Looking for Family & LGBT Friendly area around Melbourne (Orlando: appointed, neighborhood)

[jjldh_va]

I am looking at a job offer for a company in Melbourne FL. I have a young child in Elementary school and a gay son in college who would like to relocate with me. We are from the Washington DC suburbs and used to lots of shopping, restaurants, movies, things to do, as well as a very diverse neighborhood and GREAT schools. My son also has access to a great LGBT community with events where he can be accepted for the wonderful person he is. Wondering what the atmosphere is for LGBT people in a southern state, as well as places to live with decent schools and things to do (that do not involve driving to Orlando).

Having seen some other threads I am making a note: Honesty is appreciated, but no one likes ranting. Please provide honest information, thanks!

[scottschuetz]

The Melbourne area will be a big change for you from the DC suburbs. We have movies, restaurants, stores... but on a much smaller scale than DC or Northern Va. I'm from Richmond and this feels like a small town. There's lots around when you consider all of Brevard county but some of the things you like may be in different part of the county. One of the things you'll love is the ease of getting around. Traffic isn't much of an issue here.

If you expect it to be similar to what you're used to, you will be disappointed. If you're ok with a slower pace of life and not as much activity as DC, you may be very happy here. I moved here 7 years ago from Richmond Va and I absolutely love living here at the beach.

[grapec]

Yup Florida is one of those states where most people mind their own business. As such, there is not much liberalism here. Thank God.

Anyways, just don't mention that your LGBT or else some people here will have a problem with that. Not me though. Don't really care about people's crazy lives.

[chopchop0]

Central FL in the more populated areas should be fine, Melbourne included. Don't make an issue of it and no one else with either