The complete guide to relocating to Melbourne, FL

Melbourne, Florida is a fantastic place to call home, offering a delightful blend of vibrant attractions, a welcoming community, and a high quality of life. Whether you're seeking a laid-back coastal lifestyle or a bustling city atmosphere, Melbourne has something for everyone.

One of the biggest draws of Melbourne is its stunning natural beauty. Nestled along Florida's Space Coast, this charming city boasts breathtaking beaches, including the popular Indialantic and Melbourne Beach. Here, you can indulge in various water activities such as surfing, fishing, and boating. The city is also home to numerous parks and nature reserves, where you can explore hiking trails, spot wildlife, or enjoy a peaceful picnic.

Melbourne Area Communities

Indialantic

Situated on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River, Indialantic offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle. It is known for its pristine beaches, waterfront parks, and beachside homes. The community has a close-knit feel and is popular among families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Viera

Located in the central part of Melbourne, Viera is a master-planned community that offers a suburban setting with modern amenities. It features well-maintained neighborhoods, recreational facilities, golf courses, and a town center with shopping and dining options. Viera is particularly popular among families and retirees.

West Melbourne

As the name suggests, West Melbourne is situated west of downtown Melbourne. It offers a mix of residential and commercial areas, with a range of housing options from single-family homes to apartments. The community has convenient access to major highways, shopping centers, and entertainment venues.

Palm Bay

While not technically part of Melbourne, Palm Bay is a neighboring city and deserves a mention. It is one of the largest cities in Florida by land area and offers a diverse range of neighborhoods. Palm Bay features a suburban atmosphere, affordable housing options, and access to outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and hiking.

Top Schools in Melbourne

Finding the right school district for your children has a major impact on their quality of life and path to success. These are the top rated school districts in the Melbourne Area; if you want to delve deeper into school records and standards for the State of Florida, NewHomeSource has a guide to all the resources you need to find the right school for your child.

Best Private K-12 school in Melbourne: Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy

Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy has an A+ rating on Niche.com, and ranks highly for academics, teachers, college prep, and clubs and activities. It has 938 students in grades K-12. According to public data 100% of students of Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy graduate.

Best public elementary school in Melbourne: Educational Horizons Charter School

Educational Horizons Charter School has an A rating on Niche.com, and ranks highly for academics, teachers, and diversity. It has 116 students in grades K-6 with a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1. According to state test scores, 75% of students are at least proficient in math and 90% in reading.

Best public high school in Melbourne: West Shore Junior/Senior High School

West Shore Junior/Senior High School has an A+ rating on Niche.com, and ranks highly for academics, teachers, and college prep. It has 946 students in grades 7-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1. According to state test scores, 95% of students are at least proficient in math and 94% in reading.

Top Employers in Melbourne

Healthcare and government services are two of the largest employers in Melbourne.

Brevard County School Board

Brevard County School Board provide over 5,000 jobs in the education sector to people who provide necessary government services and education services to the people of Melbourne.

Health First Inc

Unsurprisingly, healthcare plays a major role in this Florida town. Health First Inc has a major employment presence in Melbourne. 

Harris Corporation

Harris Corporation provides exciting technology jobs on Florida's Space Coast, and is a major employer in Melbourne.

Brevard County Government

Local government services also provide an extensive number of jobs to a wide range of public servants in Melbourne. 

The Department of Defense

The Department of Defense has a major employment presence in Melbourne and along the Space Coast. 

Melbourne Area Museums

Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science

Located in Cocoa, just a short drive from Melbourne, this museum showcases the rich history and natural wonders of the Space Coast region. Visitors can explore exhibits on topics such as Florida's early settlers, the citrus industry, indigenous peoples, and the area's unique ecosystems. The museum also features a replica of a pioneer homestead and a collection of fossils and artifacts.

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

History lovers can have a great day at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. Fall in love with the romance of the sea all over again here. Beautiful architecture, stunning maritime art, and the most delightful model historic ships you have ever seen combine perfectly in this amazing museum. 

Foosaner Art Museum

Situated in the heart of downtown Melbourne, the Foosaner Art Museum is a hub of artistic expression. It features rotating exhibitions of contemporary and modern art, as well as a permanent collection that includes works by local, national, and international artists. The museum also hosts art classes, lectures, and special events.

Liberty Bell Memorial Museum

Housed in the historic Melbourne Town Hall, the Liberty Bell Memorial Museum commemorates veterans and military history. The museum displays artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that pay tribute to the men and women who served the nation. The centerpiece of the museum is a replica of the Liberty Bell, which visitors can ring to honor those who sacrificed for freedom.

Historic Rossetter House Museum and Gardens

Located in nearby Eau Gallie, this museum preserves the history of the Rossetter family, one of Melbourne's early settlers. The museum consists of two historic homes, the Rossetter House and the Houston Family Memorial, filled with period furnishings, photographs, and personal artifacts. The beautiful gardens surrounding the houses provide a tranquil setting for visitors to explore.

Great Parks in the Melbourne Area

Wickham Park

Wickham Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in Melbourne. It spans over 390 acres and offers a wide range of amenities and activities. The park features picnic areas, playgrounds, pavilions, a disc golf course, horseshoe pits, and volleyball courts. There are also nature trails, a lake for fishing, and even a dog park for furry friends.

