Melbourne is a sunny coastal city on Florida’s Space Coast, so-called due to its close proximity to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, an important NASA headquarters. It is widely regarded as the most bustling city in Brevard County and is known for its charming downtown, numerous businesses, great shopping, excellent restaurants, and plenty to see and do. It is also a very diverse and welcoming city with a smaller yet thriving LGBTQ community. Those who choose to move to Melbourne will find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Melbourne's History
When it was initially founded, Melbourne was one part of two neighboring communities. These communities, which would eventually become the cities of Melbourne and Eau Gallie, were established along the rivers in the area, making them important centers for commerce when they were founded in the 1800s. Eventually, as the towns grew, in the late 1960s they were consolidated into what is today the City of Melbourne. As the area grew it became an important center for military operations, and also an important center of business, arts and culture, and education. It remains so to this day. It is also a very diverse and welcoming city where all can feel at home.
A Few Fun Facts About Melbourne
Read more fun facts about Melbourne here.
Melbourne’s LGBTQ Community
Melbourne is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Melbourne Space Coast is the Melbourne area’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
Space Coast Pride is a volunteer-managed community organization that seeks to provide events, support, and resources to the Space Coast area’s LGBTQ community. It’s an important and pivotal part of the area’s LGBTQ community, and a great way to get connected and become involved.
What's the Weather Like in Melbourne?
As would be expected of a coastal Florida city, Melbourne receives lots of sunshine, warm temperatures, and plenty of rain each year. Throughout the year, temperatures range from a low of around 49°F in January to a high of around 91°F in July. The area receives 54 inches of rain each year and no snow, and plenty of sunshine with an average of 234 sunny days each year.
Can’t-Miss Events in Melbourne
Space Coast Pride is the largest annual LGBTQ pride celebration in the area, and it’s one celebration you’ll definitely want to put on your calendar. This annual celebration includes family-friendly entertainment, plenty of vendors, speakers, excellent performances, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends and have fun!
The Best Neighborhoods in Melbourne
Melbourne is a smaller city, which means unlike some larger towns, it doesn’t have one specific “gayborhood,” or area where most of the LGBTQ population lives. Instead, the LGBTQ community in Melbourne is sprinkled throughout the city, which simply means that there are many wonderful places to choose from. Finding the home and neighborhood that is right for you will largely be a matter of budget and personal preference, and as a result, it can be very helpful and important to find a Melbourne LGBTQ realtor who knows and loves the city, and who can point you toward homes that might be a good fit. Generally, homes throughout the city are fairly affordable, although there are a wide variety of home styles in varying price ranges available. The current median home value in Melbourne is around $261,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Eau Gallie Arts District is a historic and award-winning main street area with a rich history. This neighborhood has been a home for the arts and various galleries since the late 1800s, and today it remains a wonderful place to visit and enjoy art of all kinds. It's a perfect place to spend a beautiful Melbourne day.
Melbourne Independent Film Festival
The Melbourne Independent Film Festival is a wonderful annual film festival known for showing a wide variety of excellent local and international films each year. For 23 years, the festival has been entertaining residents and visitors alike, and it is definitely one event you’ll want to be sure to put on your calendar.
Parks and Recreation
Historic Downtown Melbourne is a great place to spend the day shopping, dining, and simply having fun. This historic downtown area is full of unique stores, restaurants, and urban green spaces.
Those who live in or visit the Space Coast should certainly put the Kennedy Space Center on their list of places to visit. One of 10 NASA field centers across the country, it is a great place to learn about space history, view rockets, satellites, and other important space exploration artifacts, and simply have fun on a beautiful day. Don’t miss the chance to visit for yourself!
Melbourne Nightlife
The Twisted Rooster is one of the most popular LGBTQ bars in the area. This lively night spot offers strong drinks, frequent theme nights, lively crowds, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great spot to stop on a night out in Melbourne!
Contact a Melbourne Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Melbourne, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Melbourne, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Melbourne gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
