Best Communities near Melbourne Florida
Families enjoy the high quality of life found along the Melbourne Coast. The charming communities nestled in east central Florida offer a variety of residential living and entertainment options for all walks of life.
City of Melbourne
The city dates back to the late 1800s when a growing number of settlers were attracted to a pair of neighboring communities – Melbourne and Eau Gallie. The area’s freshwater tributaries flow into the Indian River Lagoon, attracting these early settlers. Over time, the two municipalities merged to form the city of Melbourne.
Today, Melbourne has a population of more than 82,000. The city is considered a hub for the manufacturing, electronics and aeronautics industries.
Historic Downtown Melbourne, the Eau Gallie Arts District and Babcock Street feature cultural flair and offerings that attract many near and far. Residents and visitors revel at the numerous recreational sites, including parks, athletic complexes and event facilities. All offer a mix of picnic areas, tennis courts and swimming pools.
City of Palm Bay
Incorporated in 1960, Palm Bay has grown to become one of the largest residential areas in the southern United States. Although it has approximately 111,000 occupants, the city still maintains a small-town ambiance and is appreciated for its diversity. Palm Bay is family and citizen focused, with parks, outdoor adventures and is a great place to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
For those looking to relax, the city’s 30 parks and facilities managed by the Palm Bay Parks & Recreation department suffice. Sites offer a combination of natural habitats and sporting fields for children, adults and even man’s best friend, to enjoy.
Many festivals and events are staged throughout the year that are ideal for the whole family. Happenings include the popular Independence Day Celebration, First Friday, Turkey Creek 5K Trail Run and Concert in the Park
City of West Melbourne
Little did municipal leaders know that following its founding in 1959, the city would realize a significant continuum of expansion. Today, the city is home to nearly 22,000 residents.
West Melbourne is driven by the technology industry clusters and takes pride in being business friendly. The city is also home to some of the area’s best retail, dining and entertainment amenities.
The West Melbourne Parks and Recreation department operates seven facilities complete with a range of resources, such as baseball diamonds as well as tennis and racquetball courts. The department also offers sports, art and dance programs.
Giving a nod to West Melbourne’s history, the West Melbourne Heritage Festival is staged in late September.
Town of Grant-Valkaria
The communities of Grant and Valkaria date back to the 1880s. The two were joined and incorporated in 2006. Almost 4,200 people call the town home.
Fishing, canoeing and kayaking are popular water activities. However, country roads throughout the area are perfect for exploration, and the town has thousands of acres of woodlands that will eventually become part of the county trail system. The exceptional scenery is also ideal for hikers and ecotourists.
Crowds regularly attend Grant-Valkaria Day, Grant-Valkaria Country Run and the Grant BBQ Fest as well as many other events year-round.
Town of Indialantic
Founded in 1915, Indialantic was officially incorporated in 1952. Today, more than 2,700 people live in the area.
Indialantic is nestled along the barrier island that separates the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. The Melbourne Causeway connects the town to Melbourne.
Nance Park, Indialantic Ocean Beach Park and Orlando Park are perfect for nature lovers. Guests should be sure to visit from May through October as endangered sea turtles are in nesting season during this time. Crowds flock to the area for the annual Indialantic Art Festival each year.
City of Indian Harbour Beach
Founded in 1955, Indian Harbour Beach, is now home to nearly 8,600 residents. This city is the first tsunami-ready city in Florida denoted by the National Weather Service.
From its 27-acre Gleason Park surrounding a lake with its many walking/exercise trails, to its oceanfront parks, to city tennis courts and popular sports field complex, there is something for everyone. Indian Harbour Beach is also home to the Eau Gallie Yacht Club and Kiwi Tennis Club.
Town of Malabar
With a history dating back to its founding in 1883, Malabar was incorporated in 1962 and has blossomed to more than 3,000 residents.
Highly visited recreational sites include Malabar Community Park, a disc golf park, Malabar Scrub Sanctuary and Jordan Scrub Sanctuary.
Every year, natives and visitors come for Fall Fest. This family-friendly event brings together the whole community to enjoy arts and crafts, live music and a bounce house
Town of Melbourne Beach
Dating back to 1883, the town of Melbourne Beach has been known for its quality of life and famous faces, such as former National Football League quarterback Doug Flutie, who grew up in the area. Over 3,200 people reside in the community today.
