Brevard County — choosing here is a decision you won’t regret
Brevard County is located on the east coast of Central Florida, just 35 miles east of Orlando. The printed guide highlights employers and aerospace names residents talk about every day — Harris, GE, Northrop Grumman, NASA, the Kennedy Space Center, Blue Origin, and SpaceX — along with additional advanced manufacturing and aviation activity shaping local job markets.
To the north, Port Canaveral is described as the second-busiest cruise port in the world, with itineraries that travel globally. Brevard also boasts over seventy-two miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches and one of the largest collections of endangered wildlife and plants in the continental United States. Whether it is a turtle laying eggs on the beach or a Sandhill Crane family crossing the road, residents are often surrounded by Florida wildlife.
With warm, sunny weather, cultural activities, educational options, recreation, high-technology industry, and a family-friendly atmosphere, the Space Coast offers year-round quality of life with a small-town feel. The guide notes that more than 500,000 people call its 16 municipalities and unincorporated areas home. A thriving arts and culture scene, local businesses, job opportunities, highly ranked schools, and safe neighborhoods are part of why so many relocation searches land here.
Reasons to choose the Space Coast
- We’re the Sunshine State for a reason. Sunny skies and warm breezes are the norm; Melbourne’s average temperature is cited as 72.4 degrees.
- Opportunities for outdoor recreation. From beaches to local wetlands, there are many ways to get outside and explore.
- Laid back and little traffic. Getting around town is often easier than in larger Florida metros, with comparatively light traffic year-round.
- Great, friendly community. People gather for launches and local traditions such as Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach — and everyday errands still feel neighborly.
- Space launches from your backyard. From Apollo and the Shuttle program to today’s private launch cadence, space is local identity, not a distant tourist pitch.
- Close proximity to large cities. Orlando is a quick trip for airports and theme parks; Miami is about a three-hour drive when you want that energy.
- Extremely safe place to live. The guide notes Brevard has five of the top 100 safest cities in Florida, with all five in the top half and Satellite Beach ranked 4th.
- Great place to raise a family. Activities for every age, a strong school district, and a wide housing mix support many life stages.
- Theme parks nearby. Disney and Universal are within reach — and they offer Florida resident discounts.
What we offer you
Choosing a relocation real estate advisor is a big decision. Moving is stressful enough — you want someone who can make the transition easier. Amanda McKnight and the Carpenter Kessel Home Selling Team at Compass aim to be a primary local resource during the move, not only for the purchase contract.
Our services
- With expert market knowledge, agents prioritize and narrow the search, maximizing your valuable time
- Data on the local home market with comparable properties for sale and comparable properties that have actually sold
- Awareness of homes that may not be officially on the market yet, giving buyers earlier access when possible
- Referrals to trusted professionals including lenders, attorneys, home inspectors, and contractors
- An advocate looking out for your best financial interests and working to protect you as the buyer
Learn more about Amanda’s background on the About Amanda page, or browse the Space Coast guides hub for deeper topic articles. Published site credentials include top 1% in Brevard, $60M+ sold, and 150+ transactions.
Quick county facts
Orientation points from the guide’s Quick County Facts page for Florida’s Brevard County — then verify anything decision-critical (insurance, schools, commute) at the address and year you are shopping.
- Nickname: The Space Coast · Time zone: EST · Currency: USD
- Airports: COI (Merritt Island / general aviation), MCO (Orlando International), MLB (Melbourne Orlando International)
- Spoken languages (as printed): English 90.20%, Spanish 5.29%, German 0.62%
- Total area: 1,557 square miles · Water coverage: 34.8% · Federally protected wildlife refuges: 250 square miles
- Population: 616,000 (guide quick-facts figure); the closing relocation page also cites 616,628
- Local veteran population: 74,000
- Biodiversity: about 4,000 species of animals · animals you may run into include manatees, sea turtles, and alligators
- Median family income (as printed): $60,842
- Geology note: the underlying limestone is described as a young 150,000 years old
- Average temperatures: low 50.7°F · high 90.0°F
County map — Brevard in East Florida
The guide’s regional map places Brevard as the coastal focus among East Central Florida counties, with neighboring Flagler, Volusia, Lake, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, and related inland zones shown for orientation. Within Brevard, mainland communities track I-95 north–south; Merritt Island sits between the Indian and Banana Rivers; and the barrier island holds the beach towns along A1A. See the neighborhoods overview for a wider Space Coast map.
