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.
Merritt Island features an abundance of waterfront homes.
There is lush greenery and waterways all throughout Merritt Island.
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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.
Large, often gated, Multi-Story Mediterranean homes can be found on Merritt Island.
You will find large single-story coastal homes on Merritt Island.
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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.
Residents can find a variety of stores to shop from Merritt Square Mall.
Margarita Island is a local favorite on Merritt Island. Serving delicious Mexican cuisine.
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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.
Robert L. Stevenson Elementary School has an indoor/outdoor style campus.
Edgewood Jr/Sr High School front entrance has a mural.
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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.
The Savannahs Golf Course has many homes throughout the grounds.
Walk, hike or bike around Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and take in the sights.
Merritt Island locals enjoy the outdoors at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
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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).
Waterway Park provides a gateway into Merritt Island from the mainland.
The boardwalks at Waterway Park allow you to fish, walk, or take in the sights.
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Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
Rodrigo Betancor
Video By
Ruo Zheng
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Karin Mann,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Merritt Island, FL sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Merritt Island, FL over the last 12 months is $460,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath pool home in highly desirable Hilltop Manor on South Merritt Island. Situated on over half an acre at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this property offers privacy, space, and no HOA. Inside, enjoy a cozy living room with a brick wood-burning fireplace and sliding glass doors leading to a large screened-in pool--perfect for indoor-outdoor living and
Enjoy peace of mind from day one with major upgrades including updated windows and two sliding glass doors (2019), whole-house replumb (2023), roof (2018), electrical panel (2021), water heater (2022), AC (2016), and a new pool pump (2024). Dive into Florida living with your own private pool oasis. Perfect for relaxing or entertaining year-round. This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath Merritt Island
Discover your Florida lifestyle in this move-in-ready concrete block home in the heart of Merritt Island! Perfect for first-time buyers, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,730 sq ft of well-maintained living space on a quiet dead-end street with no HOA. Bring your boat or trailer and enjoy the fully fenced backyard--ideal for pets, play, or weekend BBQs.Inside, original terrazzo floors add
Welcome to this well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath pool home in highly desirable Hilltop Manor on South Merritt Island. Situated on over half an acre at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this property offers privacy, space, and no HOA. Inside, enjoy a cozy living room with a brick wood-burning fireplace and sliding glass doors leading to a large screened-in pool--perfect for indoor-outdoor living and
Beautiful 2 bedroom, 1 bath unit on the 1st floor. Features tiled throughout and has been totally remodeled. The kitchen overlooks the living room, open floor concept. The community offers laundry facilities, onsite management, a heated pool, a tiki hut and access to the canal. Just minutes from the beach, port Canaveral and restaurants galore. Easy hope to 528 to beaches or Orlando. Great deal
Welcome to this well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home located in the heart of North Merritt Island on a spacious lot. This split floor plan offers vaulted ceilings and an open living area filled with natural light, thanks to impact-rated windows and hurricane sliders installed in 2017. A convenient wet bar enhances the living space, perfect for entertaining. Step outside to an open-air patio and
Beautiful direct canal 5 bedroom, 3 bath home with a pool and spa. Lap in luxury, this home has it all. A great home for entertaining, boating or just relaxing. The canal leads to the Banana River and is close to Port Canaveral. Features include a master bedroom downstairs and has a solar heated pool with built in grill, built in bar with wine cooler and a screened in lanai with patio pavers.
