Windward Preserve in Cocoa, FL: Is This New Construction Community Worth It?

If you are researching Windward Preserve in Cocoa, Florida, you are probably trying to answer a pretty simple question:

Is this community actually worth the price?

The builder’s website can show you floor plans, square footage, renderings, and a perfectly finished model home. What it cannot really show you is what the community feels like, what the standard home includes, how the fees affect your payment, and how Windward Preserve compares with other options across Brevard County.

That is what this guide is for.

I toured the Granada model, drove through the community, reviewed the amenities, and looked at the pricing, lot sizes, builder incentives, standard finishes, HOA, CDD fees, location, and long term value.

My overall opinion is that Windward Preserve is a solid new construction option in Cocoa, especially for buyers who want a larger home, community amenities, and easier access to the Space Coast’s major aerospace employers.

I do not hate the pricing, but I do not absolutely love it either.

The value makes sense at the right price and with the right selections. Once you start adding lot premiums, design upgrades, a pool, and the community fees, you may reach a price where other parts of Brevard County become serious competition.

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What Is Windward Preserve?

Windward Preserve is a gated new construction community being built by Taylor Morrison in Cocoa, Florida.

The community is near Friday Road and James Road, close to the intersection of Interstate 95 and State Road 528.

Windward Preserve is planned across approximately 212 acres and is expected to include around 385 homes when completed.

That makes it a fairly large community, but it does not feel like all 385 homes were squeezed into one cleared field. There are retention ponds, wooded areas, preserved trees, open spaces, and amenities spread throughout the neighborhood.

The surrounding area is mostly made up of older homes on larger lots without an HOA. You will see a mix of properties built across several decades, often on quarter acre, half acre, or larger parcels.

Once you enter Windward Preserve, it changes into a more traditional planned community with newer homes, consistent architecture, sidewalks, common areas, and shared amenities.

Windward Preserve Floor Plans and Lot Sizes

Taylor Morrison offers several floor plans at Windward Preserve, ranging from smaller 3 bedroom homes to much larger homes approaching 4,000 square feet.

Depending on the floor plan and options, buyers may have choices involving:

• 3 to 5 bedrooms
• 2 to 3 car garages
• Flex rooms
• Offices
• Formal dining areas
• Loft or bonus spaces
• Open kitchens and living areas
• Split bedroom layouts
• Larger primary suites

The Granada model is one of the floor plans featured in the community.

One part of the Granada layout I liked was the dining or office area near the kitchen and pantry. It creates some separation without closing off the main living space. Depending on what a buyer needs, that room could potentially work as an office, dining area, flex space, or enclosed room.

I also liked the connection between the laundry room, primary closet, primary bathroom, and bedroom. That type of layout is practical and makes the laundry room easier to use.

Windward Preserve offers both 50 foot and 60 foot wide homesites.

Most floor plans will be built on the 50 foot lots. The floor plans offering a 3 car garage generally require a 60 foot lot.

The lots are still part of a planned community. You should expect neighbors beside you, across from you, and potentially behind you.

However, the 50 foot and 60 foot lot options are wider than what some entry level builders offer, and many lots still provide a reasonable backyard.

Lot location will matter.

Some homes may back up to trees, ponds, common spaces, or more private areas. Others may have another home directly behind them or views of existing properties outside the community.

Do not choose a lot from a map alone. Stand on it, look in every direction, and think about what will eventually be built nearby.

Windward Preserve Amenities

Windward Preserve is designed to offer more than just the homes.

Planned amenities include:

• Gated entrance
• Community clubhouse
• Swimming pool
• Fenced dog park
• Open lawn area
• Play and recreation area
• Covered pavilion
• Butterfly sanctuary
• Retention ponds
• Preserved wooded areas
• Community mailboxes

The dog park was already partially completed during my visit. It includes fencing, benches, open space, and obstacles for the dogs.

It is 1 shared dog park rather than separate areas for large and small dogs, which may matter depending on your pet.

The community also has a large recreation area toward the back of the neighborhood. It includes benches, shaded space, climbing features, and equipment for children.

It is not a traditional playground design, but it provides a large area for residents to gather, relax, host a birthday party, or let the kids play.

The clubhouse, pool, and several other amenities were still under development at the time of filming. Most of the major amenity construction was expected to be completed sometime in 2027.

Buyers moving in before then should understand that they may be living around active construction and paying community fees before every amenity is available.

Where Is Windward Preserve Located?

Windward Preserve is located in Cocoa near Interstate 95 and State Road 528.

That location has a very clear tradeoff.

If you work around Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Port Canaveral, SpaceX, Blue Origin, or another employer in northern or central Brevard County, the location may be extremely useful.

State Road 528 provides relatively direct access toward the coast and Orlando, while Interstate 95 makes it easier to travel north or south through Brevard County.

Depending on traffic and the destination, Windward Preserve is near:

• Interstate 95
• State Road 528
• Kennedy Space Center
• Port Canaveral
• SpaceX
• Blue Origin
• Cocoa Beach
• Historic Cocoa Village
• Merritt Island
• Grocery stores
• Restaurants
• Medical facilities
• Gas stations
• Shopping
• Orlando attractions

The closest Interstate 95 entrance is approximately 5 to 6 minutes away.

