Relocating to Florida's Space Coast
Thinking about moving to Brevard County for a defense or aerospace job? Here's what you need to know about living on the Space Coast — from neighborhoods and cost of living to what makes this area one of the best places in the country for defense careers.
Why the Space Coast?
Brevard County — the Space Coast — is one of the densest concentrations of defense, space, and aerospace employers in the United States. Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and Patrick Space Force Base anchor a defense ecosystem that includes major primes, innovative startups, and everything in between.
No State Income Tax
Florida has no personal income tax. Defense salaries stretch significantly further than in Virginia, Maryland, or California. A $120K salary here is equivalent to roughly $140K in NoVA after state taxes.
Growing Defense Hub
Space Coast defense employment is growing faster than the DC beltway. New entrants like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Anduril are joining established primes like L3Harris, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin.
Launch Capital of the World
More rockets launch from the Space Coast than anywhere else in the Western world. Living here means watching launches from your backyard — a daily reminder of the work you're contributing to.
Beach Lifestyle
72 miles of Atlantic coastline. Year-round warm weather. World-class surfing, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Most neighborhoods are 15–30 minutes from the beach.
Where to Live
The heart of the Space Coast defense corridor. Downtown Melbourne has a walkable historic district with restaurants and shops. Close to L3Harris HQ and most major defense employers. Median home prices are moderate for FL.
A master-planned community with top-rated schools, new construction, and The Avenue Viera shopping center. Popular with defense families. Centrally located between Melbourne and the beaches.
The most affordable option in Brevard County with the largest land area. Rapidly growing with new developments. Slightly longer commute to KSC-area jobs but close to Melbourne employers like Northrop Grumman and L3Harris.
Central Brevard locations with easy access to both Melbourne and KSC. Rockledge has established neighborhoods with mature trees. Cocoa Village has a charming downtown with local shops and waterfront dining.
Beachside living with a laid-back surf culture. Walking distance to the ocean. Close to Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral. Higher price per square foot but you get the beach lifestyle.
North Brevard, right across the Indian River from Kennedy Space Center. The most affordable beachside-adjacent option. Growing restaurant scene and direct views of rocket launches from many neighborhoods.
Cost of Living vs. DC/NoVA
| Category | Space Coast | DC / NoVA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ~$350K | ~$600K+ |
| State Income Tax | 0% | 4–5.75% |
| Avg Rent (2BR) | ~$1,600/mo | ~$2,400/mo |
| Commute Time | 15–30 min | 45–90 min |
Approximate figures for general comparison. Individual costs vary by specific location and lifestyle.
Major Employers
The Space Coast is home to 20+ defense and aerospace employers, from legacy primes to fast-growing startups. Major employers include L3Harris (HQ'd here), Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Collins Aerospace, Leonardo DRS, Leidos, and United Launch Alliance.
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Browse 1,024 open defense and aerospace jobs on the Space Coast.
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