With 84,000 residents, Melbourne is a sizable city located approximately 70 miles southeast of Orlando. The majority of the city sits on mainland Florida, along the Indian River Lagoon, and a small portion rests on a barrier island; those looking to enjoy the coastal life will love Melbourne! There’s plenty to do in the city, ranging from its thrill parks, museums, art galleries, and wide variety of boutique stores. Several great suburbs surround Melbourne, including some of the safest cities in the state. We’ve compiled a list of the ten best suburbs near Melbourne, FL.
10. Mims
- Population: 7,058
- Median Home Value: $134,300
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 31.1 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 103
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 18
Mims is a census-designated place in Brevard County. US Route 1 runs through the middle of Mims, and plenty of restaurants and shops can be found on either side of the highway. Located off the Indian River, there’s ample opportunity for boating along the blue waters. Other outdoor activities include the multiple parks throughout Mims, including an RV & Golf Resort. Find your new home in Mims!
9. Titusville
- Population: 46,497
- Median Home Value: $130,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 23.8 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,397
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 289
Just south of Mims is Titusville, the county seat of Brevard County. Titusville prides itself on its walkability, especially its three multi-use trails that run through the city. Entertainment can be found at museums such as American Space & Walk of Fame, and Valiant Air Command, Inc. Warbird Museum. Outdoor activities include kayak tours, nature sanctuaries, and golf courses. Take a look at all the new homes in Titusville!
8. Palm Bay
- Population: 114,194
- Median Home Value: $136,600
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25.5 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,109
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 404
With over 114,000 residents calling it home, Palm Bay is the most populated suburb on our list. There’s no shortage of recreational activities here! With 29 city parks, an aquatic center, golf courses, and the Turkey Creek Sanctuary, residents have their pick of the crop. Clusters of shopping centers contain retail stores, restaurants, and grocery stores, so you never have to go far for what you need. Check out all the new construction in Palm Bay!
7. Merritt Island
- Population: 34,743
- Median Home Value: $242,800
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 24.8 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 588
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 109
Merritt Island is a census-designated place located not on an island, as its name implies, but a peninsula off the eastern Florida coast. Space enthusiasts will recognize Merritt Island as being the home of the Kennedy Space Center. Surrounded by water and encompassing multiple nature preserves, Merritt Island is a great choice for individuals who want a coastal city feel. Further inland, residents can find retail hubs, including malls, chock-full of restaurants and stores. Browse all of the new home listings in Merritt Island.
6. Rockledge
- Population: 27,715
- Median Home Value: $180,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 23.8 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 408
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 61
Founded in 1887, Rockledge is the oldest city in Brevard County. Over 27,000 residents enjoy life along the Indian River, multiple parks, and entertainment sources such as Sky Zone Trampoline Park and country clubs. From grocery stores to restaurants to places of worship, all your essentials are located within a 15-minute driving distance from each other. Don’t miss out on these awesome Rockledge houses!
5. West Melbourne
- Population: 23,372
- Median Home Value: $213,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 19.8 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 550
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 27
West Melbourne is located—you guessed it—directly west of Melbourne. The city has a nice blend of neighborhoods, open spaces at parks, and shopping centers, including the Melbourne Square Mall. Residents here enjoy the shortest mean travel time to work, clocking in at just under 20 minutes. With plenty to do in the city and with Melbourne just a short drive away, West Melbourne is a great place to call home. Find your dream house in West Melbourne!
4. Cocoa Beach
- Population: 11,737
- Median Home Value: $306,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 26.3 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 407
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 41
Ready for beach views and chances to watch a space launch? Time to hit Cocoa Beach! Sunny shores extend for miles, and local surfer shops detail the city’s history. Beyond surf and sand, Cocoa Beach has 12 parks, golf courses, and a thriving nightlife of bars and restaurants. Additionally, Cocoa Beach is the first suburb on our list to score an A+ school ranking! Check out the houses in Cocoa Beach.
- Population: 10,449
- Median Home Value: $226,400
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 24.8 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 277
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 43
The next suburb on our list, Cape Canaveral, resides just north of Cocoa Beach. Much like its neighbor, there’s no shortage of waves and sun to be found along the coast. Other attractions include a brewery, parks such as the Manatee Sanctuary Park, and Golf N Gator, which features a golf course and live reptiles. Port Canaveral features cruises and other related recreation, such as parks and a casino.
2. Satellite Beach
- Population: 11,088
- Median Home Value: $272,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 26.7 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 41
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 3
Satellite Beach is a coastal community with over 11,000 residents calling it home. Like other seaside towns, Satellite Beach has beautiful shores, parks, and plenty of good eats. Community drives the heart of Satellite Beach, with friendly volunteers working together to make their home a safe, thriving place to live. Take a look at the houses available in Satellite Beach!
1. Indian Harbour Beach
- Population: 8,565
- Median Home Value: $269,900
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25.3 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 93
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 2
At the top of our best suburbs list is Indian Harbour Beach. Located just south of Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach has amenities such as a community center, sports field, and a lakeside park with plenty of jogging paths. The Indian River lies to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, so there’s no shortage of waters to enjoy. With excellent schools, low crime ratings, and a plethora of stores, this small city truly has it all!
If you’re a first-time Florida homebuyer, there is no shortage of programs to ensure a smooth move to the Sunshine State. Whether you’re looking for a tiny home or a house that fits all the grandkids after retirement, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for in one of these suburbs!
Additional Suburbs
SUBURB | POP. | MEDIAN HOME VALUE | MEAN TRAVEL TO WORK | SCHOOL RANK | PROPERTY CRIMES | VIOLENT CRIMES |
Cocoa | 18,619 | $110,700 | 24.1 | A | 1,021 | 141 |
Sebastian | 26,118 | $175,900 | 29.1 | B+ | 279 | 31 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
Other Florida Resources
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.