Firstly why Melbourne, Florida?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Melbourne
• State: Florida
• Population: 81,863 people
• Melbourne’s quick summary would be Melbourne residents keep one eye on rocket launches across the river and love crossing the causeways to the beach.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 10,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 10,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 800
• Number of Homeless people: 250

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to a growing tech industry and beautiful beaches attracting families and professionals

Perk #1: Melbourne Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 67%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $58,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Melbourne is $64,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $6000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Melbourne’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 105 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,785
• Property Tax %: 1.05%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,200
• Rent for an average house: $1,800
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Downtown
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Melbourne, Palm-Bay, Brevard, Merritt-Island, and probably could include Satellite-Beach
• Avg. Age of Homes in Melbourne: 36 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Melbourne’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Melbourne are  Aerospace, Retail, and Healthcare
• Melbourne Job Scene: moderate job market in aerospace and technology
• The General Tech Scene: home to a growing tech sector focused on aerospace and internet technology , ,
• Melbourne Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Melbourne: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 80 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 5

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Melbourne

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $115 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-95 provides essential connectivity through Melbourne along the coast
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening delays on Wickham Road
• Transportation Score: 24 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Melbourne: 79,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1
• No. of Car Washes: 6 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Melbourne: flhsmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 65 of 100
• Local Airport: Melbourne Orlando International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Melbourne’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Melbourne is best described as experiences mild winters with cool temperatures and hot humid summers with frequent thunderstorms
• Winter Weather in Melbourne i’d describe as warm with occasional rain
• Spring Weather in Melbourne can be described as warm and humid
• Summer’s in Melbourne are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Melbourne is usually warm and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 47 days in summer
• Days in a row in Melbourne below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 48 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality with minimal pollution sources
• Melbourne Winter Air generally good air quality but can vary seasonally

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Melbourne Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Melbourne 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Melbournes’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Melbourne Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Melbourne Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Melbourne only Doctors is about 55
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time Melbourne only Police Officers is about 140
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Melbourne’s Monthly utility bill average is $120
• Melbourne’s Monthly Gym Membership: $42
• Melbourne’s Water Quality Score: 71

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Melbourne

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: small city with a mix of beach access and artistic offerings
• You might enjoy performances at the Melbourne Civic Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Melbourne  has a growing nightlife with local bars live music venues and dining options for evening relaxation

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Melbourne

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features local cafes and a mix of American and international cuisine
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Melbourne
• The Popular Sports Team is Melbourne High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Melbourne can be described as politically mixed area focusing on tech and space industries
• Melbourne’s Longer standing religious establishment is Melbourne First Church of the Nazarene

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Melbourne Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Melbourne has 30 Parks?
• Harry S. Truman Park is Melbourne’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Melbourne Farmers Market normally open Saturday 10am-3pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Fishing, hiking, and beach activities

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Melbourne Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Melbourne can be described as steady coastal pace with a focus on arts and outdoor activities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Melbourne going to the beach exploring parks attending local festivals
• The Cities people commute to from Melbourne are Orlando 56 miles away Palm-Bay 11 miles away Cocoa 21 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Melbourne or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening delays on Wickham Road. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Melbourne’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Downtown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Melbourne are Orlando 56 miles away Palm-Bay 11 miles away Cocoa 21 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Melbourne has 0 days in a row below freezing and 47 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Melbourne people have an average (positive or negative) $6000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   250 homeless people living in Melbourne. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed area focusing on tech and space industries could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Melbourne.

Retiree & Senior Life in Melbourne

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can benefit from property tax credits easing their financial responsibilities
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale Melbourne
• Melbourne Senior Center hosts various activities health programs and community events

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Melbourne, Florida?

If Melbourne, Florida ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Melbourne, Florida, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!