Melbourne, Florida is a city located on the east coast of Florida, in Brevard County. With a population of approximately 80,000 residents, Melbourne is known for its beautiful beaches, thriving downtown area, and rich history. Additionally, Melbourne is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world with its warm weather, outdoor activities, and vibrant culture.
Attractions
1. Historic Downtown Melbourne: This charming area is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. It’s a great place to stroll around and take in the sights and sounds of the city.
2. Brevard Zoo: Located just a few miles outside of Melbourne, the Brevard Zoo is home to more than 900 animals from all over the world. Visitors can take a kayak tour, go on a zip-line adventure, or enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo.
3. Melbourne Beach: With its clear blue water and soft sand, Melbourne Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. It’s also a great place to watch a beautiful sunrise or sunset.
4. Andretti Thrill Park: This amusement park is a must-visit for thrill-seekers. It features go-karts, mini golf, arcade games, and more.
5. Florida Tech Botanical Garden: This 15-acre garden features a variety of native and exotic plants, as well as a butterfly garden and a wetland habitat.
6. Liberty Bell Memorial Museum: Located in Melbourne’s historic district, this museum is home to a replica of the Liberty Bell, as well as exhibits on local military history.
7. King Center for the Performing Arts: This venue hosts a variety of concerts, plays, and other performances throughout the year.
8. Sebastian Inlet State Park: Located just south of Melbourne, this park is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and surfing. It’s also a great place to see wildlife like dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles.
Events
1. Melbourne Arts Festival: This annual festival takes place in downtown Melbourne and features more than 250 artists showcasing their work. Visitors can enjoy live music, food, and children’s activities.
2. Friday Fest: Held on the second Friday of each month, Friday Fest is a popular street party featuring live music, food trucks, and vendors selling handmade crafts and jewelry.
3. Space Coast State Fair: This annual event takes place in the fall and features carnival rides, live entertainment, and fair food like funnel cakes and corn dogs.
4. Melbourne Main Street Fall Festival: This family-friendly festival takes place in October and features trick-or-treating, costume contests, and a pumpkin carving competition.
5. FIT Homecoming Fest: Florida Institute of Technology’s homecoming celebration includes a parade, tailgating, and a football game.
6. Melbourne Food and Wine Festival: This annual event takes place in November and features local chefs and restaurants showcasing their best dishes, along with wine and beer tastings.
7. Grant Seafood Festival: This two-day festival takes place in the nearby town of Grant and features fresh seafood, live music, and arts and crafts.
8. Runaway Country Music Festival: This three-day event is one of the largest country music festivals in Florida, featuring national acts and local talent.
Shopping
1. The Avenue Viera: This outdoor shopping center features a variety of stores, including national retailers like Target and World Market, as well as local boutiques and specialty shops.
2. Melbourne Square Mall: This indoor shopping mall features more than 100 stores, including department stores like Macy’s and Dillard’s, as well as popular brands like H&M and Bath & Body Works.
3. Downtown Melbourne: This historic district is home to a variety of locally-owned shops and boutiques selling everything from jewelry and clothing to home decor and gifts.
4. Eau Gallie Arts District: This artsy neighborhood is home to a variety of galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists.
Dining
1. The Mansion: This upscale restaurant features a menu of creative dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
2. The Nomad Cafe: This cozy spot serves up delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups made with organic and locally-sourced ingredients.
3. Matt’s Casbah: This Asian-fusion restaurant features a menu of creative dishes and a rooftop lounge with beautiful views of the city.
4. The Burger Place: This casual spot serves up delicious burgers, hot dogs, and other classic American fare.
5. Meg O’Malley’s: This Irish pub and restaurant is a local favorite, serving up traditional Irish dishes and live music on the weekends.
6. Grills Riverside: This waterfront restaurant offers fresh seafood and beautiful views of the Indian River.
Real estate
1. Housing market: The housing market in Melbourne is competitive, with a variety of homes available at different price points. According to Zillow, the median home value in Melbourne is $266,000, with home values increasing steadily over the past year.
2. Location: Melbourne is divided into several neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character. Some of the most desirable areas for real estate include Viera, Suntree, and the beachside communities of Indialantic and Melbourne Beach.
3. Types of properties: There are a variety of properties available in Melbourne, including single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and apartments. Many of these properties offer luxurious amenities like waterfront views, private pools, and outdoor living spaces.
4. Rental market: The rental market in Melbourne is also competitive, with a variety of options available for those looking to rent. According to RentCafe, the average rent for an apartment in Melbourne is $1,187 per month, with rent prices increasing slightly over the past year.
5. Real estate trends: Real estate in Melbourne has been a strong performer over the past few years, thanks in part to the city’s growing economy and strong job market.
In conclusion, Melbourne is a city that has something for everyone. From its stunning beaches and outdoor attractions to its diverse dining and shopping options, there’s always something to do in this vibrant city. The city also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, attracting locals and visitors alike. Additionally, the real estate market in Melbourne is strong, offering a range of attractive properties for both homeowners and investors. With its combination of attractions, events, shopping, dining, and real estate opportunities, Melbourne, Florida is truly a great place to live, work, and play.