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Melbourne is a mid-sized city of approximately 80,000 residents on Florida's Space Coast, situated along the western shore of the Indian River Lagoon with the Atlantic Ocean just a short drive to the east. The city is the largest urban center in Brevard County and serves as the commercial and cultural hub of the southern Space Coast, anchored by the aerospace and defense industry that has defined the region since the early days of the US space program. Florida Institute of Technology brings roughly 3,500 undergraduate students into the city each year, contributing to a young professional and student presence that mixes comfortably with the area's engineering and science workforce. Downtown Melbourne has undergone significant revitalization in recent years, with new restaurants, breweries, and art spaces along New Haven Avenue and the Indian River Lagoon waterfront. Melbourne Beach and Satellite Beach are within 15 minutes of the city center, giving residents easy access to the Atlantic coast. The cost of living is moderate by Florida standards, and the combination of beaches, career opportunities, and warm weather year-round makes Melbourne an appealing place for students to settle into.
The corridor along Babcock Street closest to Florida Tech has the highest concentration of student-oriented apartments and is the most popular area for undergraduates. Short commutes, nearby dining options, and easy campus access drive strong demand here each year.
Apartments and townhomes near University Boulevard attract upperclassmen and graduate students looking for a balance of proximity to campus and access to US-1 retail, restaurants, and pharmacies. This area has a mix of price points and unit types.
Centered on New Haven Avenue near the Indian River Lagoon, historic downtown Melbourne has a growing restaurant and bar scene and a distinct waterfront character. Students who prefer a more urban environment with walkable evening options find this area appealing, with a 10 to 15 minute drive to campus.
These master-planned communities north of Melbourne offer newer construction apartments and townhomes that appeal to graduate students and those who prefer quieter, suburban surroundings. The commute to Florida Tech is roughly 15 minutes by car, and the area has excellent access to shopping, medical facilities, and the interstate.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Melbourne.
SpaceCoast Area Transit (SCAT) operates fixed bus routes serving Melbourne and neighboring cities including Palm Bay, Cocoa, and Titusville. Bus frequency is limited and service does not extend late into the evening, so transit alone is impractical for most students. Florida Tech students can access select routes, but the system works best as a supplement to other transportation rather than a primary option.
Melbourne is a car-oriented city, and most destinations require a vehicle to reach comfortably. The area near Florida Tech has some sidewalks and bike lanes along major roads like Babcock Street, and the flat terrain makes cycling viable for students living within two miles of campus. The Brevard County trail network includes some off-road paths, but biking on arterial roads requires caution due to traffic.
Parking is plentiful and free at most Melbourne apartment complexes, shopping centers, and businesses, which is one of the practical advantages of living in a mid-sized Florida city. Florida Tech provides on-campus parking for students with permits, and the surrounding off-campus neighborhoods have ample surface parking. Traffic congestion is generally light compared to larger Florida metros, making driving the most convenient way to get around.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
One-bedroom apartments near Florida Tech typically range from $1,200 to $1,700 per month. Shared units bring individual costs down to $700 to $1,100 per person. Newer complexes in Suntree and Viera offer updated amenities at similar or slightly higher price points than older buildings closer to campus.
Browse student housing near each Melbourne-area university.