[DreamingofSunshine]

I have been reading the Brevard forum for a couple years now. It doesn't get much action though the people that post are always helpful in answering questions from people looking for info.

On the surface it sounds nice...near the beach, nice weather, wildlife, decent schools (some good, some not just like everywhere else), affordable homes. It sounds like the job scene is not great but if you work in the defense industry jobs are somewhat plentiful.

But no one actually sounds all that enthusiastic after they visit or after they lived there for a while. Is it a desirable area or just bla? I am sure it depends on exactly WHERE you live but if you can afford a house for 400-500k....is the area desirable or not so much?

[kyle19125]

It is a nice area and oft-overlooked for Orlando I think, which is puzzling to me given how many perks it offers beyond the obvious tourist aspects of Orlando. It's a good bit more family-friendly overall in my opinion with some great established areas with excellent schools in places like Satellite Beach, Indialantic, Merritt Island and Melbourne Beach, or the more new cookie-cutter aspect if that's your preference in places like Viera, Rockledge, Suntree and West Melbourne. If you're a coastal person who enjoys the nicer climate aspects plus going to the beach, boating, fishing, etc then I would say it's worthwhile. If you're more of the typical suburban family that would rarely engage in such activities, living anywhere in the interior suburban sprawl of Central Florida will be more to your liking in my opinion.

[TestEngr]

It is really a conservative defense contractor community, with support for that, and a few other small industry and the usual FL stuff there too. I tried getting involved in start-ups to do all kinds of things, not just defense and hard to find anyone there who thinks outside just signing up to bid on government projects. Plenty of good people in the defense industry just never what I studied myself, so just understand Brevard is a county geared up to that group. At one time I remember lots of start-ups in Brevard were making a go, most died out is what I found. Even companies there that say they are a diverse industry or product group when you boil it down they sell to other contractors who then sell to government. Some real good people but a one industry county.

[chopchop0]

Originally Posted by TestEngr

It is really a conservative defense contractor community, with support for that, and a few other small industry and the usual FL stuff there too. I tried getting involved in start-ups to do all kinds of things, not just defense and hard to find anyone there who thinks outside just signing up to bid on government projects. Plenty of good people in the defense industry just never what I studied myself, so just understand Brevard is a county geared up to that group. At one time I remember lots of start-ups in Brevard were making a go, most died out is what I found. Even companies there that say they are a diverse industry or product group when you boil it down they sell to other contractors who then sell to government. Some real good people but a one industry county.

Wouldn't call it conservative. I'd say it's pretty moderate like most of central Florida

[Fl1150]

The economy is actually getting better with the investment coming in for the space industry and plus its one of the top places for high tech jobs. I agree with kyle about being a water type person then I think its perfect for a family like that. Its not that conservative IMO like was said very moderate like the rest of Florida is trending so that's nothing new about that. It simplified the whole with a broad stroke with not very much knowledge of what is going on outside that industry.

[1insider]

I love Cocoa Beach. Moved here 25 years ago with all my worldly possesions in an old Honda Accord, started a business (not defense or space related), prospered, sold it ten years later and started a new business (not space or defense related), prospered and still doing well. It's a true small town once you get south of the tourist scrum around Ron Jons and the Pier. There are less than 12,000 permanent residents (seems like they all are water people) and it feels like we all know each other. Surfboards in every garage and boats tied at every dock. Kids commuting to school on skateboards.

[DreamingofSunshine]

Thanks for the responses. We hope to check the area out 1 day on our spring break trip to FL. My husband is in the defense contractor industry and his company often has jobs there. No Trader Joe's or Whole Foods is sad but I hear there good farmers markets.

[chopchop0]

Originally Posted by DreamingofSunshine

Thanks for the responses. We hope to check the area out 1 day on our spring break trip to FL. My husband is in the defense contractor industry and his company often has jobs there. No Trader Joe's or Whole Foods is sad but I hear there good farmers markets.

They are an hour away and rumors keep spreading that TJs will be coming to the east coast at some point.

The Fresh Market will be opening a store in Brevard late this year

The Fresh Market opening in Brevard next fall

[Octobersmoon]

I think this is one of the most unspoiled and beautiful places on the coast of FL that provides an infrastructure for a family to make a good life. I looked into the area seriously and we are water people so it was a good fit. There are really good schools in the area and affordable housing. For us we've decided to go a little further north to be closer to family in the Carolinas. If there was a job there though, that might change my mind. DH will be looking for work once we move and the area seemed like a bad fit for his skills.

[DreamingofSunshine]

I guess we just need to visit to see....my husband is employed in the defense industry which is why i have been researching Brevard Co. FL for a while now. Thank you for the replies.