Float in the pool and watch rocket launches from this highly sought-after split floor plan pool home filled with natural light from sliders surrounding the pool and creating seamless indoor-outdoor living. This renovated 4-bedroom home sits on an oversized corner lot near North Banana River Dr and features an open layout, updated kitchen with granite counters, and stainless appliances, wood-plank
Welcome to Georgiana Reserve, a gated community on South Tropical Trail. This 2022-built home offers modern luxury without the need for updates. A welcoming foyer opens to a bright, open layout with LVP flooring, tray ceilings, and abundant natural light. The great room flows into the kitchen with quartz island and counters, stainless steel appliances, wall oven, walk-in pantry, and granite
Enjoy peace of mind from day one with major upgrades including updated windows and two sliding glass doors (2019), whole-house replumb (2023), roof (2018), electrical panel (2021), water heater (2022), AC (2016), and a new pool pump (2024). Dive into Florida living with your own private pool oasis. Perfect for relaxing or entertaining year-round. This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath Merritt Island
Experience serene Florida living in this centrally located second-floor condo located in the sought-after Harbor Woods community in Merritt Island. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit offers a screened balcony with a tranquil water view, perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. Enjoy the convenience of a newly installed impact windows and sliding glass door that fills the living space with
Here it is! Your Merritt Island escape--no HOA and packed with upgrades! From the moment you walk in, you'll love the soaring ceilings, natural light, and easy, open flow. French doors lead you straight to a backyard made for relaxing and entertaining, featuring a saltwater pool and spa with LED lighting, waterfall, jets, and a cozy gas fire pit. This backyard is a dream for kids and adults! The
Spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath Merritt Island home offering comfort, functionality, and room to live the Florida lifestyle. Inside, you'll find granite countertops, hardwood flooring, ceiling fans throughout, and carpeted bedrooms, plus a versatile den ideal for a home office or bonus living space. Step outside to a large, fully usable backyard with plenty of room to store your boat, ATV, or other
Stunning canal-front home on wide, deep water with a new seawall (2022) and over $90K in upgrades! This beautifully updated Merritt Island residence offers access to Sykes Creek and the Intracoastal, providing the ultimate in Florida waterfront living. Inside, you'll find a new kitchen with new cabinetry, fixtures, and appliances, NEW panel and wiring, and a 2025 EV charging station. Freshly
Just listed a direct Banana River front condo. Bring your boat, boat lift included in this sale. This luxury condo is in a gated community with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths. Features 2 car parking places under the building including a private storage closet. Large marina dock along side the community pool. This unit has crown molding, maple kitchen cabinets tile floors and large covered balcony along with
This stunning 2-story WATERFRONT rental, located in the exclusive area of South Tropical Trail, features 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and 4,303 square feet of living space. Enjoy 112 feet of direct Indian River water frontage, a 111-foot dock, and plenty of yard space for outdoor activities. The property also includes a large 3-car garage and an attached apartment that can serve as a game room, movie
Right in the heart of Merritt Island, this beautifully remodeled, fully furnished home is designed with comfort in mind--so all you have to worry about is relaxing. All utilities are included, making for truly easy living. Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, yet centrally located near shops, with the beaches, Port Canaveral, and the Space Center just a short drive away. Enjoy the perfect blend
Come see this freshly painted townhome with a new refrigerator, ac and electric range. Home features a screened porch, laundry closet with a full size washer and dryer on the first floor and a private back yard. Location in the heart of Merritt Island, with 2 bedrooms 1 and 1/2 baths, Jack and Jill sinks up stairs, with a large master suite and 2nd bedroom up stairs with a 1/2 bath downstairs,
Sun Isle ground floor 2/2 in a great Central Merritt Island location close to everything. CUpdate kitchen with tile and LVP flooring throughout. Community clubhouse and beautiful pool. Basic cable and water included!
Location, location just off of Courtenay. come see this 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with an oversized 1 car garage on a corner lot. Home has eat- in kitchen living room and a screened porch. NO PETS or NO SMOKING Owner will provide mowing service but the plants and gardens are tenants responsibility. Utilities need to be in tenants name, it is a single family home.
Your Merritt Island pool paradise is here! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is updated, bright, and move-in ready with a custom walk-in primary closet and a kitchen you'll love featuring butcher block countertops, upgraded cabinetry, and brand-new appliances.The open living and dining space is filled with natural light and opens right up to your serene outdoor retreat, complete with a sparkling
North Island Villas is a dedicated rental community located in Merritt Island, FL featuring newly built 3 bedroom townhomes. Our maintenance-free lifestyle will give you time to enjoy the nearby parks, shopping, and dining. This new community offers modern homes in a great location! Featuring sleek, new finishes and a floor plan, the townhomes at North Island Villas are perfect for those who seek
Coming Soon - Available May 2026. Centrally located in Merritt Island, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath POOL HOME offers convenient access to Kennedy Space Center, Historic Cocoa Village, Downtown Cocoa Beach, and Port Canaveral.Inside, the home features a bright open layout with vaulted ceilings, skylights, and multiple French doors that bring in natural light throughout. Tile flooring runs through
The Lenox At Merritt Island is an age qualified community located in Merritt Island, Florida. It offers a variety of amenities and services, including private apartments, luxurious style heated swimming pool, dog walking area and access to other resort-style amenities. Residents can stay as busy or as relaxed as they want, and the community is committed to providing a supportive and enriching
Spacious 4-bedroom 3.5 bath 3 car garage pool home w/private waterfront sunset views. First floor primary bedroom w/double walk-in closets & vanities, garden tub, walk in shower & slider to pool. Second bedroom on first floor w/full bath/guest bath. 2 more bedrooms & full bath upstairs. Open floor plan w/soaring ceilings, views of pool from primary bedroom, formal dining & living areas, kitchen &
Close to the Causeway, Addison Cove is central to Florida's glorious beaches and nearby city living! Choose from several uniquely designed floor plans, each offering a slightly different yet cutting edge layout, so you can select your ideal home.Addison Cove has 2 shopping centers within close proximity. Only 0.4 miles, which is about a 7-minute walk! If you have friends and family coming
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