Despite Melbourne's coastal locale, high-tech employment draws more new residents than the beaches a few miles away. The city of 87,000 residents hosts the headquarters of L3Harris Technologies Inc., a government contractor that employs 7,000 people locally, and a facility operated by Northrop Grumman Corp., one of the world’s biggest defense companies. Jobs related to the Pentagon drive much of Melbourne's growth, but it's also part of the Space Coast — the name given to aerospace-centric Brevard County — and Kennedy Space Center is 40 miles away.
The large tech employers have attracted small and medium-sized companies hoping to snag some of the billions of government contract dollars that flow through the county each year. That, combined with sunny weather and home prices that are lower than in bigger metros, puts it high on the list for people moving to Florida. “You’re seeing residential growth across the region, and it’s being fed by the growth in aerospace and manufacturing,” says Michael Ayers, president and CEO of the Melbourne Regional Chamber, which represents nearly 1,000 local businesses and organizations.
The result: the city has added 10,000 residents since 2010, and the influx continues. In 2023, U-Haul reported more of its moving trucks were bound for Melbourne and the neighboring city of Palm Bay than any other U.S. metro. These new arrivals are typically highly educated, well-paid professionals from larger cities such as New York and Washington, D.C. This has sparked changes in Melbourne. Once a waterside agricultural community, the 145-year-old city is modernizing. Large residential developments have sprouted, and its historical downtown is adding luxury apartments and rooftop bars.
Life in Melbourne isn’t all about work. The city is situated along the Indian River and only a bridge’s length away from the beach. Locals can explore the area’s natural features just about any time of the year thanks to the subtropical climate. Melbourne's location in the central part of Florida makes it possible to day trip to Orlando, 70 miles to the west, or the dozen coastal communities within a 60-mile drive.
Watch a rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island.
One of the largest employers in June Park is Northrop Grumman.
Across the Indian River from Melbourne residents can reach Merritt Island or Indian Harbor.
L3Harris drives innovation with advanced technology and solutions in Melbourne.
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Kayak through the Brevard Zoo
The recreation scene includes water to the east and conservation land to the west. Boat ramps, marinas and yacht clubs spread along the riverfront, providing places for boaters to store their vessels until they decide to sail along the river. Paddle boarders, kayakers and canoers can also launch into the river or explore the channels that split off the Indian River and meander inland. Beach days are a short drive away; 3 miles east are public beaches in the town of Indialantic. North of the city proper is the Brevard Zoo. It's is the only one in the nation where visitors can kayak through exhibits, passing giraffes, zebras and rhinos as they paddle along a shady canal.
In the city, the government oversees 230 acres of green spaces. Many are small parks dotting the coast of the Indian River, with playgrounds and picnic pavilions presenting spots to enjoy the warm local weather; the average temperature reaches the 70s or higher every month of the year. One of the city’s most elaborate green spaces is Wickham Park. The 400-acre facility includes a 5-mile paved trail, an 18-hole disc golf course and an archery range. When residents aren’t outdoors, they may be checking out a performance at Melbourne Civic Theatre or taking an art class at the Melbourne Public Library.
West of the city limits, the landscape transforms from subdivisions and shopping centers to forests and scrublands. Fishing and hiking are common activities around the area’s rivers and lakes. Less than 10 miles from downtown Melbourne, Three Forks Conservation Area spans 50,000 acres, full of waterways and trails. Boaters and hikers are likely to spot the wildlife active in the region year-round, including river otters, egrets and, of course, alligators. The weather is warm enough to explore parks, trails and waterways nearly all year long; Melbourne summers are long, hot and humid, and even in the winter temperatures rarely fall below 55 degrees. However, brief rain showers pop up frequently, particularly in the summer.
Take a water safety class at Downtown Melbourne's Yacht Club.
Paradise Beach is a family friendly park with a playground, volleyball courts, & grills.
The Space Coast Model Sailing Club meets at Wickham Park.
Kayak through Brevard Zoo for a unique wildlife adventure surrounded by nature and animals.
