Melbourne, FL is in southern Brevard County on east central Florida’s Space Coast, about one hour south of the Kennedy Space Center and one and a half hours east of Disney World. Most of Melbourne is on the mainland, but a small portion is on the barrier island separated by the Indian River Lagoon.

Melbourne was founded in 1867 by former slaves and named in honor of its first postmaster, Cornthwaite John Hector, an Englishman who had spent much of his life in Melbourne, Australia.

With a population of 76,068 as of the 2010 Census, Melbourne is the second largest city in Brevard County by size and population. The median household income was $34,571.

Interstate 95 runs north to south through Melbourne, the Beachline Expressway enters from the west, and US 192 runs through Melbourne to the beaches. Commuters are served by Space Coast Area Transit, offering bus, van pool, and park and ride services, as well as public transit for kids. Melbourne International Airport is near the center of the city. A number of defense and technology companies employ thousands of residents, including DRS Technologies, GE and Harris Corporation.

Two premier Melbourne, FL apartment communities were inspired by the Ivy League – Princeton Park and Harvard Apartments. Harvard Condominiums and Palm Springs Condominiums have homes available for both purchase and rent at competitive prices.

Brevard Public Schools operates Melbourne’s public school system. The district includes 16 public and private elementary schools, eight middle schools and nine high schools. Brevard Community College, Florida Institute of Technology and Everest University are in Melbourne, along with campuses of Florida State University, University of Central Florida and Keiser University.

Melbourne’s Leisure Services Department provides parks and recreational facilities, including two golf courses, an auditorium, a state-of-the-art civic center, tennis courts and swimming pools, while Brevard Zoo is a favorite destination for families. Popular cultural events include the annual Melbourne Independent Filmmakers’ Festival, the Melbourne Arts Festival, and Melbourne Oktoberfest.