Brevard County Community Profiles

	Barefoot Bay Cape Canaveral Cocoa Cocoa Beach Grant Indialantic Indian Harbour Beach Malabar Melbourne Melbourne Beach Melbourne Village Merritt Island Micco Mims Palm Bay Palm Shores Patrick Air Force Base Port St. John Rockledge Satellite Beach Scottsmoor Suntree/Viera Titusville Valkaria West Melbourne
Click on Individual Areas for more information.

Barefoot Bay

Located in south Brevard, Barefoot Bay is primarily comprised of retirees and senior citizens. Approximately 6,000 residents live in this riverside community, which is only a short drive from Sebastian Inlet. Because of its location, Barefoot Bay has excellent fishing and recreational opportunities.

Established in 1969, this unique community provides its residents with activities and events year-round. Whether it's dances, horseshoes, water aerobics, or just hanging out by the pool, Barefoot Bay's residents are always on the move. A centrally located community center is the hub of activity while an 18-hole, par-60 golf course provides additional outdoor recreation possibilities.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Residents of Barefoot Bay typically fall into the "Senior Sun Seekers" demographic group: retirees, who are married without children. Nearly a third are single-person households. Their money often comes from Social Security, interest, dividends and pensions and they rank high for investments and savings. Most of their income is disposable.

They own single-family or manufactured homes in newer or established neighborhoods that include seasonal housing for snowbirds. Many keep busy playing golf, traveling, and playing cards as well as fishing, boating, swimming, and enjoying community-based, planned activities such as dances, horseshoes, and shuffleboard tournaments.

Cape Canaveral

The City of Cape Canaveral is a 1.9 square-mile beach and coastal community with more than 9,800 residents. First named "Cape of Currents" by Ponce de Leon in 1513, Cape Canaveral was incorporated in 1963. The community is an integral part of the north beaches area of Brevard County, catering to vacation, recreational, and seasonal visitors in addition to year-round residents.

Located on the Atlantic Ocean, it is bounded on the west by the Banana River and on the south by Cocoa Beach. To the north is Port Canaveral, the only deep water port between Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville, and the second busiest cruise port in the world, with 4.6 million revenue cruise passengers in 2004.

Kennedy Space Center is located just north of the City of Cape Canaveral on State Road 3. Rockets have a long history on Cape Canaveral dating back to early 1950's military launches. The United States chose the area, among other factors, because its proximity to the ocean allows over-the-water launches and the climate is amenable to year-round operation.

Other points of interest include Florida Solar Energy Center, Cherie Down Park, and 35-acre Jetty Park, which features a four and one-half-acre family beach, 1,200 foot fishing pier and 150 camp sites.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Typically the residents of Cape Canaveral are young, mobile, and in transition. Many live in shared households or in apartments while a portion of the population lives in homes in established neighborhoods. For entertainment, they enjoy outdoor activities and sports, as well as going to movie theaters and nightclubs.

Cocoa

Bordered by four miles of the beautiful Indian River to the east, Cocoa sits in the heart of Brevard County with easy access to the beaches, Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. First settled in the 1860s, and supposedly named after a box of Baker's Cocoa delivered to Willard's General Store, the City of Cocoa was incorporated in 1895.

Unlike many Florida communities with a high concentration of seniors, Cocoa's largest age group is in the 20 - 44 range. The population of more than 16,600 can enjoy recreational activities such as boating, parasailing, sail boarding, water-skiing, sailing and horseback riding. Fresh water fishing on the nearby St. Johns River and salt water fishing in the Indian River and Atlantic Ocean are also popular pastimes.

The City of Cocoa operates a water utility system that covers the entire central part of Brevard County servicing over 68,000 households, and distributing an average of 28 million gallons of water daily.

One of the most visited Cocoa attractions is Cocoa Village, a picturesque shopping area adjacent to the river featuring quaint stores and restaurants, cobblestone sidewalks, period street lamps and landscaping. A boardwalk and regional park have also been constructed along the historic waterfront area. Other Cocoa places of interest include Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science, Brevard Community College main campus and Planetarium and Cocoa Expo Stadium.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Cocoa's demographic group has a relatively young working population and has more pre-schoolers than the national average. Cocoa has a broad range of housing, from apartments to estates on one-acre plus lots, in both newer and established neighborhoods, For entertainment, they enjoy golf, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities as well as participating in youth sports and family outings.

