Pros and Cons to Living on the Beach in Melbourne, FL

Whether you’re just starting to contemplate a move to Melbourne Beach, Florida or you’ve already started packing for your move here, there are a number of pros (and maybe a few cons) of living on the beach in Melbourne Florida.


Pro: Known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, Melbourne Beach stands out for its wealth of natural beauty, high-tech aerospace companies, and location to everything Central Florida has to offer. Situated in southern Brevard County, the region has a privileged location, close to the idyllic Indian River Lagoon and just 90 minutes from the Greater Orlando attractions, such as Walt Disney World Resort, Sea World, and Universal Orlando. Orlando offers theme parks and other attractions, shopping, dining, and ecotourism at its finest. Within Brevard County you can visit places like the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the Brevard Zoo, and the Cocoa Beach Pier.

Pro: Planning for outdoor activities in Melbourne Beach is almost always on the agenda thanks to the number of sunny days and warm weather it has to offer. The weather here really is about as close to perfect as you can get, from November through February and often into March. During these winter months in Florida, you can expect mild temperatures, low humidity, and lots of sunshine. The average high in the hottest months (July and August) is 89°F, with the average low during this time being 75°F. The average high in the coldest month (January) is 71°F, with the average low this month being 62°F. Heavy jackets and coats aren’t ever on the list of things to pack when moving to Florida.

Con: A big concern of those who live near the ocean is the cost of upkeep on a beach home. A few of these financial concerns include the corrosive nature of saltwater, potential flood damage, and more costly homeowners insurance. While these are reasonable concerns, the benefits of living at the beach and the potential for investment income of a beachside property almost always outweigh the costs. One way to overcome this concern is to place your trust in a property management company to handle the day-to-day business of owning a vacation rental. The right property management company can take the time-consuming guesswork out of ensuring your property is a lucrative investment. Look for a company that will include services like weekly property inspections, laundry service, repairs, pressure washing, pool and air conditioning maintenance, pest control, and more.

Pro: Featuring an A-Rated school district, Brevard Public Schools is the 49th largest district in the United States and the 9th largest district in Florida. It employs nearly 9,300 staff and serves over 73,000 students each year. With 83 schools, 10 special centers, and 12 charter schools, the district educates students in 17 different municipalities across the Space Coast, including Melbourne Beach. Brevard Public School's goal is to serve our community and enhance students' lives by delivering the highest quality education in a culture of dedication, collaboration, and learning and as a resident here, if you have school-aged children, this makes for a very important pro to living on the beach in Melbourne Beach, Florida.

Con: While the list of outdoor activities is endless when it comes to this area, Melbourne Beach is somewhat lacking when it comes to the nightlife. If you are someone who enjoys the social aspect that comes with entertainment after the sun sets, you may have to take a little drive to fulfill this wish. Melbourne, Florida, which lies inland, has more to offer such as bars, galleries, and nightclubs. Or, you can drive even farther inland to the city of Orlando, which checks off every box when it comes to nightlife in a bigger city.

Pro: A study out of the U.K of nearly 26,000 people recently found that people who reside about half a mile from a beach have better mental health than those who live 30 miles away or more. It’s not a surprise when you think about the sun, sand, and laid-back lifestyle offered to oceanfront residents. Scientists have found that the ocean’s waves produce negative ions and negative ions increase a person’s ability to absorb oxygen. Negative ions also balance a person’s serotonin levels. Serotonin is the chemical produced by the body related to mood and stress. Improving oxygen to the brain and your overall mood and stress levels will result in positive mental energy and improved health and well-being. Have you ever realized that one simple walk on the beach, or opening your own backdoor (that leads to the ocean), could make such a big difference on your life?

Pro or Con: You have to decide how you feel about this one, because some people relish a small-town feel while others don’t. Melbourne Beach is a quiet and quaint town of about 3,000 people and is the oldest beach community in Brevard County. The region has a total area of 1.4 square miles and is located across the Indian River Lagoon (a grouping of three lagoons: the Mosquito Lagoon, the Banana River and the Indian River).

When you put all the pros and cons to living on the beach in Melbourne, Florida, down on paper, it is clear to see that the benefits well outweigh any negatives. From the laid-back and welcoming beach lifestyle to seasonal weather, A-rated schools, and mood enhancing effects of the sun on your skin and sand between your toes, calling Melbourne Beach, Florida home would be a dream for anyone. 

Melbourne Beach Florida Guide

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Melbourne Beach, Florida & Harbor Island Beach Club

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