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Dine out downtown or on the water
Storefronts stretch down East New Haven Avenue, the main road through downtown. More than 40 eateries and 70 shops fill those spaces, creating a dense, walkable district. There are several watering holes, including Hell ‘n Blazes Brewing Co., the winner of three awards at the 2023 Best Florida Beer competition. The 19th-century downtown is undergoing some changes due to a wave of construction and redevelopment. For example, Hotel Melby opened in 2021; locals may be more interested in The Landing Rooftop, a cocktail bar that overlooks the city from atop the hotel.
Along the riverfront, diners enjoy locally caught seafood from waterfront patios at restaurants with names like Squid Lips and Frigate’s. Also on the river is Melbourne’s Eau Gallie neighborhood, the city’s arts district. Five galleries and more than 20 murals populate Eau Gallie, and the neighborhood's events go beyond the typical community festivities. For example, Eau Gallie organized the screening of a short film and performance by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra dedicated to the Indian River ecosystem. There’s no shortage of hangouts in downtown or Eau Gallie, but Melbourne is far from a nightlife hub. Many bars close by midnight, even on the weekends.
Shopping centers are scattered throughout the rest of the city, and homes are rarely far from retail essentials. Melbourne is home to three Publix grocery stores, two Walmarts and a Target. Additional big-box stores are found at Viera, which is home to Brevard County’s only Costco. On the south end of town, Melbourne Square features 125 stores in an indoor shopping mall.
Locals flock to Downtown Melbourne for its great walkability, restaurants and night life.
Downtown Melbourne provides locals a variety of shopping along main street.
Enjoy craft beers and a lively atmosphere at Hell 'n Blazes Brewing Company in Melbourne.
Savor fresh flavors and stunning views with unforgettable waterfront dining in Melbourne.
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Residential development surges at Viera
As the population increases, so do home prices. The median sales price in Melbourne is nearly $400,000, up 7% since 2023. Subdivisions often feature ranch homes with stucco exteriors and Craftsman-inspired new traditional houses. Single-family home price tags vary from $200,000 to more than $2 million for large riverfront properties. Backyard swimming pools are common, especially at the city’s more expensive homes. Condo complexes built in the ‘70s and ‘80s are scattered throughout Melbourne too, offering more compact living spaces with prices starting in the low $100,000s. New condos built on the water can cost up to $1 million.
A residential juggernaut lies just north of Melbourne: the master-planned community of Viera. Encompassing more than 15,000 houses and 860 businesses, Viera is consistently one of the 20 best-selling master-planned communities in the nation, according to annual rankings by John Burns Research and Consulting. Viera’s comprised of 76 neighborhoods, and it’s still expanding. New homes are for sale in 10 subdivisions, where starting prices vary from about $400,000 to more than $1 million.
Federally designated flood zones extend into residential areas along the Eau Gallie River and other Melbourne waterways, so homebuyers may need to research flood insurance options. Floods aren’t the only potential danger to people and property in Melbourne. The city is part of Brevard County, where the risk of a hurricane is “very high,” according to FEMA. Hurricane Ian caused $14 million worth of damages across Brevard County in 2022, washing out roads and eroding beaches. Despite these hazards, local property taxes aren’t exorbitant. Typical annual property tax payments in Brevard County are the 35th-highest among the state’s 67 counties, per nonprofit research center Florida TaxWatch.
Homes in Downtown Melbourne are colorful and full of character.
HighLine is a new apartment building in Downtown Melbourne finished in 2020.
There are plenty of opportunities for waterfront property in Downtown Melbourne.
An amazing aerial view of the Courtyards of Suntree community activities.
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Brevard Public Schools students work with NASA
Melbourne is part of Brevard Public Schools, which gets a B-plus from Niche. Based on statewide assessment results tracked by the Florida Department of Education, Brevard Public Schools students outperform statewide averages in all subject areas. A key part of the district’s offerings is a list of 100-plus courses focused on specific careers and skills, from early childhood education to JavaScript programming. Many of the programs entail hands-on training or internships with aerospace and manufacturing companies in the area. For example, students in the Aerospace Aircraft Assembly Program at Melbourne’s Eau Gallie High School crafted special wires for NASA in 2021. Astronauts used those wires during space missions.