Cocoa Beach

Located on a barrier island and nestled between the great Atlantic Ocean and the Banana River Lagoon, "World Famous" Cocoa Beach was first homesteaded by freed slaves after the Civil War. The 75th anniversary of its 1925 incorporation was celebrated in 2000 with live entertainment, parties, contests and tournaments.

Today, this community of 12,850 enjoys activities such as swimming, surfing, surf casting, wading and sunbathing on its six miles of accessible ocean beaches. Fishing is a popular pastime for locals and tourists alike, either in the Atlantic Ocean from the beach, pier, jetties or local charter boats, or on the Indian and Banana rivers.

The city owns and operates the Cocoa Beach Country Club which is open to the public. Its challenging 27-hole golf course is located on the river's edge, and the club also offers six lighted tennis courts and an Olympic size swimming pool.

Other points of interest include the Cocoa Beach Pier, the Surfside Playhouse, and world-renowned Ron Jon's Surf shop.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Cocoa Beach's residents mainly belong to the demographic group in which more than half of the population are over 50 years old. Nearly a quarter of the homes in this city are single person. Those living in Cocoa Beach typically own single-family houses or condominiums, and keep busy by golfing, walking, boating, and going to the beach.

Grant

Nestled against the Indian River in the southern portion of Brevard County, Grant is best known for its Seafood Festival, an annual event in February which is Florida's oldest and longest continuous seafood festival. The festival, which features some of the finest eats along the Atlantic, attracts more than 50,000 seafood lovers each year.

The town's population of 792 have easy access to outdoor activities such as golf, boating, water sports and fishing. The river plays a major role in Grant's economy and history and local commercial fishing operations supply the many crab and oyster houses along Highway U.S.1. with fresh seafood.

Featuring the Grant Historical House, Fisherman?s Landing is a pleasant local park with a scenic 630? riverfront boardwalk, picnic area and fishing, not to mention a fantastic view of the river.

Given its location and history steeped in the fishing industry, there is no question why Grant is one of the Space Coast's capitals of seafood. From the annual Seafood Festival to the everyday great hook and line opportunities, Grant is definitely an outdoorsman's dream.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Typically the residents of Grant are retirees. Most are married without children at home. Nearly a third of the population live in single-person households. Although they tend to earn less than $30,000 annually, most of their income is disposable.

Indialantic

During the Florida real estate boom that peaked in 1925, a community of homeowners established Indialantic, whose name means "between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean." The 1.05-square mile area was incorporated in 1952 with a population of 1,500. Today it is a quiet, primarily residential town with a population of 3,037.

Swimming, fishing, boating and surfing are favorite pastimes, and Fifth Avenue - the beachside extension of U.S. 192 in Indialantic - is lined with a collection of ethnic restaurants and specialty shops, including women's and men's clothing, tropical fish, swim and surf apparel, framing, and used books.

In addition to its residential population, Indialantic is also home to numerous wildlife species, some of which are endangered. In 1975, the city was designated a bird sanctuary by a Town Council proclamation, and from May through October, endangered sea turtles nest along the town's shore. The hatching of the eggs and the struggle of the baby sea turtles to reach the Atlantic Ocean waters is an annual attraction for nature seekers and tour groups.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Many of the residents of Indialantic are married, some with adult-age children still living at home. A large number are either retired or planning for retirement, concentrating on investing and saving. More than half of the income for this group comes from interest, dividends, or rental properties. They own single-family homes in older, established neighborhoods and enjoy golfing, gardening, other outdoor activities.

Indian Harbour Beach

Located between the communities of Satellite Beach and Indialantic is the beachside city of Indian Harbour Beach. While the city's history doesn't run as deep as some in Brevard County, its beauty and location make Indian Harbour Beach a popular spot along the Space Coast and the Atlantic Ocean.

On June 6, 1955, the Town of Indian Harbour Beach was established. In 1963 the Charter was changed and the town became the City of Indian Harbour Beach. Due to its fiscal policies, the city has no long-term indebtedness and its population of 8,661 enjoy a tax rate which is among the lowest in Brevard County.

