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Why Empty Nesters Are Choosing Cocoa Beach for Their Second Home

Wednesday, May 21, 2025   /   by Ana Baldner

Why Empty Nesters Are Choosing Cocoa Beach for Their Second Home

For many empty nesters, the question isn't if they'll buy a second home—it's where. After years of raising kids and building careers, you're finally ready for a slower pace, more sunshine, and a place that feels like a reward for all your hard work. And while Florida is packed with coastal towns, more and more empty nesters are discovering Cocoa Beach as the ideal spot for their next chapter.


Here’s why Cocoa Beach checks all the boxes for second-home seekers in this stage of life.




1. It’s Laid-Back but Never Boring

Cocoa Beach offers that small-town beach vibe without sacrificing convenience or entertainment. For empty nesters who want to relax without slowing down, this place is a gem.

    • Stroll the beach at sunrise without crowds

    • Grab lunch at a local seafood shack with no need for reservations

    • Explore the Banana River by kayak or join a local golf league

    • Watch rocket launches from your balcony (seriously!)


It’s the kind of place where every day feels like vacation—without the chaos of tourist-packed hotspots.




2. Easy to Lock and Leave (or Stay Longer)

Many empty nesters split time between two homes or travel frequently. Cocoa Beach makes that easy. Whether you’re living here part-time or transitioning to full-time over the years, you’ll love:

    • Low-maintenance condos and townhomes near the beach

    • Friendly, tight-knit communities that keep an eye out while you're gone

    • Proximity to Orlando Airport—perfect for visits from kids and grandkids



It’s the perfect place to land when you want flexibility without fuss.




3. Great for Hosting Family (Without Hosting All the Time)

Let’s be honest—you love your adult kids, but maybe not for 24/7 visits. Cocoa Beach lets you play host just enough.

    • Rent a golf cart and cruise around town with visiting family

    • Spend the day at the beach, then return to your quiet balcony for wine and sunset

    • Choose a condo or home near restaurants, shopping, and the Cocoa Beach Pier



When your guests leave, you return to peace, quiet, and ocean breezes.




4. A Smarter Financial Move Than You’d Expect

Cocoa Beach offers some of the most affordable oceanfront real estate in Florida. Compared to places like Naples, Sarasota, or even St. Augustine, you can stretch your dollar much further here.

Plus:

    • No state income tax

    • Great short-term rental potential if you’re not here year-round

    • Steady home value appreciation in a market that continues to grow



For empty nesters thinking about retirement strategy, Cocoa Beach is not just a lifestyle move—it’s a smart one, too.




5. You’ll Never Feel Out of Place

This isn’t a wild college beach town or a high-end, gated mega-resort. Cocoa Beach has a little bit of everything, but it’s especially popular with active adults, retirees, and part-time Floridians.

You’ll find your people here—those who enjoy fishing at the pier, walking the dogs at Lori Wilson Park, or catching happy hour just steps from the ocean.




Final Thoughts

For empty nesters looking to unwind, downsize, or start living the good life on their terms, Cocoa Beach offers the perfect balance: affordable, accessible, and absolutely beautiful. Whether you’re buying for weekend escapes, family visits, or full-time retirement in the future, this coastal town is ready to welcome you. Thinking about a second home in Cocoa Beach? Let's talk about what kind of property fits your lifestyle, your budget, and your future.