Differences in Melbourne vs. Palm Bay?

[wrat]

Originally Posted by Rabflmom

I think the Western area? is actually a swamp and that is why it is unincorporated and not actually part of the city. Or do you remember the compound South of town that is undeveloped? Undeveloped and unincorporated are different things.

we were looking at houses NOT lots

[2goldens]

Originally Posted by Rabflmom

Not sure shopping areas are considered safer areas of town here in Florida. Actually never really heard that before- even when I lived up North.

If you are working in Melbourne the better area are Suntree and Viera areas. You also should look into the towns beachside. In Palm Bay your better neighborhood would be Bayside or Turkey Creek areas. There is more shopping, restaurants in Melbourne. Palm Bay is more of a sleep city. More areas of Melbourne have city water and sewer instead of wells and septic. But you will find the whole county is actually home-well anyway we long timers do. Half the time you won't even know which town you are in. You may live in one town, work in another, go to lunch or dinner in another, kids may go to school in another etc. For example Palm Bay High school is actually in Melbourne.

As for $500,000 it will buy a bigger house in Palm Bay, but in the nicer areas it probably is not going to buy a similar house like you live in in other states. Here is a place to start https://www.spacecoastmls.com/consum...rty-search-mls

To OP/Tricon,
I agree with a lot of what RabMom is saying about Palm Bay/Melbourne. With $500K you have much more options. I wouldn't even bother with Palm Bay. Viera/Suntree is a fairly new planned housing development and new modern. If you want "in with the NEW and out with the OLD" then Viera is for you.

Viera has lots of shopping; all new developments including Walmart and across the street from I-95. One - to two miles from Walmart are the Government buildings and the Brevard County Courthouse is within arms reach. The Brevard Country Club and Brevard Zoo are nearby too. All the shopping you can possibly do is right there in area. There is a Health-First hospital right there.

The Melbourne airport would be 17 miles (south) from the Courthouse area driving on I-95 or taking the scenic route on Hwy US 1. You can go to you tube.com and search for Viera, FL. there are a few videos of the neighborhood.

I hope this helps in your journey to a new home. I've lived in Palm Bay and Melbourne since 2009.

[2goldens]

I would like to share the Viera Voice newspaper website to show all about the area. It's really worth looking over.

Viera Voice Newspaper (click here)

[EscAlaMike]

Melbourne is the "city" with an actual downtown, somewhat historic core, and gridded streets.

Palm Bay is the "suburb" with no defined center and sprawled out residential development with curvy streets.

[2goldens]

Downtown Melbourne, FL.

Main Street where the parade marches by. There are a few restaurants, pizza shops, and, gift shopping all walkable. The water side is behind Main Street where you can walk and eat pizza while looking at the water. It's nice to walk Downtown during the parade, or holiday festivals, and/or Sunday morning stroll. There used to be Matt Cashah outdoor dining - really good food and Meg O'Mailey bought out this place. I have not been to O'Mailey's. I did enjoy Cashah's outdoor dining, drinks, and music.

Downtown Melbourne, Florida

Restaurants:

There is a post office too. The American Legion Post 163 is nearby on Harbor City Blvd (Hwy US1) are involved with the parades and Friday Fish Fry.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCPrFaVbRhI

Hope this helps.

[dcfas]

I have family who lived in Melbourne for years and I visited often. I always liked being there. The last twenty or so years Viera sprang up. I felt every time I returned there was a new block of office buildings and commercial parks. New houses, new restaurants, new streets. Even with all the new developments it’s still a good size and the last time I was there did not feel too congested. A decent medium.

My family members moved across the way to Merritt Island. But I think I still like Melbourne better. It seems like a decent place to raise a family or retire to. Could use a bit more “culture,” perhaps.