Popular attractions include 27-acre W. Lansing Gleason Park, which has a boardwalk, gazebos around the lake, picnic facilities and exercise and jogging trails. The Community Services Center offers beach volleyball, shuffleboard courts and a heated competition swimming pool. Other activities include tennis, water sports and fishing, plus there are many sports fields including the Algonquin Sports Complex with lighted baseball, softball and soccer fields.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Residents of Indian Harbour Beach typically are affluent married couples between ages 45 and 64, and receive their income from salaries, rental properties, interest, dividends, retirement funds, and pensions. Most are business owners or managers. They live in suburban single-family homes. For enjoyment, Indian Harbour Beach residents golf, fish, swim, go to the beach, and travel.

Malabar

Located in the south portion of Brevard County, Malabar is within driving distance of most city conveniences, but possesses the peaceful and quiet surroundings only a rural community could provide.

The town of Malabar was formally recognized as a community in 1883, when the United States Government established a post office where mail could be delivered once a week by sailboat to the population of 25.

How times have changed. Now a growing area of the Space Coast, Malabar has 2,782 residents and is attracting new businesses to the town with its convenient access to Interstate 95 and close proximity to the available workforce in the neighboring city of Palm Bay.

Attractions include Malabar Scrub Sanctuary, which is a 345-acre nature preserve developed through Brevard County's Environmentally Endangered Land Program.

DEMOGRAPHICS

In line with nearly eight percent of the U.S. population, the residents of Malabar are family-oriented and live in rural neighborhoods in single-family houses or manufactured homes.

Generally, they keep busy with outdoor activities, and enjoy fishing, boating, and hunting.

Melbourne Beach

One of Brevard County's southern-most beachside communities, Melbourne Beach provides all the pleasure of the Space Coast while also allowing for quick excursions to take in the sights and scenery of the Indian River County cities of Sebastian and Vero Beach.

The Town of Melbourne Beach, which was established in 1883, is Brevard's oldest beach community. The town was incorporated in 1923 with a population of a few hundred residents. After World War II, the town's population growth steadily increased to its current total of 3,422. The projected maximum population, based upon past growth trends and future extrapolations, is approximately 4,000 residents.

Points of interest in Melbourne Beach include Ryckman House, the Sea Turtle Preservation Society and Flutie Athletic Complex, which is well equipped with picnic area, community center, playground, tennis courts, soccer and Little League fields, multi-use fields, and a concession stand. Long Point Park is popular for riverfront camping, and has excellent facilities including hot showers, laundry, picnic areas, pavilion, restrooms, swimming lake, boat ramp and canoe rentals.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Over half of the residents in Melbourne Beach are over 50 years old. The remainder are married couples with no children still at home and nearly a quarter of these households are single-person. They own single-family houses or condominiums. Melbourne Beach residents enjoy biking, golfing, walking, and traveling.

Melbourne Village

With its shady, tree-lined streets nestled adjacent to the cities of Melbourne and West Melbourne, Melbourne Village is a haven from the bustle of city life. Its 719 residents enjoy the convenience of their proximity to the shopping and restaurants of New Haven Avenue and easy access to major highways, whilst living a relaxed lifestyle in relative seclusion.

Incorporated in 1957, residents are encouraged to actively participate in their community. Each member-family can vote in municipal decision-making. The town's location provides for easy access to neighboring cities' parks and recreational facilities, as well as outdoor activities such as golfing, surfing, boating, and fishing to name a few.

Bordering Melbourne Village to the east is Erna Nixon Hammock Park. This 53-acre community park is a natural Florida hammock and nature preserve featuring 3,000 feet of elevated boardwalk winding through three different ecosystems where native plant species and small animals can be viewed. A small pavilion with picnic tables and restrooms adjoins the nature center which houses educational exhibits, and the park is a popular site for outdoor festivals such as the annual Crackerfest.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Members of Melbourne Village's demographic group typically are well educated and live in two-income households. Most are homeowners in suburban neighborhoods. Typically they enjoy outdoor activities, shopping, and family outings.

Merritt Island

Seeing the thriving community of Merritt Island today, with its huge variety of shops, restaurants and businesses and population of 43,852, it is hard to believe that its initial economy was based on cattle, pineapple, sugar cane and citrus. Yet some areas of Merritt Island still retain their natural beauty and remain unchanged since the early settlers first recognized the area's potential.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is one such place. Established in 1963 and owned by NASA, approximately one-half of the refuge's 140,000 acres consists of brackish estuaries and marshes. The remaining lands consist of coastal dunes, scrub oaks, pine forests and flatwoods, and palm and oak hammocks. The refuge borders Kennedy Space Center, probably the area's most famous attraction.

