5 Things Every Home Buyer Wants to Know Before Moving to Mims, FL

If you’ve ever driven north on U.S. 1 past Titusville and felt the pace of life slow just a little, you’ve experienced the first hint of what makes Mims, Florida special. Tucked into the quiet northern edge of Brevard County, Mims is one of those rare Old Florida communities that still feels authentic. It’s not flashy. It’s not overbuilt. And for many buyers, that’s exactly the appeal.

I’ve watched Mims quietly evolve over the years. It’s grown in smart, steady ways without losing its rural roots. You’ll still see cattle grazing in open fields, neighbors waving from porches, and kids riding bikes down quiet streets—but now you’ll also find new homes, better infrastructure, and quick access to everything from space launches to sandy beaches.

People moving to Mims are usually looking for peace, space, affordability, and a sense of community—all while staying within a reasonable drive of major job centers and the coast. Before you decide if Mims is right for you, here are the five things every home buyer really wants to know before making the move.

1. Lifestyle & Local Vibe

Mims has a laid-back, rural-meets-small-town lifestyle that attracts people who value space, privacy, and a slower pace of life. This is not a master-planned community with packed sidewalks and constant traffic. Instead, it’s wide-open skies, long driveways, and neighbors who still look out for one another.

Who Lives in Mims?

The community is a blend of:

• Longtime local families who’ve lived here for generations

• Retirees looking for land, quiet, and affordability

• Young families priced out of newer developments in Viera and Rockledge

• Remote professionals and tradespeople who don’t need a daily city commute

You’ll find a strong sense of independence here. People choose Mims because they want space—to park a boat, keep an RV, raise chickens, or just enjoy quiet evenings on the porch.

Community Feel

Mims still feels like Old Florida. The pace is slower. People are friendly. You’ll run into neighbors at the gas station, local diners, and community events. It’s common to know the people who live down the road instead of just recognizing their garage door.

Weekends often revolve around:

• BBQs in the backyard

• Working on home projects

• Fishing, boating, or heading to the beach

• Attending local school and youth sports games

If you enjoy wide-open living without feeling isolated, Mims hits that sweet spot.

2. Schools & Education

While Mims is small, families still have access to a solid mix of public and private schooling options throughout northern Brevard County. School zones can vary by neighborhood, so this is always something I review closely with buyers.

Public Schools Serving Mims

Some of the most common schools include:

• Pinewood Elementary School – A long-established elementary option known for a strong community feel.

• Astronaut High School (in nearby Titusville) – Offers Advanced Placement programs, career tech options, athletics, and arts programs.

• Madison Middle School – Serving many families in the area with standard and advanced coursework.

Parents often appreciate the smaller class sizes and tighter-knit school communities compared to larger districts farther south.

Private & Charter Options Nearby

Families also consider:

• Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy (Satellite Beach) – College-prep private school

• Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School – Public choice with strong academic reputation

• Various faith-based private schools in Titusville and North Brevard

How Schools Impact Home Values

Like anywhere in Brevard County, school zoning directly impacts buyer demand and pricing. Homes in preferred school zones tend to sell faster and hold value more consistently. For buyers with children—or those planning ahead—this is a key factor when selecting a neighborhood within Mims.

3. Real Estate Market & Home Styles

This is where Mims truly shines for buyers looking for space and value.

Types of Homes You’ll Find

Mims offers a wide variety of home styles, including:

• Single-family ranch-style homes

• Manufactured homes on large parcels

• Custom-built homes on acreage

• Older Florida homes with character

• Newer construction scattered throughout

You won’t find rows of cookie-cutter subdivisions here. Many homes sit on ½ acre, 1 acre, or larger lots, giving you true breathing room.

Price Ranges & What Buyers Can Expect

As of the current market, home prices in Mims are typically more affordable than most of Brevard County. While prices fluctuate, buyers can generally expect:

• Entry-level homes: Often more affordable than Titusville, Viera, or Rockledge

• Mid-range homes: Larger homes with land, space for workshops, boats, or RVs

• Acreage estates: Custom homes on multi-acre parcels for those wanting privacy

This pricing advantage makes Mims especially attractive to:

• First-time home buyers

• Buyers relocating from higher-cost states

• Anyone seeking “more land for the money”

Market Conditions

Mims often sits in a balanced-to-seller-leaning market, meaning:

• Good homes are still moving quickly

• Buyers can find opportunities, especially on acreage properties

• Proper pricing is critical for sellers

Homes with land, no HOA, and flexible zoning are especially popular.

4. Commute & Connectivity

Mims may feel rural, but it’s far from disconnected.