Publix, Walmart, and Aldi are generally around 9 to 10 minutes away. Gas stations are closer, but many restaurants, shopping areas, and other daily conveniences may require a 15 minute drive or longer.

Major employers such as SpaceX and Blue Origin may be around 20 to 25 minutes away, depending on traffic.

That commute is a major advantage compared with living farther south in Viera, Melbourne, or Palm Bay.

The tradeoff is that Windward Preserve is not surrounded by restaurants, nightlife, healthcare, and shopping immediately outside the entrance.

You are close to the roads that take you everywhere, but you are not necessarily close to everything the moment you leave the neighborhood.

What About Highway Noise?

Windward Preserve is close to Interstate 95 and State Road 528, so road noise is something buyers should consider.

Inside the model home, I did not hear much at all.

Outside, I could hear occasional motorcycles, trucks, and louder vehicles. The amount of noise will depend on where the home is located within the community, the direction it faces, surrounding trees, weather, and traffic.

I would not consider the noise an automatic dealbreaker.

However, buyers who spend a lot of time outside, plan to install a pool, or are particularly sensitive to traffic noise should visit the lot during different times of day.

Do not assume the experience inside the model home will be identical on every homesite.

Windward Preserve Pricing

At the time of filming, base prices started around $399,000.

Depending on the floor plan, lot premium, design selections, structural options, and additional improvements, prices could move into the $500,000s and $600,000s fairly easily.

A larger floor plan, premium lot, 3 car garage, extensive design package, and private pool could potentially push the total price even higher.

At the lower end, I think the pricing is reasonable for a brand new Taylor Morrison home in this part of Brevard County.

You are getting new construction, modern floor plans, larger homes, community amenities, and a convenient commute to several major employment centers.

The pricing becomes harder to justify as the final cost moves higher.

Once you are spending in the upper $500,000s, $600,000s, or beyond, you can start comparing homes in Viera, Rockledge, Merritt Island, Melbourne, and other established areas.

Those homes may not be brand new, but they could offer a better location, more privacy, a larger lot, a pool, or more upgraded finishes.

The right answer depends on what you value more.

If you specifically want new construction near Cocoa, Merritt Island, the Cape, or State Road 528, Windward Preserve is one of the more viable options.

If you are open to the entire Space Coast, your options expand significantly as the final price increases.

Builder Incentives

At the time of filming, Taylor Morrison was offering approximately $40,000 to nearly $50,000 in incentives, depending on the home and phase of the community.

The incentives could potentially be applied toward:

• Design options
• Closing costs
• Reducing the purchase price
• Interest rate assistance
• A combination of several options

The builder may limit how much of the incentive can be used to reduce the home’s price.

For example, the final purchase price may not be allowed to fall below the advertised base price, even if the incentive is larger than the cost of the selected upgrades and lot premium.

That means the best use of the incentive may be a combination of price reduction, design options, and closing cost assistance.

Builder incentives change constantly.

A large advertised number also does not automatically mean you are receiving the best possible deal. Buyers should compare the final price, monthly payment, closing costs, interest rate, and included features.

HOA and CDD Fees

The fees are one of the biggest things buyers need to understand before purchasing at Windward Preserve.

At the time of filming, the HOA was approximately $360 per quarter, or around $120 per month.

The HOA helps support the gated entrance, community amenities, common areas, and other neighborhood responsibilities.

Windward Preserve also has a Community Development District fee, commonly called a CDD fee.

The estimated annual CDD fees were approximately:

• $2,200 per year for a 50 foot lot
• $2,600 per year for a 60 foot lot

That averages approximately $183 to $217 per month, although the CDD is generally collected through the property tax bill rather than paid as a separate monthly charge.

When you combine the HOA and the CDD, the total community related cost is roughly $300 to $340 per month, depending on the lot.

That is before your mortgage, property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, and maintenance.

I am not saying those fees make the community a bad choice.

You are receiving a gated entrance, clubhouse, pool, dog park, recreation areas, and other shared improvements.

However, the fees directly affect affordability and should be included when comparing Windward Preserve with a home that has a smaller HOA or no CDD.

Do not compare homes based only on the purchase price.

Compare the full monthly obligation.

Standard Finishes Versus the Model Home

Model homes are designed to show the best version of what the builder can create.

That does not mean the base home will look the same.

If you purchase with standard finishes, you should generally expect a more basic interior package. That may include:

• Tile in wet or main areas
• Carpet in bedrooms and other dry areas
• Basic interior paint
• Standard trim and baseboards
• Hollow core doors
• Standard height interior doors
• Basic cabinets and countertops
• Standard fixtures

There is nothing necessarily wrong with those finishes.

The issue is understanding what you are getting for the price.

If you are spending $400,000 to $500,000 and staying close to the base package, the home may still feel fairly standard inside.

Taylor Morrison is not positioned like the most basic entry level builders, but it is also not a custom luxury builder.

