DH and I are contemplating a move in the next couple of years and are seriously considering Melbourne, Florida.
So, what can you tell me about this area? I want the good, the bad and the ugly
Employment?
Hubby's an engineer--we have lots of tech companies in the area. Depends on what you do. For realtors, a little slow right now.
Weather?
Nice--a bit humid--we do benefit from the coastal air..so it will be a a degree or two cooler in the summer and the opposite in the winter. I really like it--though it is sweltering in August. My pool is a must have to get through that month. Autumn arrives about December 1st or so...winter arrives February 1st and departs at about noon. (Okay--a joke..but people always complain about the hot weather and though we still have high 80s right now...the heat of summer is gone 
Housing?
Lots of it and totally a buyer's market right now. Homes are not moving and sooner or later the pricing will need to be competitive if people are serious to sell. But ideal for someone new to the area. You have your pick of the litter so to speak. It is more expensive beachside (between the Ocean and Indian River) than it is mainland..but there are some pricey communities mainland as well. Typically--you get more house for your buck mainland. The trade off for beachside is proximity to the water that some just cannot pass up. We live beachside--when we bought it just happened to be the best thing for us and we are happy with that choice.
Shopping? I really, really need a Target
We have a Target on 192 and a Super Target in Viera on Wickham @ I-95..will that work for you? They just opened up the Mall at Viera a year ago..it is an outdoor mall that I cannot remember the actual name of..but some nice stores and some nice restaurants. We're moving on up in this neck of the woods. 
For the serious shoppers--we survive in Melbourne, but major malls in Orlando are only 45-90 minutes away depending on where you are starting and where you are going.
Environment?
My weak point of knowledge...not really sure what you are asking here. We recycle plastic, newspaper, and aluminum. We have the Indian River Lagoon that they work to protect. And we save the sea turtles. Otherwise, I have to defer to someone who may be able to answer that better for you.
Schools?
Typically okay depending on where you live and what school your child will attend. Lots of newer schools popping up in Viera due to their growth. Unfrortunately--at the elementary level..they have some wacky zoning going on so the school your child should be going to, may not be the one they end up at. Beachside Elementary schools generally are good. Each high school has their strong and weak points. I do not know much about the middle schools. We homeschool and the majority of those we know who do not..send them to our beachside elementary school (Which is really good) or to the parochial school at our church (also beachside).
Cost of Living?
We were in DC over the summer and it was way more expensive for basic needs than it was here. Power is pricey..but in a home that has been made energy efficient or in a newer home..it isn't so bad. Our home is 1960s and is 1500 sf under air. My friends house is probably 70s and is 2500 under air. She did things to make her home energy efficient...we haven't started that project yet. My bill was $293 last month and hers was $250. So pricey to run that AC...but do you best to keep that home efficient and it won't be as bad as it could be. Best thing to do is to find an on-line COL calculator to see what the difference would be from your area to here. I know hubby needs to make a bit more for DC where is has lived for the past year just for us to be even with how we live here. So we are less than the popular pricey areas (NY/DC/Mass as an example). Insurance could possibly make you want to pull your hair out. Further inland is not as bad...but if you move beachside...Citizen's is your only option and they are pricey. So one thing to think about when you are house shopping--is to be insurance shopping and know who will insure you for which area. We live at the beach and flood insurance isn't necessary--but we have it. B/c for a major hurricane like Katrina..flooding is possible if the surge is high enough. For us--it is very cheap to obtain for flood.
Good neighborhoods... bad neighborhoods?
Palm Bay has good and bad sections..some very nice..others not so nice. One of those things that can be answered better when you are actually house hunting. Usually around better schools is hte better neighborhoods.
Any other surrounding areas recommended?
Depends on what your looking for-the Melbourne area includes Palm Bay, Malabar, Grant, Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, & Satellite Beach. Extending further north into Brevard is Cocoa Beach/Cocoa and Titusville. Indian River County can be nice as well..Vero Beach is there
