Brevard County Area
Brevard County, famously known as the Space Coast, provides great surprises in store for tourists and plenty of diversity for residents. The 70 mile long and narrow strip (of a county is an average of 26.5 miles from the seacoast at any point) is home to the Kennedy Space Center.
Brevard has a long shoreline that greatly complements its uncommon flora and fauna brought about by a temperature that’s both temperate and subtropical. The juxtaposition of technology and surf is uniquely Brevard and is the reason why it draws so many tourists every year. Read through the neighborhoods to find out which community suits you best.
Cape Canaveral
Population: 10,206 (2017)
Median Household Income: $45,019 (2017)
Meidan Home Price: $244,900 (2017)
Like all Brevard towns and cities, Cape Canaveral oozes with the laid back life of sun, sand and a subtropical/temperate climate that everyone pines for. The Kennedy Space Center has launched many shuttles here but the technology hasn’t spoiled the casual feel of this city.
The casualness belies the booming Port Canaveral that accommodates cargo, naval, cruise ships. In 2014 alone, about 3.9 million cruise passengers have passed through the port, making it one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.
Take a stroll along its shoreline and make it a point to enjoy the wildlife of the 58,000 acre Canaveral National Seashore, underdeveloped for the discerning naturalist’s viewing pleasure. A few more steps and you should reach the shoreline of one of the finest cities in Brevard, Cocoa Beach.
Be sure to check the city’s official website for schedule on rocket launches. There’s nothing like seeing a rocket launch while decked out on Florida’s famous shores.
Cocoa
Population: 17,711 (2017)
Median Household Income: $30,804 (2017)
Median Home Price: $144,000 (2017)
Cocoa offers a simple life, close to nature and rich in history that’s occasionally spiced up by the nearby rocket launches. It’s near the government center of Brevard county, Viera, and is home to the historic Cocoa Village.
A trip down the Indian River can take you to the Central Florida Everglades, an ecosystem famous for its alligators, migrating and local birds, and more of Florida’s rich wild life.
Places to Visit:
Cocoa Village – This historic, tree-lined hub of restaurants, museums, galleries, unique shops and night spots is definitely worth a visit. Day tours let you take in the beautiful view at the riverside boardwalk, shop at specialty stores, or visit the Cocoa Village Playhouse that’s been active since 1924.
Night visits take you to unique adventures for your palette at restaurants with the broadest cuisine choices, as well as allow you to enjoy vibrant live music.
Cocoa Beach
Population: 11,595 (2017)
Median Household Income: $51,866 (2017)
Average Home Price: $290,400 (2017)
Divided from the city of Cocoa by the Banana River, Merritt Island and the Intracoastal Atlantic Waterway, Cocoa Beach sits right next to the Atlantic Ocean, making it ideal for laid back days or wide-eyed exploration.
The neighborhood is home to 12,361 people but houses up to 30,000 tourists during peak seasons. In a year, it gets about 2.4 million day tourists, making its population a good mix of vacationers, locals and retirees.
Locals and retirees make up the 40% that live in the neighborhood all year long. With that permanent residence comes the perk of being able to catch a wave where many a surfer championship has done so, witness the occasional launching of the space shuttle from Cape Canaveral, observe coastal and migratory species including dolphins leaping out of the water, and see wildlife in their natural habitat while kayaking in the nearby river.
There are miles of finger canals in the area that you can take advantage of, so you can dock your boat right in your backyard. The Cocoa Beach life is made convenient and secure for both vacationers and residents because of its well-protected natural resources, excellently maintained parks and public facilities, top-ranked schools, diverse dining choices, major-chain hotels and affordable hotels, and a strong city government that has its own police, fire/paramedic departments.
Places to Visit:
Cocoa Beach Country Club – Offers a 27-hole golf course, an Olympic-sized city pool, tennis complex, and a beach volleyball area that is open to the public.
Cocoa Beach Pier – Stretches 840 feet long over the Atlantic Ocean. The historic pier has been around since 1962 and houses 5 bars, 4 restaurants including the famous Atlantic Ocean Grille, an ice cream parlor and an arcade. It’s also a great place for fishing.
Adventures for your palette at restaurants with the broadest cuisine choices as well as allowing you to enjoy vibrant live music.
Indialantic
Population (est): 2,723 (2016)
Median Household Income: $65,305 (2015)
Median Home Price: $460,000 (2016)
Indialantic sits right in the middle of the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean, thus the name. It’s conveniently located for practically any nature-filled adventures. Catch a wave in the ocean or go fishing in the river. Take a walk along the shoreline and see a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral.
Go on a cruise on the Indian River and get the chance to see the unique flora and fauna of Brevard County including the famed Everglades. Enjoy the scenes of some of the parks by yourself or with a friend to rejuvenate after a day’s work. Expect a simple life at the Indialantic. If you’re into nature and the water, then Indialantic is definitely the best choice for you.
Indian Harbour Beach
Population: 8,471 (2017)
Median Household Income: $60,028 (2017)
Median Home Price: $339,900 (2017)
Indian Harbour Beach was founded by W. Lansing Gleason, John H. Neafie and Louis S. Henry back on June 6, 1955. Since that time, the area has flourished, attracting residents who enjoy a quiet, small-town atmosphere next to to the ocean.
Places to Visit:
Eau Gallie Yacht Club – This is a private boating club that makes sure its members have a lot of fun. Family friendly and able to help anyone who loves the water, the Eau Gallie Yacht Club is recommended if you’re in the area.
