PCS to Patrick Space Force Base: Beachside or Mainland? Best Places to Live on Florida’s Space Coast
Congratulations on your PCS orders to Patrick Space Force Base!
You’re probably wondering what life is going to look like over the next few years here on Florida’s Space Coast. More importantly, where should you live?
This is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during your move because where you choose to live can impact your commute, your budget, your lifestyle, and how much house you can afford.
Should you live beachside and enjoy easy access to the ocean and a shorter commute? Or would you rather live on the mainland, where you’ll typically find newer homes, more inventory, and more space for your money?
Let’s break down the different areas near Patrick Space Force Base and help you determine which location may be the best fit for you and your family.
Where Is Patrick Space Force Base Located?
Patrick Space Force Base is located on a narrow barrier island along Florida’s Space Coast between the Atlantic Ocean and the Banana River.
To the north are Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. Heading south along A1A, you’ll pass through Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic, and eventually Melbourne Beach. Locals often refer to this entire area as the A1A Corridor or simply beachside.
Most of the shopping, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and newer residential communities are located on the mainland in areas such as:
- Melbourne
- West Melbourne
- Suntree
- Viera
- Rockledge
- Cocoa
- Palm Bay
- Port St. John
- Titusville
The Banana River and Indian River Lagoon separate the barrier island from the mainland, making bridges and causeways an important part of everyday life.
Patrick has two primary access gates:
Main Gate
Located on the northeast side of the base off A1A near Cocoa Beach.
South Gate
Located near the Pineda Causeway in Satellite Beach.
These gate locations can have a significant impact on your daily commute.
Living Beachside Near Patrick Space Force Base
For many military families, beachside living is exactly what they pictured when they received orders to Florida.
Beachside communities include:
- Cocoa Beach
- Cape Canaveral
- Satellite Beach
- Indian Harbour Beach
- Indialantic
- Melbourne Beach
Pros of Living Beachside
Shorter Commute
Satellite Beach and Cocoa Beach offer some of the shortest commute times to Patrick. Depending on where you live, your drive could be less than 20 minutes.
Coastal Lifestyle
Beachside living offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can:
- Bike to the beach
- Enjoy local restaurants
- Watch rocket launches nearby
- Catch sunrises over the Atlantic
- Watch sunsets over the Banana River
For many people, this lifestyle is difficult to beat.
Small Town Feel
Many of these communities have a slower pace and strong sense of community.
Cons of Living Beachside
Older Housing Stock
Most homes were built decades ago, meaning:
- Fewer new construction options
- Smaller lots
- More limited inventory
Higher Insurance Costs
Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean can result in higher homeowners insurance premiums.
More Condo Options
The A1A corridor has a large inventory of condos and townhomes.
Traffic
While traffic is usually manageable, A1A can become busy during:
- Peak tourist season
- Spring Break
- Rocket launches
- Surf competitions
- Beautiful beach weekends
Living on the Mainland
If maximizing your housing budget is your priority, the mainland may be the better option.
Mainland communities include:
- Melbourne
- West Melbourne
- Suntree
- Viera
- Rockledge
- Cocoa
- Palm Bay
- Port St. John
- Titusville
Pros of Living on the Mainland
More House for Your Money
You’ll typically find:
- Larger homes
- Bigger lots
- More inventory
- More new construction communities
More Amenities
The mainland offers:
- Shopping centers
- Restaurants
- Parks
- Golf courses
- Healthcare facilities
- Easier access to I-95
Popular Mainland Areas
Melbourne
One of the most diverse housing markets in Brevard County, with homes ranging from the 1960s through today.
Suntree and Viera
These are among the most popular relocation destinations in the county.
Viera has experienced tremendous growth over the last 20 years and offers:
- Newer communities
- Community amenities
- Walking trails
- Shopping and dining nearby
Palm Bay
Palm Bay is the largest city in Brevard County and offers one of the biggest selections of homes.
Expect commute times of approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Rockledge and Cocoa
These communities offer established neighborhoods with a mix of older homes and some newer construction.
Typical commute times range from 25 to 35 minutes.
Port St. John
Offers affordability and housing options similar to Palm Bay, but with less new construction.
Titusville
Located at the northern end of Brevard County, Titusville typically has the longest commute, often exceeding 45 minutes.
What About Merritt Island?
Merritt Island deserves its own category.
Located between the Indian River and the Banana River, Merritt Island offers:
- Waterfront homes
- Larger lots
- Established neighborhoods
- Fewer HOA restrictions
- Central location
Housing ranges from homes built in the 1950s and 1960s to newer construction.
Commute times vary depending on location.
The central and southern portions of Merritt Island are often within 30 minutes of Patrick, while northern areas may approach 45 minutes.
For many buyers, Merritt Island offers an attractive balance between beachside and mainland living.
Understanding Commute Times
One thing many people underestimate when moving to the Space Coast is the importance of the causeways.
Your commute often depends less on mileage and more on:
- Which gate you’ll use
- Which bridge you need to cross
- School traffic
- Afternoon thunderstorms
- Accidents
- Rocket launches
A drive that appears short on a map can sometimes take significantly longer than expected.
Before choosing a location, spend some time reviewing routes and commute times during your expected working hours.
So…Where Should You Live?
There isn’t one perfect answer.
Beachside May Be Right For You If:
- You want the shortest commute.
- Living near the beach is a top priority.
- You enjoy a small-town coastal lifestyle.
Mainland May Be Right For You If:
- You want more house for your money.
- You prefer newer communities.
- Shopping and amenities are important.
Merritt Island May Be Right For You If:
- You want a balance between the two.
- You prefer larger lots and more flexibility.
- Waterfront living appeals to you.
Final Thoughts
The good news is that no matter where you choose to live, you’re never too far from the beach, a rocket launch, or everything that makes Florida’s Space Coast unique.
If you’re preparing for a PCS move to Patrick Space Force Base and have questions about neighborhoods, commute times, or housing options, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to be a resource and help you learn more about living on Florida’s Space Coast.
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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