In common with most of Brevard County, the favorable climate encourages outdoor recreation of all kinds. Merritt Island offers numerous opportunities to enjoy the Florida sunshine, with boat ramps, golf, tennis courts, and water sports plus a diverse selection of parks each with its own distinct personality.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Most residents of Merritt Island are middle-aged couples with school-aged and adult children. They are comfortably settled in single-family homes in older neighborhoods. Many Merritt Island residents are working couples earning more than $50,000 annually. Nearly 20 percent receive retirement income. They typically spend their income on home improvement projects, home furnishings, and outdoor equipment.

Micco

The quiet community of Micco, located just inside the south border of Brevard County, is ideally placed for boating and fishing enthusiasts. Three marinas serve the 9,498 residents and many visitors are drawn to Sebastian Inlet's waters with its abundant snook, drum, sheepshead, tarpon, bluefish and tarpon. Micco's shores are also dotted with piers, seafood outlets, and marine repair services.

Barefoot Bay modular home development founded in 1970, occupies 1,100 acres. Micco Park provides amenities for the whole family, with picnic area, pavilion, playground, basketball and volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits.

DEMOGRAPHICS

For the most part, the town of Micco is comprised of retirees. Nearly a third of the population lives in single-person households.

Residents typically own single-family or mobile homes in neighborhoods that include seasonal housing for snowbirds.

According to statistical surveys, the people of Micco keep busy playing golf, traveling overseas and domestically, fishing, boating, doing needlework and playing cards.

Mims

Located in north Brevard County, Mims is a small rural community surrounded by 100,000 acres of citrus groves. More than 9,100 residents enjoy the tranquil and peaceful surroundings of this quiet community, which is only five miles from the city conveniences of Titusville. Fishing and boating enthusiasts often take advantage of the many boat ramps providing access to the Indian and St. Johns rivers. Golfers can take in the links at The Bent Oak Golf and Country Club.

Settlers arrived in Mims in the late 1860s to live off the land. The city was formed in 1883, but lost its charter after the 1929 stock market crash forced winter residents to abandon homes and businesses.

While Mims is considered to be a sleepy community, it isn't without its employment opportunities and retail establishments. Industrial steel plants and numerous citrus packing plants provide jobs for some of Mims residents while a variety of retail businesses such as automotive repair shops, convenience stores, and laundromats dot U.S. 1 for the convenience of locals.

Secluded and somewhat isolated, Mims is considered one of Brevard's lesser known communities, but it holds an ambiance and atmosphere all its own. And that's exactly the way the residents of this quaint community want to keep it.

Demographics

Most of the families in Mims are young and mobile. Many live in mobile homes or single-family houses. Generally, the residents of Mims enjoy fishing and hunting, and participate in outdoor activities and family outings.

Palm Bay

Just south of Melbourne, Palm Bay is one of Brevard County's largest and continually growing communities. Spanning from the Indian River to far west of Interstate 95, Palm Bay covers 65 miles and is Florida's sixth largest city. More than 88,500 residents call this community home.

In addition to being one of the largest cities in Florida, Palm Bay also is home to one of Brevard's largest employers - Harris Corporation. With Harris Corporation's divisions located here, many technology-related companies have established roots in Palm Bay, adding to its strong employment base.

But Palm Bay isn't all work. With movie theaters, strip malls, convenience stores, and family attractions all within a few minutes drive, Palm Bay has the best amenities there are to offer. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts also have many opportunities for fun, whether it's fishing, boating, or swimming in the Indian River, teeing off at nearby golf courses, or visiting the Turkey Creek Wildlife Sanctuary.

Due to its size and population, Palm Bay has numerous elementary schools, middle schools, and two high schools - Palm Bay High School and Brevard's newest high school, Bayside High.

Whether it's the draw of Florida's high-tech atmosphere or just the excitement of fun in the sun, Palm Bay is one of Brevard's best places to be.

DEMOGRAPHICS

The demographic group to which residents of Palm Bay belong have more pre-schoolers than the national average. They typically are educated and have dual incomes. Most are homeowners within housing developments in sububan neighborhoods. Primarily, they enjoy playing golf, fishing, swimming and family activities.

