There are a lot of things to consider when you are making a move and looking for the right home here on the Space Coast. What city to live in (we have 20)? How’s the neighborhood? How are the schools? Is it close to work? How far away are the grocery stores? Do I want to live on the beach or near the beach? Should I move to the mainland? Do I want to be on the water or near the water? Do you want a large lot or small lot? New home, newer home, or are you OK with an older home? The list goes on.
Merritt Island Florida
Merritt Island isn’t the largest city in Brevard County, but it is the longest! The very north end is the Space Center and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. From a residential perspective (actual space you can live) is from the Pine Island road area in the north and it stretches south to Dragon Point and the Mather’s Bridge which connects the southern tip to Indian Harbour Beach, which is about 28 miles.
Depending on where you search or who you speak with, Merritt Island is sectioned off a few different ways. Since I am a real estate agent, I will go by how our MLS sections off Merritt Island. North Merritt Island, Central Merritt Island, N Banana River, New Found Harbor, South Merritt Island, and Merritt Island south of Pineda Cswy.
This post, we will explore North Merritt Island from the Barge Canal along SR528 north to the Space Center.
Most of the residential property in North Merritt Island are single family homes (2549 according to tax records)
Most of the homes in North Merritt Island were built in 1997 or newer (1,346) Not many homes built before 1980 (231) The oldest home north of the Barge canal was built in 1901.
Most of the homes are over 2000 SqFt (1,939) with quite a few over 3000 SqFt (456) and a good selection under 1700 (209)
Most of the homes are on ⅓ acre lot or larger (1,585). If you would like an acre or more, there are 764 home sites on an acre or larger lot. 506 sites are ¼ acre or less.
Home sales the last 12 months (9.2019-8.2020) ranged from $150K to $885K with sales per square foot ranging from $76SqFt to $253SqFt.
North Merritt Island has a lot of options available if you would like a home built in the last 20-25 years and on a larger lot. There are gated communities, dry lots, equestrian areas and large estates on the Indian River. If you want new construction, there are several options in the Egret’s Landing, Heron Creek, Edgewater Landing and condos or townhomes in Cape Crossing. If you would like to see what is for sale in North Merritt Island, click on this link.
https://www.ericlarkin.com/merritt-island
What I love about North Merritt Island
Location. If you are working at the Space Center, you are a short drive to the KSC main gate. If you are stationed at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Soon to be CC Space Force Station) you can either take SR 3 to the KSC Main Gate or 528 East to the 401 by the port and onto the base. You would be less than 20 miles to Patrick Air Force Base (soon to be Patrick Space Force Base) Melbourne International Airport is less than 30 miles away.
If you work in East Orlando, you can either hop on SR528 or take the NASA Causeway to connect to Hwy 50 or the 407 to connect you to SR528.
Port Canaveral and the Beaches are minutes away.
You are less than 15 minutes from 3 Publix, 2 Aldi’s, 2 Walmarts, a Target, and Home Depot. Also within this 15 minute drive are dozens of local and chain restaurants in Merritt Island, Port Canaveral, and west Cocoa. Less than 20 minutes from Cocoa Village and about 25 minutes to the Barmuda Triangle in Cocoa Beach.
Traffic
Traffic in North Merritt Island is nowhere near as congested as other parts of Merritt Island. Sure, you have morning and afternoon traffic for the Space Center and SR 3 can have some backed up traffic if the Barge Canal drawbridge is up, it is nothing compared to further south by Merritt Island High School or near SR 520 during rush hour.
Schools
If schools are important to you, here are the schools for North Merritt Island
Lewis Carroll Elementary 2.6 miles
Thomas Jefferson Middle School 6.9 miles
Merritt Island High School 3.8 Miles
How do these schools rank? Here are two great sites for research
https://data.floridatoday.com/school/brevard/
Property taxes in North Merritt Island are reasonable too. The city of Merritt Island uses Brevard County resources (Brevard County Sheriff & Fire and Rescue) instead of having their own police and fire department.
What to do in North Merritt Island
Do you like to golf? Check out the Savannah’s golf club https://savannahsgolf.com/
Do you like to paddle board or kayak? You have several options to launch from. Manatee Cove park is a non-motorized launch. The name is on point too. We saw 6 or more manatees the last time we were there. Pine Island Conservation area has spots to launch from. If you are a member of Kars Park, they also have a spot to launch from.
Do you like parks? Besides Manatee Cove and Kars Park, there is Mitchell Ellington Park on Hall Rd. A 114-acre regional park features athletic fields bounded by wetlands on the north, and woods on the east and west, with two ponds in the center of the park. Home to Central Brevard Soccer Club, Merritt Island Senior Little League, and Merritt Island Youth Football, the athletic facilities include baseball, soccer, football, and softball fields. Tennis courts, two pavilions, a multi-featured playground, benches, and pedways offer park patrons an inviting recreational experience. Learn more about this great Merritt Island park here http://www.brevardfl.gov/ParksRecreation/ParksByCity/ParksInMerrittIsland/MitchellEllington
Pine Island Conservation Area is another great spot to explore in North Merritt Island. You have kayaking, trails to explore, a manatee observatory, and you can bring your horses onto the trails in Pine Island Conservation Area. No gas powered boats are allowed on the North Borrow Lake but you can bring a boat with an electric motor. Learn more about Pine Island here http://www.brevardfl.gov/EELProgram/Sanctuaries/PineIslandConservationArea
Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is the very north end of Merritt Island that is accessible via Titusville & is worth the drive to check out. Fishing, hiking, horseback riding, cycling, and of course the wildlife makes this a fun place to visit. Head north on US 1, over the Max Brewer Bridge and East on the 402 to start your exploring. More information can be found here https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Merritt_Island/visit/plan_your_visit.html
As you can see, North Merritt Island has a lot to offer. If this area of Merritt Island sounds like the right location for you, let me know how I can help! Call me, text me, send me an email, comment below or find me on social media & send a DM. I get calls and messages from people everyday with questions about moving into the Space Coast or moving out of the area that I love to answer & I would be happy to answer your questions too.
Eric Larkin is a Broker Associate with Real Broker, LLC. He lives, works, and plays in the Cocoa Beach area. If you have questions about moving or relocating to Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast, let me know! I get calls, texts, direct messages & comments on my posts every day about the real estate market and things that are happening in Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast that I love answering. Ask me your questions on moving, relocating here, or anything about the community. I am here to help. I have been helping buyers and sellers with their real estate needs since becoming a real estate agent in 2003. My focus is always on helping, answering your questions, and doing everything possible to make certain you have a smooth transaction from beginning to end.
What questions do you have about buying or selling a home? Contact Me
Call/Text 321-795-1854
Email Eric@EricLarkin.com
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