Meanwhile, about 12% of Brevard County students attend private schools, and there are about 20 options in Melbourne. Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy and Melbourne Central Catholic High School are the city’s two highest rated private schools, both earning grades of A-plus from Niche.
Florida Institute of Technology is the city’s lone university. Graded an A-minus by Niche, Florida Tech maintains a focus on education and research in STEM-related fields. The private university offers business and liberal arts majors, but it’s known for a large engineering college and a College of Aeronautics. In fact, aerospace-related degrees are Florida Tech’s most popular, according to Niche.
Empowering students at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy to excel in faith, and academics.
Melbourne Central Catholic High School is a highly-rated private school in Brevard County.
Shaping futures at Eau Gallie High School with pride, perseverance, and academic excellence.
Florida Tech offers world-class education and research in Melbourne Florida.
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Melbourne Art Festival draws thousands
Wickham Park hosts one of the city’s longest-running events: the Melbourne Art Festival. First held in 1985, the festival brings more than 45,000 people to the park in April to explore artists’ exhibitions, hear live music and take part in artistic workshops. Film buffs can catch indie flicks, from animated movies to documentaries, at the annual Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival. Meanwhile, downtown puts on events at least every other month. The city celebrates the arrival of spring with Botanical Fest, a day of browsing potted plants, learning landscaping tricks and marveling at garden sculptures. In October, shops and restaurants become miniature golf holes as Putta Palooza turns the central business district into a putt-putt course.
Residents enjoy the many shopping and dining offerings in Downtown Melbourne.
Fishers will love the mural outside of Harry Goode's Outfitters in Downtown Melbourne.
Discover local creativity and inspiring works at the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery in Melbourne.
Farmers from Melbourne come to sell their fresh produce at Brevard County Farmers Market.
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Crime statistics in Melbourne
Brevard County’s crime rate is typically lower than the state rate, according to Florida Department of Health data. Still, reports of crime increased 12% from 2022 to 2023, with simple assaults and drug offenses the most common crimes, per the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Following complaints of increasing crime downtown, the city government installed a dozen security cameras along East New Haven Avenue in 2024. In an attempt to avert future crimes citywide, the Melbourne Police Department donates money from its Law Enforcement Trust Fund to nonprofits operating drug prevention, drug treatment or crime prevention programs.
Navigating around town
Melbourne is a car-heavy community with a network of U.S. and state highways. Two of the busiest are U.S. Route 1, which runs north to south along the path of the Indian River, and U.S. Route 192. The latter is an east-to-west highway that stretches from downtown Melbourne to the southern end of metro Orlando. Nearly 75% of residents drive to work, per census data. The average commute to work lasts 23 minutes, slightly less than the national average of 26 minutes. But locals don’t have to rely on cars; Space Coast Area Transit operates 23 bus routes across Brevard County, with several in Melbourne.
Locals can board flights at Melbourne Orlando International Airport, though its destinations are limited to seven U.S. cities and eight locations in the United Kingdom. But the airport is important to the city for another reason: jobs. Corporations such as Northrop Grumman and Embraer, one of the world’s biggest aircraft manufacturers, collectively employ 20,000 people at their airport-based facilities. “The airport is a huge economic engine for our community,” Ayers explains. “They have thousands of acres around the airport they lease to large companies.” Meanwhile, residents planning vacations or business trips can fly to more than 150 destinations from Orlando International Airport, 65 miles away.
