Hello From

Melbourne!

 

 

“The Harbor City“

Anna Maria Island

Melbourne

A City in Brevard County, Florida

 

Melbourne, Florida, is a vibrant city on the Space Coast, blending a rich history, coastal charm, and a strong connection to technology and aerospace innovation. Nestled along the Indian River Lagoon and just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, Melbourne offers a mix of scenic waterfront living, cultural attractions, and family-friendly neighborhoods.

Often referred to as the “Harbor City”, Melbourne was once known for having the best safe, deep-water harbor on Florida’s East Coast due to the establishment of the Eau Gallie Yacht Basin in the late 19th century

With its historic downtown, world-class beaches, and proximity to Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne perfectly balances small-town warmth with big-city opportunity.

Aerial view of Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway on Melbourne Beach, Florida<br />

Aerial view of Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway on Melbourne Beach, Florida

Photo by IOFOTO va Canva

Location & Size

Melbourne is located in Brevard County on Florida’s central east coast, about 70 miles southeast of Orlando.

The city covers roughly 49 square miles, including both mainland and barrier island sections connected by causeways over the Indian River Lagoon.

Founded

Melbourne, Florida, began as a small settlement in the 1860s, originally inhabited by Native American tribes and later by settlers attracted to its fertile land and waterways along the Indian River Lagoon. The community grew slowly until the arrival of the Florida East Coast Railway in the late 19th century, which connected Melbourne to larger markets and encouraged development.

In 1888, Melbourne was officially incorporated as a city. Its name was chosen by a postmaster, who named it after his hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Early growth centered around agriculture, particularly citrus farming, fishing, and trade through the nearby waterways.

The city expanded further in the 20th century, especially after World War II, when Melbourne became a center for aerospace and technology, spurred by nearby Kennedy Space Center and the burgeoning Space Coast industry. In 1969, Melbourne merged with the neighboring city of Eau Gallie, forming the modern Melbourne we know today — a thriving city with a blend of historic charm and modern innovation.

MELBOURNE WEATHER

Population

As of 2025, Melbourne has an estimated population of around 87,000 residents.

Known For

  • High-tech industries and proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral

  • Beautiful Atlantic beaches and waterfront parks

  • Historic Downtown Melbourne with shops, dining, and art galleries

  • Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), a leading STEM university

  • A vibrant arts and cultural scene

Cost of living

  • Median Household Income: Approximately $68,000

  • Median Home Price: Around $370,000

  • Average Rent: About $1,900 per month

Melbourne’s cost of living is slightly below the Florida average, making it one of the more affordable cities on the Space Coast.

Things to do

  • Visit the Brevard Zoo and its treetop zip line

  • Explore Downtown Melbourne for boutique shopping and local dining

  • Relax on Paradise Beach & Park or Indialantic Boardwalk

  • Discover science and history at the Kennedy Space Center (nearby)

  • Attend local events like the Melbourne Art Festival or Oktoberfest

Fun Facts

  • Melbourne was named after Melbourne, Australia, by its first postmaster, who was an Australian native.

  • The area played a key role in supporting the Space Race and remains a hub for aerospace engineering.

  • It’s one of the few Florida cities that combines riverfront and oceanfront access, offering diverse recreation and scenic views.

Nearby Cities

Hello From Florida Blog