Located on the eastern coast of Florida, Merritt Island is a small island community that’s home to around 34,500 residents. Seniors aged 65 and older make up about 24% of the town’s population. Merritt Island offers a peaceful environment where retirees can enjoy beautiful year-round weather, affordable health care and a waterfront lifestyle. There are plenty of public parks for seniors to visit, as well as many nearby beaches and a national wildlife refuge.

When exploring long-term care options, individuals who require daily assistance may consider assisted living. These communities offer a supportive environment where trained caregivers provide personalized care and help with tasks such as bathing, grooming and medication management. Most also offer daily meals, complimentary transportation and activities programs. In Merritt Island, these communities typically cost $4,461 per month, which is more affordable than the national average but more expensive than the state average.

This guide offers a more in-depth look at assisted living in Merritt Island, including a breakdown of how costs compare to other types of long-term care, some benefits and drawbacks of retiring to the area and a list of organizations that seniors can contact for free/low-cost support services.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Merritt Island, FL

Sodalis Merritt Island

535 Crockett Boulevard, Merritt Island, FL, 32953

The tour we had went really well. The facility was pretty nice. It was very cozy, very clean, and very nice. The people were very attentive. Cindy was one that gave us the information about the financ … (read more)
The tour we had went really well. The facility was pretty nice. It was very cozy, very clean, and very nice. The people were very attentive. Cindy was one that gave us the information about the financ … (read more)

La Casa Assisted Living & Memory Care

220 N Grove St, Merritt Island, FL, 32953

i just wanted to let you know that my Mom was in this memory care facility, and she was given the most excellent care. We as a family want to extend our most heartfelt thank you for all the care that … (read more)
i just wanted to let you know that my Mom was in this memory care facility, and she was given the most excellent care. We as a family want to extend our most heartfelt thank you for all the care that … (read more)

The Lenox at Merritt Island

1200 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL, 32952


Cedar Creek Assisted Living

4279 Judith Ave, Merritt Island, FL, 32953

My sister will be moving into Cedar Creek Assisted Living. It is under new ownership. It’s been fully renovated. The rooms are brand new. The halls are bright and clean. They put a lot of money into t … (read more)
My sister will be moving into Cedar Creek Assisted Living. It is under new ownership. It’s been fully renovated. The rooms are brand new. The halls are bright and clean. They put a lot of money into t … (read more)

Melodie’s Place On The River

715 S. Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, FL, 32952

My mother was in a larger facility and she needed more care so we found Melodie’s Place and what a different they gave more individual care, she didn’t complain about the food anymore, her hair was cl … (read more)
My mother was in a larger facility and she needed more care so we found Melodie’s Place and what a different they gave more individual care, she didn’t complain about the food anymore, her hair was cl … (read more)

Angel Guardian Assisted Living Inc

280 Bahama Dr, Merritt Island, FL, 32952

Do not take your family members to this place. The owner took over 6000 $ from Me and then 2 1/2 weeks later she dropped my mother off at a hospital without even telling me and told them to find her r … (read more)
Do not take your family members to this place. The owner took over 6000 $ from Me and then 2 1/2 weeks later she dropped my mother off at a hospital without even telling me and told them to find her r … (read more)

Yan Yan Healthcare, Inc

585 Allen Drive,, Merritt Island, FL, 32952

Owner cannot keep facility staffed. Facility has several state violations. Owner left 4 residents unsupervised. One resident fell, other residents called 911. It was an additional 1.5 hours before … (read more)
Owner cannot keep facility staffed. Facility has several state violations. Owner left 4 residents unsupervised. One resident fell, other residents called 911. It was an additional 1.5 hours before … (read more)

Banana River Villas

1275 North Banana River Drive, Merritt Island, FL, 32952


All One Family Dolphin Inc – CLOSED

1405 Dolphin Ave, Merritt Island, FL, 32952


Farrington House

1970 Farrington Drive, Merritt Island, FL, 32952


2015, 2017, 2018

The Brennity at Melbourne

7300 Watersong Lane, Melbourne, FL, 32940

The Brennity at Melbourne is a gated independent and assisted living and memory care facility in Melbourne, Florida. It’s surrounded by fields, across from a residential community, minutes from Duran … (read more)
The Brennity at Melbourne is a gated independent and assisted living and memory care facility in Melbourne, Florida. It’s surrounded by fields, across from a residential community, minutes from Duran … (read more)
Get Pricing See Details
2015, 2017, 2018

