Palm Bay

Access ocean, rivers and creeks from Port Malabar From the teal waters of the Atlantic Ocean to the blackwater creeks of coastal marshes, Port Malabar lets residents explore Florida’s natural landscape from the comfort of a small suburb. This neighborhood within the city of Palm Bay has no shortage of aquatic recreation, says Lauren Merrell, a local who’s also a Realtor at Dale Sorensen Real Estate Inc., “In almost every resident's life, there’s some version of water activity.” That may mean an afternoon water skiing on the Indian River Lagoon or a gentle kayak journey through the mangroves of Turkey Creek. The neighborhood is part of the Space Coast, a nickname for Brevard County that recognizes the importance of the aerospace industry in the region. NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is 45 miles north of Port Malabar, with other technology companies and manufacturers up and down the coastal county. Port Malabar is within commuting distance of these high-tech employers, while maintaining access to the varied waterfront recreation of Florida’s east coast. Mediterranean-influenced architecture on the Space Coast Port Malabar’s 9,000 houses are concentrated in subdivisions that extend off the arterial roadways Babcock Street and Palm Bay Road. Bungalows and ranch homes often display Mediterranean influences, such as stucco exteriors and tile roofs. Home development surged in the 1960s as the height of the space race, but new construction continues today. Single-family home prices start in the high $100,000s for a three-bedroom house, extending to the low $600,000s for a newly built four-bedroom home. Small condo and townhouse developments are common too, and they often come with community swimming pools. Prices for condos or townhouses range between $100,000 and $400,000. FEMA rates the risk of a hurricane in Brevard County as “very high,” and the high winds and floodwaters brought by Hurricane Ian in 2022 caused $14 million worth of damages. Though the federal agency reports the neighborhood isn’t in a flood zone, Palm Bay roads do occasionally flood after heavy rains, which happened on Babcock Street in 2023. Paddle from Port Malabar to the Indian River On the east end of Port Malabar, Turkey Creek Sanctuary hosts a launch point for kayakers and canoers amid the 130-acre nature preserve. If they paddle along the canopied waterway, they may see manatees or otters by the time they reach the mouth of the Indian River. In the heart of the neighborhood, Grapefruit Trails features nearly 3 miles of tracks for mountain bikers. Meanwhile, Fred Lee Park hosts the typical amenities of a municipal park, including a playground, a football field and softball fields. If residents get bored of the recreation options in their neighborhood, a day trip to Melbourne Beach is less than 10 miles away. Palm Bay Magnet High at robotics world championship Zoned to Brevard Public Schools, children may start their education at Port Malabar Elementary School, which earns a Niche grade of B. Older students can go to Southwest Middle School and Palm Bay Magnet High School, both receiving grades of B-minus. Keeping with the region’s high-tech history, Palm Bay Magnet High has an award-winning robotics team that competed in the VEX Robotics World Championship in 2023. Port Malabar is also home to Saint Joseph Catholic School, a private school for kindergarteners through eighth graders that gets an A-plus from Niche. Twisty Cone scoops desserts for 40 years Babcock Street and Palm Bay Road are each lined with shops and restaurants that include big-box stores, national chains and local businesses. An example of the latter is Skeebo’s Soul Food Kitchen, recognizable by the smoker that sits in front of the restaurant. On the opposite end of Port Malabar sits the family-owned ice cream shop Twisty Cone, which has doled out soft-serve cones since 1982. “Twisty Cone hasn’t changed much in the last 40 years,” says Merrell, adding that it was a roadside staple when she was a kid. Next to Twisty Cone are retail essentials such as Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement, while groceries can be picked up at Port Malabar’s Publix and Winn-Dixie. The neighborhood is also close to HealthFirst Palm Bay Hospital. Major employers and the city of Orlando nearby Palm Bay residents mostly use cars to commute to work. Next to Port Malabar is an office for L3Harris Technologies Inc., a locally headquartered technology company with more than 7,000 employees working in the county. Space Coast Area Transit has buses that stop along Palm Bay Road and Babcock Street, offering an alternate way to reach nearby shopping centers. Melbourne Orlando International Airport is 5 miles to the north. However, Orlando International Airport, about 60 miles away, offers more than 100 additional destinations. Annual festivals at Fred Poppe Regional Park Seven miles west of Port Malabar, the city of Palm Bay hosts annual festivities at Fred Poppe Regional Park. In February, locals feast on fruit-filled treats at the Strawberry Fest, while in March the park is home to live music, dancing and food from around the world during the Palm Bay Multicultural Festival.

