Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral are two beautiful cities located on the east side of Florida. They share many similarities and offer a unique coastal lifestyle. If you're considering making the move to this area, here are 15 things you need to know:
1. Year-Round Awesome Weather
The weather in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral is fantastic year-round. In the winter, temperatures range from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with occasional dips into the low 60s. Summers can be hot, but the breeze from the Atlantic Ocean and the rivers makes it feel cooler than other parts of Florida.
2. Beach Life
One of the best things about living in this area is the beach life. The beaches here are beautiful, with miles of soft sand and plenty of space to relax. Whether you're looking for calm waters or awesome waves, Cocoa Beach is a top surfing destination and the birthplace of famous surfer Kelly Slater.
Living in Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral offers the perks of a small surfer town feel with plenty of accessibility. There are many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, grocery stores like Publix, Win Dixie, Aldi's, and BJ's, and a mall in nearby Merritt Island for all your shopping needs. Plus, being only one hour away from Orlando, you have access to even more dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
4. Space Coast Living
Living in Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral means living in the heart of the Space Coast. With an average of one launch per week in 2023, it's an exciting experience to watch rockets launch into space from your front or backyard or while hanging out on the beach.
5. Affordability
Compared to other beachfront cities in Florida, Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral are more affordable. While prices have gone up in recent years, you can still find a three-bedroom condo with a direct ocean view starting at around $550,000. In contrast, cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa have starting prices around $1 million.
6. Wildlife Encounters
If you're a nature lover, you'll be thrilled by the local wildlife in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. Living along the river or ocean, you can spot dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. The area is also home to a variety of birds, including ospreys and bald eagles.
7. Outdoor Activities
There's no shortage of outdoor activities in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. Whether you enjoy biking, fishing, boating, swimming, surfing, or exploring local parks and trails, there's always something to do.
8. Hurricane Season
Hurricane season in this area runs from June to November. While historically this area hasn't been hit as hard as others, it's important to be prepared. In the event of an incoming named hurricane and an evacuation order, residents of Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral are required to shelter inland due to their location on the Barrier Island directly on the Atlantic Ocean.
9. Home Insurance Costs
Home insurance costs in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral can be high for a couple of reasons. While there are newer homes available, many properties were built in the 50s and 60s when the space industry started in the area. Some of these homes may still have original pipes, windows, and electrical systems, which can result in higher insurance premiums. Additionally, being located on the Barrier Island between the Atlantic Ocean and Banana River, flood insurance may also contribute to higher premiums.
10. Local Events
There's always something happening in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. Both cities have their own Friday Fest, featuring local bands, food trucks, games, and arts and crafts vendors. Cape Canaveral's Friday Fest takes place on the first Friday of every month, while Cocoa Beach's is on the third Friday of every month. From craft fairs to holiday events and concerts, there's never a dull moment in this area.
11. The Nightlife
If you enjoy going out, Cocoa Beach offers a few options for nightlife. Downtown Cocoa Beach has bars where you can dance and catch local bands playing throughout the week. Many bars also host karaoke and trivia nights. However, if you're looking for clubs, you won't find any in this area.
12. Education
Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral share a middle and high school. Cocoa Beach Junior and Senior High serve the area, along with Cape View Elementary in Cape Canaveral. If you're interested in learning more about the schools in the area, there are links provided in the description for further research.
13. Transportation
While there is a bus system, having a car is essential for getting around Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. Public transportation is not prevalent in the area.
14. Job Market
The local job market in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral is heavily influenced by the space, defense, and tourism industries. Major employers include Kennedy Space Center, SpaceX, Blue Origin, the Air Force, as well as local restaurants and hotels. The area also attracts many retirees, making it a great place to find employment opportunities.
15. World's Busiest Cruise Port
Did you know that Cape Canaveral is home to the world's busiest cruise port? The cruise industry not only boosts the local economy but also offers residents the convenience of hopping on a cruise for a quick getaway. With various cruise lines servicing the area, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney, you can explore destinations like the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska. There are even two or three-night cruises available, allowing you to enjoy a weekend getaway without the need for long drives or flights.
In conclusion, living in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral offers a unique coastal lifestyle with year-round great weather, beautiful beaches, accessibility to amenities, the excitement of space coast living, affordability compared to other beachfront cities, wildlife encounters, a wide range of outdoor activities, and a vibrant local community with events and nightlife. Whether you're considering relocating or just visiting, this area has something for everyone.
Comments