2016, 2017, 2018

Palm Cottages

3821 Sunnyside Court, Rockledge, FL, 32955

We went to Palm Cottages. They have a different style of philosophy. They have 14 or 16 smaller rooms that go around the perimeter of one large central room, which also has a kitchen. As far as the ro … (read more)
We went to Palm Cottages. They have a different style of philosophy. They have 14 or 16 smaller rooms that go around the perimeter of one large central room, which also has a kitchen. As far as the ro … (read more)
Get Pricing See Details
2016, 2017, 2018

Sonata Viera Assisted Living

3325 Breslay Drive, Melbourne, FL, 32940

Sonata Viera Assisted Living is a lovely community based in Melbourne, Florida. It’s just a short distance from Viera East Market Center and the Indian River, and the newly renovated facility offers v … (read more)
Sonata Viera Assisted Living is a lovely community based in Melbourne, Florida. It’s just a short distance from Viera East Market Center and the Indian River, and the newly renovated facility offers v … (read more)

Alura Senior Living

777 Roy Wall Blvd, Rockledge, FL, 32955

Alura Senior Living is the place we like the best. The facility was very clean. They have a lot of activities. The rooms are a good size for an assisted living facility. It almost looks like a hotel. … (read more)
Alura Senior Living is the place we like the best. The facility was very clean. They have a lot of activities. The rooms are a good size for an assisted living facility. It almost looks like a hotel. … (read more)


G and E Assisted Living LLC

960 Maemir Way, Rockledge, FL, 32955


Discovery Village at Melbourne

3260 N. Harbor City Boulevard, Melbourne, FL, 32935

Discovery Village had both assisted living and memory care. It was a delightful, beautiful place. The people were friendly, and the residents were very happy. They had a new director, and it looks lik … (read more)
Discovery Village had both assisted living and memory care. It was a delightful, beautiful place. The people were friendly, and the residents were very happy. They had a new director, and it looks lik … (read more)

Autumn House

7999 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera, FL, 32940

Autumn House was very nice and elegant but too expensive. Everything was very nicely arranged, and they pay attention to detail and what the patients need. I talked to the director and secretary, who … (read more)
Autumn House was very nice and elegant but too expensive. Everything was very nicely arranged, and they pay attention to detail and what the patients need. I talked to the director and secretary, who … (read more)

Pineapple Garden Assisted Living

1504 South Fiske Boulevard, Rockledge, FL, 32955

Clean place with a helpful staff. Food looked good. Relaxing setting.
Clean place with a helpful staff. Food looked good. Relaxing setting.

Magnolia House Assisted Living Facility Llc.

103 Yacht Haven Drive, Cocoa Beach, FL, 32931

This is a small 6 bed facility with a great waterfront view. Magnolia house has the best staff and every resident gets wonderful individualized care. The house is always very clean and meals are home … (read more)
This is a small 6 bed facility with a great waterfront view. Magnolia house has the best staff and every resident gets wonderful individualized care. The house is always very clean and meals are home … (read more)

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Merritt Island

Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in Florida. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.

What to Consider About Assisted Living in Merritt Island

Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration, Bureau of Health Facility Regulation is responsible for overseeing the licensing and operation of assisted living facilities in Merritt Island. When applying for a license, facilities must undergo an initial inspection to confirm that they are compliant with the established laws and regulations. Follow-up inspections must be completed at least every 2 years.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Merritt Island

