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.
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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.
