What part of Brevard is best for us??

[Nypafl4u]

Originally Posted by kateg06

Haven't seen much in Cocoa Beach listed under 350,000. As for Merritt, we have driven around and while we have no problem with older homes, saw a lot of run down areas which I wasn't thrilled with. Perhaps you could recommend a particular area? However, I do agree there isn't much yard to be found in Viera either which is a bummer. I suppose we can't have the best of both worlds.

For old world southern feel with mature trees giving lots of shade on a sunny day, I love the south Merritt Island neighborhoods. There are some nicer streets such as Coconut Lane and it's surrounding cross streets. Sure you may find some smaller or older less maintained ones, but the pricing is also reasonable.
Drive further south on Courtenay and get to Old Parsonage Dr. This may be my favorite "feeling" area. Larger lots, nice sized homes in a great community that has a dock with a very low common fee to join. Prices are heading north of $330-$350K but if you find one in this area, they are usually well worth the look. A drive by and you will understand. The elementary school (Tropical) is also one of the top rated ones in Merritt Island.
For space and newer builds, there are many areas in North Merritt Island (north of 528) that can get you great lot sizes (if you stay clear of some of the gated communities). Your are in a more rural area so check insurance rates as they tend to be higher the further away from a fire house.
I also like the areas south of 528 off of North Banana. Here you can find waterfront canal lots some facing natural preserves. You may have to deal with a low bridge on the west side (if boating is an interest), but prices are corresponding less for such lots as compared to the east side of Banana where there is no overpasses to open water. Take a drive down to S. Harbor, head west all the way up to Tarpon St. Those homes back up to a Bird Sanctuary with mangroves and lots of nature. If you turn left from the end of S. Harbor go two houses down to the right is a little dead end. Park your car, walk to the nature path (it is a public access, not private property and wear old shoes as it can be muddy if it had rained). Check the views of the preserve. If adventurous, I suggest taking a walk down the dirt path. It follows the back of a canal that runs along the preserve and you can catch a view of some birds and other wildlife.
If going between 528 and 520 off Courtenay, try heading east onto Needle Blvd. Take a ride along Needle and see a lot of older canal homes and some across that are much cheaper. At the end is a nice public park and play ground. Park there and walk to the water. Very relaxing.
These areas and more are all different in feel, size of lots, ages of homes and types of property as well as three different elementary schools. Once you do this, see some homes from a good realtor (at different price points) to see if a clean non canal $200K house is better than $330K canal renovated flipper. Take notes, pictures and re-visit at different times and days of the week (with and without a realtor). Most of all, have fun.

[kateg06]

Wow thank you! We will definitely take another drive around with this info!

[clnewman]

Originally Posted by kateg06

Wow thank you! We will definitely take another drive around with this info!

Nypafl4u is da man He really knows the island, and gives great advice.

Another area to cruise down is S. Banana River Dr. Follow it south from 520, all the way to where it curves into Old Causeway Rd. S. Banana River gives a lot of the "Old South" feel.

At the end of Old Causeway, turn left on Newfound Harbor Dr., and take it down to the end. When you reach the end (about 1.5 miles), turn around and take Newfound Harbor all the way back to the 520 (across from Walmart). We live in this area (near Old Causeway and Newfound Harbor), and just love it.

[Nypafl4u]

Originally Posted by clnewman

Nypafl4u is da man He really knows the island, and gives great advice.

Another area to cruise down is S. Banana River Dr. Follow it south from 520, all the way to where it curves into Old Causeway Rd. S. Banana River gives a lot of the "Old South" feel.

At the end of Old Causeway, turn left on Newfound Harbor Dr., and take it down to the end. When you reach the end (about 1.5 miles), turn around and take Newfound Harbor all the way back to the 520 (across from Walmart). We live in this area (near Old Causeway and Newfound Harbor), and just love it.

Thank you Cinewman. I appreciate the kind words. I have spent the last five years visiting, riding endless miles (much to the exhaustion of my wife, my realtor friends and anyone that every wanted to take a ride around). I love real estate and learning as much as I can about an area of interest.

I also agree about S. Banana River Dr. and the streets down that way. I had not mentioned it as I never purchased anything in this area and therefore tend not to stay as up to date with the current happenings there. I love going all the way south. It can be pricey down there (like South Courtenay if you keep going south). Beautiful area with a nice quiet vibe. I am eager to meet up (for that drink ) next trip down there and see your neck of the woods.

[clnewman]

Originally Posted by Nypafl4u

I am eager to meet up (for that drink ) next trip down there and see your neck of the woods.

Give me a shout next time you're coming down. We'll make it happen.