Random thought, It's a a smaller city city with about 34,718 people. With a population of 34,718, Merritt Island is a smaller city. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
28 upvotes
7 Replies
Wesley Peterson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 58, moved here 5 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Westside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Phoenix, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
35 upvotes
Scarlett Martinez
Bought a house here in 2021 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
18 upvotes
Andrew Bennett
good to know, thanks
16 upvotes
Wyatt Walker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Highland. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Liam Jones
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely solid and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Downtown) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
7 upvotes
Caleb J.
Came here for retirement and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The housing market is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
All Countries
