Moving to Melbourne, Florida

Ever contemplated the idea of moving to Melbourne, Florida? If yes, then you have landed at the right place.

Melbourne, Florida lies in Brevard County, along the Indian River. It is a principal city in the Palm Bay – Melbourne – Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area that stands at 15th position under the most populous metropolitan area in the U.S. Initially, called “Crane Creek”, Melbourne later became known in honour of the first postmaster of the city, Cornthwaite John Hector, who was living in Melbourne, Australia.

Melbourne, FL is widely known for pristine beaches, golf, surfing spots, and other water activities. The Mansion is a unique dining place that marks the historical culinary scene of the city. Other notable attractions include Kennedy Space Centre, a place where the nation launches rockets, Wickham Park, Brevard Zoo, and botanical gardens.

If you want to obtain more information regarding the buzzing city, dive into relocating to Melbourne, Florida, straight without wasting any time!

Quick facts before moving to Melbourne, Florida

Where is Melbourne, FL, located?

Melbourne, Florida, is in Brevard County, about 60 miles southeast of Orlando on the Space Coast, along Interstate 95.

The city covers a total area of 39.6 square miles, with 33.9 square miles as land and 5.7 square miles as water.

Situated along the Indian River on the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s known for easy access to attractions like Brevard Zoo and various beaches.

Population in Melbourne, FL

The population in Melbourne, Florida, as of 2023, is 86,463 residents. 

Melbourne’s population shows an annual growth rate of 0.82% from 2020’s 84,373 residents. 

Diversity in Melbourne, FL

Melbourne has a diverse population, including 32.96% born in Melbourne, 91.62% native-born, and 11.41% foreign-born.

Melbourne’s racial composition is 67.1% White alone, 13.1% Hispanic, 9.6% Black alone, 5.5% Two or more races, 4.0% Asian alone, and 0.8% Other race alone.

Cost of living in Melbourne, FL

Affordability is the primary factor responsible for moving to Melbourne, FL; indeed, the city owns it. The Cost of Living Index for Melbourne, FL, is 4.4% lower than the U.S. average. However, certain expenses like housing 8.9% less, utilities 12.9% less, and healthcare 22.7% less, are lower than the national average, 

• Melbourne’s average annual household income varies; the U.S. Census Bureau notes $55,543.
• To live a comfortable life in Melbourne, FL, it’s recommended to have a minimum annual income of $66,600 for a family and $49,200 for a single person. 
• The average cost of living in Melbourne Florida is $1982 per month. 

The table below indicates Melbourne’s cost of living index for different categories compared to the cost of living in Florida and the national average. 

Cost of Living Categories	Melbourne, FL	National Average	Difference
Overall Cost of Living	95.6	100	-4.4%
Housing	107	100	+7%
Utilities	88	100	-12%
Transportation	105	100	+5%
Food & Grocery	101	100	+1%
Healthcare	87	100	-13%

Housing market in Melbourne, FL

If you’re moving to Melbourne, Florida, you might want to consider buying a home. The city has just 7% higher housing expenses than the national average, so it’s a great time to buy a property in a suitable area before prices go up. Here is what you need to know about the housing and rental market in Melbourne, Florida. 

• The median sold price for homes in Melbourne, FL, as of 2023, is $388,642, marking an 18.0% increase from the previous year.
• The typical home value in Melbourne, FL, is $374,602, reflecting a 0.6% increase over the past year.
• The homeownership rate in Brevard County is 77.416% whereas for Melbourne City is 58.8% out of which 41.1% of the population are renters. 
• The median listing price per square foot in Melbourne, FL, is $252.

Average rental price in Melbourne, FL

• In Melbourne, FL, the average rent for an apartment is $1,560.
• For a studio apartment in Melbourne, monthly rent can range from $1,108 to $1,595.
• One-bedroom apartments in Melbourne typically have a monthly rent between $1,407 and $1,723.
• If you’re looking for a three-bedroom house to rent in Melbourne, the average monthly rent is between $2,108 and $2,124.

