Island Forest Preserve: Merritt Island’s Newest Gated

Community for Modern Living

If you’ve been searching for a new construction home in a gated community near SpaceX and Blue Origin, your search might just end here. Welcome to Island Forest Preserve — Merritt Island’s newest, most exciting community blending modern design, convenience, and Florida’s signature coastal lifestyle.

Just minutes from the Kennedy Space Center, this neighborhood offers a peaceful escape from the busyness of the mainland while keeping you close to everything that makes the Space Coast special — from rocket launches and waterfront dining to top-rated schools and family-friendly parks.

Whether you’re relocating to Brevard County for work, looking to upgrade into a larger home, or simply craving the low-maintenance perks of new construction, Island Forest Preserve delivers that perfect balance of luxury, privacy, and location.

🏡 Community Overview

Built by Maronda Homes, Island Forest Preserve is a gated new construction community located in the heart of Merritt Island, Florida. Homes here start around $510,000 and feature a variety of floor plans ranging from 3 to 7 bedrooms and 2 to 5 bathrooms, with both single-story and two-story designs available.

Each home includes either a 2-car or 3-car garage, and many models offer flexible spaces — such as home offices, bonus rooms, and extended lanais — that fit a variety of lifestyles.

One of the best things about buying here is choice. If you select a move-in-ready home, you’ll get a professionally designed finish package already in place. But if you’re building from the ground up, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Maronda’s design studio and select your own finishes — including flooring, cabinetry, countertops, paint colors, and hardware options.

Every home is backed by a comprehensive 1–2–10 builder warranty, giving you peace of mind and long-term confidence in your investment.

🌟 Floor Plans and Features

The community showcases several distinct models, but the Sena model in particular stands out for its smart layout, elegant details, and balance between form and function.

Here are some highlights you’ll find in Island Forest Preserve homes:

• Open-concept main living areas that flow seamlessly between the kitchen, dining, and family room.
• Modern kitchens with large islands, walk-in pantries, and upgraded appliance options.
• Glass-enclosed home offices, perfect for remote work or study space.
• Spacious owner’s suites featuring spa-like bathrooms with dual vanities and large walk-in closets.
• Energy-efficient construction, including double-pane windows, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and smart-home-ready wiring.
• Covered lanais ideal for outdoor entertaining or relaxing in Florida’s year-round sunshine.

And if you like to entertain, you’ll fall in love with the bonus room option — a massive upstairs retreat with its own private bathroom and built-in bar. It’s perfect for game nights, a media room, or guest quarters.

🏫 Top-Rated Merritt Island Schools

Families moving to Merritt Island will appreciate access to excellent public and private schools, including:

• Merritt Island High School
• Edgewood Junior/Senior High School (one of Brevard’s highest-ranked schools)
• Lewis Carroll Elementary School
• Creative Learning School
• Lighthouse Christian Academy

These schools consistently perform well in academics, extracurriculars, and community involvement — making Island Forest Preserve an excellent choice for families seeking both a safe neighborhood and strong educational opportunities.

🌴 Location, Location, Location

One of the biggest draws of Island Forest Preserve is its location. Tucked away in Merritt Island’s quiet residential corridor, this community gives you the privacy of a gated enclave with quick access to everything the Space Coast has to offer:

• 5 minutes to SR 528 for easy access to Orlando and Cocoa Beach
• 10 minutes to Blue Origin and SpaceX launch facilities
• 15 minutes to Port Canaveral, one of Florida’s busiest cruise ports
• 20 minutes to Patrick Space Force Base and Satellite Beach
• 30–40 minutes to Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Nearby shopping and dining options include Merritt Square Mall, Publix, and a range of local favorites like The Island Waterfront Bar & Grill, Jack & Harry’s, and Mitchell’s Coffee Time.

You’re also minutes from Sykes Creek, Banana River, and Cocoa Village, where you can enjoy waterfront restaurants, local boutiques, and festivals.

🔧 Builder Warranty & Quality

Every home in Island Forest Preserve comes with Maronda’s industry-leading 1–2–10 warranty, covering:

• 1 year – Workmanship and materials
• 2 years – Major systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
• 10 years – Structural and foundation protection

This warranty ensures you’re protected long after closing — a huge advantage over resale homes that may not come with any builder support.

Maronda Homes is also known for energy-efficient, hurricane-ready designs that meet Florida’s newest building codes — meaning your home isn’t just beautiful, it’s built for longevity and low maintenance.

🏠 Lifestyle & Community Appeal

Living in Island Forest Preserve is about more than just a house — it’s a lifestyle. Residents enjoy:

• Secure gated access for privacy and peace of mind
• Quiet streets with sidewalks and tropical landscaping
• Proximity to waterfront recreation, including boating, kayaking, and fishing
• A short drive to Cocoa Beach, where you can surf, relax, or dine beachside
• Front-row seats to rocket launches lighting up the Space Coast sky

It’s the perfect mix of suburban tranquility and coastal adventure.

🚀 Why Island Forest Preserve Is Perfect for Space Coast Professionals

If you work in aerospace, tech, or defense, you’ll love the location. With major employers like SpaceX, Blue Origin, L3Harris, and Lockheed Martin just minutes away, commuting is easy — and you can enjoy the perks of living in a quiet, upscale gated neighborhood that still keeps you close to the action.

Many professionals relocating to the Space Coast choose Merritt Island for its no-bridge access to beaches, large homesites, and proximity to the Indian River Lagoon and Banana River — making it ideal for boating enthusiasts and families alike.

💬 Final Thoughts

Island Forest Preserve represents one of the best opportunities in new construction on Merritt Island today. From flexible floor plans and gated security to its unbeatable proximity to SpaceX and Blue Origin, it combines luxury with practicality — all in one of Florida’s most desirable coastal communities.

If you’ve been thinking about moving to Merritt Island or the Space Coast, or if you’re curious what new construction options are available, this is a neighborhood worth seeing in person.

As a local Merritt Island Realtor, I’d love to walk you through the floor plans, builder options, and available lots — and help you find a home that fits your lifestyle and goals.

More information: HERE