Let the numbers do the talking.
Jacksonville, FL vs Merritt Island, FL
Jacksonville, FL vs Merritt Island, FL: What the data shows
Jacksonville, FL is in Jacksonville, FL while Merritt Island, FL is in Merritt Island, FL — both in the same state. On home prices, Jacksonville, FL is the more affordable option at $230,200 median — $109,800 less than Merritt Island, FL's $340,000. WYLT rates Jacksonville, FL as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Merritt Island, FL as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Merritt Island, FL has the stronger safety profile of the two. Jacksonville, FL has High violent crime and Moderate property crime. Merritt Island, FL has Low violent crime and Low property crime. On environmental risk, Jacksonville, FL has Low flood risk and Merritt Island, FL has High flood risk.
For families weighing school quality, Merritt Island, FL has the higher school rating — Jacksonville, FL rates 7.1/10 and Merritt Island, FL rates 7.4/10.
| Category | Jacksonville, FL | Merritt Island, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $230K ✓ Lower price | $340K |
| Median Rent | $935 ✓ Lower rent | $2K |
| Median Income | $38K | $60K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | 3/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | 2/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 2 min ✓ Shorter commute | 75 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | F | A ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | High | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Flood Risk | Low ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.1/10 | 7.4/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | young professionalsstudentsshort‑term renters | FamiliesRemote workersParks enthusiasts |
Bottom line
Jacksonville and Merritt Island are both neighborhoods that come with significant trade-offs, but if you prioritize a short commute and a more affordable lifestyle, Jacksonville might be a better fit for you, especially if you're a young professional or student looking for a temporary base. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend more on housing and prioritize a more suburban, family-friendly experience with better schools, but longer commute, Merritt Island could be a better choice.
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