Merritt Island, Florida has experienced a wide range of ups and downs in its real estate market over the last several years. Many factors have affected these trends, and some are local in nature, such as the wrapping up of NASA’s Space Shuttle program. The program inspired the nickname “Florida’s Space Coast,” and the region has been a significant source of job opportunities, both related to the space program and peripherally. The national economy also has direct effects on the real estate market in Merritt Island, and throughout the region.
As of the first quarter of 2011 and for the third time in the past six months, the median sales price of existing homes in the Merritt Island area is up from the same time a year earlier. These increases come after 53 consecutive months of prices being lower than their year-ago counterparts. For just the fourth time in the past year, the sale of existing single-family homes on the Space Coast topped 600. This is according to April data released recently by Florida Realtors, the group formerly known as the Florida Association of Realtors.
The median sales price of single-family homes sold in Brevard County last month was $109,200, up from $89,400 in March and $104,000 in April 2010. The 22-percent increase from March to April was the biggest one-month jump in prices in at least a decade. And the last time there was a bigger year-over-year increase than last month's 5 percent was in June 2005.
The sale of condominiums in Brevard County was also up when compared to the figures from the same time period in 2010: 194 condos were sold in Brevard in April, up from 137 a year earlier. The median sales price was $95,800, down from $107,00 in April 2010.
On the other hand, fewer people purchased previously occupied homes in April 2011. Sales of previously occupied homes fell 0.8 percent in April according to the National Association of Realtors. Purchases made by first-time homebuyers did increase but not so much as to signal a housing recovery in the Merritt Island area. The median sales price in April was $163,700, which is down 5 percent from the same month one year ago.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Climate and Storm History of Merritt Island, Florida
Merritt Island enjoys what is known as a “Koppen” climate classification due to its a year-round distribution of rainfall. Essentially, the area experiences a humid subtropical climate with especially hot and humid summers. There are also distinctions between the wet months and the dry season, with the dry lasting from December through May and the wet from June through November. Temperature varies noticeably from winter to summer, particularly in winter. In Merritt Island, there is a moderating affect from the Atlantic Ocean and a slight climate effect from the Indian River. Therefore, low temperatures are higher, and high temperatures are lower, than is measured further inland.
January is the coldest month with an average low of 50.7 degrees and average high 71 degrees. The warmest months in Merritt Island are July and August with average highs of 90 degrees and average lows 72.2 degrees. The driest month is April with 1.6 inches of rainfall; the wettest is September with 6.6 inches.
Florida is a large subtropical state that experiences hurricanes, and Merritt Island is no exception. Still, even though it is located along Florida's eastern peninsula, it is less frequently impacted by direct hurricane landfalls than portions of the Panhandle or South Florida. There are two primary reasons for this phenomenon. First, westward moving tropical systems often weaken near Bermuda by the time they approach Florida at a latitude as far north as Merritt Island. A second reason is that hurricanes making landfall along the west coast of Florida often weaken to a tropical storm by the time they move northeast to Merritt Island.
January is the coldest month with an average low of 50.7 degrees and average high 71 degrees. The warmest months in Merritt Island are July and August with average highs of 90 degrees and average lows 72.2 degrees. The driest month is April with 1.6 inches of rainfall; the wettest is September with 6.6 inches.
Florida is a large subtropical state that experiences hurricanes, and Merritt Island is no exception. Still, even though it is located along Florida's eastern peninsula, it is less frequently impacted by direct hurricane landfalls than portions of the Panhandle or South Florida. There are two primary reasons for this phenomenon. First, westward moving tropical systems often weaken near Bermuda by the time they approach Florida at a latitude as far north as Merritt Island. A second reason is that hurricanes making landfall along the west coast of Florida often weaken to a tropical storm by the time they move northeast to Merritt Island.
Top Merritt Island, Florida Restaurants
Merritt Island offers visitors and residents a wide array of restaurant, bar, grill and diner options, featuring all types of cuisines. For an escape to another continent, fans of Eastern European fare should check out European Crew Corner. This restaurant is located at 777 E. Merritt Island Causeway, Suite G23, Merritt Island, FL 32952. The European Crew Corner's diverse menu includes many of the Eastern European stables and kebabs. The kitchen also specializes in several signature dishes, such as Cevapi and Goulash. More traditional food is available for children and adults. European Crew Corner serves breakfast, lunch or dinner inside or on the outdoor patio. The restaurant is open everyday and has a full bar.
Whether grabbing breakfast or a sandwich to go, Bagel Joe’s is a great option. There are two locations, and the Merritt Island spot is at 780 E. Merritt Island Causeway. As the name suggests, Bagel Joe’s is a bagel and coffee shop - but this restaurant offers so much more. The menu features, bagel sandwiches, coffee and expresso, as well as lunch sandwiches and subs.