Space Center vapor trails and views of the Indian River In 1969, Bayfront Village residents would have been able to see vapor trails from the Apollo 11, the spacecraft that sent Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong to the Moon. Located 60 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center in the larger city of Palm Bay, Bayfront Village borders the Indian River. “A lot of people have relocated to the area to work at the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island,” says Candace Mulvaney, a Realtor with RE/MAX Elite and Palm Bay local. Although “giant leaps for mankind” are happening a little over an hour away up Interstate 95, daily life in Bayfront Village is peaceful — plus the traffic isn’t as bad here as it is in Melbourne just 7 miles north. On weekends, residents cast their lines into the water, waiting for grouper or spotted sea trout to take the bait. Sunny afternoons are spent canoeing on Turkey Lake or sampling soft serve at Twisty Cone. “You’re in close proximity to everything but the tourists don’t often make it down here,” says Mulvaney. Manufactured homes, ranch-styles and condo options In Bayfront Village, two-bedroom manufactured homes, most of which are under 1,000 square feet with covered driveways, start at $115,000. Three-bedroom 1970s-era ranch-styles start at $250,000 and newly-renovated homes can sell for upwards of $350,000. Properties with views of the Indian River and dock access, many of which are located along Dixie Highway, can sell for close to $2 million. Many of these homes have sprawling balconies and, sometimes, backyard swimming pools. Although hurricanes are a concern along Florida’s coast, Mulvaney says the homes here were built to last. “A lot of houses here went up 50 years ago and they’re still standing,” she says. Magnet programs in the Brevard Public School System Bayfront Village students are incorporated into the Brevard Public School System and, depending on their address, can attend schools like Palm Bay Elementary, Stone Magnet Middle School and Palm Bay Magnet High School, all of which received a C-plus or higher from the educational review site, Niche. As the names suggest, Stone Magnet Middle and Palm Bay Magnet High are known for their magnet programs, where students can explore specialized interests in STEAM fields. Some high schoolers even enroll in college-level courses at the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT). Make sure to stop by the PBMHS guidance office to visit Bailey, the school’s therapy dog. Fresh fish houses on the Indian River Drivedown Dixie Highway to reach The Shack Riverfront Restaurant & Outback Tiki Bar, known for its water views and fresh seafood. Order a margarita and a Crabby Patty and enjoy live music most nights of the week. Or stop by Rooney’s, a family-owned establishment a bit further inland, to try their wings and a prime rib dinner. Residents visit Winn-Dixie on Port Malabar Boulevard for groceries or drive to the Walmart Neighborhood Market on South Babcock Street. At Space Coast Harley-Davidson pick up a new or used bike and riding equipment. A few miles north, the Melbourne Square Mall has over 120 retailers including Macy’s and JCPenny as well as chain restaurants like Outback Steakhouse and Chick-fil-A. Kayak rentals, carnival rides and disc golf Bayfront Village residents can rent canoes or kayaks at Palm Bay Marina and, from here, explore Turkey Creek Sanctuary under the shade of mangrove trees. Leaving the marina, it’s not uncommon to spot dolphins, and some explorers may even encounter a manatee or two. In March, stop by the annual Palm Bay Fair near Space Coast Harley-Davidson. Families enjoy carnival rides, fair food and even pig races… Disc golf — also known as frisbee golf — is a popular year-round activity on Florida’s Space Coast, and locals enjoy heading to the Malabar Disc Golf Sanctuary. This 18-hole course is located on a nature preserve across from the Malabar Fire Department. Fishing, basketball and nature trails at nearby parks A Castaway Point Park, Bayfront Village residents can enjoy the natural beaches surrounding the Indian River Lagoon, cast their fishing lines into the water from one of the park’s piers and explore the concrete walking trails under the shade of palm trees. A mile away at Knecht Park, locals challenge one another to games of pickup basketball, practice their swings on the lighted softball field and pack weekend picnics to eat near the playground. According to Mulvaney, one of the benefits of living in the Palm Bay area is the proximity to nature — residents walk their dogs at Ais Trail Park and listen for the chirps of Willets and Sanderlings 75 miles from Disney World traffic. Melbourne Orlando International Airport and nearby medical care Just about 5 miles north of Bayfront Village along Dixie Highway is the Melbourne Orlando International Airport, which offers direct flights to U.S. travel hubs like Minneapolis and Atlanta. TUI Airways also offers seasonal flights to U.K. destinations like Edinburgh and Manchester. The larger city of Orlando — and Disney World — is an hour and 15 minutes away (depending on traffic) along I-95. For medical needs, residents can drive 6 miles to Health First’s Palm Bay Hospital. The facility offers a range of medical services from intensive care to occupational therapy.

