Chapter 01 · Waterfront Living
Three kinds of water, three ways to live.
Oceanfront
Sunrise over the Atlantic
Find it in
Cocoa Beach, Indialantic, Melbourne Beach, Satellite Beach
The upside
- + Direct beach access
- + Ocean breezes, surf breaks
- + Strong rental demand
Watch for
- · Higher wind and flood insurance
- · Salt air upkeep
- · Condo association rules
The coastal towns
Cape Canaveral
Ocean + PortLaunch views, Port Canaveral cruise ships, and the new Brevard Zoo aquarium on the way.
Cocoa Beach
Ocean + RiverSurf, the pier, condo towers, and canal homes on the river side.
Indialantic
Ocean + RiverWalk to the beach, bike to the river, quick bridge to downtown.
Lansing & Tortoise Island
Deep-water RiverGated luxury islands with estate homes and private docks.
Melbourne Beach
Ocean + RiverNarrow island, river-to-sea lots, wild beaches to the south.
Merritt Island
Canal + RiverBoater's paradise between the Banana and Indian Rivers.
Satellite Beach
Ocean + CanalFamily beach town with canal streets and great schools.
Insider tip: ask for the elevation certificate and four-point inspection on any waterfront home. They drive your insurance cost more than the view does.
Boating clearance guide
Before you fall for a dock, make sure your boat can actually get out. Bridge height and water depth decide everything.
Canaveral Lock
Connects Port Canaveral and the ocean to the Banana River and Merritt Island. Free, operated daily; manatees get right of way.
Intracoastal Waterway fixed bridges
Most ICW (Indian River) high-rise bridges are about 65 ft vertical clearance, enough for most sailboats.
Banana River bridges
Clearances are much lower here. Check SR 520 and Pineda causeway spans on a NOAA chart before buying a boat or a home.
Mathers Bridge
A swing bridge linking south Merritt Island and the beaches. Openings on request, check current schedule.
Canal lifts and fixed spans
Many neighborhood canals have small fixed bridges. Measure your boat's air draft and ask the seller for the canal's real clearance and depth.