Job market in Melbourne, FL

Here’s a breakdown of the city’s job market and salary stats since you are moving to Melbourne, Florida, with your existing job position or as a job seeker:

• Melbourne, FL’s job market is thriving, boasting a 4.7% unemployment rate below the national average of 6.0%. 
• Over the past year, the job market has grown by 1.9%, and predictions indicate a 40.7% increase over the next decade, surpassing the US average of 33.5%.
• The average salary in Melbourne, FL, is $54,360 annually, or $20.14 per hour.
• The median household income in Melbourne, FL, is $55,543, and the average income for a resident is $24,355 annually.
• The current unemployment rate in Melbourne, FL, is 3.20%, lower than the long-term average of 6.04%.

What are the top employers in Melbourne, FL

1. L3Harris
2. Brevard Public Schools
3. RGNext
4. Florida Institute of Technology
5. Space Coast Credit Union
6. YOUR Insurance Group
7. GSI Commerce Call Center Inc
8. Profile Services Inc
9. Venture Management Group
10. Eclipse Advantage

Most typical job titles in Melbourne, FL

1. Customer Service Representative
2. Sales Associate
3. Certified Nursing Assistant
4. Administrative Assistant
5. Server
6. Medical Assistant
7. Registered Nurse
8. Assistant Manager

Highest paying jobs in Melbourne, FL

1. Physician-Internist
2. CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)
3. Nurse Practitioner
4. Engineering Roles

Is it safe is it to live in Melbourne, FL

As Melbourne is known as one of the best places to live in Florida for families, it is essential to be aware of the crime and safety statistics and the safest neighborhoods to consider before moving to Melbourne. These are detailed below:

• Melbourne, FL, exhibits a higher crime rate compared to many communities in the United States, with a likelihood of 1 in 27 falling victim to either violent or property crime.
• The probability of being a victim of violent crime in Melbourne is 1 in 110.7, surpassing the state average. 
• For property crime, the chance Of becoming a victim in Melbourne stands at 1 in 35.
• Property crime takes precedence in Melbourne, boasting a rate of 28.53 per 1,000 residents. This category encompasses offenses such as burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Meanwhile, the rate of violent crimes, including rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, is 9.16 per 1,000 residents.

Safest neighborhoods in Melbourne, FL

1. Addison Village
2. Pineda Crossing
3. Viera East
4. Greystone / Baymeadows Of Melbourne
5. Kingsmill
6. The Dunes at Oceanside Village
7. Summer Brook / Wickham Forest
8. Sandhill Crossing

How fast can you commute in Melbourne, FL

The average commute time for people in Melbourne, FL,  is around 22.1 minutes.

Commute times can vary based on the specific area within Melbourne, such as 23.9 minutes in zip code 32940 and 19.3 minutes in zip code 32901.

In Melbourne, most people (76.1%) drive alone to work, and public transportation is available through the Space Coast Area Transit, offering bus and trolley services with limited route and frequency options.

List available public transportation in Melbourne, FL

1. Melbourne, FL, offers diverse public transportation choices, including Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT), with 24 bus routes covering Brevard County and critical cities.
2. Uber operates in Melbourne, providing ride-sharing services and information on public transport, bike rentals, and electric bikes via its app.
3. 321Transit offers bus and trolley services in the area, featuring terminals in the North and South, ensuring convenient transportation options.
4. Multi-modal transportation initiatives in West Melbourne aim to develop various alternatives, such as walking, biking, transit, and driving, to offer residents multiple ways to travel.

How is the weather in Melbourne, FL

As You’re moving to Melbourne, Florida, here is what you need to know about the weather and climatic conditions of the city. 

• Melbourne experiences two main seasons: a hot and wet season from late May to October and a warm and dry season from November to April.
• Melbourne has a humid subtropical climate, bordering on tropical savanna, influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream, with distinct seasonal precipitation patterns.
• The city averages 51 inches (1,300 mm) of rainfall annually, with the majority occurring in thunderstorms during the wet season from late May to early October. August sees the most rain.
• Melbourne doesn’t typically get snow due to its subtropical climate.
• The hottest month in Melbourne is August, with an average high of 89°F and a low of 76°F.
• The coldest month is January, with an average low of 54°F and a high of 71°F.