Communities of Brevard
The communities map lists mainland towns from north to south including Scottsmoor, Mims, Titusville, Port St. John, Cocoa, Rockledge, Viera, Suntree, Melbourne, West Melbourne, Palm Bay, Grant, and Barefoot Bay; Merritt Island between the rivers; and beachside Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic, and Melbourne Beach. The “right” community is almost always a lifestyle and logistics match — commute, water access, association fees, home age, and insurance — not a single ranking.
Featured community profiles from the guide
Viera
Viera is the embodiment of a vibrant lifestyle offering a variety of homes and amenities — outdoor recreation, outdoor shopping, a new hospital, and great schools. For a side-by-side lifestyle comparison, read Viera vs. Merritt Island.
Suntree
There are over 4,500 homes in Suntree. The area offers an abundance of natural spaces, lakes, preserves, parks, and golf clubs.
Satellite Beach
Satellite Beach is a picturesque, laid-back seaside community situated on a barrier island on the Space Coast.
West Melbourne
West Melbourne is known for a wide variety of restaurants and access to shopping. The MLB airport is also located here.
Melbourne
You’ll find all types of shopping and restaurants in Historic Downtown Melbourne and enjoy many annual festivals.
Palm Bay
Palm Bay is highly regarded for its numerous and diverse parks — sporting themes from cyclocross and paintball to nature preserves.
Cape Canaveral
The oldest named city in Brevard, Cape Canaveral was first named Cape of Canaveral by Ponce de León in 1513 and still uses the lighthouse built in 1868. Space travel has made the Cape well known; the port is described as the second-busiest U.S. port for passenger cruise ships.
Indialantic
Indialantic is a residential beach community with peaceful neighborhoods and Florida-style homes both new and older. Between A1A and the Melbourne causeway is Fifth Avenue — galleries, restaurants, and specialty shops — and locals know Indialantic for its ocean boardwalk.
Cocoa Beach
World-famous Cocoa Beach is known for some of the best beaches and waves on the East Coast. Ron Jon Surf Shop is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to serve year-round tourists. It is home to world surfing champion Kelly Slater.
Cocoa
Settled in the 1860s, Cocoa was named from a shipment of baker’s cocoa to the local store in the 1880s. Cocoa offers large refurbished southern residential homes along charming river roads and a delightful historic downtown called Cocoa Village.
Melbourne Beach
One of Florida’s oldest waterfront communities, Melbourne Beach has numerous historical landmarks. The Pier, the Ryckman House, the Community Chapel of Melbourne Beach dating back to the 1920s, and Ocean Avenue Park all contribute to its charm.
Merritt Island
Merritt Island is about 40 miles long — roughly 2 miles wide at the south end to seven miles wide at the north end. It is primarily residential, with beautiful homes along both the Indian and Banana Rivers. North of SR 528 is the Kennedy Space Center, covering about 100,000 acres, most of it protected wildlife area.
Also on the map
Port St. John, Titusville, Rockledge, Mims, Scottsmoor, Grant, Barefoot Bay, and Indian Harbour Beach (where Amanda’s office is based) give buyers additional price points and commute geometries — especially for Kennedy Space Center, Patrick Space Force Base, northern employers, or mainland convenience without a full Viera HOA/CDD profile.
Oceanfront, riverfront, canal homes — and inland options
A unique attraction to waterfront homes
Living on the canal, river, or ocean is a special perk of Florida that is hard to get anywhere else. These homes have access to water from their own backyard. Canals and rivers teem with wildlife, offering chances to see dolphins and manatees while you have morning coffee.
You will rarely see the river, canals, or ocean empty. Activities range from fishing, boating, kayaking, inner tubing, jet skiing, wakesurfing, surfing, kiteboarding, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Many people even travel by water and stop at a waterfront restaurant for lunch.
If you prefer the view more than being on the water, these homes still offer plenty: wildlife watching, fishing from the dock, sunbathing, or the annual Christmas boat parade. Cooler breezes off the water, closer beach access, and bridge views on daily routes are everyday perks — especially at sunset.
Waterfront living is a wonderful experience for those who love being close to nature. Pick the place that will give you the most joy every day when you wake up — whether that is looking out your back door to water, afternoon sunsets, or morning sunrises. In practice, dock and seawall condition, boat draft and bridge clearance, flood and wind insurance, and maintenance reserves matter as much as the kitchen remodel; Amanda helps buyers weigh lifestyle upside against full ownership cost.
