Are you considering a move to Florida’s Space Coast and not sure where to live? This guide will help you understand different areas across Brevard County so you can choose the best spot that suits your lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking beachside vibes, rural communities, or fast access to the Space Center, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive into an interactive map tour of the key locations and help you explore the lay of the land—from Mims in the north to the southern areas near Grant-Valkaria. We’re going to help you discover which part of the Space Coast should be your new home!
👇 Watch my Video Map Tour Here 👇
Overview and Accessibility
The Space Coast spans the length of Brevard County, known for its long, narrow layout. This county runs from Mims in the north down to Micco just north of Sebastian Inlet in the south—offering quite a range of living environments, from beachside homes to suburban and rural settings.
To make travel easier, the region has several major highways connecting it to the rest of Florida:
- State Road 46 connects to Sanford (Seminole County) from Mims through the northern part of Brevard County.
- Highway 50 connects to Orlando (Orange County) from Titusville through the northern part of Brevard County.
- State Road 520 runs diagonally to the south, connecting East Orlando (Orange County) to Cocoa, through Merritt Island and into Cocoa Beach.
- State Road 528 (Beachline Expressway) runs East to West connecting Port Canaveral to Orlando International Airport.
- U.S. 192 offer connections further south from Melbourne / Palm Bay to St Cloud (Osceola County).
- I95 runs North and South through out the entire length of Brevard County
If you plan on working in Orlando, you’ll likely find State Road 528 the easiest for regular airport commutes.
Living in Northern Brevard
Mims: Rural and Secluded
If you’re looking for a quiet, rural environment, Mims is where you’ll find large plots of land, perfect if you want property for horses or just wide-open spaces. This area is far from suburban congestion, but the trade-off is more limited beach access. Playalinda Beach nearby offers solitude but isn’t the easiest to reach, and access can be limited during space launches.
Titusville: A City on the Rise
Just South of Mims sits Titusville, which is growing fast. Some parts of the town still have a rundown feel, but others are seeing real redevelopment and offer a lot of potential, especially as more people move to the area. Its proximity to key destinations, like Kennedy Space Center, makes Titusville ideal for employees who work in the aerospace industry.
- NASA Causeway allows Titusville residents easy access to Kennedy Space Center.
- Look out for new custom homes going up, offering prime river views and large lots in southern Titusville.
Titusville also has some rustic Florida vibes, with beautiful, scenic driving routes along U.S. 1.
Port St. John: Affordable Living No HOA
For those who want a balance of affordable housing and easy access to the Space Center, Port St. John is a solid choice. You’ll get more space for your money here, with many homes on quarter-acre lots, free from the needs of Homeowners Associations.
If you’re into off-roading, the Seven Lakes area nearby offers fantastic terrain for ATVs and other outdoor activities.
Island Life
Merritt Island sits between the Indian and Banana Rivers, offering proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and easy access to nearby beach towns like Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral.
It’s largely undeveloped in its northern end, with many areas holding onto that traditional old-Florida charm. But don’t sleep on it: there are several custom home communities developing, and as NASA continues to expand, you can expect North Merritt Island to grow.
If you love boating, sections of Merritt Island, especially around Sykes Creek, offer easy water access. North Merritt Island is also known for its larger estate homes—ideal if you’re working nearby at the Space Center and want to stay close without feeling too suburban.
S. Tropical Trail is one of the most scenic drives on the Space Coast. Anchored by some of the most sought after waterfront homes in the area. South Merritt Island offers great access to Satellite Beach, Patrick Space Force Station and Melbourne via Pineda Cswy.
Rural Living
Moving back to the mainland, Cocoa offers homes in Canaveral Groves for people looking for more rural property. Here, you’ll find larger acre lots, no required HOAs, and spaces where you can have boats, ATVs, and even livestock. It’s the outdoor enthusiast’s perfect setting.
Beachside
Cocoa Beach: The Tourist Draw
If you love the vibe of a true beach town, Cocoa Beach is iconic for a reason— surfing, sunshine and…. well, tourism! Picture-perfect yes, Cocoa Beach is also home to lots of seasonal traffic. While it’s a quiet beach town, locals still might find this less appealing if less tourist traffic is more your style.
Satellite Beach & Indian Harbor Beach: Laid-Back Charm
Further south, Satellite Beach and Indian Harbor Beach feel more “local.” Tightly-knit neighborhoods with a family-friendly vibe, minimal tourism presence, and easy access to schools make this area an excellent pick for families.
The icing on the cake? Some of the best waterfront properties in Brevard County, offering access to quiet canals and beautiful ocean views, are located here.
Melbourne and Palm Bay: Suburban Lifestyle and Emerging Opportunities
Viera: Master-Planned Grandeur
When people talk about rapid growth on the Space Coast, most conversations lead to Viera. It’s a large, master-planned community that offers virtually everything. From modern dining options and upscale shopping at the Avenues to extensive recreational facilities, Viera blends suburban ease with luxurious touches. Well-kept golf courses, 55+ neighborhoods like Del Webb, and expansive property options make Viera attractive for retirees, families, and professionals alike.
Plus, with its new road extensions, Viera is easier than ever to reach from other parts of the county.
Lake Washington: Nature and Equestrian Style
Lake Washington gives a more laid-back twist to Melbourne. Equestrian properties and large estate homes are nestled into this quieter, nature-focused community. The area also has fantastic freshwater access to Lake Washington, perfect for those who love outdoor water activities.
Palm Bay: The New Frontier with Affordable Living
Head south to Palm Bay, and you’ll find the region’s most affordable real estate. With sprawling neighborhoods across different quadrants, Palm Bay gives plenty of room and decent home prices for families to settle in. The city is seeing rapid development, so it’s growing fast.
While Southern Palm Bay may lack the consistent retail presence of West Melbourne or Northern Palm Bay, it’s quickly making up for this with new builds, schools, and community growth. Check back with us in 12 months 😉
Wrapping Up: Making Your Decision
There’s so many more areas we could cover but this should give you a high level overview of the Space Coast.
Choosing where to live along Florida’s Space Coast depends largely on your lifestyle and priorities. So, ask yourself:
- Do you crave beach access?
- Need a quiet, rural setting with lots of land?
- Want modern neighborhood conveniences in a new, growing development?
Wherever you land—whether it’s the emerging spaces of Titusville, the family beaches of Indian Harbor Beach, or the modern hubs of Viera—you’ll find a slice of Space Coast that fits your needs. Ready to find the best spots to live? We’re here to help!
