Starting at L3Harris in West Melbourne and need to move fast? You are balancing a new role, a tight start date, and a housing decision in a market you may not know yet. This guide gives you clear steps, commute insights, and practical timelines so you can land, get settled, and hit your first day with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Know your worksite and commute
Your first step is to confirm the exact L3Harris worksite address and your shift hours with HR. West Melbourne sits just west of the City of Melbourne and connects to major corridors, so your route options will vary by neighborhood. Plan on testing multiple routes at your expected commute times.
Main routes and peak times
Interstate 95 is the main north–south spine, with state and U.S. roads feeding the employment centers. Morning traffic usually peaks around 7:00–9:00 a.m., and evenings around 4:00–6:30 p.m. Actual drive times shift with your exact addresses, shift, and any road incidents, so build in a buffer during your first week.
Transit and parking
Most residents drive. County bus service exists, but schedules and last‑mile gaps can make public transit tough for some shifts. Ask HR about any site shuttles or vanpools and confirm parking rules or permits for your campus.
Seasonal and construction impacts
Hurricane season runs June through November and can affect travel and availability. Roadwork can also change drive times. Check traffic advisories before you choose a neighborhood and during your first weeks in town.
Choose a timeline that fits your start date
Your housing plan should match your reporting date. Here is a quick framework to reduce stress and keep you on schedule.
If you start in under 2 weeks
- Book temporary furnished housing like an extended‑stay suite or corporate rental.
- Confirm I‑9 document requirements, security steps, and first‑day check‑in details.
- Use this window to map commute times from a few target areas.
If you start in 2 to 8 weeks
- Secure a short‑term or month‑to‑month furnished rental while you search.
- If buying, get pre‑approved and line up a local agent who can schedule after‑hours and virtual showings.
- Begin viewing homes or rentals and compare commute times for each option.
If you start in 8 to 16 plus weeks
- A full purchase timeline is realistic if you move quickly.
- Get pre‑approved, define target areas, and start touring with an agent.
- Plan for inspections, insurance, and closing so your move aligns with your start date.
Use a 30/60/90‑day plan
A simple checklist keeps you on track from offer to move‑in.
Immediate: days 0–7
- Confirm worksite, shift, security, and any required paperwork.
- Ask HR about relocation benefits and preferred vendors.
- Reserve temporary lodging if you need fast arrival.
Short term: days 7–30
- Buyers: obtain mortgage pre‑approval and start targeted tours.
- Renters: set criteria like commute cap, budget, bedrooms, and pet policies.
- Begin virtual or in‑person showings and schedule utility transfers for move‑in.
Medium term: days 30–90
- Buyers: make offers, complete inspections, and arrange homeowner and flood insurance if required.
- Renters: sign the lease and schedule move‑in and furnishings.
- Complete Florida residency tasks and any school or healthcare transfers.
Rent vs buy: how to decide
Under time pressure, renting first is often the safest move. It gives you speed, flexibility, and time to learn the area before you buy. If your timeline is longer and you are pre‑approved, buying now may offer long‑term savings and stability.
- Rent first pros: fast move‑in, less upfront work, fewer surprises, and flexibility.
- Buy now pros: stability, potential tax and equity benefits, and ability to settle sooner.
- Default strategy with tight starts: secure a 30–90 day rental while you continue a focused purchase search.
Build a smart home search
Your criteria should balance commute, budget, and risk so you can act quickly and confidently.
Set clear criteria
- Commute time and reliability, with two or three viable routes.
- Proximity to childcare or schools if needed. Verify school zones with the district before you sign.
- Flood risk and insurance needs. Check FEMA maps and get early quotes if you are near coastal areas.
- Everyday amenities like groceries, pharmacies, medical care, and emergency services.
- Lease flexibility, especially for furnished units or shorter terms.
Test commutes the right way
Map drive times for each candidate address at your exact shift start and end times. Do trial runs on weekdays and add a 10–15 minute buffer for your first week.
Understand costs and deposits
Budget for common upfront costs. Renters often pay first month’s rent, a security deposit that can be one to two months, and application fees. Buyers should plan for earnest money, inspection and appraisal fees, closing costs, and insurance. Near the coast, homeowners may face higher premiums and wind or hurricane deductibles.
Short‑term housing options
Short‑term stays allow you to start work without rushing your long‑term decision.
- Extended‑stay hotels with weekly or monthly rates.
- Corporate housing with furnished suites.
- Furnished short‑term rentals and month‑to‑month apartments where available.
- Employer‑arranged options if offered. Ask HR about any vendor relationships.
Handle Florida logistics early
Taking care of essentials early keeps your first weeks smooth and focused on work.
Employment and security steps
Confirm I‑9 document requirements and where to complete verification. If your role requires clearances or special badges, coordinate with HR or site security and schedule any appointments as soon as possible.
Licenses and registrations
New Florida residents generally need to update driver’s licenses and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Review state timelines and notify your auto insurer about your move.
Utilities and services
Electricity, water, sewer, trash, and gas providers vary by address. Check availability and schedule installations ahead of time. Transfer medical records and register with local providers if needed.
Hurricane season and insurance
From June to November, plan for tropical weather. Know your evacuation routes and where you will source storm supplies. If your property is in a FEMA‑designated flood zone, you may need separate flood insurance. For buyers, confirm wind and hurricane coverage early so closing stays on track.
How Silvia Mozer can help
You deserve a smooth landing and a home that fits your life and commute. As a veteran local agent serving Melbourne and West Melbourne, Silvia provides organized, relocation‑ready buyer representation, virtual and in‑person tours that fit tight schedules, and clear guidance on commute bands, flood considerations, and insurance steps. She offers multilingual support in English, Portuguese, and Spanish to keep communication simple.
If you are relocating with a tight start date, Silvia will help you secure the right short‑term option, then line up a focused purchase or long‑term rental search that aligns with your L3Harris schedule. When you are ready, connect with Silvia Mozer for a private consultation.
FAQs
What should L3Harris newcomers to West Melbourne do first?
- Confirm your exact worksite address, shift hours, and first‑day check‑in details with HR, then book temporary housing if needed and begin mapping commutes.
How can I estimate my commute to an L3Harris campus?
- Map multiple routes and test drive them at your expected start and end times on weekdays, then build a 10–15 minute buffer during your first week.
Is renting first better if my L3Harris start date is soon?
- Yes, if you start within 60 days, a furnished short‑term rental reduces stress while you complete pre‑approval, tours, and inspections for a smart purchase.
What upfront costs should I expect when moving to West Melbourne?
- Renters often pay first month’s rent, security deposit, and application fees; buyers budget for earnest money, inspection and appraisal fees, closing costs, and insurance.
How do hurricanes affect housing and timelines in Brevard County?
- Storm season can strain availability and travel; plan ahead for insurance, know your evacuation routes, and allow extra time for inspections and closings.
What documents do I need for employment verification at L3Harris?
- Bring original I‑9 documents such as a passport or a driver’s license plus Social Security card as directed by HR, and schedule any required security steps early.
