is merritt island good/safe/fun for families? (New Smyrna Beach, Cocoa: crimes, house)

[annie123]

hi there,
we're looking to buy in merritt island, but im unsure whether or not it's a safe environment for children. i drove up there briefly yesterday to check out the downtown-- around route 520-- and was a bit uneasy-- it just looks a bit seedy and sketchy.
with that said, merritt island has some great areas and supposedly good schools.

i would REALLY appreciate any feedback on the area-- schools, crimes, drug problems, family areas.
thank you so much for anything you can tell me!

[annie123]

hi again everyone!

is there ANYONE who is familiar with merritt island who can give me some idea as to schools there? how is crime? good for children? anything really would be helpful so we can decide whether or not to move to that town.

thanks so much!!

[TN Tin Man]

The Space Shuttle will shut down in 2010 their will be up to 5 years no flights ( manned).Merritt Island is only less that 10 miles from the South gate at Kennedy Space Center..... The Center (KSC) is the Merritt Island Wild Life Refuse that runs from the Port at Cape Canaveral National Seashore all the way North too almost New Smyrna Beach aka Klondyke Beach the North end of Playalinda Beach which is southern beach is part of the Kennedy Space Center. Launch Pad B is just 4-6 miles south of Playalinda.........

[annie123]

tinman 313--

so house values will be going down, eh? if the Kennedy Space Center closes down for 5 years??

perhaps then we shouldn't move to merritt island if we care about appreciation on the house! thank you!

[TN Tin Man]

Originally Posted by annie123

tinman 313--

so house values will be going down, eh? if the Kennedy Space Center closes down for 5 years??

perhaps then we shouldn't move to Merritt island if we care about appreciation on the house! thank you!

Too give you a idea on house values. I'm North and East of Merritt Island,, North of Cocoa proper.... In 2005 the "BOOM" of house values July I was offered 300K I could not move at that time do too children I was taking care of. Currently the house "may" ??? sell for under 200k..... realty maybe 150-185.
Along with the Cape you have Sea Ray Boats the next employer in Merritt Island....I suggest Googling them for the story....
And then you have the Mall and the fast food restaurants. Unless you have a degree.It's minimum wage and up..... Schools..... Brevard County School Board.... Google....
Bayliner Boats: Bayliner Boats - Sea Ray Eliminates 350 Jobs