Inland homes — when waterfront is not the priority
Inland homes offer more selection than canal or riverside inventory. Size, price, and home type vary more widely. For instance, Suntree has over 4,500 homes, and in Viera newer townhouses and single-family product continue to accommodate inbound demand.
These homes are often positioned closer to everyday “action.” Melbourne offers proximity to shopping, historic Downtown Melbourne, breweries, outdoor parks, local theater, and two Florida higher-education campuses. Viera offers similar variety with The Avenue (shops, restaurants, and a movie theater), the zoo, golf courses, and outdoor exploring.
Brevard has award-winning public and private courses. Popular options include the public course at Duran in Viera (bordering Wyndham at Duran and Fairway Lakes gated communities), Viera East, Baytree (gated), and the private courses at Suntree Country Club throughout Suntree.
With inland homes you can still live near a pond or small lake within the neighborhood. These waters may attract wildlife and allow fishing, but they are not navigable. Inland living suits individuals and families who want to be closer to services and amenities and are less attached to Florida’s navigable waterfront lifestyle.
Brevard school district overview
The guide describes the Brevard public school system as ranked tenth in Florida, with an average A to B+ rating, and as one of the best districts in the state for athletes. Always verify zoning, ratings, and program availability for the specific address and school year — boundaries and offerings change.
One major Florida schooling benefit is Bright Futures: a scholarship program that awards money to Florida students who meet GPA, test-score, and volunteer-hour requirements. There are three achievement levels so students with lower and medium scores and GPAs can still qualify. Financial need is not a requirement. All schools in Florida accept Bright Futures, and some out-of-state schools may match the amount awarded.
The county offers public and charter options, plus a large selection of private schools. Open enrollment / parent choice can allow a student to attend a school outside the zoned campus for a desired educational location, program, or sport when seats are available — see brevardschools.org for current rules.
Beyond PK–12, Brevard has Florida Institute of Technology and Eastern Florida State College. Florida Tech is described as a tier-1 university with programs in science, engineering, aeronautics, business, humanities, psychology, and communication. Close proximity means access to higher education, collegiate sports, and research facilities.
Elementary schools (as listed in the guide)
- Allen, Roy Elementary
- Andersen, Hans Christian Elementary
- Apollo Elementary
- Atlantis Elementary
- Audubon Elementary
- Cambridge Elementary
- Cape View Elementary
- Carroll, Lewis Elementary
- Challenger 7 Elementary
- Columbia Elementary
- Coquina Elementary
- Creel, Dr. W. J. Elementary
- Croton Elementary
- Discovery Elementary
- Endeavour Elementary
- Enterprise Elementary
- Fairglen Elementary
- Freedom 7 Elementary
- Gardendale Elementary
- Gemini Elementary
- Golfview Elementary
- Harbor City Elementary
- Holland, Spessard L. Elementary
- Imperial Estates Elementary
- Indialantic Elementary
- Jupiter Elementary
- Lockmar Elementary
- Longleaf Elementary
- Manatee Elementary
- McAuliffe, Christa Elementary
- Meadowlane Primary
- Meadowlane Intermediate
- Mila Elementary
- Mims Elementary
- Oak Park Elementary
- Ocean Breeze Elementary
- Palm Bay Elementary
- Pinewood Elementary
- Port Malabar Elementary
- Quest Elementary
- Riverview Elementary
- Riviera Elementary
- Roosevelt, Theodore Elementary
- Sabal Elementary
- Saturn Elementary
- Sea Park Elementary
- Sherwood Elementary
- South Lake Elementary
- Stevenson, Robert Louis Elementary
- Sunrise Elementary
- Suntree Elementary
- Surfside Elementary
- Tropical Elementary
- Turner, John F., Sr. Elementary
- University Park Elementary
- West Melbourne School for Science
- Westside Elementary
- Williams, Ralph M., Jr. Elementary
Middle schools
- Central Middle
- Clearlake Middle
- Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High
- DeLaura Middle
- Edgewood Jr./Sr. High
- Hoover, Herbert C. Middle
- Jackson, Andrew Middle
- Jefferson, Thomas Middle
- Johnson, L.B. Middle
- Kennedy, John F. Middle
- Madison, James Middle
- McNair, Ronald Middle
- Southwest Middle
- Space Coast Jr./Sr. High
- Stone Middle
- West Shore Junior–Senior High School
High schools
- Astronaut High School
- Bayside High School
- Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High
- Cocoa High School
- Eau Gallie High School
- Edgewood Junior/Senior High School
- Heritage High School
- Melbourne High School
- Merritt Island High School
- Palm Bay High School
- Rockledge High School
- Satellite High School
- Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School
- Titusville High School
- Viera High School
- West Shore Junior–Senior High School
Private schools listed in the guide
- Holy Trinity Episcopal
- Melbourne Central Catholic
- Florida Prep
- Covenant Christian
- Merritt Island Christian School
The district map page also notes charter campuses such as Educational Horizons, Emma Jewel Academy, Imagine Schools at West Melbourne, Legacy Academy, Odyssey Charter, Palm Bay Academy Charter, Pineapple Cove Classical Academy, Royal Palm Charter, Sculptor Charter, and Viera Charter — confirm current status and enrollment rules directly with each school.