The downtown area flourishes with unique and fine dining establishments, as well as large and small retailers.
A few miles from the town center, and situated on the Indian River, rests the Melbourne Beach Pier, which is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Since the area is also registered as a bird sanctuary, many endangered fowl can be found nesting throughout the year.
During the month of May, the annual Founders Day celebration commences with arts and crafts, food and music.
Town of Melbourne Village
Virginia Wood, Elizabeth Nutting, and Margaret Hutchinson, Dayton, Ohio, natives, founded Melbourne Village shortly after World War II. These women wanted to establish a town based on a simple lifestyle. Today, the town still holds true to this concept, with fewer than 700 people living here.
Situated on the east side of the village is a sector of Erna Nixon Park, which is named after the woman who fought to preserve the area’s natural beauty. The park features many plants, birds, and other animals, including indigo snakes and gopher tortoises.
Town of Palm Shores
This close-knit community was founded in 1959 and has a little more than 1,100 residents.
Shoreside Park is a favorite hang out for locals because of its fishing pier, playground and pavilion with picnic areas.
’The Little Town That Cares” embraces a philanthropic nature and stages several events throughout the year. The annual Baby Shower benefits the Florida Wildlife Hospital, while the Relay for Life serves as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The annual Christmas Toy Drive is set up in conjunction with the U.S. Marine’s Toys for Tots event.
City of Rockledge
Founded in 1887, the city of Rockledge is the oldest incorporated municipality in Brevard County. More than 27,000 individuals call the city home.
Rockledge offers a variety of recreational opportunities and has been recognized as a Playful City USA community numerous times. Through a partnership with the city, some of Rockledge’s parks are operated by Brevard County Parks and Recreation for all to enjoy.
Rockledge never has a shortage of things to celebrate either thanks to the many festivals and events it hosts. Some of the biggest highlights are the annual Art & Craft Show in January, the annual Independence Day Picnic and the Hot Rockin’ Nights Car Show in October.
City of Satellite Beach
After being founded in 1957, the city of Satellite Beach has evolved into a paradise all its own. The city serves as home and a playground for more than 11,000 residents, parks outfitted with ball fields and a skatepark.
The city is especially ideal for retirees. The 55+ Club offers a bevy of programs through the recreation department for seniors.
All individuals, no matter their age, will be able to appreciate the city for years to come since 40 percent of the oceanfront area is preserved from any type of development.
The Viera Community
In the mid-1980s, Andrew Duda and his family envisioned establishing a master-planned development in Brevard County. In 1989, ground was broken for Viera. The community’s current population reaches over 20,000, offering a wide variety of residential neighborhoods.
Businesses in Viera provide almost every need and service within the community. Companies that specialize in health care, retail, dining, parks, golf course, great schools and hospitality are all in abundance.
In terms of nature and recreation, the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera encompasses 200 acres of natural habitat and a diverse ecosystem. Here, visitors get an opportunity to view native wildlife, such as alligators, otters, bald eagles and sand hill cranes. Space Coast Stadium, the new home of United States Specialty Sports Association, and Duran Golf Club, as well as Viera East Golf Club, provide great recreational and entertainment value within the community.
Light Up Viera kicks off the holiday season each year, bringing merriment to all. The extravaganza boasts streets alive with a magical light parade pulsating to the beat of marching bands.
Patrick Air Force Base
The Patrick Air Force Base is considered a community by itself. It consists of two areas: the 45th Space Wing and the 920th Rescue Wing.
The 45th Space Wing is known as the world’s premier gateway to space. It provides support for such groups as NASA, the U.S. Air Force and more. Services range from vehicle and spacecraft processing through the launch process to airfield operations, including weather and communication assistance.
The 920th Rescue Wing trains and equips 2,000 citizen airmen to locate and recover U.S. armed forces and coalition personnel who may go astray during military operations. It supplies civic search and rescue for those who are lost or in distress, especially during natural disasters. The wing furthermore provides safety and security surveillance during all rocket launches from the Space Coast.
Three squadrons of paramedics skilled in mountaineering, parachuting, scuba diving, survival and evasion techniques, as well as special weapons and tactics are ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.