Bayside Lakes offers seclusion, privacy and amenities within walking distance. A gated, master-planned community in Southeast Palm Bay, the development is home to grocery stores, dining, parks and highly ranked schools. “Bayside Lakes is a quiet, bedroom-type community where you have what you need, and everything else you might need is close by,” says Steve Stylianos, a Broker Associate with Century 21 Baytree Realty. “The vibe is laid-back, and everyone looks out for each other. We help everybody out.” Florida’s Space Coast beaches are 16 miles east, and acres of nature preserves blanket the city’s eastern side. Proximity to the Patrick Space Force Base and defense and aerospace businesses like Northrup Grumman and Collins Aerospace are also luring homebuyers. “Palm Bay and Melbourne are beginning to attract a lot of young engineers who work for Space X and NASA and commute,” says Stylianos. Palms and a canopy of hardwood hammocks blanket the gated enclave. Walkways wind around multiple lakes and green spaces. Bayside Lakes features various gated subdivisions. Architecture styles include Craftsman-style, ranch-style and custom homes. “Bayside Lakes is a good place to start and offers a nice balance of young professionals and retirees,” says Stylianos. Most were built in the early 2000s, but there’s also new construction. Prices range from the high-$200,000s for a three-bedroom to the low-$800,000s for a renovated or new four- or five-bedroom. Property size averages between 1,300 and 3,500 square feet. “Bayside Lakes is affordable in the overall scheme of Florida,” says Stylianos. “You’re close enough to the beach but saving money on insurance. When the hurricanes come, you’re not evacuating, so it gives you that safety.” Each subdivision offers water views and mature trees. The Lake Forest subdivision sits at the highest price point, and Fairway Isles is one at the lowest price point. Lot sizes are large, averaging a quarter acre, but some stretch more than a half acre. Most dwellings have multicar garages and in-ground pools. Townhouses are available in the Fairway Crossings subdivision, offering two- to four-bedrooms ranging from the mid-$200,000s to the high-$300,000s. Community amenities include a clubhouse, basketball and tennis courts, a pool, a playground and a gym. Bayside Lakes has a CAP Crime Index Score of 2/10, lower than the national average of 4. Brevard County Schools serves the area, which has a B-plus rating from Niche. Kids can attend the B-rated Westside Elementary, which offers a running club, followed by Southwest Middle, which earns a B-minus. Students can finish their education at Bayside High School, which scores a B and provides two magnet programs: Bayside Engineering and Technology Academy and Bayside Fine and Technical Arts Academy. The high school also offers soccer and cross-country teams. Parents can also send their children to the B-plus-rated Odyssey Charter School, a tuition-free public charter school with two campuses serving elementary-age students and those in junior and senior high. Anchored by Publix, Bayside Lakes Shopping Center is within the community, along Bayside Lakes Boulevard. The shopping strip also offers Dollar Tree, a bank, Walgreens and fast-food chains. “The shopping center has everything you need, including all kinds of local restaurants,” says Stylianos. Family Tradition Café is a favorite for breakfast classics and southern comfort food. Thai Bayside Restaurant is known for its drunken noodles, Pad Thai and curries. Pub chain Beef O Brady’s is the go-to spot for a night out with Irish fare, sports memorabilia and TVs showing the latest game. Hammock Landing offers big-box stores and other dining options 7 miles away. There are several parks outside of Bayside Lakes amenities. Bill Madden Park is 2 miles away and offers a playground, pavilion and 6 acres of picnic space. McGriff Park is 2 miles away and is the go-to spot for skateboarding and BMX riding. The 200-acre Fred Poppe Regional Park is 7 miles west and one of the most popular recreational sites in the city. It includes a community center, soccer and softball fields, volleyball courts, a disc golf course and a dog park. The park also has four fishing lakes and trails leading into Three Forks Conservation and the Thomas O. Lawton Recreation areas. These nature preserves surround the city’s western side, and the combined 47,000-acre properties are popular for fishing, boating and hiking. “It’s not in Bayside Lakes, but Turkey Creek is really nice,” says Carol Daly, Communications Manager for Fairway Isles at Bayside Lakes and resident for 15 years. An 8-mile drive, Turkey Creek Sanctuary is a 130-acre refuge is home to native Florida plants and wildlife and is a popular hiking and kayaking destination. Some subdivisions in Bayside Lakes host celebrations. “We have twice yearly neighborhood yard sales, which bring everyone together,” Dally says. Fairway Isles also hosts an annual Oktoberfest, a Trunk or Treat and a Christmas Dinner. The clubhouse is also a hub for events. Several churches are within the community, including Grace Bible Church, New City Church Palm Bay and River of Life Christian Center of Palm Bay, FL. Interstate 95 is 4 miles east of the community, connecting to State Road 507 and County Road 514. These routes provide access to the rest of the area. The city riverfront is 10 miles away, Downtown Melbourne is 12 miles away, and Melbourne Orlando International Airport is 12 miles north. Space Coast Area Transit provides public transportation, and bus stops are up and down Bayside Lakes Boulevard and Cogan Drive. Health First’s Palm Bay Hospital is the closest medical facility, 6 miles away.