  • Merritt Island is a coastal paradise known for its warm and sunny year-round climate. Winters are especially pleasant, as there is no snowfall and temperatures don’t fall below 49 degrees. Summer temperatures can climb as high as 90 degrees, which is more comfortable than many Florida cities that see very hot and humid weather during the summer months.
  • The region also boasts high air quality. The American Lung Association gives the area A-ratings in the categories of high ozone days and 24-hour particle pollution.
  • With an index score of 103.7, the overall cost of living in Merritt Island is comparable to the Florida state median of 103.1. However, it is slightly more expensive than the average American city (100). This is largely due to the area’s high housing costs. Fortunately, transportation costs are about 14% lower than the national average, and health care costs are moderate.
  • Florida’s low taxes can help offset seniors’ living expenses. As there is no state income tax, seniors do not have to pay taxes on retirement income generated from Social Security benefits, government pensions, IRAs and 401(k)s. Florida seniors are also free from paying estate and inheritance tax.
  • There are no hospitals in Merritt Island. In the event of an emergency, seniors travel to Rockledge Regional Medical Center or Cape Canaveral Medical Center in Cocoa Beach, both of which are only about 3 miles away.
  • Seniors can access local destinations and nearby communities using Space Coast Area Transit. The public transportation system offers fixed route services around Merritt Island and a curb-to-curb paratransit service. Seniors 60 and up are eligible for reduced fares.
  • Crime rates in Merritt Island are a bit above average. Measured on a scale from 1 to 100, the town receives an index rating of 25.8 for violent crime, which is several points higher than the national average of 22.7. In terms of property-related offenses, its score of 47.2 is quite a bit higher than the U.S. average of 35.4. However, most assisted living facilities have advanced security systems and video surveillance to keep residents safe.

Paying for Assisted Living in Merritt Island

The average cost of assisted living communities in Merritt Island is $4,461 per month.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Compared to the state median, care costs in Merritt Island are more than $400 higher. They are, however, slightly lower than the national average of $4,500. In nearby Orlando, rates are on par with the state average of $4,000. Lakeland is even more affordable, with rates over $1,000 below those in Merritt Island. However, Merritt Island is a less expensive option than Jacksonville, where rates are around $200 higher. The town also sees lower costs than The Villages, where seniors typically pay over $5,200 per month.

$4461

Merritt Island

$4000

Florida

$4500

United States

$4000

Orlando

$3300

Lakeland

$5208

The Villages

$4660

Jacksonville

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Adult day care offers light, part-time assistance at the affordable rate of $1,408 per month, which is over $3,000 less than assisted living. In-home care and home health care are around $300 more expensive than assisted living, though they’re ideal for seniors who wish to remain living at home rather than in a residential setting. Base rates for nursing care are over $5,200 higher than assisted living costs, though they include 24-hour supervision and specialized skilled nursing care.

$4767

In-Home Care

$4767

Home Health Care

$1408

Adult Day Health Care

$4461

Assisted Living Facility

$9688

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

Note: Data for Merritt Island was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Palm Bay, was used instead.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Merritt Island

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Florida

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Florida page.

Free & Low-Cost Assisted Living Resources in Merritt Island

Seniors in Merritt Island may require additional assistance with managing their long-term care needs. The following organizations offer free and low-cost services and programs to help seniors stay happy, healthy and safe in their communities.

Resource

Contact

Service

(321) 639-8770

Aging Matters in Brevard is the region's lead agency for senior services. It provides a range of free programs, including a senior lunch program, transportation services, health education workshops and senior volunteer opportunities. The agency also operates a caregiver resource center.

(321) 473-3355

This nonprofit offers free care management services to help seniors and families locate resources and understand their long-term care options. It also hosts a social dining program for individuals aged 60 and older as well as a coffee program that gives assisted living residents an opportunity to socialize with community members.

(407) 514-1800

As the regional Aging & Disability Resource Center, the SRA helps seniors and families locate resources in their communities, such as Medicare assistance, long-term care options counseling, nutrition programs and caregiver support. The organization's Elder Helpline is free to call and available 24/7 for information and referrals.

(321) 473-7770

Helping Seniors of Brevard helps older adults access information, education and resources. The nonprofit runs a comprehensive media outreach program that delivers senior-focused educational content in the form of newsletters, television shows, radio programs and podcasts. It also operates a free information helpline that provides case management and referral services.

(321) 323-7325

Seniors can visit One Senior Place for information, health products and referral services. Specialists are available to provide free one-on-one consultations, and the center hosts daily seminars and educational events on a variety of aging topics. There's also a free on-site resource library that seniors can utilize.

(888) 831-0404 

Through this statewide program, trained volunteers work to advocate for the quality of care seniors receive in long-term care facilities, such as assisted living communities. They work with residents to address concerns, resolve disputes and educate individuals on their rights

(321) 631-2500

With its network of more than 400 volunteer attorneys, this nonprofit firm provides free legal aid to low-income seniors on matters such as guardianship, consumer law, elder abuse and bankruptcy. It also hosts clinics on topics such as government health benefits and wills.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Merritt Island

Merritt Island Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in Florida are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Florida page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Florida