Written By
Alex Soderstrom
Photography Contributed By
Rodrigo Betancor
Video By
Mark Barakat
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Melbourne, FL sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Melbourne, FL over the last 12 months is $539,479, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
***OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE with LOW INTEREST RATE for this Beautiful and bright 1 bedroom 1.5 bath end unit condo located just a very short jaunt to the hip and happening Eau Gallie Art district! Situated on a navigable canal to the Indian River, you can enjoy kayaking, fishing and wildlife viewing in your own community park in the backyard! Within minutes of our beautiful beaches, amazing
Pride of Ownership Shows! Come and see this Concrete Block POOL Home in Highly Sought-After Pineda Crossing! This beautifully maintained home features lush tropical landscaping and an abundance of fruit trees—truly a gardener's paradise! Inside, enjoy volume ceilings, decorative alcoves, and a spacious open floorplan. Recently painted - Interior & Exterior! The kitchen features stainless steel
Welcome to Pine Meadows! This meticulously maintained, one-owner Vintage Home is move-in ready and beautifully upgraded. Soaring 10' ceilings, 5'' baseboards, and plantation shutters add a touch of elegance throughout. The open-concept kitchen features granite countertops, 42'' cabinets, under-cabinet lighting, a custom backsplash, and a large island perfect for entertaining. Step outside to your
***OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE with LOW INTEREST RATE for this Beautiful and bright 1 bedroom 1.5 bath end unit condo located just a very short jaunt to the hip and happening Eau Gallie Art district! Situated on a navigable canal to the Indian River, you can enjoy kayaking, fishing and wildlife viewing in your own community park in the backyard! Within minutes of our beautiful beaches, amazing
Pride of Ownership Shows! Come and see this Concrete Block POOL Home in Highly Sought-After Pineda Crossing! This beautifully maintained home features lush tropical landscaping and an abundance of fruit trees—truly a gardener's paradise! Inside, enjoy volume ceilings, decorative alcoves, and a spacious open floorplan. Recently painted - Interior & Exterior! The kitchen features stainless steel
Welcome to Pine Meadows! This meticulously maintained, one-owner Vintage Home is move-in ready and beautifully upgraded. Soaring 10' ceilings, 5'' baseboards, and plantation shutters add a touch of elegance throughout. The open-concept kitchen features granite countertops, 42'' cabinets, under-cabinet lighting, a custom backsplash, and a large island perfect for entertaining. Step outside to your
Spectacular GOLF COURSE & WATER VIEWS! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath, END UNIT with OVERSIZED 2- Car Garage will not disappoint. CLEAN, CRISP & MOVE IN READY! Granite counter tops. Laminate floors & baseboards. NO CARPET! NEWER Appliances including stove, dishwasher & fridge. Fresh paint. Upgraded lighting and ceilings fans. NEW paver patio in the rear of home. Back porch has AC unit. New roof,
Conveniently located and updated 2/2 just minutes to downtown, FIT and beaches. The community is nestled between a city park and a 24hr. grocery store. Kitchen has stainless steel appliances and you will find granite counter tops in both Kitchen and baths. Lovely wood look tile in living/dining combo. Newer carpet in hall and bedrooms. Washer/Dryer in unit.Clubhouse, community pool, 24hr
Located in the gated Daintree subdivision on a quiet cul-de-sac, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers comfort and convenience. Enjoy a spacious kitchen with granite countertops, maple cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. The large screened lanai and paver patio provide a great space to relax or entertain. Washer and dryer are included. Just a short walk to the community pool, parks, tennis
Primarily residential, Paradise Beach draws snowbirds and permanent homebuyers for its waterfront properties, laid-back lifestyle and access to outdoor fun and amenities. The quaint beach town is part of Florida’s barrier islands between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. “It has a certain culture you won’t find anywhere else along the Space Coast. It’s got that Pleasantville vibe,” says Victoria Stacy, a Realtor with One Sotheby’s International. “You go down to the beaches in the morning and see the locals having coffee and talking about the weather. I don’t think you can replicate what they have here.” Besides beach activities and proximity to Indialantic attractions, Paradise Beach’s aerospace and aviation industries also draw homebuyers. Its location is an easy commute to the Kennedy Space Center, the Patrick Space Force Base and Northrop Grumman.
