Melbourne, Florida
What It Is Like to Retire in Melbourne
Melbourne is a vigorous retirement community of 84,678 (2020 census ), located mid-way down the east coast of Florida. Its redevelopment efforts have resulted in a revitalized and growing community. After the Civil War, Melbourne was founded by former slaves. The first school in Melbourne was built in 1883 and is now part of the Florida Tech campus. Many high-tech companies such as Intersil, Harris Corporation, General Electric, Rockwell Collins, Liberty Aerospace and Northrop Grumman are here. The region is frequently called the “Space Coast”, a reference to its proximity to Cape Canaveral. Melbourne is also home to the Florida Institute of Technology and houses a major campus for Brevard Community College (BCC). Melbourne represents an alternative to living in the big city or a very affluent community. There are 33 miles of unspoiled beaches along the ocean, plus plenty of waterways connected to the intercoastal. Water sports such as surfing, fishing, and sailing are very popular. The Washington Nationals have their spring training in Melbourne. The city has over 500 acres of parks.
Where to Retire in Melbourne and Home Prices
Active adults can live in a community near the water – either on the beach or the intercoastal. There are many apartment buildings that offer carefree living, or you can choose from many gated communities in the town or surrounding area.
What Is Special about Melbourne
• Beautiful white sandy beaches • Completely renovated 1925 City Hall • 2 municipal golf courses: Harbor City and Melbourne Indian Hills (Municipal) Golf Course • 6 Community an/or Civic Centers with programs for seniors Many public parks • A busy community calendar of events • 4 Public swimming pools • Three places on the National Register of Historic Places • Many malls and shopping centers.
What Is Not Special about Melbourne
• Crowds in season • Over development is always a risk in such a sensitive area.
Who Will Like Retirement in Melbourne
Melbourne attracts a diverse community of retirees who want to live in an understated, but planned community.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism, retail, services, and high tech/space are important to the economy. Melbourne has created three redevelopment districts. The Historic Downtown Redevelopment district led to the highly successful revitalization of the historic downtown area centered on New Haven Avenue. The Babcock Street redevelopment district was created encourage the rebirth of a traditional commercial corridor.
Climate and Physical Environment
Melbourne is midway down the east coast of Florida. It is flat with a barrier island on the Atlantic Ocean to the East, connected to the mainland by a causeway where business and real estate development is concentrated. The Indian River and the Eau Gallie River course through the area. The average July high temperature is 91 and the average January low is 50. The wettest month is September (7")
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Melbourne is proud to have a number of educational and research facilities as well as Brevard Community College. The Florida Institute Of Technology-Melbourne has over 3000 full-time students. THe city has a surprising roster of cultural resources: Brevard Art Museum, Historic Rossetter House Museum, Liberty Bell Memorial Museum, Henegar Center for the Performing Arts, Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts, and the Brevard Symphony Orchestra.
Crime
Crime in Melbourne is almost two thirds higher than the national average.
Medical facilities
Healthsouth Sea Pines Hospital, Holmes Regional Medical Center, Circles Of Care Inc
Transportation
Melbourne International Airport is located here. The Space Coast Area Transit provides bus service.
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