Thinking about moving to Cocoa Beach - Need Help! (Miami: cul-de-sac, jobs)

[mom22gr8kids]

I currently live in Atlanta (Dunwoody) and we're thinking about moving to Cocoa Beach. We're originally from Miami, so we know the good, the bad and the ugly in South FL. The IB program and good ranking of the Jr./Sr. High School is a big motivator - I have a 7th and an 8th grader. I really need some insight from folks who live or have lived in Cocoa Beach, prefereably with kids. Thanks!!!

[specialk115]

Originally Posted by mom22gr8kids

I currently live in Atlanta (Dunwoody) and we're thinking about moving to Cocoa Beach. We're originally from Miami, so we know the good, the bad and the ugly in South FL. The IB program and good ranking of the Jr./Sr. High School is a big motivator - I have a 7th and an 8th grader. I really need some insight from folks who live or have lived in Cocoa Beach, prefereably with kids. Thanks!!!

I was born down the road from Cocoa Beach and have visited probably twice a year since birth. My brother has lived there 10+ years. I have 2 young boys and we are also planning a move from suburban VA to the area. I suggest you check out www.viera.com, which is a master-planned community over the causeway (West of I-95). Everything is brand-new, including the schools. It's a great time to buy a home down there -- LOTS of stuff on the market. I love Cocoa Beach but it would be a big transition for someone who's used to the suburbs of Atlanta. Good Luck!

[hyprone]

We love it here. We were transferred to Fla., my husband's office is in Orlando. We took two months reseraching the area checking out the schools and such. We were not happy with what we were finding in the Orlando area, untill we started checking out the schools and the area of the space coast especially Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island. For us, with our son coming from a small private school in north metro atlanta, we found Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High. It is a small school with Big opportunities. Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High is ranked 15th. of all Fla. schools. and has a small student teacher ratio. There is the best of both worlds here. Small town / old Fla. and just a few mile from the main land where you can find everything, we could find in Atlanta w/ out all the "stuff". We only miss our friends and family but, we love the Cape Cananveral, Cocoa Beach areas, the beaches are nice and not over runned with tourist like most coastal towns. Come on down.... you'll love it too! Good Luck!

[lovethebeach]

We did it too. Although I was originally from Cocoa Beach, I never expected to come back. We lived in intown Atlanta and would visit CB in the summer. We were impressed by the schools --especially the IB program at Freedom 7 and CBHS. In Atlanta, the schools at the middle and high school level were not what we wanted for our kids.

We also liked that the kids could ride bikes on the bike paths in CB-- in Atlanta, I would never let them out of the cul-de-sac because of the traffic. In Cocoa Beach, they can fish, go to the beach, and swim in the backyard. Yes, I miss having Whole Foods, tons of great restaurants and other shopping nearby, but I did not spend much time shopping anyway. I miss my neigborhood friends and activities, but there are lots of activities here.

[Floridabound09]

I know a couple who live in Cocoa, just outside of Cocoa Beach and love it!
Mid twenties and both have found jobs making great money. They both werre from here in Ohio and fell in love with Cocoa on their honeymoon a couple years ago and decided then to move once they had some money put back. They saved up some money, looked for jobs and now have bought their first house. They tell me they are very happy ! He worked under me as a summer college student and has a bright future ahead of him.

We love the Holiday Inn in Cocoa Beach.. many good memories there.