Palm Shores

A small town located between Rockledge and Melbourne, Palm Shores is a fast-growing, but quiet community where beauty has a place to shine. Palm Shores grew from 210 residents a decade ago to a current population of 938. That bumped the area out of position as Brevard's smallest town.

In response to this growth, the town has bought almost two acres along the Indian River Lagoon to build their "Shoreside" Park, and a new town hall was established in 2000.

And soon Palm Shores will have better access to sights and scenes outside of greater Melbourne. Extension of nearby Pineda Causeway to Interstate 95 will give the town's residents easy access to all of Brevard, Orlando, and the shops and centers in Indian River County. Once completed, the infrastructure improvements will be just one more reason why Palm Shores is a hidden haven in Melbourne.

Popular Honeybrook subdivision, new neighborhood developments, its proximity to the river, together with expanding shops and retail centers make Palm Shores a sought after place to live in Brevard County. It's only a matter of time before more people discover Palm Shores and everything it has to offer.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Residents of Palm Shores are generally young parents. Poverty and unemployment are low. They live in single family homes. Palm Shores residents generally enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, walking, and visiting the zoo.

Patrick Air Force Base

Patrick Air Force Base is located off Highway A1A in the middle of Brevard County. The base is home to the Eastern Space Range and the United States Air Force 45th Space Wing, which is a space and ballistic vehicle flight range with precision tracking and control equipment. Just north of Patrick Air Force Base is Canaveral Air Station, which serves as the processing and launch area for the Eastern Range.

In 1940, the base was originally commissioned as the Banana River Naval Station, but was renamed in 1950.

More than 2,000 people are housed at Patrick Air Force Base. On-base amenities include restaurants, a duty-free marketplace, and a movie theater, plus family activities and support such as youth activities, Child Development Center, day care and Family Support Center. Active and retired military personnel regularly visit the base to take advantage of medical services and to shop at the commissary.

Residents also have access to the Atlantic Ocean and Brevard's beautiful beaches through a nearly beachside park.

DEMOGRAPHICS

The military dominates life for this young, mobile population. Nearly 30 percent of the residents are in the armed forces while others work in civilian jobs for the military. Half are married couples with pre-schoolers; others are single-parent families. Most residents live in barracks or military housing. They enjoy exercise, fast food, and traveling to theme parks.

Port St. John

Port St. John isn't really a "port" per se - in fact the closest the community came to being a port is a small boat ramp located off Highway U.S. 1 - but it's proximity to the Indian River and its central location make this growing community a perfect match for any family. Currently a part of Cocoa, the residents rejected a bid for incorporation in the 2002 elections.

More than 20,000 people reside in this community, which is located between Titusville and Cocoa between Highway U.S. 1 and Interstate 95. A community center off of Grissom Parkway offering meeting rooms, a game room and playground, provides a gathering place for locals of all ages.

Port St. John's parks are also popular with area residents. Fay Lake Wilderness Park is a 192-acre site with walking access to a 27-acre fishing lake. Fay Park, an 11-acre site, features picnic shelters, a playground, basketball court, two lighted tennis courts and two lighted 4-wall racquetball courts. The park serves young ballplayers with four little league fields, including a senior and T-ball field.

With existing homes marketed at reasonable prices and new developments being built and planned, Port St. John is an up and coming community tailor-made for those wanting the convenience, coziness, and quiet Florida's best has to offer.

DEMOGRAPHICS

The residents of Port St. John generally have more children in grade school than the national average. They are young couples who live in two income households. Most are homeowners and live in newer housing developments in suburban neighborhoods.

Rockledge

The oldest incorporated community in Brevard County, Rockledge is home to more than 23,000 residents. The city covers approximately 10 square miles and is located just south of Cocoa. In addition to being the Space Coast's oldest city, Rockledge also is the oldest winter resort on Florida's east coast.

Although Rockledge is primarily a residential community, it does have a small base of light, industrial businesses. There's a wide variety of retail stores and centers, a hospital, four schools and churches of various denominations, which meet the needs of residents.

Riverside neighborhoods evoke times past, with historic buildings shaded by ancient trees draped in Spanish moss. Many of the original settlers built their homes here using income from the orange groves which once carpeted the landscape.

The community is very family-friendly, as any visitor to Rockledge Park on a weekend can attest to - with supporters cheering on the numerous little league softball and soccer games. Nearby McLarty Park is home to the Rockledge Little League, and in addition to its athletic facilities hosts many family events such as Easter egg hunts and the annual residents' picnic.