The beach is the community's biggest draw, sitting steps from residents’ homes. Fishing, swimming and surfing are popular pastimes. The 12-acre beachfront Howard E. Futch Memorial Park is a hub for activity, with sand volleyball courts, playgrounds, dune crossovers and picnic facilities. Sunrise Park is in the neighborhood’s southeastern corner. The beachfront spot features an observation deck and exercise stations. Herbert Hoover Middle provides a large athletic complex with soccer fields, tennis courts and a 21-station exercise trail for public use. Canova Beach Park is less than 2 miles north, making for a quick bike ride. It offers miles of public beach access and a dog beach. James H. Nance Park is directly south and home to the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. The Melbourne and Indialantic areas are among Florida’s top breeding grounds for sea turtles, and the communities provide many refuges and habitats for preservation.
The neighborhood is about 5 miles long, making it walkable and bikeable. It offers ranch- and Mediterranean-style houses and million-dollar waterfront estates. Multifamily and vacation rentals are also available. Most were built in the late-1970s. “The more affordable neighborhoods are farther north,” says Kellie Bowling, Broker for the Coastal Estate Team at Compass. “Prices range anywhere from around $400,000 for a three-bedroom to nearly $4 million for a riverfront estate.” Property sizes average between 1,400 square feet and 5,000 square feet. Most dwellings have pools, lot sizes averaging more than a quarter acre and multicar garages. Beachfront properties are primarily high-rise condominiums. Oceanview is on the lower end, offering two bedrooms starting in the low-$300,000s with a clubhouse, fitness center and pickleball courts. Penthouse four-bedroom condos, like those in the Coral Reef development, can go for over $1 million. Rental single-family houses and condos are mainly along the beachfront and in the heart of town. “Many of the HOA communities have rules against vacation rentals within them, but a small portion falls under the City of Melbourne, which does allow short-term rentals,” Bowling says. Prices start in the mid-$2,000s to the low-$7,000s for an oceanfront multistory beach house. Most residents are within walking or biking distance of the beach and parks. Paradise Beach has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2/10, lower than the national average of 4.
Shops and restaurants are along South Highway A1A. “There are a lot of dining options in the area, and they’re quite affordable,” Bowling says. “One of my favorite places to eat is Skewers Mediterranean.” The family-owned eatery is known for its spiced kebabs and banana cake. Village Shoppes-Paradise Beach is at the heart of town, with multiple restaurants. Bunky’s Raw Bar & Grill is a popular spot here for oysters, gumbo and lobster rolls. Long Doggers is a favorite for burgers, beer and foot-long hot dogs. For brunch, there is The Blueberry Muffin. The neighborhood’s Indialantic Shopping Center offers Dollar General, ACE Hardware and other services. Publix is next door. Dijon’s Village Market is 1 mile south of the shopping strip and includes a restaurant, market and rooftop bar. Seven miles west, shopping mall Melbourne Square, offers a wider selection, with roughly 125 retailers.
Brevard County Public Schools serves the area and has a B-plus Niche rating. Kids can attend the A-minus-rated Indialantic Elementary, followed by Herbert C. Hoover Middle, which earns a B-plus Niche rating. Students can finish their education at Melbourne Senior High School, which scores an A-minus and offers a robotics club and basketball and soccer teams. Two private school options are also available. Florida Institute of Technology, a private, four-year university known for its engineering and science programs, is 6 miles west.
Important
The neighborhood's subtropical climate is a large part of its appeal. It's known for very mild winters and hot, humid summers. The city overall is susceptible to hurricanes. January through March are peak tourism times.
South Highway A1A runs along Paradise Beach’s eastern edge, connecting to Route 518 to the north and Route 192 to the south. Dr. W.J. Creel Bridge, known as the Eau Gallie Causeway, is the north route providing access to the mainland. The southern route links to the Melbourne Causeway, which links the island with Melbourne and Indialantic. Downtown Melbourne is 5 miles west, and Melbourne Orlando International Airport is 7 miles away. Space Coast Area Transit provides public transportation, and bus stops are along South Highway A1A. Health First Holmes Regional Medical Center is the closest hospital, 6 miles west.
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
