Patrick Space Force base
Key Contacts
Patrick Family Housing
514 Falcon Ave.
Patrick SFB, FL 32925
PH: (321) 799-9785
School Liaison
Jupiter St.
BLDG 537, Room 111
Patrick SFB, FL 32925
PH: (321) 494-1991
Airman & Family Readiness Center
Falcon Ave.
BLDG 722B
Patrick SFB, FL 32925
PH: (321) 494-5676
Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. As always, call first to confirm hours and availability of services.
Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time frame.
About Patrick Space Force Base
The World's Premier Gateway to Space
Patrick Space Force Base is home to Space Launch Delta 45, formerly the U.S. Air Force 45th Space Wing. Space Launch Delta 45 oversees launches of unmanned rockets from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, located twelve miles north. Patrick Space Force Base was founded in the 1940s as Naval Air Station Banana River. It was transferred to the U.S. Air Force in 1950, renamed Patrick Air Force Base, and began pursuing its current vision as “the world’s premier gateway to space.”
Patrick Space Force Base is also host to an extensive list of mission partners such as the Air Force Reserve 920th Rescue Wing, the 46th Test Squadron, The Air Force Technical Applications Center, an Aerospace Fuels Laboratory, along with elements of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and Space and Missile Systems Center.
Patrick Space Force Base, along with its two detachments at Canaveral Space Force Station and Malabar Annex, employs more than 4,000 active-duty service members, 11,000 DOD civilians, and contractors. It also provides services to more than 43,000 military retirees living in the area.
About Brevard County
LOCATION
Patrick Space Force Base is located on the barrier islands of Brevard County, centrally located on the eastern coast of Florida. Situated just an hour from Orlando and three hours from Miami, it's an easy jumping-o point for most Florida sights. For those traveling in and out of Patrick Space Force Base by air, the closest airport is Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB), located only 15 miles from base in Melbourne, Florida. However, Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is larger and better connected, is only about an hour away and likely worth the drive. For those interested in an adventure on the high seas, the popular Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal is only 30 minutes from base!
ATTRACTIONS
Florida is famous for its sunny days, beaches, and major theme parks. Families stationed here will enjoy living in many people’s vacation destinations. Patrick Space Force Base is surrounded by gorgeous white sand beaches such as Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach, and Vero Beach. It’s also ideally located within just a few hours of all the major Florida attractions: the magic of Orlando theme parks, the history of St. Augustine, the glitz of Miami, or the laid-back vibe of the Florida Keys. One unique thing you can’t see anywhere else: families stationed here will have awesome views of the many rocket launches at Cape Canaveral along State Road 528, State Road A1A, U.S. Highway 1, and many other locations in the area…maybe even from your own backyard!
WEATHER
Florida is famous for its gloriously mild weather most of the year, which attracts retired “snowbirds” from all corners of the U.S. Truly, these gorgeous, sunny days will make you forgive its hot and humid summers! June, July, and August are the warmest months in Florida, with temperatures averaging between 76°F and 89°F. Short but frequent rain showers during the summer break up the sun and heat. Brevard County averages 54 inches of rainfall annually, with more than half falling during those summer months. December through early March brings the coolest weather when temperatures average a comfortable 75°F. On the rare occasions when temperatures drop into the low 50s, Floridians will break out the hats and gloves! While not frequent, it does bear mentioning that any coastal location will need to consider hurricane preparedness, so be sure to check out your flood and evacuation zone for any prospective home.
HELPFUL HINTS
Patrick Space Force Base is considered to be an average cost of living area compared to the rest of the United States. It’s located on a barrier island, so there are only two main access roads: Pineda Causeway/State Road 404 and State Road A1A. Commute times, schools, and accessibility of restaurants and shopping should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to Patrick Space Force Base.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
ON-BASE HOUSING
Housing on Patrick Air Force Base is managed by Hunt Military Communities. Patrick Family Housing offers 616 homes located in three distinct neighborhoods on base. Homes are a mix of new and recently renovated single-family homes, and many feature screened-in patios, garages, and river or ocean views. Neighborhood amenities include numerous parks, playgrounds, tot lots, walking trails, and athletic courts. Students living on base are zoned for the Brevard County School District.
OFF-BASE HOUSING
In addition to the on-base options, there are several off-post communities where many service families choose to reside, including Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Viera, and Melbourne. These towns all fall within Brevard County School District, which operates more than 60 schools. Brevard County offers open enrollment, which means families can apply to attend a school located outside of their residential attendance zone.
Cocoa Beach & Satellite Beach
ABOUT
If you want a real Florida experience, the picture-perfect white sand beaches of Cocoa Beach and Satellite Beach can’t be beat. Combine that with a quiet residential atmosphere, a surprising lack of tourists, and an easy commute to Patrick Space Force Base, and you’ll see why these two beach towns are so appealing.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Lighthouse Landing
- Indian Creek Estates
- Venetian Way
Nearby Attractions
- Cocoa Beach Pier
- Hightower Beach Park
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
By the Numbers
- Population 21,000
- Household Income $68,000
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Many neighborhoods within walking distance to white sand beaches
- Quiet residential feel, fewer tourists than other popular Florida beaches
- Approximately a 15-minute drive from most neighborhoods to Patrick Space Force Base
Things to Consider
- Relatively small area, so the inventory of available homes may be lower than other areas
- Homes with water views or nearby beach access will come at a premium
- Since these towns are located on the barrier island, major shopping and services will be located across the river
Viera
ABOUT
Located slightly inland, Viera is a fast-growing area that offers numerous master-planned communities with family-friendly amenities and easy access to all major shopping, entertainment, and services. For baseball fans, it’s also home to the Washington Nationals’ spring training facility!