With its beauty, amenities, and neighborly atmosphere, it's no wonder so many new businesses and housing developments are springing up to cater to all the residents attracted to this friendly community.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Residents of Rockledge generally fall into the demographic group of middle-aged married couples with school-aged and adult children. They are comfortably settled in single-family homes in older neighborhoods, although new developments are increasing in popularity. Nearly one-fifth of the population receives some type of retirement income. They typically spend money on home-improvement projects, home furnishings, and outdoor equipment.

Satellite Beach

Just south of Patrick Air Force Base, Satellite Beach is centrally located within Brevard County. Because of its location, Satellite Beach is a favorite of military families and those loving the beach.

The city was first incorporated in 1957, and currently 10,860 people call it home. The impact of the space program and Patrick Air Force Base has contributed greatly to the development of Satellite Beach.

Satellite Beach has a wide range of neighborhood developments, including the upscale, exclusive community of Tortoise Island. The area's location provides for great outdoor recreation including boating, fishing, and trips to the beach. Conveniently situated between two major causeways, residents have easy access to shops, malls, restaurants and area golf courses on the mainland as well as within the city.

Given its beauty, location, great schools, and recreational opportunities, Satellite Beach has become a haven for those wanting it all.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Residents of Satellite Beach typically are affluent married couples between the ages of 45 and 64, and receive their income from salaries, rental properties, interest, dividends, retirement funds, or pensions. Many are business owners or managers. They live in suburban single-family homes valued above the national average. For entertainment, Satellite Beach residents typically play racquet sports, golf, visit museums, and travel.

Scottsmoor

Located at the northern-most part of Brevard County, Scottsmoor is where the Indian River originates. This unincorporated community is home to more than 1,609 residents whose main commerce is the citrus industry. During winter months numerous orange and grapefruit stands dot the landscape of this rural community where land is inexpensive and country living is preferred.

While Scottsmoor is relatively undeveloped compared to other communities in Brevard County, its history runs deep. The area was settled in 1821 by James Garvin, who acquired the land through the Spanish Land Grant.

An outdoor enthusiasts dream, Scottsmoor has a horse arena and camping is available, with a few stores and restaurants for necessities. Parrish Park, the 5-acre neighborhood park located west of U.S. 1 in Scottsmoor, is landscaped with palms and hardwood trees. The outdoor basketball court and softball field are both popular attractions. Several picnic tables and a playground invite family gatherings.

With its country lifestyle, low land prices, and recreational amenities, Scottsmoor stands as one of the Space Coast's hidden gems. Anyone looking for peace, quiet, and a nice rural atmosphere will certainly find it all in Scottsmoor.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Most of the families in Scottsmoor are young and mobile. They earn low to moderate incomes from skilled labor jobs such as construction or manufacturing. Many live in mobile homes or single-family houses, most of which are newer and owner-occupied. Like many young couples, they have personal or auto loans instead of investments or savings.

Suntree/Viera

Located in central Brevard County off Interstate 95, Suntree and Viera are two of the Space Coast's newest communities. More than 18,000 people reside in these adjoining areas, which once were mainly sod farms and cattle ranches. Since development started, these areas are growing by leaps and bounds. It is projected that by 2015, Viera alone will be a city of more than 40,000 residents. Two additional elementary schools have been built in Viera since 2003, and a new high school is under construction.

In addition to shopping centers, restaurants, and other conveniences, Suntree and Viera are also known for their recreational retreats such as golf courses, parks, and nature preserves all located near neighborhoods. Other developments include the Veterans Administration Clinic, the Brevard County Government Services Complex, the Brevard County School District's administrative offices, just to name a few. Since 2002, new stores such as a Wal-Mart Super Center, Super Target and The Avenue Viera, a major new shopping center housing restaurants, a wide variety of stores, and a 16-screen, stadium seating movie theater.

Suntree and Viera also are great places for family fun. During the spring, Viera is home to the spring training complex of the Washington Nationals. And once the boys of summer have begun the regular season in Miami, Space Coast Stadium becomes home field for the Brevard County Manatees. In Suntree, visitors will find exotic species of plants and animals at the Brevard Zoo, where more than 400 animals representing 120 species reside.

Whether you're looking for attractive desirable neighborhoods, great golf, or family fun, Suntree and Viera have all that and more.

