Is Melbourne, Florida Right for You?
If you’re thinking about moving to the Space Coast and wondering whether Melbourne makes sense, this post is for you. Below is a practical overview of where Melbourne is located, why people choose to live here, and how it compares to other cities in Brevard County.
One thing to know up front: if you’re looking for a small beach-town vibe, Melbourne may not be the right fit. That doesn’t make it a bad choice. It just means it works better for some people than others.
Where Is Melbourne and How Big Is It?
Melbourne is the second-largest city in Brevard County, with an estimated population of 87,726 in 2025. That’s roughly half the size of Palm Bay and about 13% of the county’s total population.
Geographically, Melbourne sits in the central to southern part of Brevard County, which is a big reason people choose it. It offers:
- Easy access to I-95 with six interstate exits
- More than a dozen roads connecting to US-1
- Three causeways crossing the Indian River Lagoon, providing quick access to beachside communities
This central location makes commuting around the county much easier compared to more remote areas.
Housing Options in Melbourne
One of Melbourne’s biggest strengths is variety.
Housing ranges from brand-new construction to homes built in the early 1900s. In addition to single-family homes, you’ll find:
- Condos and townhomes
- Apartments and multifamily properties
- Mobile homes
- 55+ communities
Lot types vary widely as well. Homes may be on dry lots, golf courses, preserves, canals, or directly on the river. The only thing Melbourne does not offer is direct oceanfront property.
Lot sizes range from zero-lot-line homes around 40 feet wide to multi-acre properties. There are HOA and non-HOA options across the city.
More detail on pricing and inventory comes later in the post.
Understanding Melbourne ZIP Codes and Boundaries
Melbourne can be confusing at first because city limits and ZIP codes do not always align cleanly.
- 32901 – Southern Melbourne
- 32934 – West side
- 32935 – East side
- 32940 – Northern area, much of which is actually outside Melbourne city limits (Viera, Suntree, Baytree)
- 32903 – Beachside areas, primarily Indialantic, with small pockets technically inside Melbourne city limits near the Eau Gallie Causeway
Additionally, small parts of 32904 (West Melbourne) fall within Melbourne city limits even though West Melbourne is its own city.
Understanding these boundaries is important when researching neighborhoods, schools, and taxes.
Who Is Moving to Melbourne?
Melbourne attracts a wide range of buyers, but several groups show up consistently.
Space and Aerospace Industry
The Space Coast continues to draw professionals working in the space program and aerospace sector. This includes employees and contractors tied to companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, NASA, and many others connected to the industry.
Defense and government contractors are also relocating here, including those associated with aerospace and technology firms.
Military and Federal Growth
Cape Canaveral and Patrick Space Force Base continue to add personnel, both through PCS orders and civilian contractor roles.
Healthcare and Medical Professionals
Healthcare is another major driver. Hospitals and medical campuses are expanding, bringing in doctors, nurses, and support staff. Orlando Health has announced plans for a new medical campus in West Viera, just south of Viera Boulevard.
Local Life Changes
Beyond job relocations, Melbourne also appeals to:
- Growing families
- Empty nesters downsizing
- First-time home buyers
For many of these buyers, Melbourne offers flexibility without being priced entirely out of the market.
Why People Choose Melbourne
The most common reason is location.
From Melbourne, most major employers across Brevard County are reachable within 30–40 minutes. Orlando is typically 50–75 minutes away, depending on destination. Beachside communities are just a short drive over one of the causeways.
Schools are another factor. According to third-party school research sites, Melbourne has several highly rated public school options. As always, school zoning should be verified directly with Brevard County Schools for any specific address.
School Digger https://www.schooldigger.com/go/FL/city/Melbourne/search.aspx#google_vignette
Brevard County School Zones https://fac-plan.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=cbc5aa49364a4a65ad17098ec6a33d6b
Things People Like About Living in Melbourne
Residents often mention:
- A wide range of shopping options, including multiple grocery stores and specialty markets
- Historic Downtown Melbourne and the Eau Gallie Arts District
- Dining and shopping at the Avenue at Viera
- Live performances at local theaters and venues
- Access to parks and outdoor spaces throughout the city
- The Brevard Zoo
- Public and private golf courses nearby
Melbourne offers amenities without the tourist-heavy feel found in some beachside areas.
The Downsides of Living in Melbourne
No city is perfect, and Melbourne is no exception.
The most common complaints I hear are:
- Traffic congestion
- Infrastructure that needs improvement
- Higher home prices compared to pre-2020 levels
Traffic is an ongoing concern, especially along major corridors like Wickham Road, US-1, Pineda Causeway, and State Road 192. Road widening and infrastructure projects are underway in several areas, but growth continues to put pressure on the system.
Home affordability also comes up often. Prices rose sharply from 2020 through 2023 and have not retreated significantly.
In 2025:
- Homes in Melbourne sold between $70,000 and $2.9 million
- The average sales price was $508,697
- There were 460 homes sold under $300,000
- The average year built was 1996, meaning many homes are around 30 years old
This means buyers should expect a mix of older housing stock alongside newer construction.
Search for properties in Melbourne here https://www.ericlarkin.com/melbourne-fl
Is Melbourne the Right Fit?
Melbourne works very well for the right buyer.
It’s a strong option if you value central location, housing variety, and access to jobs without needing to live directly on the beach. It may not be ideal if your priority is a beach-town lifestyle or brand-new master-planned communities only.
In upcoming posts and videos, I’ll break down specific Melbourne neighborhoods and compare Melbourne to other Space Coast cities so you can see what fits best for your situation.
If you’d like to see current homes for sale in Melbourne or have questions about a potential move, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below.
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.
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