Melbourne

The city of Melbourne was founded in 1867 and initially was called Crane Creek. The city was re-named Melbourne in 1888 in honor of Cornthwaite John Hector who was the city’s first postmaster and owner of the local general store. Hector had spent much of his childhood in Melbourne, Australia and fondly remembered the area. Hector came to the Melbourne Florida area around 1878. Being so well thought of, Hector was bestowed the honor of renaming Crane Creek to Melbourne. Take a look at the homes available in Melbourne, FL 

Top Reasons to Live in Melbourne:

Located approximately 60 miles southeast of Orlando, Melbourne is just about half way between Jacksonville and Miami. Melbourne encompasses just under 40 square miles and approximately 5.5 square miles of that space is water. Melbourne has grown from 70 residents in 1885 to its present population of just over 76,000 today. 

Located at 20 feet above sea level, Melbourne does enjoy a sub-tropical climate and sees just under 50 inches of rain annually. Technology and defense companies make up a large share of employers in the area.
Homes in Melbourne can go from around $50,000 up to approximately the $500,000 mark. There are also some lovely, new condos available along the waterfront on the Indian River. 

Historic Downtown Melbourne was originally the downtown city center. Today it is home to several blocks of shops, galleries and restaurants. The Henegar Center for the Performing Arts is also located in Downtown Melbourne and offers not only educational programs but several community theater stage productions each year. 

State Road 192, also known as New Haven Ave is a major east – west artery through the city. Much of the city’s commerce can be found along 192. The Melbourne Square Mall is located here and has anchor stores such Macy’s, Dillards, JC Penny’s, Dicks Sporting Goods, The Gap and more. Also along 192 (New Haven), you can find a Lowes, The Home Depot, several furniture stores and countless restaurants. Unlike the Beachside communities, you can find both chain restaurants like the Olive Garden, Chipotle, Rodizio Grill as well as local independently owned restaurants. If there is something that you are looking to buy in Melbourne, chances are you will find what you are looking for on 192. 

192 also intersects with I-95 on the west end of town. From there you can quickly and easily head south to Miami/Ft. Lauderdale or north to Orlando, with Disney World, Sea World, Univeral Studios, and the like. The Beaches are an easy drive over either the Eau Gallie Causeway or the Melbourne Causeway, so days spent fishing on the beach are really not that far away!