You are paying for a new home, the floor plan, the location, the community, and the ability to make design selections.

If you want the home to look similar to the model, plan for additional design costs.

Ask the builder for a complete written breakdown of what is standard, what is upgraded in the model, and what each selection will add to the final purchase price.

Who Is Windward Preserve Best For?

Windward Preserve makes the most sense for buyers looking for:

• New construction in Cocoa
• A larger modern floor plan
• A gated community
• A community pool and clubhouse
• A dog park and recreation areas
• 50 foot or 60 foot lot options
• A possible 3 car garage
• Easier access to Interstate 95 and State Road 528
• A shorter commute to Space Coast aerospace employers
• Design options and builder incentives
• Less immediate maintenance than an older home

It may be particularly appealing to families, relocating buyers, military households, aerospace professionals, and buyers who want new construction without moving farther south in Brevard County.

What Should Buyers Think About Before Choosing Windward Preserve?

The biggest considerations are the community fees, location, standard finishes, and final price after upgrades.

Buyers should be comfortable with:

• Approximately $300 or more per month in combined HOA and CDD costs
• Driving 10 to 20 minutes for many daily conveniences
• Possible highway noise outside
• Ongoing construction while the community is developed
• Standard planned community lot sizes
• Paying extra to replicate the model home finishes
• Waiting approximately 6 to 8 months for a new build

None of those automatically makes Windward Preserve a bad purchase.

They are simply the parts that should be considered before the excitement of choosing a floor plan and design package takes over.

Why Have Your Own Agent for New Construction?

The builder’s sales representative works for the builder.

They can explain the floor plans, pricing, incentives, construction process, and available homes.

Their job, however, is to sell homes for Taylor Morrison.

Your agent’s job is different.

My job is to help you compare Windward Preserve against every other option that may fit your budget and goals.

That includes helping you evaluate:

• The true monthly cost after the HOA and CDD
• Lot premiums and location
• Which structural options are worth adding
• Which design upgrades provide value
• Whether upgrades are cheaper after closing
• How the builder incentive should be used
• What property taxes may look like after reassessment
• How the preferred lender compares with outside lenders
• Which inspections should be completed
• How Windward Preserve compares with resale homes and other builders

I also recommend independent inspections during the construction process when the builder allows them.

That may include a foundation or early construction inspection, pre drywall inspection, final inspection, and warranty inspection before the builder’s coverage expires.

New does not automatically mean perfect.

The important part is contacting your agent before your first visit to the model homes. Builders have registration rules, and visiting alone can affect whether an agent is able to represent you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Windward Preserve

Is Windward Preserve good for first time homebuyers?

It could be, especially for a buyer with the income and budget to handle the total monthly cost.

The base prices may be approachable compared with other larger new construction homes, but buyers need to include the HOA, CDD, taxes, insurance, and upgrades when calculating affordability.

Is Windward Preserve good for relocating buyers?

Yes. The community may be a strong fit for buyers relocating to work near Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Port Canaveral, Merritt Island, SpaceX, Blue Origin, or other employers in central and northern Brevard County.

The main tradeoff is that many restaurants, stores, and other daily conveniences are not immediately outside the community.

Should I compare Windward Preserve with other communities?

Absolutely.

Windward Preserve may offer the right combination of size, location, amenities, and new construction, but another community may offer lower fees, better proximity to shopping, more included finishes, or a different lot style.

Comparing a few communities makes it easier to understand what you are receiving for the price.

Can I use my own real estate agent when buying at Windward Preserve?

Yes, but contact your agent before visiting the model home.

The builder’s sales team represents the builder. Your own agent can help with the contract, inspections, financing comparison, lot selection, upgrades, incentives, and comparison with other communities.

My Final Opinion of Windward Preserve

I am a fan of Windward Preserve, but there are real tradeoffs.

The community offers larger new construction homes, good floor plans, wider lot options, a gated entrance, useful amenities, preserved wooded areas, and convenient access to Interstate 95 and State Road 528.

It is also well positioned for people working around the Cape, Merritt Island, Port Canaveral, and the Space Coast’s aerospace industry.

The biggest negatives are the combined HOA and CDD costs, the distance from some everyday conveniences, possible outdoor road noise, and the amount buyers may need to spend to make the home look like the model.

At the lower and middle price points, I think Windward Preserve is a very reasonable option.

As the final price moves into the $600,000s or beyond, I would compare it carefully with homes and communities throughout the rest of Brevard County.

Windward Preserve does not need to be perfect to be a good buy.

It needs to fit your priorities, commute, monthly budget, and expectations.

Thinking About Buying at Windward Preserve?

If you are considering Windward Preserve or another new construction community in Cocoa or anywhere in Brevard County, contact me before visiting the model home.

I can help you compare floor plans, review available lots, understand the builder incentives, calculate the complete monthly cost, coordinate inspections, and compare Windward Preserve with other new construction and resale homes.

Sometimes Windward Preserve will be the best answer.

Sometimes it will not.

Either way, you should know that before signing a contract.

Om Dabhi
Broker Associate, Real Broker
Call or text: 321.794.0216
Email: [email protected]