If you are looking at new construction in Cocoa, Florida, there is a good chance Windward Preserve has already come across your radar.

It is new. It is gated. There are a lot of amenities planned. The community sits on more than 200 acres, and the Saint Croix model makes a good first impression.

But is it actually worth the money?

That is the part I care about.

I’m Om Dabhi, a local real estate agent here on Florida’s Space Coast. I toured the Saint Croix model, drove through Windward Preserve, looked at the lots, amenities, location, fees and finishes, and then compared what you are actually getting here against what the same budget can buy elsewhere in Brevard County.

My opinion?

I like it. But I have some reservations.

The Saint Croix is one of the stronger floor plans I have toured. I like the separation between the bedrooms, the office, the 3 car garage and the way the primary suite connects to the laundry room.

I also like the feel of Windward Preserve. There are trees, ponds, preserved areas and more open space than you see in some newer communities.

Where I hesitate is the total cost once everything gets added together.

The short version is this: If you want a large one story new construction home in Cocoa with separated bedrooms, a 3 car garage and community amenities, I think the Saint Croix deserves a look. But once you factor in the home price, upgrades, HOA and an approximate $2,200 to $2,600 annual CDD, I would absolutely compare it with a few other options before making a decision.

If Windward Preserve still wins after that, great.

Now you know why.

Saint Croix Floor Plan and Layout

The Saint Croix is a one story home with approximately 2,921 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and a 3 car garage.

The layout is probably my favorite thing about it.

Every bedroom has its own bathroom.

The bedrooms are also separated instead of being lined up along one hallway.

You have secondary bedrooms toward the front portions of the home, while the primary suite is much more private. Everything comes back together around the kitchen and main living area.

I like that setup.

If you have kids, frequent guests, older children or someone living with you who wants a little more privacy, it works.

You still get the large open living area without making the entire house feel like one giant room.

The Flex Room Is Space You Will Actually Use

There is also a dedicated flex room with double French doors.

The model uses it as an office, which makes sense, but I would not get stuck on that.

Make it an office.

Make it a playroom.

Make it a den.

Close the doors when you need privacy. Leave them open when you want the room connected to everything else.

I like rooms like this because your life changes.

A room that works as an office today could be something completely different five years from now.

That makes it useful square footage instead of a room that only serves one purpose.

The Primary Suite Has One Feature I Love

This is a smaller detail, but it is one of my favorite parts of the Saint Croix floor plan.

You can walk from the primary bedroom into the bathroom, through the primary closet and directly into the laundry room.

Then the laundry room connects back toward the kitchen.

That is smart.

It is probably not the feature that makes you fall in love with the house when you first walk in.

It is the type of feature you appreciate after living there for a few years.

Most of your laundry is probably coming from the bedrooms anyway.

I am a fan.

What Is Standard in the Saint Croix Model?

This is where buyers need to pay attention.

The model is beautiful.

Of course it is.

That does not mean the home you buy is going to look exactly like the one you are walking through.

This is something I talk about constantly with buyers looking at new construction.

Model homes are designed to show you what the house can become.

Things like taller doors, upgraded trim, tray ceilings, flooring, cabinets, countertops, lighting, fans, speakers, appliances and impact windows can all affect how the finished home looks and what it ultimately costs.

Even basic things like a refrigerator, washer and dryer may not necessarily be included.

Impact windows are another thing I would ask about rather than assume.

So walk through the model and enjoy it.

Just do not price the house in your head based on everything you see.

Before making a decision, I want to know exactly what is standard, what has been upgraded and what it will cost to build the version of the Saint Croix you actually want.

What Is Windward Preserve Like?

This is one of the things I liked more than I expected.

Windward Preserve is a new construction community in Cocoa, Florida planned for approximately 385 single family homes across a little more than 200 acres.

That is a good sized community.

But it does not feel like they took every available piece of land and put a house on it.

There are trees.

There are large ponds.

There is open space.

There are recreational areas.

There are preserved areas around portions of the community.

You are still buying in a planned neighborhood, so you will have neighbors. This is not acreage living.

But compared with some newer communities where you see nothing but rooftops and pavement, I prefer this.

It feels a little more tucked away.

Choosing a Lot at Windward Preserve

Do not pick your lot from a map.

There are 50 foot and 60 foot homesites, with the larger homesites generally accommodating some of the larger floor plans and 3 car garages.

But lot width is only part of what I am looking at.

What is behind you?

What is across the street?

Are you looking at trees?

A pond?

Another house?

An existing property outside the community?

How close are you to the main roads?

Go stand on the lot.

I would rather have a floor plan I like slightly less on a great lot than my favorite floor plan on a lot I hate.

You can change flooring.

You can change paint.

You cannot move your house after closing.

Windward Preserve Amenities

For a community this size, I think the planned amenities are pretty solid.

Windward Preserve is planned to include a community pool, clubhouse, fenced dog park, recreation areas, open lawn space, walking areas and trails, ponds, pavilion areas and a butterfly garden.

The dog park is actually a decent size, which I liked.

