“Melbourne” spans distinct living environments. Beachside towns (Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach) offer walkable Atlantic access, sea breezes, and older coastal housing stock (many mid-century block homes) alongside newer infill. Expect salt-air corrosion (HVAC coils, exterior metals), stricter coastal lighting rules, and premium pricing near dune walkovers. Mainland areas (Historic Downtown, Eau Gallie Arts District/EGAD, Lake Washington, West Melbourne) trade surf proximity for larger lot sizes, newer construction, and easier I-95/US-1 access. Your choice affects maintenance, insurance, school zoning, commute routes, and resale pool.

Melbourne straddles the Atlantic and the Indian River Lagoon, so risk profiles vary street-to-street. Beachside and lagoon-adjacent homes may sit in FEMA AE/VE zones (elevation certificates matter), while even inland pockets can face high wind exposure during storm season. Insurers heavily weight roof age/permit year, secondary water barriers, clips/straps, and impact-rated openings. Homes built or reroofed under newer Florida Building Code often secure better rates. Budget for wind-mitigation inspections, and factor shutters/impact glass not just for safety but for underwriting credits.

Riverfront living (or canal offshoots) brings boating and sunrise views with unique due diligence: dock/seawall condition, wake/manatee slow zones, bridge clearance to reach the Intracoastal, and draft limitations for keel or twin-engine boats. Shoreline stabilization (seawall vs. living shoreline), mangrove trimming permits, and salinity-driven corrosion all influence long-term costs. On the ocean side, evaluate dune health, turtle-season lighting compliance, and beach access easements. Waterfront premiums are meaningful—so are maintenance and insurance—making inspection scope and seller disclosures critical.

Parts of greater Melbourne still operate on septic, especially in older beachside and lagoon-adjacent blocks. The region’s high water table and ongoing septic-to-sewer initiatives can affect future assessments, lawn drainage, and renovation plans (pool additions, additions/ADUs). Verify utility provider (City vs. County), irrigation well status, and any pending conversion projects or fees. For remodels, confirm setback, height, and lot-coverage rules—coastal parcels often have tighter envelopes that shape expansion potential.

Daily life revolves around causeways (US-192 Melbourne Causeway, SR-518 Eau Gallie Causeway) linking beachside and mainland. If you work with Space Coast anchors—Patrick Space Force Base, L3Harris (HQ), Northrop Grumman, Embraer—or teach/attend Florida Tech, map peak-hour flows and gate access. Proximity to Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is a plus for frequent travelers, but check flight paths and noise contours if you’re directly under approaches. Your address choice can shave 20–30 minutes off round-trip commutes when summer storms or events slow bridges.

Brevard Public Schools boundaries meaningfully impact demand and resale. Melbourne offers access to top programs (e.g., West Shore Jr./Sr. High’s magnet) and proximity to Florida Tech, youth sports, and arts corridors (EGAD, Downtown). Verify the exact parcel’s current school assignment—two nearby streets can feed different schools—and watch for boundary updates tied to new development in West Melbourne/Viera corridors. HOA vs. non-HOA streets also matter here: RV/boat parking, short-term rental rules, and exterior standards can differ block-by-block and influence lifestyle and value.