Things to do, explore & restaurants
The local highlights
Check out these local highlights — the guide’s numbered list of Space Coast staples:
- Brevard Zoo and zip line
- Historic Cocoa Village
- Downtown Melbourne
- Wetlands at Viera
- Enchanted Forest
- Space Coast Sports Complex
- Kennedy Space Center
- King Center
- Brevard parks
- Cocoa Beach Pier
- Port Canaveral
- The Avenue
- Manatee Sanctuary Park
- Sebastian Inlet
- Wickham Park
- Andretti Thrill Park
- Eau Gallie Arts District
- Melbourne Square Mall
- Williams Blueberry Farm
- One of the many breweries
Events by month (as printed)
- January: Space Coast Seashell Festival, Cocoa Beach Friday Fest
- February: Melbourne Marathon, Eye of the Dragon 10K, Mardi Gras Street Festival, baseball spring training, Blues and Brews BBQ, Space Coast Food Festival
- March: Grant Seafood Festival, Pelican Island Wildlife Festival, Beerapalooza, St. Patrick’s Street Festival
- April: Cocoa Beach Uncorked, Melbourne Art Show
- May: Indialantic Art Show
- June: sea turtles lay eggs
- July: Poker Run, fireworks in Melbourne & Cocoa Beach
- August: sea turtle eggs hatch
- September: Yacht Club Mermaid Regatta
- October: Yacht Club Fall Regatta, Space Coast Art Festival, Harvest Festival, Boo at the Zoo
- November: Eau Gallie Fine Arts Festival, Space Coast State Fair, Space Coast Turkey Trot
- December: Christmas Boat Parade
Exact dates shift annually — treat the printed month list as a flavor of local life, then check current calendars when you visit.
Museums & art
- Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum
- Wizard of Oz Museum
- Space Shuttle Atlantis
- American Police Hall of Fame
- Brevard Veterans Memorial & Military Museum
- The Dinosaur Store
- Pritchard House
- Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science
- Historic Rossetter House Museum & Gardens
- North Brevard Historical Museum
- Fifth Avenue Art Gallery
- Harry & Harriette Moore Memorial Park
- American Muscle Car Museum
- Airport Museum
- Art Gallery of Viera
- Trent Art Gallery
Parks & marinas
- Melbourne Harbour Marina
- P.O.W. / M.I.A. Park
- Ramp Road Park
- Titusville Marina Park
- Marker 24 Marina
- Lake Washington Park
- Cocoa Village Marina
- Kelley Park East
- Harbour Town Marina
- Waterline Marina
- Brevard County Marina Dog Park
- Bayside Marina
- Cape Crossing Marina
- San Sebastian Marina
- Telmar Bay Marina
- Fisherman’s Landing Park
Sports and entertainment
- Cocoa Beach Triathlon
- ESA Southeast Surfing Championships
- Minutemen Muster 5K
- Paws for the Cause 5K
- Moonlight 5K and Dolphin Dash
- Tough Gator 5K Mud Run
- Rockledge Annual Golf Tournament
- Thunder on Cocoa Beach
- Grapefruit BMX Trails
- NKF Rick Salick Pro-Am Surf Festival
- SUP Eco Adventures guided paddleboard tours
- Annual Sea Turtle Walk
- Wildlife WaterSports
- USSSA Sports Complex
Get outside and explore (beyond Brevard)
Florida has a diverse range of recreational activities year-round — historic sites, modern art exhibitions, and immersion in nature. Top highlights the guide recommends checking out:
- The Everglades
- The Florida Keys
- Historic St. Augustine
- The Ernest Hemingway House
- A race at Daytona
- Miami Annual Art Basel
- Ca’ d’Zan Mansion
- Stetson Mansion
- Seacrest Wolf Preserve
- Salvador Dalí Museum
- Devil’s Den Dive Cave
- The Bulow Plantation Ruins
- The Sunken Christ
- Gasparilla Fest
- Amelia Island
Restaurants
Restaurant recommendations in the guide span waterfront seafood, refined American dining, casual craft kitchens, and neighborhood favorites. Taste and hours change — use the list as a starting shortlist when you tour towns, then ask Amanda for current local favorites near the neighborhoods you are considering:
- Waves Craft Bar & Kitchen
- Yellow Dog Cafe
- Pompano Grill
- Cafe Margaux
- Chart House
- Sage Bistro
- The Dove III
- Heidelberg Restaurant
- Frigate’s Waterfront Grille
- The Fat Snook
- Squid Lips
- Brasas Grill Brazilian Steakhouse
- The Mansion
- Grills Riverside Seafood Deck
