Just got PCS orders to Patrick Space Force Base? Most people moving here pick the wrong area for one simple reason… so in this post, I’m going to break down what you need to know before you decide where to live.
And it really comes down to your daily commute… because what looks close on a map here can feel a lot farther when you’re driving it every day.
Understanding the Area Around Patrick Space Force Base
Now, if you’re not familiar with the area, Patrick Space Force Base sits on a barrier island here on the Space Coast… so you’ve got the Atlantic Ocean on one side, the Indian River on the other, and a handful of main causeways that get you on and off the barrier island. I refer to this in other videos as the A1A corridor since that is the main road beachside.
It’s good to understand early on that your commute isn’t just about distance; it’s about how you’re getting around and if you are traveling to and from the mainland every day.
Commute Times by Area
So let’s break this down by area… because where you live is going to have a big impact on your day to day drive.
- Viera / Suntree: around 20–30 minutes
- Melbourne (central/north): around 20–30 minutes
- Rockledge: around 25–35 minutes
- Merritt Island:
- South of 520: 15–20 minutes
- North of 520: 20–40 minutes
- Satellite Beach: around 10–15 minutes
- Palm Bay: 35–50+ minutes, depending on how far south
Like with any area, traffic patterns can vary depending on the time of day.
So again, it’s not just about distance on a map… It’s how that drive actually feels every single day.
Getting On and Off the Barrier Island
Now let’s talk a little more about how you’re actually getting to and from the base… because this plays a big role in everything we just talked about.
Patrick Space Force Base sits on a barrier island, so whether you’re coming from the mainland or even some beachside areas, you’re relying on a few main routes to get to one of the base gates.
- Pineda Causeway (SR 404): connects from Viera/Suntree and I-95 to the south gate
- A1A: runs north and south along the beaches, with the main gate closer to Cocoa Beach
- Eau Gallie Causeway: connects Melbourne to A1A
- 520 Causeway: connects Cocoa and Merritt Island to A1A
There are a few options… but again, how you line up with these routes can make a bigger difference than people expect.
Types of Properties on the Space Coast
Now, once you’ve got a handle on location and commute, the next decision most people are trying to make is what type of property you’re looking for.
There are a lot of different options here… single family homes, condos, townhomes… you’ll even find manufactured homes, multi family, and plenty of apartment options.
I’ll talk more about rentals later in the video… but since the majority of home sales here are single family homes, that’s what I’m going to focus on.
New Construction vs Established Neighborhoods
From there, you’ll need to decide whether to go with new construction or an established neighborhood.
New construction:
- Common in Palm Bay and parts of Viera
- Newer homes, modern layouts, less immediate maintenance
- Typically farther from the base
Established areas:
- Melbourne, Merritt Island, Rockledge, and beachside communities
- Closer to Patrick Space Force Base
- Older homes that require more attention to condition and updates
Whether you’re leaning toward new construction or a resale, you’ll also need to decide if an HOA or a non-HOA community is a better fit for you.
So it really comes down to what matters more to you… A newer home with a longer commute, or an older home with a shorter drive.
Insurance, Inspections, and Older Homes
Now this is where a lot of buyers get surprised… because the age of the home here can directly impact your inspections and your insurance.
A lot of the homes in this area were built in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s… especially in some of the areas closer to the base.
Insurance companies often look closely at:
- Roof
- Electrical panel
- Plumbing
- HVAC system
That’s where a 4-point inspection comes into play… and that can affect not only your insurance cost, but sometimes even your ability to get coverage.
So even if a home looks great on the surface, these are the kinds of things you want to understand early on… not after you’re already under contract.
On the flip side, newer homes usually make this part a lot easier.
Renting vs Buying When You PCS
Now with all of that in mind… the next question a lot of people have is whether it makes more sense to rent first or go ahead and buy when you get here.
If you’re not familiar with the area, renting first can make a lot of sense. It gives you time to learn the neighborhoods and test your commute.
If you already know the area or plan to stay for a while, buying can be a solid option… especially with more negotiating power than buyers had a couple of years ago.
What It’s Like Living on the Space Coast
Now, beyond the home and the commute… let’s talk about what day to day life actually looks like living here.
Beachside (Satellite Beach, Cocoa Beach):
- Laid back, coastal lifestyle
- Close to the ocean
- Slower pace
Mainland (Viera, Suntree, Melbourne):
- More shopping and restaurants
- Newer communities
- More convenience
If you’re coming from a larger metro area, things will feel quieter here… but the outdoor lifestyle is where this area really stands out.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to live near Patrick Space Force Base comes down to a few key things:
- Your daily commute
- Access to the barrier island
- The type of home you want
- Your lifestyle preferences
Taking the time to understand these up front can make a big difference in your overall experience living on the Space Coast.
FAQ: PCSing to Patrick Space Force Base
Where is the best place to live near Patrick Space Force Base?
Satellite Beach offers the shortest commute, while Viera, Suntree, and Melbourne provide a balance of convenience, housing options, and commute time.
How long is the commute to Patrick Space Force Base?
Commutes range from about 10 minutes in Satellite Beach to 45+ minutes from parts of Palm Bay depending on your location.
Is it better to live beachside or on the mainland?
Beachside offers proximity to the base and ocean, while mainland areas provide more amenities, shopping, and newer homes.
Should I rent or buy when PCSing to Patrick SFB?
Renting offers flexibility if you’re new to the area. Buying may make sense if you’re planning to stay longer and feel confident in your location.
Are there older homes near Patrick Space Force Base?
Yes. Many homes were built in the 1960s–1980s, which makes inspections and insurance an important consideration.
What should I consider before choosing a home?
Focus on commute routes, access to the island, home condition, and how the area fits your lifestyle.
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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