Space Coast or Grand Strand (Jacksonville, Melbourne: school, income, income tax)

[TNKY]

I need to ask what the people of the Melbourne think of their area against the city of Myrtle Beach SC. For 3 years I have been praying, planning, researching and waiting to leave MI once and for all.

Last summer I had the job offer I really wanted in Chattanooga. Well, no matter how low we priced our house, it would not sell. It killed me, so much that I stayed off City Data for 4 months, not caring about relocating. During that time I listened to my wife talk about missing the ocean, the beach, east coast. We lived in VA Beach for 4 years. VA Beach is so expensive now, we likely could never afford returning. But similiar cities, further south (another thing she has hinted at), could easily work.

I wonder, between Melbourne and Myrtle Beach, where it would be better for us. I realize getting a job takes priority, but I have connections in both cities. I'm an auto mechanic, wife is an RN, we'll have 2 children moving with us, Christian (so a good Christian school is important), fun-loving, outdoors is a must (with no darn snow), and the ocean.

If you could leave Melbourne for the more "carnival" atmosphere of Myrtle Beach, would you? Better restaurants, tons of fun things right in your back yard, maybe more conservative (not sure on this one, but something we'd prefer). Or does Melbourne, with no income tax, warmer winters, nearby to all the theme parks and more of a real city not overrun with tourists sound better?

I think we'd be happy in either city, we've been to both areas, I'd just like to hear what residents of Melbourne think. I've researched Wilmington NC, Charleston SC (could be an option), Savannah GA and Jacksonville FL (an outside chance there too) but the MBs seem to hold our interest more. Thanks.