Popular Neighborhoods
- Sonoma at Viera
- Cortona at Viera West
- Bayhill at Viera East
Nearby Attractions
- USSSA Space Coast Complex Ballpark
- Indian River Colony Club
- River Lakes Conservation Area
By the Numbers
- Population 16,600
- Household Income $68,000
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Many options for new developments
- Easy access to major shopping and entertainment areas
- Due to the inland location, Viera may offer slightly lower homeowner insurance rates
Things to Consider
- 25-minute drive to Patrick Space Force Base, but those working on Canaveral Space Force Station will have a slightly longer drive
- The closest public beaches are 20 minutes away
Melbourne
ABOUT
Thanks to the top-tier Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne has a slightly hip, college town feel. This town attracts both families and young professionals and offers a reasonable commute, access to key shopping areas, a historic downtown, and plenty of outdoor recreation options.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Suntree
- Brisbane Point
- Grand Haven
Nearby Attractions
- Downtown Melbourne
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Sebastian Inlet State Park
By the Numbers
- Population 84,000
- Household Income $48,000
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Variety of homes available including recently renovated, newer construction, and fixer-uppers
- Slightly lower cost of living than neighboring towns
- Short drive to the beach and river access for kayaking and fishing
Things to Consider
- 15 to 23 minute drive to Patrick Space Force Base, but anyone working on Canaveral Space Force Station will have a 30 to 45 minute drive
- While there are many great neighborhoods, there are some areas that haven’t been maintained as well, so it is recommended to check out the area in person and seek guidance from your real estate agent
7 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Home
1. TAX ADVANTAGES
To encourage homeownership, the IRS has provided many tax breaks for owning a home. Credits may be available for specific home improvements, such as using clean energy or for qualified first-time home buyers. The way most homeowners see those advantages is through income tax itemization and deductions like mortgage interest and real estate taxes.
2. STABALIZE MONTHLY HOME COSTS
Owning your own house is one of the safest bets on stabilizing your monthly home costs. There’s no worry of rent getting increased significantly after each year of living in someone else’s home. Additionally, when you answer to yourself, there is no worry of landlord changes or unexpected lease termination.
3. HOUSE HACKING
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
4. Increased Privacy
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
5. Pets Are Welcome!
For those who choose to rent instead of buying, it can be extremely difficult to find rentals who allow for your
four-legged, furry friends. Landlords often require hefty pet deposits or place heavy restrictions on the number of pets and breeds they allow—if they will even allow pets. When considering quality of life, including beloved pets and the indoor and outdoor space available to them matters. Having the flexibility to include ALL members of your family as a homeowner is priceless!
6. Pride of Ownership
One of the greatest benefits of owning your own home is the pride of ownership that comes along with it. Not only are homeowners more inclined to take good care of their investment with routine maintenance and cleaning, but also they are free to make design choices ranging from hanging artwork on the walls, to paint colors, to customization of closets, electronics, and more. As military families who relocate frequently, having your home reflect who you really are feels important.
7. Safe and Stable Long Term Investment + Forced Savings
Owning a home has historically been one of the safest, lowest risk financial investments that tends to have long-term stability and success. As your home value appreciates and your mortgage balance decreases, what’s left is growing equity with an eventual paid off home. Making a monthly house payment is akin to setting aside a specific amount each month into a savings account—it’s a little difficult to access in the moment, but over time it can build into something significant in the form of equity.
FIVE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU IN YOUR RELOCATION PROCESS
Your PCS is underway!
The home buying and moving transition process has begun. Now what? If it feels like there are a million things to do, don’t fret because you don’t have to do them all yourself. During the relocation process, there are many service providers that can assist you in making your move a smooth one.
Consider these five resources to help you in the process
1. MOVING COMPANIES
Sure, the military offers transportation and relocation services, but many service members decide to coordinate the transfer of household goods themselves. Not only can you often earn money on the difference between moving costs and weight allowances, but you can be assured that you have more control over your belongings. Services that moving companies offer can range from delivery of boxes and pods for the “you-pack” model all the way to full-service logistics companies that will do all of the packing, loading, driving, and unpacking for you.
2. STORAGE
Whether you need to store your household goods for a few weeks until you close on your home or you decide that you have more stuff than square footage, storage companies abound. Sizes, conditions, and contracts vary widely so be sure to do your homework before you commit. Particularly in climates with extreme cold, heat, or humidity, it is important to consider using only climate-controlled storage to ensure the protection of your furniture and temporarily unused items.
3. TEMPORARY HOUSING
It is not uncommon for there to be a short gap of time during a military move between when you arrive at your new duty station and your new home being available to inhabit. No longer are hotels the only option for sticking out a few days or weeks during the wait. Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Airbnb are great options to make you feel more at home while you wait for your home. In fact, why not take advantage of seeing your new city through the eyes of a tourist? Find a location near new local attractions and dining and enjoy a few days of getting to know the lay of the land.
4. USPS/IRS
Once you get settled in at your new home, it’s important that you alert agencies that will make sure your current and up-to-date address is on file. The United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are two of the most important and by doing so, any important mail or documents in your name should be forwarded or sent along to your new address. It’s also a good idea to notify banks, credit card companies, and other debt collectors of a change of address. These days nearly all of these transactions can be handled online.
5. DISCARD & DONATE SERVICES
No matter how much you purge, toss, organize, minimize, or donate before you pack up the moving truck, it never fails that after you get unpacked on the other side there seems to be more stuff to declutter. Discard and donate services can help with this. Many are a phone call away and will happily come to your residence for a pickup. Others are structured where you simply drop off at a store. A lot of these services are charitable organizations and will offer you documentation for your own taxes based on your donation. It’s a win-win: you downsize by donating, and someone else benefits from your use of your items.
