Full disclosure: Rachel lives in Merritt Island and loves it. But she's also the first to tell you that there are things about this place that no one leads with — and you deserve to know them before you buy. Here's the honest version.

1. Yes, There Are Hurricanes

This one comes first because it's the one everyone asks about. Merritt Island and the Space Coast have historically been spared from direct major hurricane hits — and there's a popular theory that NASA specifically chose this location partly because of favorable historical weather patterns. That's not a guarantee, but it's context.

In Rachel's years living here, the closest call was Hurricane Nicole, which was a Category 1. The real answer is: buy the right house (concrete block, good roof, window protection) and get the right insurance, and hurricanes become a manageable Florida reality rather than a dealbreaker. Rachel's 1979 pool home on Merritt Island: $2,800/year homeowners + $750/year flood insurance (optional, not in a flood zone, but she recommends it).

2. Merritt Island Is Not Beachside

This surprises a lot of buyers. Merritt Island sits between the Indian River and the Banana River — it is surrounded by water, but it is not on the Atlantic Ocean. To get to the beach, you cross either SR-520 or SR-528 and it takes 10–15 minutes. Rachel calls it a "hack" to the beach lifestyle — you get the island feel and the lower prices, with the beach just a bridge away. But if your vision is walking to the beach or watching waves from your porch, you want Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, or Indialantic.

3. Older Housing Stock and Infrastructure

Merritt Island was built up primarily in the 1950s–1970s alongside NASA's development of the Kennedy Space Center. That means a lot of the housing and infrastructure reflects that era. The island has what Rachel calls an "old Florida charm" — eclectic neighborhoods, mature trees, established character, no master-plan uniformity. If you want everything fresh, new, and planned to the inch, look at Viera or Suntree. If you love personality and history, Merritt Island delivers that in spades.

4. The Summer Smell

Here's one nobody leads with: in the summer, heat hitting the rivers can produce a smell. It's a strong, somewhat sulfury "river funk" that shows up on certain mornings. Rachel's neighbors who've lived there their whole lives say they don't notice it — you may just get used to it. It's also possible to get a similar smell from well-water irrigation systems, which are common in older Florida neighborhoods. Not a dealbreaker, but something you should know before you move your whole life.

5. Salt Air Corrosion

The proximity to the Banana River means salt air is a real factor. AC units near the water age faster, and cars show more corrosion than they would inland. Merritt Island is notably better than beachside communities on this front — Satellite Beach AC units can look rusted and old in just 5 years — but it's still something to factor into maintenance planning and budget.

6. Courtenay Parkway Traffic

Courtenay Parkway (locals call it "Courtney") is the main artery through central Merritt Island — and it's busy. Lots of stoplights, stop-and-go, and drivers who move at their own pace. Rachel avoids it when she can. Her preferred route to the beach is SR-520: smoother, less congested, still fast. SR-528 is useful for airport and cruise port runs but gets a bad accident once a week or so — Rachel still GPS-checks it every time before using it. The traffic is nothing like a major metro, but it's the one road that gets locals complaining on Facebook groups.

7. New Construction Is Available Here

One thing often overlooked: Merritt Island does have new construction options. Island Forest Preserve and Egret's Landing (both by Maronda Homes) offer new builds with modern insurance credits — lower premiums than older homes, full warranty coverage, and no surprises. For buyers who love the idea of Merritt Island but want a newer home, these communities are worth exploring.

8. The Online Negativity Is Not the Community

Local Facebook groups have their share of keyboard warriors who tell newcomers to "Don't New York my Florida." Rachel's message: don't let that energy represent the actual community. In person, Merritt Island is generous, kind, and welcoming — with many residents who are themselves transplants from elsewhere. Rachel moved here from Rhode Island and says the collaborative, open spirit of the people here is one of the most life-changing things about the move.

So — Should You Move to Merritt Island?

If you love old Florida character, waterfront living without beachfront prices, short drives to cruises and rocket launches, and a community that has soul, Merritt Island is hard to beat. If you want everything brand new, planned, and golf-cart perfect — Viera is right there and Rachel can help you find exactly what you're looking for there too.

Thinking About Moving to the Space Coast?

We're Rachel Langley and Nichole Barna, Florida REALTORS® based in Brevard County. Whether you're buying, selling, or relocating, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

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

Rachel Langley and Nichole Barna, REALTORS at Blue Marlin Real Estate

Merritt Island move?

Merritt Island is unlike any other Brevard town. Talk to someone who has actually lived it.

Nichole Barna is a Brevard County native and Rachel relocated to the Space Coast in 2022. We are your team at Blue Marlin Real Estate. We know the canal streets, the river access lots, the storm history, and the lots that go fast versus the ones that sit.

Space Coast Relocation Checklist

A printable buyer briefing on Brevard County life, including Merritt Island specifics on insurance, flood, evacuation, and what to budget beyond the sticker price.

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Talk to Us About Your Merritt Island Move

A thirty minute call with Rachel and Nichole. No script, no pressure. Tell us your timeline, your budget, and what you actually want. We will tell you what we would do.

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Beware

Call us BEFORE you walk into a model home or open house.

The sales rep works for the builder, not for you. Builders let you have your own agent, but you HAVE to name us on your first visit. Walk in without us and you can lose the right to bring us in on that purchase.

Text us at 321-212-7676 first. We meet you there. You still get the new construction. You also get two REALTORS who negotiate pricing, contract terms, inspections, and repairs every week.

Read this next: Living in Merritt Island, Florida — A Local and Newcomer Perspective