Waterfront-living on the eastern Florida coast
Situated between the Indian and Banana Rivers, Merritt Island, which is actually a peninsula, remained secluded until the early 1900s. Today, the community is home to many individuals who enjoy coastal living, seclusion and easy access to everyday essentials. Residents here spend most of their time outdoors, taking advantage of the abundant greenery at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and surfing coastal waves at nearby Cocoa Beach or visiting local monuments like NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center. With nearby amenities and the seemingly endless recreational opportunities nearby, Merritt Island locals rarely have to leave the peninsula. “Merritt Island offers residents a nice waterfront community with old Florida charm,” says Rachel Langley, Merritt Island local and Realtor with Blue Marlin Real Estate.
Coastal styles and Mediterranean-inspired homes
Merritt Island features a range of housing options from traditional ranch styles and single-story coastal homes to multi-story Mediterranean-influenced styles. Merritt Island boasts a variety of subdivisions from more modern newly developed homes to those neighboring Savannahs Golf Course and waterfront properties on the Indian River. With a median sales price of $470,000, price points here can range from the low $200,000s to upwards of seven figures depending on the age, size and location of the property. For example, a two-bedroom ranch-style costs around $230,000, while a waterfront eight-bedroom Mediterranean-inspired home can go for around $6 Million. Homes neighboring the river and offering direct water access are subject to increased price points. Homes here often feature community pools and playgrounds and are typically fronted by well-manicured lawns with enough room for a few palm trees and vibrant tropical flora. “Merritt Island attracts families and retirees buying into the area, while many residents have called the community home since the 1960s,” says Langley.
Shopping at Merritt Square Mall
Residents here shop at Merritt Square Mall, which offers a variety of department stores and retailers to choose from, like Dillard’s, JCPenney and Macy’s. While groceries and other everyday essentials are available at nearby stores like Publix, Aldi and CVS. Dining options here include local favorite Margarita Island, which offers a variety of margarita styles, bar bites and Tex-Mex cuisine or head to Oh K-Dog for a Korean-influenced meal and gourmet iterations of the classic corn dog. For a more casual atmosphere, check out Sally O’Brien’s for classic bar snacks and Irish-pub cocktail iterations.
High-marks at Brevard County Schools
Students can attend schools like Robert L. Stevenson Elementary, Thomas Jefferson Middle and Edgewood Junior/Senior High School, which earned ratings of A-minus, B-plus and A-plus from the educational review site, Niche. Robert L. Stevenson Elementary School serves kindergarten through Grade 6 and offers a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, while Thomas Jefferson Middle School offers a Science Research program in addition to core science instruction for further in-depth understanding. Edgewood Junior/Senior High School offers over 25 Advanced Placement (AP) courses for higher education preparation. Private institutions like Merritt Island Christian School and Christian Heritage Academy are also common here.
Surfing waves at nearby Cocoa Beach
Merritt Island residents are only 9 miles from local favorite Cocoa Beach, which features white-sand beaches for sunbathing and calm, consistent waves for surfing. Nature lovers head to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for over 140,000 acres of coastal dunes, saltwater marshes, pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks providing a home to more than 1,500 species of plants and animals. Visitors can explore hiking trails and spectate native animals across the refuge, notably established by an agreement overlay of the John F. Kennedy Space Center. Golf enthusiasts are in luck with The Savannahs Golf Course nearby, offering an 18-hole course navigating through wetlands, water hazards and wildlife sightings. Daily course rates vary and monthly or annual memberships are available.
NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center
Established in 1962, The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is located on Merritt Island to the North of the town and holds major historical significance within the area. The KSC is NASA’s primary launch center and is notable for managing the Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs. Space enthusiasts can buy tickets to visit the KSC Visitor Complex for space shuttle displays, interactive simulators and live educational space exhibits. The KSC employs many Merritt Island residents and the community sees many tourists throughout the year, helping to stimulate the local economy.
Merritt Island transportation and flood risk
Merritt Island residents are primarily car-dependent and utilize Florida State Road A1A and the East Merritt Island Causeway with easy access to the mainland and neighboring areas like Port Canaveral and Cocoa Village. Locals use the North Courtenay Parkway when traveling within the peninsula. Residents seeking public transit options can take the Space Coast Area Transit for trips in and around Merritt Island starting at $1.50 for adults one-way. Merritt Island riders can start their ride on bus route 3, which operates along the North Courtenay Parkway and stops throughout the community. For those seeking to travel longer distances, the Melbourne Orlando International Airport is only 30 miles away from Merritt Island. When it comes to hurricanes and flooding, Merritt Island is at a high risk due to its waterfront location. The Brevard County Floodplain Administration recommends protecting homes here and their contents with flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Photography Contributed By
Rodrigo Betancor
