Is Cocoa Beach the Best Place to Live in Florida?

Cocoa Beach, located on the East Coast of Florida in Brevard County, is considered one of the most desirable places to live in the Sunshine State. The natural beauty and year-round good weather make it an ideal location for families and retirees alike. Plus, with plenty of amenities, entertainment options, and activities to enjoy, Cocoa Beach is certainly worth considering for anyone seeking a Florida locale.

About Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a seaside city with plenty of coastal charm. Vast stretches of sand are dotted with colorful beach umbrellas, while a variety of water sports tempt adventurers into the Atlantic Ocean. While the beaches are a clear draw, the town is also home to a vibrant downtown area filled with plenty of eateries, boutiques, and attractions. Bordered by rivers and boasting a number of waterfront neighborhoods, Cocoa Beach is a town that stands out for its natural beauty.

Pros of Living in Cocoa Beach

There’s certainly no shortage of reasons why you might decide to call Cocoa Beach home. To begin with, the city boasts primetime temperatures throughout the year, with average daily temperatures in the 70s during the winter and warmer weather expected during the summer months. In short, if you’re looking for beautiful weather year-round, you’ve found it in Cocoa Beach.

The city also produces a strong sense of community. In addition to a number of active local organizations, Cocoa Beach is known for its friendly residents and attractive amenities including plenty of parks and scenic trails. No wonder it’s often ranked as one of the best places to retire in the US.

Residents also benefit from a number of outdoor activities. In addition to soaking up the sun on one of the area’s beaches, you could go fishing, boating, hunting or even diving. Plus, there are plenty of bike paths and trails throughout town that facilitate exploring the area on two wheels.

Cons of Living in Cocoa Beach

Of course, despite its natural beauty and great climate, there are a few downsides associated with living in Cocoa Beach as well. For starters, living on Florida’s East Coast means dealing with more than a few instances of hurricane-related bad weather throughout the year. Then there’s the fact that the city is quite small. This can be both a blessing and a curse — while it’s nice that everything is close at hand, there may not be as many attractions, events or activities as you’re used to in bigger towns.

Cost of living can also be an issue in Cocoa Beach, especially when it comes to housing costs. The combination of beautiful scenery and big city amenities can mean high real estate prices and steep rents — something that can be off-putting for prospective residents who are living on a tight budget.

Finally, traffic can be an issue throughout town as well. Despite its compact size, traffic can get backed up along major routes during rush hours and tourist season.

Opinion: Is Cocoa Beach Worth Living In?

At the end of the day, whether or not Cocoa Beach is the right place for you depends on your individual preference and needs. But having seen what it has to offer — from beaches to outdoor activities to year-round sunshine — it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call it home. With its perfect mix of outdoor beauty and urban amenities, Cocoa Beach is certainly worth considering for anyone seeking a Florida locale.If you’re looking for a place to settle down that offers both warm weather and plenty to do, you may have just found your new home in Cocoa Beach!

An Insider’s Guide to Cocoa Beach, Florida

If you are looking for a laid-back beach community with a friendly vibe, then Cocoa Beach is the perfect destination for you. Famed for its surfing and ocean-facing bars and restaurants, this small city offers plenty of attractions that appeal to every age group. As a local, I will be your guide to some of the hidden gems that not many tourists know about.

Local Attractions

Besides the well-known beaches and fishing, Cocoa Beach has a few unique attractions, such as the Astronaut Memorial Foundation, where you can learn all about the history of space exploration. Another must-do is the Brevard Zoo, where you can come up close and personal with exotic wildlife in a lush tropical setting. If you would like to get active, try the Banana River Aquatic Preserve, where you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and soak in the serene beauty of the river. If you are into angling, Thousand Island Conservation Park offers some fantastic fishing opportunities for both hobbyists and professionals.

Dining Spots

Cocoa Beach is a foodie’s paradise, even if most options are casual – you won’t need any formal attire here. Many of the best restaurants are unpretentious hidden gems that locals prefer to frequent. For seafood lovers, try Fat Kahunas, where you can have some of the freshest seafood the local fishermen have caught. If you want to try some authentic Florida cuisine, such as the local barbecue or Southern favorites like biscuits and gravy, head out to Yellow Dog Cafe, surprisingly a beachfront restaurant. If you’re in search of a unique dining experience, try Coconuts on The Beach. Although known for its famous Bikini contest every Easter, it has a relaxed beach vibe and has live music to entertain guests.

Cultural Experiences

Cocoa Beach has a rich cultural heritage, and it is the home of world-renowned surfers who have paved the way for future generations. Take a stroll through the Surfing Museum and US Surfing Hall of Fame to learn about the history and culture of the sport. You can also attend one of the city’s many festivals, such as the Space Coast Art Festival, where you can see stunning art pieces that exhibit the city’s unique aesthetics. Don’t miss out on the world’s largest Ron Jon shop, which opened on April 15, 2021, with over 50,000 square feet and several floors dedicated to surf culture and fashion in Cocoa Beach.

Local History

Cocoa Beach has a rich history, and you can discover it through the Cape Canaveral Air Force Museum. This museum exhibits the air force’s impact on the evolution of space technology. The space coast also played a critical role in the American space program, and you can learn all about the early space explorations in the Kennedy Space Center. If you’re looking for something more historic, visit the Historic Cocoa Village, which offers a glimpse into the city’s past.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re up for a unique adventure, book a bioluminescent Kayak tour on the Indian River Lagoon at night. Here you can witness the magic of bioluminescence that can only be seen in a few places of the world. For a relaxing time, you must visit the Cocoa Beach Spa, a cozy place where you can pamper yourself with a massage, facial, or some time in a saltwater float tank. For a bit of adrenaline rush, you may want to try surfing lessons with some of the locals or rent a beach buggy to cruise down the coastline.

In conclusion, Cocoa Beach has many hidden gems waiting for you to explore. From unique dining options to historical and cultural attractions and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, Cocoa Beach is not just about the beach. So, pack your bags and come discover the charms of this little city.