Ballard Park

Ballard Park is located along the Indian River Lagoon and is known for its scenic views and tranquil atmosphere. The park features walking paths, picnic areas, a fishing pier, and a playground. It's a great spot for bird-watching, as well as enjoying beautiful sunsets over the water.

Gleason Park

Located near the Indian River, Gleason Park offers a range of recreational activities for all ages. It features sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, a playground, and a fitness trail. The park also has a lake where visitors can rent paddleboards or kayaks for a fun water adventure.

Living in Melbourne

Living in Melbourne means enjoying a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The community here is known for its welcoming spirit, fostering a sense of belonging. The city features excellent schools, a low crime rate, and a robust healthcare system, ensuring a safe and secure environment for families.

Melbourne's strategic location is another advantage. With Orlando just an hour's drive away, you can easily access world-renowned theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. Additionally, the city's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean makes it a prime spot for weekend getaways to other popular Florida destinations like Miami or the Florida Keys.

Melbourne Housing Trends

With a great blend of hip downtown neighborhoods and family-friendly suburbs, there are many housing options depending on the kind of lifestyle you are looking for.

Housing costs are rising over time, but there are still a variety of options depending on your price point, as there are many suburbs and cities surrounding Savannah.

Median Home Price: $399,000

The median home price in Melbourne is in line with the national median home price, making it a wonderful place to settle down, if you're a first time homebuyer, or an experienced home shopper looking for the perfect retirement destination.

Amazing Melbourne Restaurants

Melbourne, Florida offers a diverse culinary scene with a range of restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences.

The Mansion

Located in downtown Melbourne, The Mansion is an upscale restaurant that combines elegant dining with a relaxed ambiance. It features a diverse menu of American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience and a selection of fine wines.

Crush XI

Situated in the Eau Gallie Arts District, Crush XI is a trendy restaurant known for its farm-to-table approach. The menu features seasonal ingredients and highlights regional flavors. With its modern industrial-chic ambiance and inventive dishes, Crush XI offers a unique dining experience.

Meg O'Malley's Restaurant & Irish Pub

For a taste of Irish hospitality and pub fare, Meg O'Malley's is a popular choice. This lively restaurant and pub offers traditional Irish dishes like shepherd's pie and fish and chips, as well as a selection of craft beers. It's a great spot for casual dining, live music, and a friendly atmosphere.

The Nomad Cafe

If you're looking for a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, The Nomad Cafe is a hidden gem. This quaint cafe serves a variety of sandwiches, salads, and comfort food, with a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. It's a popular spot for breakfast and lunch, with vegetarian and vegan options available.

Great Attractions for Melbourne Stay-cations

Melbourne Beaches

Melbourne is known for its beautiful beaches, and spending time by the ocean is always a popular choice. You can relax on the sandy shores, soak up the sun, go swimming, or even try your hand at surfing or paddle boarding. Some popular beaches in the area include Indialantic Beach, Melbourne Beach, and Paradise Beach.

Brevard Zoo

Located in nearby Melbourne Beach, the Brevard Zoo is a fantastic family-friendly attraction. It features a diverse collection of animals from around the world, including giraffes, kangaroos, otters, and more. You can also take a kayak tour, explore the tree-top adventure course, or participate in interactive animal experiences.

Andretti Thrill Park

If you're seeking excitement and thrills, head to Andretti Thrill Park. This family entertainment center offers go-kart racing, mini-golf, laser tag, arcade games, and more. It's a perfect destination for a fun-filled day with friends or family.

Shopping

Melbourne has a great mix of unique local shops and big-name stores, often found side by side in shopping areas. There’s plenty of opportunity to shop ‘til you drop in this city.

Historic Downtown Melbourne

Located near the Indian River Lagoon, the Historic Downtown Melbourne area is a vibrant and charming district. It features a mix of historic buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, cozy cafes, and a lively nightlife scene. The community hosts regular events and festivals, fostering a sense of community and cultural engagement.

Melbourne Square Mall

If you enjoy shopping, Melbourne Square Mall is the city's main shopping center, featuring a variety of stores, boutiques, and dining options. You can explore a range of retail outlets, catch a movie at the cinema, or indulge in delicious treats at the food court.

Downtown Melbourne Farmer's Market

Every Saturday, the Downtown Melbourne Farmer's Market brings together local vendors offering fresh produce, gourmet foods, artisanal products, and handmade crafts. It's a vibrant and lively market where you can support local businesses and find unique and organic goods.

Indian River Antique Mall

Situated on US-1, the Indian River Antique Mall is a treasure trove for antique lovers and collectors. It spans over 35,000 square feet and features an extensive collection of vintage furniture, decor, jewelry, clothing, and more. It's a great place to discover unique and one-of-a-kind items with a touch of nostalgia.

Places of Worship

Melbourne has numerous places of worship that represent a wide range of faiths and religions.

Grace United Church

The Grace United Church is a friendly community of believers that welcome the people of Melbourne to worship with them.

Temple Beth Sholom

The Temple Beth Sholom is a conservative Jewish community that offers worship services and a religious school for the people of Melbourne.

Islamic Society of Brevard County

The Islamic Society of Brevard County is a convenient and welcoming space that offers worship services to the Muslims of Melbourne. 

Ryugen-Ji Temple / Brevard Zen Center

The Ryugen-Ji Temple / Brevard Zen Center offers a wide range of tepmple services for Buddists and people interested in guided meditation.