Melbourne

Melbourne, Florida started its history as a training site for civil war soldiers. Some of these soldiers who liked the sun and sand, returned and bought land for 5 cents per acre. After the civil war pioneer families started arriving on the scene, and Melbourne was ultimately founded in the late 1860's by former slaves.

Melbourne received its name in 1880, named after the first postmaster's home city of Melbourne, Australia. Homesteader Harry Goode's 8 year old daughter drew its name on the longest of three broom straws

The first school was founded in 1883 and is now part of the Florida Technological University campus.

In 1888 Melbourne was incorporated. It merged with Eau Gallie in 1969 to form the modern Melbourne, Florida.

The most recent census statistics estiimate 75,366 people living in Melbourne, in 30,788 households. Households are typically 2 income, with a median income of $34,571.

Melbourne covers about 35.4 Sq Miles of South Brevard County, with 30.2 Sq Miles being land. It is located about 60 Miles southeast of orlando. Melbourne lies along Florida's Space Coast along I-95, about midway between Jacksonville & Miami. It is only an hour drive to Disney, Sea World, Universal Studios & Cape Canaveral

Melbourne's Chief economy is tourism, due to its proximity to Orlando's theme parks, and access to miles of beaches.

Melbourne is also known as a high tech center of the Southeast. As a neighbor of the Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne provides residents with many opportunities to work in space related fields. Some of the high tech companies in Melbourne are Intersil, Harris Corporation, General Electric, Rockwell Collins, Northrop Grumman, Dictaphone, and more.

Besides the nearness to Disney and other theme parks, Melbourne also offers entertainment and cultural opportunities including the King Center for the Performing Arts, which has hosted popular artists, Broadway touring shows, classical artists, the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, ballet and contemporary dance, opera, country music artists, family-oriented events and children's theatre. Also, the Hennigar Center of the Performing Arts, local performances by the Melbourne Civic Theater, and Melbourne Art and Science Museum, and Multiplex movie theaters. The Melbourne Art Festival is a major bi-annual event drawing artistic talent from all over the country.

Year round outdoor activities include golfing, fishing, boating, surfing, and a variety of sports. The Brevard Zoo is a popular spot for a day's activities.

To find a home in Melbourne, or anywhere in Brevard County, please search our properties.