Congratulations on your new role at SpaceX, Blue Origin, or another Space Coast aerospace company! This guide covers everything you need to know about relocating to Brevard County, Florida.

I've helped hundreds of aerospace professionals make this move. Here's the insider knowledge that will save you time, money, and stress.

Understanding the Space Coast Geography

Brevard County stretches 72 miles along Florida's Atlantic coast. Kennedy Space Center sits in the northern part of the county on Merritt Island. Key things to understand:

• Mainland vs. Barrier Island: The barrier island (A1A corridor) includes Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic, and Melbourne Beach. It's separated from the mainland by the Indian River (actually a lagoon).
• North vs. South Brevard: KSC is in north Brevard. If you work there, living south of Melbourne means a long commute.
• The Rivers: Indian River (west side of barrier island) and Banana River (between Merritt Island and barrier island) are actually saltwater lagoons, perfect for boating and water sports.

Best Neighborhoods by Commute to KSC

Under 20 Minutes

• Titusville: Most affordable, small-town feel, direct launch views. Revitalizing downtown.
• Merritt Island (north): Closest residential to KSC gates, waterfront options.

20-30 Minutes

• Merritt Island (south): More developed, Suntree area, good schools.
• Cocoa Beach: Beach lifestyle, condos and single-family, tourist area.
• Cape Canaveral: Close to Port Canaveral, older condos, affordable beachside option.

30-45 Minutes

• Rockledge: Central location, mix of old and new.
• Viera: Master-planned, best schools, new construction, family-focused.
• Satellite Beach/Indian Harbour Beach: Quieter beachside, family-oriented.

45+ Minutes

• Melbourne: Urban amenities, dining scene, diverse housing.
• Palm Bay: Most affordable, newer construction, long commute.

Cost of Living: California vs. Space Coast

If you're coming from California (many SpaceX employees are), here's what to expect:

Housing

Your California housing dollar goes 2-3x further here. A $1.5M Bay Area home equivalent is $500-700K on the Space Coast. Many relocators upgrade from a condo to a waterfront home.

Taxes

No state income tax in Florida. If you earned $150K in California, you paid roughly $12,000-15,000 in state income tax. That's now $0. Property taxes are similar (~1%).

Other Costs

• Insurance: Higher than California due to hurricanes. Budget $4,000-8,000/year for homeowners insurance.
• Utilities: AC runs year-round. Electric bills average $150-250/month.
• Car: You'll need one. No real public transit. Gas is typically cheaper than CA.

Schools Overview

Brevard County Public Schools are generally solid. Top-rated schools:

• Elementary: Suntree Elementary, Manatee Elementary (Viera), Williams Elementary
• Middle: Hoover Middle (Indialantic), McNair Middle (Rockledge)
• High: Viera High School, Melbourne High, Satellite High, Eau Gallie High (IB program)

Private options: Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy (Melbourne), Brevard Christian School, Florida Prep Academy

The Remote Buying Process

Many of my clients buy before they move. Here's how it works:

1. Virtual Consultation: We discuss your needs, budget, timeline, and priorities
2. Pre-Approval: Connect you with local lenders who understand relocation timelines
3. Virtual Tours: FaceTime/Zoom walkthroughs of properties, neighborhood drives
4. Offer & Negotiation: I handle everything; you sign electronically
5. Inspections: I attend on your behalf, send detailed reports and video
6. Closing: Can be done via remote notary or scheduled for your first trip

About 40% of my aerospace relocation clients never see their home in person until closing day—and they're thrilled with their purchase because we did the groundwork virtually.

Timeline Recommendations

• 3+ months out: Start researching neighborhoods, get pre-approved
• 2 months out: Begin active home search, make offers
• 1 month out: Under contract, inspections, coordinating move
• 2 weeks out: Clear to close, final walkthrough
• Move week: Close, get keys, start your Space Coast life!

Temporary Housing Options

If you need to start work before closing on a home:

• Extended Stay: Residence Inn, Home2 Suites, Homewood Suites all have locations in Viera and Melbourne
• Short-term Rentals: Furnished Finder, Airbnb monthly stays
• Corporate Housing: Several companies specialize in aerospace relocations

I can recommend specific properties based on your work location and preferences.

What Surprised Recent Relocators

I surveyed my recent clients. Here's what surprised them most:

• "I can see rocket launches from my backyard!" (common in Titusville, Merritt Island)
• "Insurance costs more than I expected" (plan accordingly)
• "The beach is less crowded than California" (true for most of the Space Coast)
• "Summer is hot and humid" (April-October, AC is essential)
• "People are friendly and it's easy to make friends" (community-oriented area)
• "I miss good Mexican food" (sorry, it's not great here)

Ready to Start Your Space Coast Journey?

I specialize exclusively in aerospace relocations. I understand your timeline pressures, security clearance considerations, and the unique needs of professionals moving from out of state.

Schedule a free consultation and let's find your Space Coast home.

Alyssa Mills-Berry has helped hundreds of SpaceX, Blue Origin, L3Harris, Northrop Grumman, and NASA contractor employees relocate to Florida's Space Coast.