[from nv]

I didn't see a forum specific to Cocoa Beach...

My husband and I are considering a job relocation. Although he's a flight attendant and will be flying out of Ft Lauderdale he can have the option Where he can select Cocoa Beach or Ft Lauderdale to actually live. I will be looking for admin jobs in either city. We are in our mid 40's, previouly lived in Dallas, in Hawaii and San Diego, love beaches.

Can someone please share what rent is for a 2-3 bedroom home (we don't want to buy), approx cost of utilities, gas prices, safe areas, (since I will be home alone alot) etc? Were just trying to get some idea before he accepts the location.
Thanks!!

[from nv]

Or.....would Melbourne be a better city? We are concerned with the commute to Orlando (if we live near Cocoa Beach), as he would have to fly out of Orlando. HELP!!

[**NoodLes**]

Stay in AZ, you will regret it here.

[FertilityDoc]

Fort Lauderdale and Cocoa Beach are 2 very different places. Fort Lauderdale is more of an urban environment with high rise condos, heavy traffic, good restaurants and more entertainment options. Cocoa Beach on the other hand is a laid back beach town. It is cheaper than Fort Lauderdale. You might be able to afford a condo on the ocean. Don't count on great restaurants or entertainment. Access to Orlando is very easy via the Beach Line. Of course you can take advantage of better restaurants and the theme parks in Orlando. If the beach/nature is your primary interest, Cocoa Beach would be the the better choice. If you want a more sophisticated urban environment, Fort Lauderdale is the better choice.

[from nv]

Can you give me some idea as to prices in the Cocoa Beach area? Gas, utilities, ect? We will be looking at 2 bedroom places, although not sure if it will be a single family home,etc. Gas here on AZ costs us $2.69/gal, rent is $1100/mo for a 1000 sqft, and our electric bill for a single fam home runs about $350/mo (which I feel is outrageous). I'm sure it's much less expensive out there!

[Sunny-Days90]

Being an avid Florida lover I would NOT suggest you move to Cocoa Beach.

Look for towns that are on the up rise. Cocoa Beach is beautiful but the town is slowly becoming a Daytona Beach and that is not nice.

Since you lived in Dallas, San Diego and Hawaii and love the beaches I would go for the Ft Lauderdale area myself.

Nicer, cleaner and of course a wonderful beach.

Make a list of a few towns of your choice and make sure you visit them before moving. Even if it is for a couple days in each, spend time there.

Again, no way would I suggest Cocoa Beach.

[FertilityDoc]

Originally Posted by Sunny-Days90

Being an avid Florida lover I would NOT suggest you move to Cocoa Beach.

Look for towns that are on the up rise. Cocoa Beach is beautiful but the town is slowly becoming a Daytona Beach and that is not nice.

Since you lived in Dallas, San Diego and Hawaii and love the beaches I would go for the Ft Lauderdale area myself.

Nicer, cleaner and of course a wonderful beach.

Make a list of a few towns of your choice and make sure you visit them before moving. Even if it is for a couple days in each, spend time there.

Again, no way would I suggest Cocoa Beach.

I would not say that Cocoa Beach is becoming Daytona Beach. It is still a relatively sleepy beach side town. This is especially true the further south you go in Cocoa Beach. Just north of Patrick Air Force Base, the beach is secluded, uncrowded and there is no public parking. Feels almost like a private beach at times. The school system is among the best in Florida.

Living in Fort Lauderdale isolates you from the beach with all the high rises/traffic etc. Given the South Florida location, summers will be hotter. This can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the weather you prefer. But again, if you are looking for a more urban experience, Fort Lauderdale would be best for you. If you are looking for a quieter area and are more into nature, then Cocoa Beach would work better. It depends on what you want.

I absolutely would agree with the advice that you visit both. It will help you make a decision.

[from nv]

Thanks much for the info! Again, can anyone share the rental housing costs out there in FL?

[from nv]

From what I've been researching, it looks like its now between Holly Hill and Daytona Beach, both of which look pretty good in regards to getting to the Daytona Airport easily...thanks for everyone's help!