Education system in Melbourne, FL

The quality of schools is one of the most important thing you need to consider before moving to Melbourne, Florida, with your children.  The city offers some of the best school ratings and education systems nationwide.

• Melbourne, Florida, is served by Brevard Public Schools, boasting a student-teacher ratio 16:1, better than the state average of 18:1.
• The cost of education in Melbourne varies by institution. For 2022-2023, average tuition & fees are $2,791 for in-state and $20,931 for out-of-state students.
• Specific institutions like Eastern Florida State College have in-state tuition and fees of $2,791 and out-of-state costs of $10,976.
• Melbourne boasts 106 schools, including 74 preschools, 32 high schools, and other elementary and middle schools.
• In Brevard Public Schools, serving Melbourne, the student-teacher ratio is 16:1, indicating the number of students for every full-time equivalent teacher.

Best middle schools in Melbourne, FL

1. West Shore Junior/Senior High School
2. Lyndon B. Johnson Middle School
3. Pinecrest Space Coast Charter School
4. Delaura Middle School
5. Central Middle School

Best elementary schools in Melbourne, FL

1. W. Melbourne Elementary School for Science
2. Viera Elementary School
3. Educational Horizons Charter
4. Manatee Elementary School
5. Freedom 7 Elementary School of International Studies

Best High Schools in Melbourne, FL

1. Westshore Junior/Senior High School
2. Melbourne Senior High School
3. Space Coast Junior/Senior High School
4. Edgewood Junior/Senior High School
5. Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School

Best universities and colleges in Melbourne, FL

1. Florida Institute of Technology
2. Eastern Florida State College
3. Barry University
4. Ana G. Mendez University
5. Everglades University

What are the best things to do in Melbourne, FL

The famous attractions and the best things to see in Melbourne, Florida, are:

1. Explore the diverse animal kingdom at Brevard Zoo, featuring the world’s only kayak tour within a zoo.
2. Immerse yourself in nature at Sebastian Inlet State Park, where fishing, boating, and picnicking await.
3. Relax and indulge in recreational activities at Paradise Beach & Park, a beloved waterfront destination.
4. Discover the wonders of wildlife at Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands, surrounded by the beauty of the natural landscape.
5. Shop and dine in style at Historic Downtown Melbourne, known for its unique and charming establishments.
6. Experience creativity in the Eau Gallie Arts District, home to galleries and vibrant murals.
7. Find tranquility amid diverse plant species at Florida Tech’s Botanical Garden.
8. Seek high-speed thrills at Andretti Thrill Park, a popular local amusement destination.
9. Enjoy outdoor adventures at Wickham Park, offering disc golf, archery, and equestrian facilities.
10. Take in the scenic views at Melbourne Beach Pier, an iconic spot for relaxation in Melbourne.

Best neighborhoods in Melbourne, FL

As the city is known to be the best retirement community in Florida, here are some of the best places to live in Melbourne. 

1. Wickham Forest
2. Chapters
3. Sunwood Park
4. Ixora Park
5. Baymeadows
6. Leewood Forest
7. Eau Gallie
8. The Dunes at Oceanside Village
9. Addison Village
10. Kingsmill

Pros and cons of living in Melbourne, FL

Here, we allow you to weigh your possibilities of moving to Melbourne, Florida, by considering the city’s pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Proximity to beaches	Risk of hurricanes
Lower cost of living compared to the national average	High humidity and heat in summer
Outdoor recreational activities	Limited public transportation
Cultural attractions and historic downtown	Some areas with higher crime rates
Good fishing and boating opportunities	Seasonal traffic congestion
Diverse dining options	Risk of flooding in certain areas
The growing job market in aerospace and tech industries	May lack nightlife options compared to larger cities
No state income tax	Presence of pests like mosquitoes
Friendly community atmosphere	Can be crowded during the tourist season

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you have decided of moving to Florida, go for Melbourne, where the innovation meets the heavenly coast. Melbourne, FL is one of the best places to retire. From beaches, outdoor activities, sports, space centers, natural reserves, and parks to excellent public schools and healthcare facilities, Melbourne will not disappoint you in any field. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your luggage and book your tickets now.