Residents of Northeast Palm Bay take advantage of a quiet suburban life in residential neighborhoods just a short drive away from the greater Palm Bay area’s diverse establishments and parks. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities ranging from obstacle-filled bike courses at the Grapefruit Bike Trails to fishing at riverfront parks like Castaway Point Park. Homes here range from modest ranch-style properties to new, contemporary dwellings, and most people here own their properties. With easy access to coastal cities and proximity to major employers, more and more people are taking advantage of Northeast Palm Bay’s more affordable housing opportunities in comparison to areas like Melbourne and Viera. “The local economy is becoming more resilient. It is no longer based on tourism and snowbirds,” says Joey Guest, a Realtor with eXp Realty who has more than 15 years of experience in the Palm Bay area. “The job market has improved, and it seems that it will only go up with the rise of engineering companies in the area.” Homes here range from late 20th-century ranch-style dwellings to contemporary builds with open layouts. They sit on moderately sized lots with decorative trees like palms scattered throughout the yards and can go for upwards of $250,000 to upwards of $580,000, depending on their age, size and location. Lots are also available for those interested in custom builds. Some properties sit along the Melbourne Tillman Canal, which was built to prevent flooding and erosion damage from Florida’s storm-prone weather. Streets are narrow and don’t often have sidewalks, but residents can take advantage of paved driveways and attached garages. There’s a mix of homes that use septic and city sewers, and while some homes are in HOAs, many are not, making Northeast Palm Bay highly desirable for those looking to live without restrictions. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy their proximity to the many diverse parks just a short drive away. Bikers take on the challenge at the obstacle-filled Grapefruit Bike Trails that feature sharp changes in elevation. Visitors of the Turkey Creek Sanctuary can walk under tall hardwoods and try to spot a manatee or an alligator in the creek, and people looking for a playground or various sports fields will want to head to Fred Lee Park. Those who want to watch a riverfront sunset can go to Castaway Point Park. Visitors can try to catch their dinner or enjoy kayaking on the Indian River. Locals will be just a short drive from Sprouts Farmers Market, and those wanting to get groceries and peruse through retail shops can head to Hammock Landing, a shopping center that features retail stores and supermarkets like Publix. Diverse dining opportunities are just a short drive from Northeast Palm Bay’s residential community. Patrons at Copper Chimney Grill & Bar enjoy weekly bar bingo and comedy shows while dining on classic American food, while Jamrock Bar & Grill diners enjoy generous portions of Jamaican flavors. Many head towards the Indian River’s banks for a night out. Locals can enjoy happy hour specials and dinner with a waterfront view at The Shack Riverfront Restaurant. Students can enroll in the Brevard Public School District, which is ranked in the top 15% of Florida’s school districts for athletes. Depending on their address, students could be zoned for different schools in the district, like Lockmar Elementary, which received a B rating from Niche, Stone Magnet Middle, which received a C-plus rating and Palm Bay Magnet High, which received a B-minus from Niche. The high school offers career and technical programs and adult education classes. Public transportation is not easily accessible, so most residents drive. Locals are near many establishments and employers, making commutes relatively short. Palm Bay is home to many engineering and technology companies, including L3Harris, which is about 5 miles away from Southwest Palm Bay, and ISO Group, which is around 6 miles away. For some time in the sun, residents can head to nearby beaches like Melbourne Beach, which is about an 11.5-mile drive away, or check out establishments near the Indian River, some of which are less than 10 miles away. The Melbourne Orlando International Airport is around 62 miles away via Interstate 95 and Florida 528, and Health First’s Palm Bay Hospital is about 5.5 miles away via I-95. Orlando is around 70 miles away via I-95 and FL-528.

