Melbourne is located on the coast of central Florida, roughly one hour east of Orlando and Disney World and about thirty minutes south of Kennedy Space Center.  Melbourne is known for its great climate and low-key lifestyle.  You can stroll our beaches to watch the sea turtles nest or cruise in the river and watch the dolphins and manatees play.  Opportunities for outdoor activities abound throughout the year.  Although we typically get some cooler (autumn) weather in the winter months, it is never too cold to be active outside.  As such, we have many cyclists, runners and walkers.  With access to the intra-coastal waterway and the ocean, all forms of water activities are popular at least 9-10 months out of the year.  We have a number of good public and private options for golf courses and tennis courts.  In fact the Space Coast is home to 169 parks, 23 golf courses, 30 marinas and 33 boat ramps.

Melbourne is a medium-sized community with an industry base of high technology.  We have a number of large companies that support activities at Cape Canaveral and nearby Patrick Air Force Base and many entrepreneurial spin-offs of these larger companies as well.   While we do have some tourists, most of them go instead to North Brevard (Space Center and cruise ports), Orlando and further south. We have one of the better public school systems in Florida and a variety of private options for elementary, middle school, high school and university. For more information about the area, and local industry, please see the Melbourne-Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Our area remains one of the most affordable beach communities in Florida. We are located just far enough north that we typically do experience a change of seasons. Although we certainly have our share of "snowbirds,\" we tend to have fewer than communities further south.   This reduced popularity as a retirement destination has kept real estate more affordable and roads less congested than many other parts of Florida.  Within reasonable "call distance\" to the hospital, you can live on the river, the ocean, the golf course or a horse farm. Click here for a glance at real-estate advertising in a local newspaper.

Melbourne International Airport has limited direct service, but one-stop service to anywhere in the world.  It is a convenient, non-hassle airport experience with inexpensive parking (they even offer valet service) and competitive prices.  We are also about one hour from Orlando International Airport, which offers more carriers and direct flights to many more locations. 

Melbourne has good choices in shopping, restaurants, culture (2000-seat Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts, Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science, Brevard Art Museum, Brevard Symphony Orchestra) and professional sports (spring training for the Florida Marlins is here and many other teams in surrounding communities).  For a full range of culture and sports, Orlando offers just about everything, including major attractions and theme parks.  Living in Melbourne, we have easy access to those opportunities without the hassles of bigger city life.  For more information the area, try these links:

• Relocation services
• Space Coast information
• Brevard Community College
• Brevard County information

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