Diners looking for a national chain restaurant will find plenty of options, and one local favorite is the Outback Steakhouse, at 777 E. Merritt Island Causeway, Merritt Island, FL 32952. Notably inspired by Australians and their national spirit of adventure, Outback has been an trendsetter among nationwide steakhouse chains, creating big, bold flavors and demanding only the freshest ingredients. The menu includes a wide range of new choices as well as classic favorites. Though famous for steaks, Outback Steakhouse delivers mouthwatering cuts and other dishes. Their appetizer menu is well, known for its variety, and make sure to complement your meal with the signature appetizer, the Bloomin’ Onion.
Whether grabbing breakfast or a sandwich to go, Bagel Joe’s is a great option. There are two locations, and the Merritt Island spot is at 780 E. Merritt Island Causeway. As the name suggests, Bagel Joe’s is a bagel and coffee shop - but this restaurant offers so much more. The menu features, bagel sandwiches, coffee and expresso, as well as lunch sandwiches and subs.
Diners looking for a national chain restaurant will find plenty of options, and one local favorite is the Outback Steakhouse, at 777 E. Merritt Island Causeway, Merritt Island, FL 32952. Notably inspired by Australians and their national spirit of adventure, Outback has been an trendsetter among nationwide steakhouse chains, creating big, bold flavors and demanding only the freshest ingredients. The menu includes a wide range of new choices as well as classic favorites. Though famous for steaks, Outback Steakhouse delivers mouthwatering cuts and other dishes. Their appetizer menu is well, known for its variety, and make sure to complement your meal with the signature appetizer, the Bloomin’ Onion.
Fun Activities and Historic Landmarks of Merritt Island, Florida
The unincorporated census-designated place, or CDP, of Merritt Island is located on Florida's largest island, Merritt Island. This Brevard County island and CDP is home to NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center, which is a major tourist attraction and launching point for the NASA Space Shuttle program. Another attraction is the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is a 140,000-acre nature sanctuary.
Visitors can enjoy the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, located on State Road 405, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899. The daily tours offer guests the chance to float beside spacewalking astronauts while viewing the IMAX film Hubble 3D. Another exciting exhibit to have a look at a future of exciting possibilities is the “Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted.” Visitors can tour NASA’s spaceport facilities, and launch into space on the life-like “Shuttle Launch Experience.” There is also the opportunity to meet one of the program’s astronauts during daily Astronaut Encounters and walk among towering rockets.
For water sports enthusiasts, check out Calema Windsurfing and Watersports, located at 2550 Banana River Dr., Merritt Island, FL 32952. The company offers tours to gide over the water and see Florida's beauty up close. There are options for windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddling, or go sailing on a monohull or catamaran. Calema’s new 27-foot Trimaran allows the chance to explore the river and view the staggering array of wildlife found in the region. The Banana River is also home to dolphins and manatees year round.
Guests can engage in their own tour by kayak or with one of Calema’s knowledgeable guides, and there are single, tandem and quad kayaks available. The staff provides guidance, instruction and all necessary equipment at a spacious year-round waterfront facility.
Visitors can enjoy the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, located on State Road 405, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899. The daily tours offer guests the chance to float beside spacewalking astronauts while viewing the IMAX film Hubble 3D. Another exciting exhibit to have a look at a future of exciting possibilities is the “Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted.” Visitors can tour NASA’s spaceport facilities, and launch into space on the life-like “Shuttle Launch Experience.” There is also the opportunity to meet one of the program’s astronauts during daily Astronaut Encounters and walk among towering rockets.
For water sports enthusiasts, check out Calema Windsurfing and Watersports, located at 2550 Banana River Dr., Merritt Island, FL 32952. The company offers tours to gide over the water and see Florida's beauty up close. There are options for windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddling, or go sailing on a monohull or catamaran. Calema’s new 27-foot Trimaran allows the chance to explore the river and view the staggering array of wildlife found in the region. The Banana River is also home to dolphins and manatees year round.
Guests can engage in their own tour by kayak or with one of Calema’s knowledgeable guides, and there are single, tandem and quad kayaks available. The staff provides guidance, instruction and all necessary equipment at a spacious year-round waterfront facility.
City of Merritt Island, Florida: General Information
Merritt Island is not actually an incorporated municipality, but rather is a census-designated place in Brevard County, Florida, United States. It is located on the east coast of the state along the Atlantic Coast. Merritt Island as a census-designated area is part of the Palm Bay – Melbourne – Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. However, the name “Merritt Island” also refers to the geography of the former island, which is now a peninsula due to construction efforts over the years.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center are located on the northern part of Merritt Island. The southern portion of the peninsula is mostly residential, with sections of light commercial and light industrial scattered throughout. The island itself does not belong to any official city, though the central part, previously known as Merritt City, is home to the majority of the population and includes the local high school, library, and shopping district
According to the United States Census Bureau, Merritt Island as a CDP has a total geographic area of 47.0 square miles, of which 17.6 square miles is land and 29.4 square miles - a significant 62.49% - is water. The Crawlerway causeway in the north was constructed for purposes of transporting NASA space vehicles over to the launch pad near the Banana Creek. This causeway connects Merritt Island to the mainland, making it officially a peninsula.