Northwest Palm Bay residents enjoy a relaxing suburban lifestyle, living in houses on tree-filled yards. Locals have access to the greater Palm Bay area's amenities without being directly in the hustle-and-bustle of a shopping-centric or coastal area. They're just a short drive away from the beach and the Indian Riverfront, making waterfront activities and restaurants like the Lazy Turtle Riverfront Grill and Tiki Bar easily accessible. For a change of pace, locals can head to one of the various parks scattered throughout the Palm Bay area, like the Turkey Creek Sanctuary. Ranch-style properties line the streets here, and new developments are common. Olga Medina, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty who has sold multiple homes in the area, says, "Many come to this neighborhood for Heritage High's amenities, and with the new I-95 Interchange at St. Johns Heritage Parkway, the school and other Palm Bay's amenities will be even more accessible.” Ranch-style properties, ranging from 1990s homes that feature exposed brick exteriors to new, contemporary builds with open layouts, line the narrow streets here. They go for upwards of $200,000 to upwards of $500,000 depending on their age, size and location. Properties sit on well-maintained tree-filled yards. Many older homes have been recently remodeled, and residents have opted to paint them vibrant colors ranging from bright blues to vibrant pinks; newer properties are often neutrally colored. Residents can take advantage of paved driveways and attached garages, with some homes having amenities like inground pools and solar panels. Many properties in the area also have hurricane shutters to protect residents from Florida's storm-prone weather. Northwest Palm Bay locals can take advantage of the many parks scattered throughout Palm Bay. Visitors of parks like Lynbrook Park and Lynne Manion Nungesser Park enjoy challenging their friends to a game on the basketball and baseball fields, and kids enjoy the playgrounds. The Turkey Creek Sanctuary is a favorite among many Palm Bay locals. Visitors can enjoy hiking under hammocks of hardwood trees, and birdwatchers can try to spot different migratory birds here. Locals wanting to spend the day canoeing and fishing can head to the Three Forks Conservation Area for easy access to the St. John's River. Alligators are often spotted in the river's waters, so visitors should watch their surroundings. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike on trails that meander through sawgrass marshes, and hunters can try to catch animals like waterfowl. To practice their aim, hunters will want to head to the nearby Port Malabar Rifle and Pistol Club. Locals can pick up groceries from stores like Winn-Dixie, and Dollar General will be just a quick drive away. Those who want to eat out can head to one of the many restaurants in or around the greater Palm Bay area. Diners at Divine Grace Caribbean Restaurant enjoy generous portions of Haitian comfort classics, while those who head to Long Doggers can enjoy American cuisine. The restaurant features an open semi-outdoor layout that brims with beach-inspired decor so patrons can feel like they are dining at a beach bar. Locals who want an actual waterfront dining experience can check out one of the many restaurants that line the Indian River's borders, like the Lazy Turtle Riverfront Grill and Tiki Bar, to enjoy drinks and seafood. Patrons may even spot a dolphin in the river. Depending on their address, students here can enroll in the Brevard Public School District, which boasts a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1 and is the 25th-best school district in Florida. Discovery Elementary and Southwest Middle received B-minuses from Niche, while Heritage High received a B-plus rating. The high school is ranked as the 11th best public high school in Brevard County by Niche, and it offers specialized programs in areas like environmental water technology, digital design and sports medicine. Public transportation in Northwest Palm Bay is not readily available, so most residents drive to access all of the greater Palm Bay area's amenities. Travelers will be just a 10-mile drive from the Melbourne Orlando International Airport and a 9-mile drive away from a major employer in the area, Health First's Palm Bay Hospital, which is about 7 miles away via Interstate 95. Northrop Grumman is another major employer in the area, and it's around 10 miles away. Malabar Annex Space Force Base is in the area. On a day off, locals can take the 30-or-so-mile drive to one of Florida's beaches via U.S. Highway 192, or they can check out activities and restaurants near Indian River, some of which are around 9 miles away.

