Let the numbers do the talking.
Merritt Island, FL vs Wildwood, FL
Merritt Island, FL vs Wildwood, FL: What the data shows
Merritt Island, FL is in Merritt Island, FL while Wildwood, FL is in Wildwood, FL — both in the same state. On home prices, Wildwood, FL is the more affordable option at $170,000 median — $170,000 less than Merritt Island, FL's $340,000. WYLT rates Merritt Island, FL as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Wildwood, FL as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Merritt Island, FL has the stronger safety profile of the two. Merritt Island, FL has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Wildwood, FL has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Merritt Island, FL has High flood risk and Wildwood, FL has Low flood risk.
Wildwood, FL is the more walkable neighborhood. Merritt Island, FL scores N/A/100 versus Wildwood, FL's 22/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Wildwood, FL has the higher school rating — Merritt Island, FL rates 7.4/10 and Wildwood, FL rates 7.86/10.
| Category | Merritt Island, FL | Wildwood, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Good for now |
| Median Price | $340K | $170K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $900 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $60K ✓ Higher income | $45K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 22/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A |
| Commute | 75 min | 60 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | B |
| Violent Crime | Low | Low |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | High | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.4/10 | 7.86/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | FamiliesRemote workersParks enthusiasts | FamiliesFirst-time homebuyersSmall businesses |
Bottom line
If you're a family looking for good schools and affordable housing, Wildwood is the better choice. For those unwilling or unable to accept the challenges of a higher-cost, flood-prone area, Wildwood is a more uncomplicated option. However, if you're willing to spend more on housing and prioritize living in a nature-rich environment, Merritt Island may be the better fit for you.
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