As of the 2000 census, the population was 36,090 people living in 14,955 households, and a total of 10,049 families residing in Merritt Island. The population density was 2,044.6 people per square mile, with 15,813 housing units at an average density of 895.9 per square mile. Of the 14,955 households, 27.1% were home to children under the age of 18, while 52.9% were married couples living together. Female households with no husband comprised 10.7%, 32.8% were non-families, and 26.8% of households were solely individuals. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.86.
In Merritt Island, the population was spread out with 21.8% of residents under the age of 18, and 6.1% aged from 18 to 24. In the 25 to 44 age group, 26.1% residents fell, 26.2% aged from 45 to 64, and 19.8% of 65 or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 95.3 males, though for every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.3 males.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center are located on the northern part of Merritt Island. The southern portion of the peninsula is mostly residential, with sections of light commercial and light industrial scattered throughout. The island itself does not belong to any official city, though the central part, previously known as Merritt City, is home to the majority of the population and includes the local high school, library, and shopping district
According to the United States Census Bureau, Merritt Island as a CDP has a total geographic area of 47.0 square miles, of which 17.6 square miles is land and 29.4 square miles - a significant 62.49% - is water. The Crawlerway causeway in the north was constructed for purposes of transporting NASA space vehicles over to the launch pad near the Banana Creek. This causeway connects Merritt Island to the mainland, making it officially a peninsula.
As of the 2000 census, the population was 36,090 people living in 14,955 households, and a total of 10,049 families residing in Merritt Island. The population density was 2,044.6 people per square mile, with 15,813 housing units at an average density of 895.9 per square mile. Of the 14,955 households, 27.1% were home to children under the age of 18, while 52.9% were married couples living together. Female households with no husband comprised 10.7%, 32.8% were non-families, and 26.8% of households were solely individuals. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.86.
In Merritt Island, the population was spread out with 21.8% of residents under the age of 18, and 6.1% aged from 18 to 24. In the 25 to 44 age group, 26.1% residents fell, 26.2% aged from 45 to 64, and 19.8% of 65 or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 95.3 males, though for every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.3 males.
History of the City of Merritt Island, Florida
Merritt Island owes its name to the generosity of the King of Spain. The island was included in a land grant given by the king to a nobleman named Merritt. Merritt Island’s more recent history dates back into the mid-19th century and centers on the growth of citrus, stressing the cultivation of pineapples and oranges. The Indian River oranges and grapefruit come from this sandy area.
In 1822, Florida officially became a territory of the United States, and the booming citrus industry quickly developed. One of the most notable groves was the Dummitt Grove, on Merritt Island, which made the Indian River famous for its production of premium quality fruit. In fact, historians of the Florida citrus industry trace its beginnings to the grove that Captain D.D. Dummitt planted on Merritt Island in 1830. Dummitt’s grove, believed to be the oldest in Florida, developed the famous Indian River citrus label that still enjoys a national reputation as a premium product.
Florida's Indian River area actually encompasses a tidal lagoon, two miles wide and 120 miles long, making it an ideal location for citrus crops.
The construction of railroads during the 1860s helped push forward the industry that Dummitt started. The Island grew in the 1950s and 1960s as the Space Race began and nearby NASA exploded with job opportunities. Construction of a barge canal to the Intracoastal Waterway from the Atlantic Ocean (for power plant oil shipments) cut off the northern half of the island for many years. To this day, that section of Merritt Island remains slightly less developed with few areas remaining cattle pasture or citrus land. The smaller towns on the island vanished with the coming of the Space Age, and now only live on in the names of streets and historic churches.
In 1822, Florida officially became a territory of the United States, and the booming citrus industry quickly developed. One of the most notable groves was the Dummitt Grove, on Merritt Island, which made the Indian River famous for its production of premium quality fruit. In fact, historians of the Florida citrus industry trace its beginnings to the grove that Captain D.D. Dummitt planted on Merritt Island in 1830. Dummitt’s grove, believed to be the oldest in Florida, developed the famous Indian River citrus label that still enjoys a national reputation as a premium product.
Florida's Indian River area actually encompasses a tidal lagoon, two miles wide and 120 miles long, making it an ideal location for citrus crops.
The construction of railroads during the 1860s helped push forward the industry that Dummitt started. The Island grew in the 1950s and 1960s as the Space Race began and nearby NASA exploded with job opportunities. Construction of a barge canal to the Intracoastal Waterway from the Atlantic Ocean (for power plant oil shipments) cut off the northern half of the island for many years. To this day, that section of Merritt Island remains slightly less developed with few areas remaining cattle pasture or citrus land. The smaller towns on the island vanished with the coming of the Space Age, and now only live on in the names of streets and historic churches.
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