Major Roads & Highways

• U.S. Highway 1 runs directly through Mims

• I-95 is just minutes away via State Road 46

• Easy north-south travel throughout Brevard County

Commute Times

• Titusville: 5–10 minutes

• Cocoa / Rockledge: 25–35 minutes

• Viera: 30–40 minutes

• Orlando International Airport (MCO): About 45–60 minutes

• Kennedy Space Center: Under 20 minutes

This makes Mims ideal for those working in:

• Aerospace & defense

• Port Canaveral industries

• Central Florida hospitality & tech

• Remote or hybrid professionals needing occasional travel

Healthcare & Shopping Access

Residents are close to:

• Parrish Medical Center in Titusville

• Multiple urgent care centers

• Major shopping centers in Titusville, Cocoa, and Viera

You’re never far from essentials, even while enjoying a quieter lifestyle.

5. Things To Do & Local Hot Spots

Mims may be small, but its location puts you near some of the best outdoor recreation in Florida.

Nature, Parks & Outdoor Living

• Indian River Lagoon – Fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding

• Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge – Trails, wildlife, birdwatching

• Canaveral National Seashore – One of Florida’s most preserved beach areas

• Local parks and boat ramps throughout North Brevard

If you love boating, fishing, or nature photography, you’ll feel right at home.

Local Restaurants & Casual Favorites

Mims itself is low-key when it comes to dining, but nearby Titusville offers local favorites such as:

• Neighborhood diners and seafood spots

• Family-owned BBQ restaurants

• Café-style breakfast and lunch locations

You won’t find trendy rooftop bars—but you will find honest food and friendly service.

Space Coast Events & Entertainment

Living in Mims means easy access to:

• Rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center

• Seasonal festivals in Titusville and Cocoa

• Arts, theater, and community events

• Farmer’s markets and craft fairs

Many residents still step outside to watch launches light up the night sky—something you never get tired of seeing.

Closing Thoughts: Is Mims, FL Right for You?

Mims isn’t for everyone—and that’s exactly why the people who live here love it. This is a place for buyers who want space instead of congestion, peace instead of noise, and community instead of crowds. It’s where Florida still feels a little like it used to, while still offering access to modern conveniences and jobs.

You’ll love Mims if you want:

• Larger lots and rural character

• Lower home prices compared to much of Brevard County

• Easy access to nature, space, and the coast

• A genuine small-town feel with real community connections

You might not love Mims if you need:

• Walkable downtown nightlife

• High-density shopping and entertainment

• Brand-new master-planned neighborhoods on every corner

For the right buyer, Mims offers something increasingly rare in Florida real estate: room to breathe.

Ready to see what life in Mims, FL could look like? Explore the latest homes for sale or connect with a local real estate expert who truly knows every neighborhood, back road, school zone, and sunset view this community has to offer.

Mims vs. Titusville vs. Scottsmoor: Which North Brevard Community Is Right for You?

If you’re shopping for a home in North Brevard County, chances are you’ve come across Mims, Titusville, and Scottsmoor in your search. On a map, they look practically neighbors. In real life, they feel like three completely different lifestyles.

I’ve helped buyers move into all three over the years—from retirees seeking total privacy, to engineers working at Kennedy Space Center, to young families trying to stretch their budget. The best choice always comes down to your priorities: space, convenience, budget, and daily lifestyle.

Let’s break them down in plain English.

1. Overall Lifestyle & Community Vibe

Mims: Rural-Suburban Balance

Mims sits right between country living and town access. It’s not crowded, and it’s not isolated either.

• Quiet, laid-back, and spread out

• Mix of longtime locals, retirees, families, and remote workers

• Plenty of space for boats, RVs, workshops, animals

• Slower pace without feeling disconnected

Who Mims is best for:
Buyers who want land, privacy, and affordability but still need quick access to schools, hospitals, and shopping.

Titusville: City Convenience with Waterfront Energy

Titusville is the urban hub of North Brevard. It has government offices, hospitals, retail centers, and the most developed infrastructure.

• Walkable downtown waterfront

• Restaurants, breweries, festivals, and events

• Space Coast launch viewing from the riverfront

• Higher population density

Who Titusville is best for:
Buyers who want convenience, nightlife, walkability, and job proximity—especially those working in aerospace, healthcare, or education.

Scottsmoor: Pure Country & Old Florida

Scottsmoor is for buyers who truly want to get away from it all. This is deep rural Florida living.

• Large parcels of land (5–20+ acres common)

• Agricultural zoning, farms, and livestock

• Virtually no town center or commercial core

• Total quiet and privacy

Who Scottsmoor is best for:
Buyers who want maximum land, agricultural use, or off-the-grid style living and don’t need nearby amenities.