South Beach Fitness – If you’re worried about staying in shape while in the area, the South Beach Fitness club is a great place to go. They have a lot of equipment and staff on hand to help people of all ages exercise smarter.
Melbourne
Population: 80,127 (2017)
Median Household Income: $56,137 (2017)
Average Home Price: $198,500 (2017)
If you didn’t know, this city was named Melbourne to honor its first postmaster, Cornthwaite John Hector. He was from England and had spent much of his life in Melbourne, Australia. The area has been settled by humans for a long time, but today many people travel here because of the beaches and all the other fun to be had in the area.
Places to Visit:
Florida Power and Light Company Ice Plant (1927) – This building is on the national historic registry. It is located at 1604 South Harbor City Boulevard, and is a great place to visit for anyone who enjoys history and learning about the past.
Historic Rossetter House Museum – This museum located at 1320 Highland Avenue is another great place to stop if you’re in the area. They have a lot of history on display. This is a great destination for people of all ages who love history.
Melbourne Beach
Population: 3,163 (2014)
Median Household Income: $68,110 (2017)
Median Home Price: $331,500 (2017)
If you didn’t know, Melbourne Beach is the oldest beach community in Brevard County, Florida, which makes it special in many ways. Once you see all there is to do and see in this little slice of paradise, you’re going to realize why so many people love the area.
Places to Visit:
Melbourne Beach Pier – If you love the water, shopping and eating, you’re going to really like visiting the Melbourne Beach Pier. In one small area, you can find a lot of different activities to do and businesses to visit.
Old Melbourne Beach Town Hall – For a look at the history of the area, be sure to stop by the old Town Hall. It’s a great look at architecture from the past as well as a way to learn more about Melbourne Beach.
Ryckman Park – Located on Ocean Avenue, this park is the location of the Town Hall, the Melbourne Beach Community Center, a playground and several gazebos. Numerous events are held at the park every year – most famously the annual Founder’s Day celebration and parade every May.
Palm Bay
Population: 107,888 (2017)
Median Household Income: $43,064 (2016)
Average Home Price: $205,700 (2016)
Palm Bay is the largest city in Brevard County, Florida. Originally known as Tillman, the area changed names to Palm Bay in the 1920s and hasn’t looked back since. This part of Florida attracts a lot of people each and every year.
Places to Visit:
Indian River Lagoon – Near to Palm Bay is the Indian River Lagoon, which is actually a series of three different lagoons in the area, each offering something a little different. Many people love visiting this area because of the wildlife.
St. Johns River & Sawgrass Lake – For anyone who likes the water, both St. Johns River and Sawgrass Lake are nearby and offer plenty of opportunities to have a little fun in the sun. Be sure to remember your towel!
Rockledge
Population: 26,626 (2017)
Median Household Income: $59,905 (2017)
Average Home Price: $196,000 (2016)
As the oldest city in Brevard County, Florida, Rockledge has a distinguished past. That said, they’re also firmly planted in the present with an eye to the future. The area offers a lot of great attractions and affordable housing prices for anyone looking to live in this part of the country.
Places to Visit:
H. S. Williams House – Located at 1219 Rockledge Drive, Rockledge, Florida, this house was originally built by Hiram Smith Williams in 1880 after he moved to the area in 1874. In 2012, work was started to make it a historic museum for the area.
Persimmon Mound – For those who love history, a short 10-mile trip south of Rockledge will bring you to the Persimmon Mound. This is a historic place in the United States and somewhere you should definitely visit at least once if you’re in the area.
Satellite Beach
Population: 10,633 (2017)
Median Household Income: $63,793 (2017)
Median Home Price: $266,653 (2017)
This historic coastal city sits in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River. It is the largest beachside community in the whole region, which makes it very popular.
Places to Visit:
Hightower Beach Park – For outdoor fun, you need to check out the recently renovated Hightower Beach Park. Made more family friendly with lots fun things to do.
Coconut Point Park – This is a 36.9-acre beachside park and sea turtle nesting site. For anyone who loves the beach (and turtles,) this park is not to be missed. Also popular for surfing, beach combing and fishing, the area has several picnic facilities to accommodate endless family fun. Coconut Point Park is also listed as the state of Florida Great Florida Birding Trail’s.
Titusville
Population: 45,393 (2017)
Median Household Income: $47,007 (2017)
Median Home Price: $160,466 (2017)
As the county seat of Brevard County, Florida, this is an important city in the region. When you add the beautiful climate and all the fun things to do in the city, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the more popular destinations in Florida.
Places to Visit:
Judge George Robbins House – If you’re not sure who Judge George Robbins is, you need to stop by this historic building to learn more about a man who did a lot for the area when he was around. This place gives you a good look at the history of the area.
US Space Walk of Fame and Museum – For something a little more out of this world, stroll down to the US Space Walk of Fame and Museum and get ready to be amazed. This outdoor plaza honors a lot of our astronauts.
West Melbourne
Population: 20,679 (2017)
Median Household Income: $55,330 (2017)
Median Home Price: $279,900 (2017)
This city was created in 1959 to avoid annexation with the City of Melbourne. When you see the area, you’re going to understand why they wanted to remain separate. The area has seen the most growth in all of Brevard County, Florida. There’s a reason for this and you’ll know why when you visit.
Places to Visit:
Municipal Parks – With a total of seven Municipal Parks in the city, there’s outdoor fun for everyone no matter what they enjoy doing in their leisure.