Someone from out of town recently asked me if Melbourne is a “good place to raise a family.”

And honestly, it’s hard to answer that with a straightforward yes or no.

When it comes to location, everyone has different needs and preferences. The aspects of Melbourne that appeal to me aren’t necessarily the ones that will appeal to you.

And for stupid legal reasons, real estate agents aren’t supposed to talk about social questions that might be construed as “controversial.”

But I can tell you that my family loves living here.

Of course, like any city, Melbourne has its quirks. But as a long-time resident and realtor, my experience has been that the pros far outweigh the cons.

In case you’re considering a move, here are four things I love about living here:

1. No matter where you are in Brevard County, you’re always close to a beach. So, unless you’re a curmudgeon who hates sunshine and surf, Melbourne is hard to beat.

2. We have locally owned, family-friendly restaurants around every corner. As a busy mom, this is already a huge perk, but the thing I love most about our small businesses is their owners. There’s a real sense of community in Melbourne that I haven’t found anywhere else.

3. Speaking of which, the people here are just… real. Like, bake-cookies-for-your-neighbors-for-no-reason real. I love living in a city where we not only enjoy the beach, but we genuinely care about each other.

4. Melbourne is a sweet spot as far as population, location, and amenities. Despite the beautiful ocean views and outstanding convenience, it’s not overly crowded. It’s honestly kind of miraculous.

People are moving to Melbourne from all over the country, so who knows? Maybe in 20 years, we’ll have lost our small-town charm. It’s impossible to say for sure.

But as of right now, I can tell you that this is a fantastic place to put down roots. If you crave community and a connection to water, I think you’re going to love it here.

Of course, that’s just my opinion. *wink*