DEMOGRAPHICS

More than half of the population in Suntree and Viera is over 50 years old. Many of the remaining half are couples with no children still at home and nearly a quarter of these households are single-person. They rank near the top for investments and savings. Residents in these communities own newer single-family homes or condominiums.

Titusville

Incorporated in 1867, Titusville is one of Brevard County's oldest cities. Yet it is located just across the river from where the world's greatest technology lifts off - Kennedy Space Center. On clear days, KSC's Vehicle Assembly Building, which is one of the largest building in the world and where NASA assembles its fleet of space shuttles, is visible across the the Indian River.

More than 43,000 people reside in Titusville, many employed by the Space Center or its contractors. Situated in easy reach of rivers and preserves, Titusville is the perfect location to enjoy all types of outdoor activities. Boating and fishing hot spots are abundant. And there's even a championship golf course.

For those wanting to take in historical sites, Titusville has a restored downtown area which features 79-year-old Emma Parrish Theatre. The playhouse stages performances of all kinds. The stores and boutiques in the downtown area provide a quaint and nostalgic trip into the past for shoppers of all ages.

With its historic background, plentiful recreational opportunities, and proximity to technology, Titusville is a dream community where space and nature meet.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Residents of Titusville typically are middle-aged couples with school-aged and adult children. They are settled in single-family homes and many of these working couples earn more than $50,000 annually. Nearly 20 percent of the population receives retirement income. Even though they own stocks and bonds and have savings accounts, IRAs, and securities, a portion also carry debt on credit cards and loans.

Valkaria

Located at the south end of Brevard County, Valkaria has little urban development, with water and sewage being supplied by septic tanks. The setting is rural, but many of the 1,890 residents have chosen to build upscale homes on acre-plus lots. Its peace and quiet are a draw for those who hope to get away from the hustle and bustle of Brevard County's cities.

However, just because Valkaria is rural, that doesn't mean it's without its excitement. The community is home to beautiful Habitat Golf Course, a 6,836-yard, par-72 course set amidst the rolling hills, pine forests, and wetlands of the area. Horseback riding is a popular pastime, and for those who do not have their own horses, riding lessons are available locally.

A short drive away are the restaurants, shops, theaters, and attractions of both Melbourne and Palm Bay. Its riverside location provides for fantastic fishing opportunities, and many residents take advantage by finding primed fishing holes where "the big ones" like to hang out. Many docks, boat ramps, and push offs provide for easy access to all of the Indian River's glory.

With its rural setting and beautiful sights, Valkaria is growing as a Brevard County desired destination. It's only a matter of time before others discover this rural, picturesque paradise.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Typically, the residents of Valkaria live in rural neighborhoods and participate in outdoor activities such as gardening, fishing and hunting. They live in either single-family or mobile homes. Mostly retirees above age 65, a portion of their income in derived from Social Security and investments.

West Melbourne

Nestled between Melbourne and Palm Bay, West Melbourne is a booming city off heavily traveled U.S. Highway 192. With Melbourne Square Mall and numerous other business and restaurants, West Melbourne is a hot spot of activity in Brevard County. While it was incorporated in 1959, West Melbourne only now begins to be developed to its fullest, with new neighborhoods and developments being built and planned. Due to the fact that there's no city real estate tax, West Melbourne is a popular place for developers and homeowners alike. Almost 14,000 people call West Melbourne home.

However, there's more to West Melbourne than busy New Haven Avenue. Its easy access to Interstate 95 allows for residents to travel to all areas of the county. There's plenty of outdoor recreational activities, including an 18-hole municipal golf course close by. Local parks include Max K. Rodes Park and Erna Nixon Park - a beautiful 52-acre wildlife preserve features a winding boardwalk through hammocks and pine flatwoods.

Because of its excellent shopping and dining opportunities, lack of property taxes, nature settings, and pleasant neighborhoods, West Melbourne has become a popular place for visitors and locals alike.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Residents of West Melbourne are among two distinct lifestyles - senior living and new families. Living in some of the more established neighborhoods, senior citizens generally rank high for savings and investments. Most own their homes and in in either single-family or manufactured housing.

At the other spectrum are new families. The influx in development of businesses and residential neighborhoods has brought young families into the area. This group generally lives on a two-person income structure, rents or holds a mortgage, and participates in activities such as youth sports and family entertainment.

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