Southwest Palm Bay locals can enjoy a relaxed suburban lifestyle, with a central location that makes destinations easily accessible and commutes short. Residents here have their pick of Palm Bay’s many eateries, and they’ll be just a short drive away from activities on the water. Many head to the Indian River or one of the nearby beaches to enjoy some time in the sun. Parks are scattered throughout the Palm Bay area, ranging from McGriff Park’s skate park to Turkey Creek Sanctuary’s hiking trails that meander through sand pine scrubs. Locals also enjoy their proximity to Palm Bay’s many engineering companies and schools in the Brevard Public School District. Homes ranging from ranch-style properties to newer, contemporary builds fill the streets here, and prices are lower than in other nearby areas like Melbourne and Viera. “Palm Bay is a land of opportunity,” says Joey Guest, a Realtor with eXp Realty with more than 15 years of experience in the area. “Investors are rapidly building new constructions, and there’s so much space available that it seems like the pricing will be consistent for years to come.” Properties here range from 1990s ranch-style homes to newer, contemporary builds that sometimes feature sharp, asymmetrical geometric lines. They sit on moderately sized lots, often giving residents ample space for additions, and go for upwards of $250,000 to upwards of $400,000, depending on their size, age and location. Lots are also often available. Southwest Palm Bay is further inland than some of its surrounding areas, making residents less likely to be impacted by flooding and hurricanes, but because of Florida’s high winds and hurricane-prone weather, many homes feature hurricane shutters, and some even have metal roofs to protect from the wind. Southwest Palm Bay is also home to some planned communities like the Brentwood Lakes Estates gated community, which features contemporary two-bedroom properties centered around two small lakes. Streets are narrow here and sometimes don’t have sidewalks, but residents can take advantage of the attached garages that most properties have. Many homes don’t have HOA requirements, and Guest says, “If homes aren’t in an HOA, there’s a good chance that they will be on septic.” Locals here easily access the greater Palm Bay area’s many parks. Skaters will want to check out the skate park at McGriff Park, and kids can enjoy the playground there. Those wanting to challenge their friends to a friendly paintball or airsoft match can head to Palm Bay Paintball Park to take advantage of the 9 acres of playable land. Palm Bay’s Turkey Creek Sanctuary is another favorite among locals. Visitors can hike or bike on trails that wind through sand pine scrub communities or make their way to the creek to try to spot manatees and otters. The sanctuary is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers. Canoers can spend the day on St. John’s River at the Three Forks Conservation Area, and hunters can try to catch animals like waterfowl during hunting season. The Port Malabar Rifle and Pistol Club is in Southwest Palm Bay, making it a great spot for anyone wanting to practice their aim. Locals can pick up groceries at Walmart or grab their essentials from Publix at the Bayside Lakes Shopping Center. Those wanting to go the mall can grab a friend and head to the Palm Bay West’s stores. To eat out, locals have their pick of Palm Bay’s many eateries. Copper Chimney Grill & Bar patrons can watch sports while enjoying classic American cuisine. The bar hosts weekly events like pool tournaments, bar bingo and comedy shows. Jamrock Bar & Grill is another local favorite. Diners can enjoy generous portions of authentic Jamaican food at this laid-back establishment. On a night out, many Southwest Palm Bay locals will head toward waterfront establishments on the Indian River, like the Shack Riverfront Restaurant & Outback Tiki Bar, to enjoy dinner, drinks and live music with a view of the river. Students here can enroll in the Brevard Public School District, which is ranked as the 25th best public school district in Florida by Niche. Juniper Elementary received a B-minus rating from Niche, while Central Middle and Bayside High received B ratings. The high school is ranked as the 14th best public high school in Brevard County, and it features career and technical education programs in fields like culinary arts and digital design. Public transportation is not easily accessible, so Southwest Palm Bay is car dependent. Locals here are just a drive away from many of Palm Bay and the surrounding cities’ amenities. The Melbourne Orlando International Airport is around 14 miles away, and Health First’s Palm Bay Hospital is about 10 miles away. Locals here can also enjoy short commutes to some of the area’s biggest employers. Palm Bay is home to many technology and engineering companies like L3Harris, which is around 12 miles away from Southwest Palm Bay, and ISO Group, which is about 13 miles away. On a day off, locals can head to one of the nearby beaches like Melbourne Beach, which is around a 19-mile drive away or check out establishments near the Indian River, some of which are around 12 miles away. Residents here can also watch a rocket launch at the Kennedy Space Center, which is about 68 miles away via Interstate 95, and Orlando is 80 miles away via I-95 and Florida 528.