket launches are a regular part of life and a uniquely Space Coast experience. I still get excited when I can step outside and watch a launch. Night launches are still my favorite.

Sense of community

Despite being a tourist town, Cocoa Beach has a solid year-round resident population. Just check out Friday Fest downtown, the Cocoa Beach Art Show, or one of the 5ks that happen in the city. There’s also events throughout the year for everyone to enjoy: surf contests, Thunder on the beach or the Cocoa Beach air show.

Close to Orlando

Cocoa Beach is one of the closest beaches to Orlando, offering easy access to airports, attractions, and major shopping without living in a metro area. You can be at MCO in under an hour, and the attractions are about 60-75 minutes away.

The Cons of Living in Cocoa Beach

Tourism and seasonal crowds

Snowbird season, spring break, cruise traffic, and Orlando day-trippers change the feel of the town during much of the year. Our population peaks every Spring around Easter with snowbirds, spring breakers, and a surf contest happening at once. Nice weekends draw the daytrippers from Orlando to enjoy the beach.

Traffic bottlenecks

Cocoa Beach relies heavily on A1A. It is the main thoroughfare and only road that runs the entire city north to south. Accidents, events, holidays, or peak season can cause major slowdowns with few alternate routes. 

Parking challenges

Parking near the beach and downtown is limited, often paid, and strictly enforced. Metered parking is $6 hour. The “free” street parking fills up quickly and is only for 90 minutes at a time. 

Older housing stock

Many homes were built decades ago, which can mean higher maintenance and insurance considerations. Are the windows single pane or impact? Is there cast iron pipes? Is there aluminum wiring? 

High homeowners insurance costs

Barrier island living means higher insurance premiums, limited carriers, and stricter inspection requirements. You need to be aware of the 4 points insurance carriers look at: roof, HVAC, electrical system, and plumbing. Hopefully, the home you like has impact windows or hurricane shutters.

Hurricane evacuations

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?

Condo ownership complexity

Rising fees, new Florida condo laws, reserve requirements, and potential assessments have added complexity to condo ownership. Ensure that you review the condo documents, the most recent financial statements, and the condo minutes to minimize surprises. A “small” condo assessment is $15K. I have seen them as high as $80,000.

Late summer heat and humidity

August and September is the hottest months of the year. The heat is brutal and it barely cools off overnight. It will take at least a year to get used to a Florida summer

Final Thoughts

Cocoa Beach works best for people who value lifestyle over convenience. Those who understand the tradeoffs tend to love living here. Those who don’t often realize it wasn’t what they expected.

Search for property https://www.ericlarkin.com/cocoa-beach-cape-canaveral

If you’re considering a move to Cocoa Beach and want help deciding whether it makes sense for you, I’m always happy to help. I’ve lived here for decades and work with buyers relocating, downsizing, or purchasing second homes. Take your time, do your research, and reach out when you’re ready.

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.

Planning a move or have questions about our area? Eric Larkin with Real Broker, LLC can help! Schedule a call here https://www.ericlarkin.com/schedule-a-call 

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