There is also a larger recreation area farther back in the community with space for kids to play and people to hang out.

A number of the amenities were still being developed when I toured Windward Preserve.

That is important if you are considering buying here early.

You may be living around construction while additional homes and amenities are completed.

Some buyers do not care.

Others absolutely do.

Know which one you are before you buy.

Where Is Windward Preserve in Cocoa, Florida?

Windward Preserve is in Cocoa in Central Brevard County near Interstate 95 and State Road 528.

From a driving standpoint, I like the access.

You can get to major roads quickly, which makes Cocoa, Rockledge, Merritt Island, Port St. John and Titusville relatively accessible.

Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center are also within a reasonable drive depending on traffic.

That can make Windward Preserve particularly interesting for someone working at Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Port Canaveral or elsewhere in Central or North Brevard County.

But there is a tradeoff.

You are not moving into an area where restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and shopping are immediately outside the community entrance.

Most everyday shopping is going to require a drive.

If you are a homebody, you may not care.

If you want restaurants, coffee and shopping five minutes from your house, I would think about it.

This is why I tell people not to choose a home based only on the house.

You have to live in the location too.

Can You Hear I 95 and 528 From Windward Preserve?

Yes.

I 95 and State Road 528 are close.

Inside the Saint Croix model, the road noise did not bother me.

Outside, I could hear it.

Motorcycles, larger trucks and louder vehicles were what I noticed most.

Would it stop me from buying here?

No.

Would it affect which lot I chose?

Absolutely.

If you are sensitive to road noise or you are planning a pool and expect to spend a lot of time outside, visit the specific lot more than once.

Go at different times of the day.

Stand outside for a while.

Then decide whether it bothers you.

This is one of those things you cannot figure out from a floor plan or community map.

Windward Preserve HOA and CDD Fees

This is one of the biggest things I want buyers to understand before purchasing in Windward Preserve.

There is an HOA.

There is also a CDD.

They are separate expenses.

At the time of my community tour, the HOA was approximately $360 per quarter, which works out to about $120 per month.

The estimated CDD assessment was approximately $2,200 to $2,600 per year depending on the homesite.

That works out to roughly $185 to $215 per month when you break it down.

Together, you could be looking at approximately $300 to $340 per month between the HOA and CDD.

That is before your mortgage, property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities and other home expenses.

A CDD, or Community Development District, helps fund and maintain certain infrastructure and community improvements. The assessment generally appears on the property tax bill and can include operating expenses and debt service.

I am not saying these fees make Windward Preserve a bad value.

You are getting a gated neighborhood, amenities and community infrastructure.

But I want you to understand the complete monthly cost.

A $550,000 home here and a $550,000 home somewhere without these additional expenses are not costing you the same amount every month.

That matters.

Saint Croix Pricing

As of August 2026, the Saint Croix is starting in the mid $500,000s.

The important word there is starting.

The current advertised starting price is approximately $551,000, but the final cost can change depending on the homesite, structural choices, design selections, premiums, available incentives and other options.

This is where things get interesting for me.

Once I have a buyer spending $600,000 or more, I want to start comparing.

Not because I do not like the Saint Croix.

Because $600,000 buys a lot of different things in Brevard County.

Maybe you can get more land.

Maybe you can get a private pool.

Maybe you can get a completely renovated resale home.

Maybe you can live closer to work, family, restaurants or the beach.

Or maybe we compare all of that and you still decide you would rather have a brand new Saint Croix.

Perfect.

Now you know it is actually the best fit for you.

Is the Saint Croix Worth the Price?

This is probably my biggest hesitation with Windward Preserve.

If you stay close to the standard finishes, you are getting what I would consider fairly typical new construction finishes.

There is nothing wrong with that.

But once we start talking about homes in the $500,000s and $600,000s, I think it is fair to ask what you are actually getting for the money.

A lot of what makes a model home look as good as it does comes from upgrades.

If you want your home to look similar, make sure those costs are part of your budget from the beginning.

Do not fall in love with the model and then find out later that getting your house anywhere close to it adds another large number to the purchase price.

Where New Construction Wins

There is another side to this.

Maybe you do not want an older house.

You do not want to worry about replacing a roof.

You do not want to move in and immediately start renovating bathrooms.

You want new systems, warranties, a modern floor plan and the ability to choose some of your finishes.

You want to move in and be done.

I get it.

That has value.

For some buyers, I would absolutely spend more for that peace of mind.

For someone else, I might take the same money and buy an established home with a pool and more land.

There is no universal right answer.

It depends on what matters most to you.

What I'd Tell a Friend Before Buying at Windward Preserve

If one of my friends called me and asked whether they should look at Windward Preserve, I would tell them yes.

But I would also tell them not to stop here.

First, figure out what the home you actually want is going to cost.

Not the advertised starting price.

I want the home price, lot premium, options, HOA, approximate CDD, estimated property taxes and insurance.

Then let's take that number and compare it against two or three other options around Brevard County.

Maybe another new construction community has lower fees.

Maybe a resale home gives you a pool and twice the yard.