- River Rocks
- Cafe Coconut Cove
- Murdock’s Bistro & Char Bar
- Nosh Restaurant Bar
- Florida’s Fresh Grille
- Villa Palma Ristorante
- Tin Whiskey Southern Kitchen
- Morning Glory Eatery
- Fresh Scratch Bistro
- Hulu Moon Tiki Grill
- Little Dos Mexican Cantina
- Pappagallo’s Pizza
- Fiesta Jalisco
Insurance, flood zones, and the real monthly payment
The printed guide focuses on lifestyle and community orientation. In today’s Brevard market, insurance and flood diligence belong in the same conversation as schools and commute. A flood-zone label is only one input: elevation, drainage, construction, roof age, opening protection, and carrier rules can all change risk or price. Standard homeowners policies generally do not replace separate flood coverage, and wind or hurricane deductibles often work differently from other deductibles.
Before you lock a budget, request address-specific homeowners, wind, and flood quotes; add HOA or CDD dues; and model taxes after a change of ownership. Sellers can help by gathering elevation certificates, mitigation reports, permits, and current policy information. For a full educational walkthrough, read Amanda’s guide to flood insurance and wind coverage in Brevard. Coverage decisions belong with licensed insurance professionals; Amanda coordinates timing so quotes arrive early enough to protect your offer strategy.
Patrick Space Force Base, VA buyers, and remote moves
Brevard’s large veteran population (about 74,000 in the guide’s quick facts) and Patrick Space Force Base make PCS timelines a regular part of local real estate. Beachside, Merritt Island, and Viera each trade off commute, insurance, and lifestyle differently — there is no single “base housing” answer. Start with report date, temporary lodging needs, financing (VA or conventional), and whether the first tour will be in person or remote.
Amanda’s practical playbook for buying near Patrick SFB covers nearby towns, loan logistics, and remote-start options. Out-of-state buyers can also use the remote buyer checklist to structure live video tours, inspection sequencing, wire security, and closing logistics. First-time buyers should pair that with the Brevard first-time buyer playbook.
Relocation simplified — next steps with Amanda
With a population of 616,628 (as printed on the guide’s relocation page), Brevard County is home to family neighborhoods near the beach, a variety of private and A-rated public schools, beautiful parks, and outstanding dining, arts, and entertainment across the region.
Relocating a business or family comes with unique challenges. Expertise matters — relocation involves far more than a simple purchase or sale. Compass aims to simplify the process by pairing you with agents who know the market and cover every detail, from finding a home to recommending where to grab morning coffee. Agents have access to a national network (the guide cites 28,000+ agents on the platform) while staying attuned to Space Coast nuances — from competing-offer strategy to seller marketing tools.
Amanda McKnight is a Real Estate Advisor with the Carpenter Kessel Home Selling Team at Compass, based at 719 Pine Tree Dr., Indian Harbour Beach, FL 32937. She is published on this site as a top 1% Brevard REALTOR® with $60M+ sold and 150+ transactions. The guide’s Compass Advantage page also cites team figures for 2022 of $240M volume, 621 transactions, #4 team in Florida, and #1 Compass team in Florida.
Typical next steps from the guide:
- Schedule a phone call to review your needs.
- Visit the website for more information and a personalized real estate search.
- Get set up in the portal and mobile app for local listing access and easy communication.
- Meet for a buyer strategy session (office or remote).
- Begin touring homes to identify the best fit.
Contact Amanda at 904.599.1468 or amanda.mcknight@compass.com · About Amanda · Space Coast relocation realtor hub · Download the PDF guide · return to the flipbook above to page through the designed layout.