[Nancy Lynne]

During my recent to "find a good area to live"...which I visited for a signicant portions of time...the towns between St. Beach, Indian Harbor, Indiatlantic, and Melbourne Beach. They are lovely towns, but just as expensive, if not more, than the prices here in NJ. I slected them because of their promixity to Cape Canaveral, I am in the technolgy area, and it appeared that was becoming a hot tech company area in the state, and hoped my chances for a job would be better. Although the majority of jobs for me are in the Miami - Ft. Lauderdale - Boca Raton -- I was not impressed with the NJ and other influx of minorities. I have a ton of friends that are minorities, but I just never experienced being in what I experience an almost "minority" position as a caucasion...and I can't speak an ounce of Spanish. Since I am not a young party hardy lady, and have young son as my first priority, living in such communiteis isn't a priority for me. Safe, family environements are.

It is expensive as hell...but you can buy a little fixer upper home in these nice areas in the 300's.

Any growing up experiences in any of these towns any one could share. I would see much appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

Nancy

[zee909]

Hi, Nancy. I live on the mainland side of the Indian River. The beach communities are very laid back and, probably overall younger than many other areas. Satellite Beach and Cocoa Beach are closer to the Cape than the others you mentioned. Don't forget in Melbourne we also have Grumman/GE and Harris Corps as well as many smaller tech companies, so you are not limited for employment. You should be able to find a home in the price range you mentioned, especially in the county area between Indialantic and Indian Harbour. Even on the mainland side, you're not but a couple of miles from the beach. You can check out the MLS for Brevard county to look for homes.

[Nancy Lynne]

thanks Zee for the info on Melbourne. What's the difference between Melbourne Beach and Melbourne proper? How would you differentiate Melbourne Beach from Satellite Beach?

[mygtstang]

I was just reading ur post & just want to say I have just inherited a home in Satellite Beach, and I have been down there twice just this year for a couple of months each time , & I LOVE IT!!!! I am currently living in NJ & my hubby & I have decided to go for it get away from all the snow,cold etc. as so many other peeps you read about on these forums , so we decided to put our home on the market (this thursday ) and we are looking forward to moving to flordia. I love the beaches, weather, neighbors, and the fact that everything is like so easily located near me stores,pharmacies and oh yeah how can you miss "walmart" LOL
I enjoy reading all these post on these forums they are very interesting and helpful. I have been reading them for quite awhile as I am researching all the things I will have to know about the. Well good luck to ya. Marilyn

[alexander59]

Wait until you get your insurance and tax bill for next year, do not be fooled by the previous owners tax, make sure your realtor lets you know how much your tax will be next year, beach side insurance for small condo near the water will cost at least 700.00 a month. This area of Florida is going crazy with growth, up until five years ago it was a wonderful place to live where you could see the beach and not worry about being runover.

[zee909]

Melbourne is on the mainland side and is one of the dominant business/employment areas in south Brevard (along with Palm Bay). Melbourne Beach is a bedroom community on the barrier island. Melbourne Beach is definitely more expense, smaller, cliqueier. The two are divided by the Indian River (and income level).

Satellite Beach is immediately south of Patrick AFB and is younger and "more energetic" for lack of better terminology.

All the communities you mentioned in your original post are on the barrier island and more subject to evacuation in severe weather and subject to higher insurance rates. None of this area is really remote from one another. In fact, if you didn't see a city limits sign on the side of the road, you wouldn't know you'd travelled from one town to the next.