Inside Island Forest Preserve – Merritt Island's Only New Construction Near NASA & SpaceX

If you work in the space industry on Florida's Space Coast, this community might be exactly what you've been looking for. Island Forest Preserve is Merritt Island's only new construction community — and with just 23 lots remaining, it's one of the most time-sensitive buying opportunities on the Space Coast right now.

Why Island Forest Preserve?

Island Forest Preserve sits in a quiet, nature-rich section of Merritt Island — close to NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and all the major aerospace and defense contractors in the area. Every client Rachel has sold a home to here has been in the space industry. The location is unbeatable for that community: a short commute to the Kennedy Space Center corridor, rocket launches visible from the backyard and community dock, and easy access to SR-528 (the Beachline) for beach and Orlando trips.

The community will be gated when completed. HOA fees are just under $1,000 per year — covering grounds maintenance, the entry, and the pond. There's no shared amenity center or community pool, which is typical for Merritt Island, where most homeowners add their own private pool (and the lot sizes support it).

The Lots: 85 Feet Wide

Here's a spec that genuinely stands out: the lots at Island Forest Preserve are approximately 85 feet wide. That's rare in today's new construction landscape where 45–65 foot lots have become the norm. The width is why nearly every buyer opts for the 3-car garage upgrade — there's room for it, and it makes a real difference in Florida where storage space replaces basements.

Build Timeline and What to Expect

With only 23 lots left, buyers should be aware that building from the dirt up takes 6–12 months depending on the plan and timing. If you have a job offer or transfer in the works, Rachel has helped clients navigate short-term rentals in the interim while their home is being built — a practical solution that several space industry relocators have used successfully.

The Huntington: 4–5 Bed, 3 Bath, 2,286 Sq Ft

The Huntington is one of the most flexible floor plans in the community. At 2,286 sq ft (not including garage), it offers either 4 or 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. The front of the home can be configured with a flex room, formal dining, or a fifth bedroom depending on your needs.

Highlights include double sliding doors opening to a large lanai (one slider is an upgrade worth getting), a gourmet kitchen upgrade option with a flat-top range and double ovens, beautiful tile floors throughout, and a primary suite with dual vanities, walk-in shower, a makeup vanity window seat, and a wet closet. Clients with water-view lots say the views from the primary bathroom alone are worth it.

The backyard easily accommodates a pool and can have a 6-foot privacy fence (water-view lots use iron rod fence for the view). Panels for storm protection are included standard.

The Venice: 4 Bed, 3 Bath, Starting at $584,000

The Venice is the standout for buyers who want a little more formality in their layout. Base pricing starts at $584,000 (not including lot premiums or upgrades). It comes standard as a 2-car garage, but the 3-car addition is highly recommended and surprisingly affordable.

Inside, you get a large kitchen island, a formal dining room separate from the living space, an en suite guest bedroom downstairs, and a primary suite with a massive walk-in shower with dual showerheads, a soaking tub, and thoughtful storage. The laundry room includes quartz countertops and full cabinetry — a detail that separates this builder from many others. Door heights are noticeably taller than standard, which elevates the feel of every room.

The Harmony: 4 Bed, 3 Bath, Starting at $536,000

The Harmony starts at $536,000 base and is the most approachable price point in the community. It offers a 4-bedroom, 3-bath layout with a 2 or 3-car garage, and features one of the community's signature front porch options — a great feature for enjoying Merritt Island mornings and keeping an eye on the neighborhood.

The Harmony has a corner lanai option, standard quartz countertops, a primary suite with a full bathroom, and a flex room that works beautifully as a home office or formal dining space. Very similar to the Venice in overall finish, just with a slightly different flow.

Rocket Launches From Your Backyard

One of the genuinely unique features of this community: depending on your lot, you get direct views of rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center. The community dock overlooks the waterway, and several clients have specifically chosen lots on that side of the waterway to optimize their launch views. It's one of those things you can't fully appreciate until you experience it.

Homes Range from 2,000 to 4,000 Sq Ft

Island Forest Preserve isn't a one-size community. Floor plans range from just over 2,000 sq ft for smaller families or empty nesters, all the way up to 4,000 sq ft for larger families who want space to grow. With 23 lots remaining, the window to select your preferred lot and floor plan is closing.

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Interested in Island Forest Preserve?

We're Rachel Langley and Nichole Barna, Florida REALTORS® based on the Space Coast. We work directly with the sales team at Island Forest Preserve and can make sure you get the best available incentives, the right lot, and full representation through the build process.

• 📅 Schedule a free consultation
• 📲 Call or Text: 321-212-7676
• 📧 Email: rachel@livingspacecoast.com

We're available days, nights, and weekends — because a move this big doesn't wait for business hours.