In the middle of the Space Coast, Merritt Island provides views of the sea and the stars. The Island has more than 34,000 residents and is surrounded by water on three sides, making it a peninsula, not an island, though locals do not often refer to it that way. The Island sits between the Indian and Banana rivers, with Sykes Creek on its southern tip. The Island has several ways to experience the wildlife native to its rivers and refuges, but boating is especially popular. The Island is also home to the John F. Kennedy Space Center, NASA’s leading spaceport since 1968, and visitors from across the region will turn their heads to the sky on launch days. The space center employs more than 2,000 people, adding to the space and tech industries’ foothold in the region. SpaceX and Blue Origin also have manufacturing plants on the Island.
Merritt Island is perfectly situated between two rivers and close to the Atlantic Ocean.
Walk, hike or bike around Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and take in the sights.
Kennedy Space Center is one of the largest draws to the Merritt Island area.
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Midcentury ranch-style homes and contemporary estates
Homes on the Island have a median price of $475,000, lower than the national median. Its southern tip is primarily residential and filled with 1960s ranch-style homes, often with a Spanish Revival influence. The Island’s middle section has larger and more expensive properties. Brianne Heath, a broker associate with Fathom Realty FL, says where people buy is determined by their interests. "Sometimes people buy with the intention of getting a boat for fishing or water sports," Heath says. "Others want to be on the water but don't want a boat. They just want to watch the dolphins. You can find different places for the lifestyle you are looking for."
Merritt Island features a variety of traditional ranch style homes.
Large, often gated, Multi-Story Mediterranean homes can be found on Merritt Island.
Merritt Island features an abundance of waterfront homes.
There is lush greenery and waterways all throughout Merritt Island.
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Easy access on and off the Island
State roads 520 and 528 take residents from the Island’s residential section to the mainland and to neighboring Cape Canaveral. Space Coast Area Transit provides bus and paratransit services. The closest major airport is Orlando International Airport, around 50 miles away, which offers flights to many domestic and international locations. The new Cape Canaveral Hospital is currently under construction on Merritt Island and is scheduled to open in early 2027. The hospital will have 120 private rooms and 25 emergency treatment rooms.
Waterway Park provides a gateway into Merritt Island from the mainland.
Though, there is no hospital on Merritt Island, there are a couple close options for residents.
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Brevard Public Schools is a highly rated district
Students are served by Brevard Public Schools, which has a B-plus Niche grade. Edgewood Junior/Senior High School, which serves grades 7-12, earns an individual A-plus score, and Robert L. Stevenson Elementary School has an A-minus score.
Robert L. Stevenson Elementary School has an indoor/outdoor style campus.
Delaura Middle School provides public education to Satellite Beach students.
Edgewood Jr/Sr High School front entrance has a mural.
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The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex educates guests
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex acts as a museum, with interactive exhibits on the early days of NASA’s space program, the Space Race of the 20th Century and other missions. The area also remembers sacrifices made here on Earth. The Brevard Veterans Memorial Center Military Museum displays wartime items and mementos from local veterans, from the Revolutionary War to today.
Welcome to discover the technological marvels of the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville.
NASA's 1960s Cape Canaveral operations made Titusville part of the Space Coast.
Boeing displays its space suit at Kennedy Space Center and has facilities in Titusville.
A Titusville resident learns about the history of spacecraft at Kennedy Space Center.
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Watch migratory birds and manatees at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is primarily a sanctuary for migratory birds and threatened species. The refuge allows for fishing, hunting and hiking, among other activities. For less active thrills, a Manatee Observation Deck let visitors keep an eye on the Island’s creatures from a distance. Elsewhere, the Island’s parks are concentrated along its coasts and allow people to enjoy the water through boating and other activities.
The boardwalks at Waterway Park allow you to fish, walk, or take in the sights.
Merritt Island locals enjoy the outdoors at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Waterway Park offers excellent fishing opportunities from one of its many piers.
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Shopping centers and chain restaurants fill the Island's middle section
The middle of the Island is filled with shopping centers. Merritt Square Mall has more than 100 retail stores and chain restaurants. Local restaurants are spread throughout the Island’s middle section. The Island Waterfront Bar and Grill, which specializes in seafood, features a view of the Banana River and often has live music. The Merritt Island Farmers Market at Crisafulli Groves runs on Saturdays and has local produce and other goods for purchase.
Residents can find a variety of stores to shop from Merritt Square Mall.
Residents flock to the local watering hole, Sally O'Briens for great food and drinks.
Merritt Island residents explore the menu at the monthly Food Truck Festival.
Publix is one of the shopping options for Merritt Island residents.
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Hurricanes are a risk each year
Merritt Island’s summers are long, hot and wet. The Island does not have much of a winter, with temperatures rarely dropping below 40 degrees. Brevard County has a high risk of hurricanes and residents will often have to prepare their homes for incoming storms. The community is resilient in the face of this challenge. "In Merritt Island, everyone is here to help," Heath says. "If a tree falls down, neighbors will help clean it up." The area also has a relatively high risk of tornadoes, wildfires and lightning compared to the rest of the country. The Island is patrolled by the East Precinct of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Crime statistics for Merritt Island specifically are not readily available.
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Since he moved multiple times while serving in the military, he understands that relocations can cause anxiety. He has also experienced firsthand what it feels like to feel at home finally. That is how he felt after moving to the Space Coast from Virginia Beach in 2011, and he has not looked back. As a Military Relocation Professional (MRP), he quells the anxiety and provides a seamless relocation process.
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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.