Maybe Windward Preserve still wins because you love the Saint Croix, want a brand new home and like the community.

That is completely fine.

Seeing everything side by side makes the decision much easier.

Why Use Your Own Real Estate Agent for New Construction?

New construction works a little differently than buying a resale home.

The people working in the sales center are there to sell homes in that community.

My job is to look at whether buying one makes sense for you.

I am looking at the lot.

The actual final price.

The upgrades.

The incentives.

The financing.

The HOA and CDD.

The inspections.

And what else you could buy for the same amount of money.

I am also a big believer in independent inspections during new construction whenever they are allowed.

New does not mean perfect.

Most importantly, contact me before your first visit.

New construction communities can have registration requirements that affect how your own agent can represent you. I would rather make sure that is handled correctly from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Saint Croix and Windward Preserve

How big is the Saint Croix at Windward Preserve?

The Saint Croix is approximately 2,921 square feet with 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a 3 car garage and a one story layout.

One of the features I like most is that each bedroom has its own private bathroom.

Where is Windward Preserve located?

Windward Preserve is located in Cocoa, Florida in Central Brevard County near I 95 and State Road 528.

Its location provides relatively convenient access to Cocoa, Rockledge, Merritt Island, Port St. John, Titusville, Kennedy Space Center, Port Canaveral and other parts of Florida's Space Coast.

Is Windward Preserve a good location for Kennedy Space Center?

It could be, especially if you want new construction while staying in Central or North Brevard County.

Access to State Road 528 and other major roads is one of the things I like about the location.

Your actual commute depends on where you work and traffic, so I would test the drive during the times you normally commute before making a decision.

Is Windward Preserve gated?

Yes. Windward Preserve is planned as a gated community.

What amenities are planned at Windward Preserve?

The community is planned to include a pool, clubhouse, dog park, recreation areas, open space, walking areas, ponds and a butterfly garden.

Some amenities were still being developed when I toured the community.

Does Windward Preserve have a CDD?

Yes.

At the time of my visit, the estimated CDD assessment was approximately $2,200 to $2,600 per year depending on the homesite.

CDD assessments can change, so I would verify the current amount for the exact property you are considering before making a decision.

How much is the Windward Preserve HOA?

At the time of my tour, the HOA was approximately $360 per quarter.

Fees and what they cover can change, so current information should always be confirmed for the specific property.

Does the Saint Croix come with everything shown in the model?

No.

The model includes upgrades and design selections that may not be included in the starting price.

Before choosing a home, I would want a complete breakdown of what is standard and what costs extra.

Is the Saint Croix worth it?

For the right buyer, yes.

I like the floor plan a lot.

If you want a large one story home, 4 bedrooms with private bathrooms, a 3 car garage, new construction and community amenities, there is a lot to like.

If your main priority is getting the most house, land, pool or finishes possible for your budget, I would compare some resale homes before making the decision.

My Final Opinion of the Saint Croix and Windward Preserve

Overall, I am a fan of the community.

I like the Saint Croix.

I like the layout.

I like the amount of trees and open space.

I like the amenities.

And if you specifically want new construction in Cocoa or Central Brevard County, Windward Preserve is absolutely worth looking at.

My hesitation is value once the price starts climbing.

If we can keep the final number reasonable and take advantage of the right incentives, I like the conversation a lot more.

Once we start getting well into the $600,000s and beyond, I want to show you what else that money can buy around Brevard County.

Maybe Windward Preserve still wins.

Maybe another community does.

Maybe you end up in a resale home with an acre and a pool.

I do not care which one you choose.

I care that you understand what you are getting for your money before you sign anything.

Thinking About Windward Preserve or New Construction in Brevard County?

If you are considering the Saint Croix, another home in Windward Preserve, or new construction anywhere around Brevard County, call or text me before you visit.

I can help you compare the actual costs, lots, floor plans, upgrades, fees, incentives and inspections, and then compare those options with other new construction communities and resale homes throughout Cocoa, Rockledge, Merritt Island, Viera, Melbourne and the rest of Florida's Space Coast.

Sometimes Windward Preserve will be the best answer.

Sometimes it will not.

Either way, I want you to know that before you sign a contract.

Om Dabhi

Broker Associate, Real Broker

Call or text: 321.794.0216

Email: [email protected]

Also researching new construction in Brevard County? Read my other community reviews and local guides covering Cocoa, Rockledge, Merritt Island, Viera, Melbourne and communities throughout the Space Coast.

Disclaimer: Pricing, availability, incentives, floor plans, features, homesite premiums, HOA fees, CDD assessments, property taxes, insurance estimates, amenities, construction timelines and community plans can change. The approximately $2,200 to $2,600 annual CDD and approximately $360 quarterly HOA figures referenced in this article are estimates based on information available at the time of Om's community tour and are not guaranteed current costs. Buyers should independently verify all current pricing, fees, assessments, community documents, property details, financing terms and other information before entering into a contract. Om Dabhi is a licensed Florida real estate professional and is not employed by or affiliated with the developer or homebuilder of Windward Preserve.