2. Real Estate & Price Comparisons

Mims Real Estate

• Mostly single-family homes on large lots

• Ranch homes, manufactured homes on land, and custom builds

• Very few HOAs

• Mix of older homes and scattered new construction

• Strong demand for ½–2 acre properties

Typical Buyer Profile: First-time buyers, retirees, relocation buyers from high-cost states.

Titusville Real Estate

• Broadest variety of housing

  • Condos and townhomes

  • 1950s–1980s neighborhoods

  • Newer waterfront developments

• More HOAs and deed-restricted communities

• Higher pricing near the river and downtown core

Typical Buyer Profile: Aerospace workers, medical professionals, investors, waterfront buyers.

Scottsmoor Real Estate

• Primarily:

  • Farmhouses

  • Manufactured homes on acreage

  • Custom homes on large rural tracts

• Zoning favors agricultural and rural homesteads

• Very little subdivision development

Typical Buyer Profile: Farmers, homesteaders, equestrians, buyers wanting 10+ acres.

Price Level Comparison (General Market Trend)

From lowest to highest overall pricing:

1. Scottsmoor – cheapest per square foot, but land sizes are large

2. Mims – affordable with more traditional housing options

3. Titusville – highest overall due to infrastructure and waterfront

Titusville riverfront homes can cost double or triple similar homes in Mims or Scottsmoor.

3. Schools & Family Living

Mims Schools

• Pinewood Elementary

• Madison Middle

• Astronaut High School (Titusville)

Smaller-school feel, strong community involvement. Many families choose Mims specifically for school values without city congestion.

Titusville Schools

• Largest selection of:

  • Public schools

  • Charter schools

  • Private academies

• Close to Eastern Florida State College

Best for families wanting variety, advanced programs, and athletic depth.

Scottsmoor Schools

Students are usually zoned into:

• Titusville or Mims schools

• Longer bus rides

• Many families homeschool due to rural location

Best suited for families comfortable with distance-based schooling.

4. Commute, Healthcare & Daily Convenience

Mims Connectivity

• 5–10 minutes to Titusville

• Direct access to I-95

• 45–60 minutes to Orlando

• Close to Parrish Medical Center

You get rural living with fast modern access.

Titusville Connectivity

• Everything is local:

  • Hospitals

  • Shopping centers

  • Government services

• Shortest commute to:

  • Kennedy Space Center

  • Blue Origin

  • SpaceX facilities

Best for daily commutes and urban convenience.

Scottsmoor Connectivity

• 20–30 minutes to most services

• Limited cell service in some areas

• Very little retail or medical nearby

Best for buyers who don’t mind long drives for necessities.

5. Recreation, Dining & Entertainment

Mims

• Outdoor-focused lifestyle

• Near boat ramps and wildlife areas

• Local diners and casual restaurants

• Easy access to Canaveral National Seashore

Quiet weekends, backyard BBQs, fishing trips.

Titusville

• Downtown riverfront dining

• Breweries and live music

• Festivals, art walks, and markets

• Best rocket launch viewing in the county

Most social, most active nightlife in North Brevard.

Scottsmoor

• Hunting, ATV riding, farming, and outdoor recreation

• No real nightlife

• Entertainment is mostly private property–based

Perfect for buyers who prefer self-sufficient recreation.

Quick Side-by-Side Summary

FeatureMimsTitusvilleScottsmoorLifestyleRural-suburban mixUrban small cityDeep ruralLot Sizes½–2 acres commonSmaller city lots5–20+ acresHome PricesAffordableHighest of the threeLowest per sq ftSchoolsSmall community feelMost school optionsZoned outside townCommuteEasy highway accessBest job accessLong rural drivesDining & ShoppingLimited locallyExtensiveMinimalBest ForSpace + accessConvenience + waterfrontLand + privacy

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Mims if you want:

• Space without total isolation

• Affordable homes with land

• Quiet living close to everything

Choose Titusville if you want:

• Walkability, restaurants, and nightlife

• Short commute to aerospace and medical jobs

• Riverfront lifestyle and city amenities

Choose Scottsmoor if you want:

• Large acreage

• Agricultural zoning

• Maximum privacy and rural freedom

My Honest Local Take

Most buyers I work with who want balance end up happiest in Mims. You get room to breathe without sacrificing schools, healthcare, or commute access. Titusville wins on convenience and entertainment. Scottsmoor wins on pure land and privacy.

There’s no wrong answer—only the right fit for your lifestyle.

If you’d like, I can provide:

Current home prices in all three areas

Best neighborhoods by budget

School zone maps

Or a personalized recommendation based on your commute and lifestyle

If you'd like, tell me:

• Your budget range

• Whether you need acreage or a neighborhood

• Your work commute location

And I’ll guide you to the best fit between Mims, Titusville, and Scottsmoor.