Moving from Orlando to Cocoa Beach area (Melbourne, West Melbourne: apartment, rental)

[turboflgrl]

I currently am in Avalon Park and can't stand Orlando (I guess I'm just not a city person), so I've opted to move back to the coast for a more laid-back lifestyle. I am stuck between two rental properties that each boast nice qualities in different ways.

The first is in south Cocoa Beach which I've heard is much more residential, quieter, and crime is less prevalent. It is also within eyeshot of the ocean which is a plus since I surf. I also met the only neighbor and it is a seemingly very nice elderly lady so that's always a plus! Only other drawbacks are the lack of a dishwasher and the window ac units. Out of curiosity, the place is about 750 sq ft... Will my bill be pretty high due to it not having central air? I've heard mixed reviews about that and just wanted to see if others have any ideas.

The other property is in Cape Canaveral on the river side. It is a typical condo community unlike the place in Cocoa Beach. It has amenities such as a pool, tennis courts, is a bit larger than the other place but also $100 more per month. It has central air, dish washer, and a full size W/D in the unit already as well as a very large screened balcony. The unit is on the second floor and is an end unit as well. Obviously, location is a drawback but other than that, should I steer clear of it?

My big issue is if Cape Canaveral is a crime haven as I have been told by a few people. I am a female in my mid-20's - need I be worried for my own safety? Where are the "crappy" areas of Cape Canaveral that I should steer clear of? Is the river side pretty ok as far as crime?

Thanks for your help!!

[annerk]

I can't address the areas, but I can mention one thing. You talk about the $100 rental difference. Think about how much you'd spend in a coin op laundry each month. You will probably easily save about half the rent difference by having the washer/dryer in the unit, not to mention the time savings!

[turboflgrl]

That is very true and another thing is that with the one that is $100 more per month, water is included which is nice. The other place has no utilities included. So pretty much, they're even as far as price goes.

Thanks for your response!

[Learflyer]

Why Cocoa? Why not Melbourne/indialantic area? We HAD to move here (we live in Avalon too) from West Melbourne although i'm in my 30's and don't need excitement anymore.

[coco kath]

If you are a a young woman and living alone safety is a concern. As for the washer and dryer I spend around 3.00 a week for washing and drying my clothes. I live in a condo in Cocoa Beach, which I just put up for rent. We have everything included in the rent, electric, water, cable. Fully furnished. Our condo rents seasonally around 1600 per month. On a yearly basis we would probably lower the rent a little. Good luck! But always think of your safety. My daughter lived in a apartment in Cocoa that was remodel however it was not a safe place to live. Consider going by the police department and look at the crime statistics for the area of interest.

Originally Posted by turboflgrl

I currently am in Avalon Park and can't stand Orlando (I guess I'm just not a city person), so I've opted to move back to the coast for a more laid-back lifestyle. I am stuck between two rental properties that each boast nice qualities in different ways.

The first is in south Cocoa Beach which I've heard is much more residential, quieter, and crime is less prevalent. It is also within eyeshot of the ocean which is a plus since I surf. I also met the only neighbor and it is a seemingly very nice elderly lady so that's always a plus! Only other drawbacks are the lack of a dishwasher and the window ac units. Out of curiosity, the place is about 750 sq ft... Will my bill be pretty high due to it not having central air? I've heard mixed reviews about that and just wanted to see if others have any ideas.

The other property is in Cape Canaveral on the river side. It is a typical condo community unlike the place in Cocoa Beach. It has amenities such as a pool, tennis courts, is a bit larger than the other place but also $100 more per month. It has central air, dish washer, and a full size W/D in the unit already as well as a very large screened balcony. The unit is on the second floor and is an end unit as well. Obviously, location is a drawback but other than that, should I steer clear of it?

My big issue is if Cape Canaveral is a crime haven as I have been told by a few people. I am a female in my mid-20's - need I be worried for my own safety? Where are the "crappy" areas of Cape Canaveral that I should steer clear of? Is the river side pretty ok as far as crime?

Thanks for your help!!

[Rabflmom]

I don't think either area is considered a high crime area in the county. You should be fine. Brevard county really isn't urban living, it is sort of down home country. Basically the only area I would worry about up there is West Cocoa.

Personally, I would probably take the one with all the amenities and central air. It might be a little farther out to drive places though, but everything is a drive away over here. Window air conditioning can be expensive. Also would the air conditioner be your heat for winter cold days? That costs more than running it as an air conditioner.

[exit82]

Window air conditioning can be expensive.

or- on the other hand- depending on the energy efficiency of the unit it may be more cost effective than an older central air unit.