Watermelons can be a bit tricky when determining ripeness, cantaloupes are much easier to pick at their peak since they turn from green to orange when ripe. I'd try them first before trying honeydews.

If you have rodent pests, cantaloupes will be challenging. They smell when ripe, and the pests sense that, and move in for the kill. Honeydews are more immune to that, but do change color slightly when ripe, and present a soft spot on the flower end at that time. Both do best with lots of heat and sun. An added advantage of honeydews is that, like watermelons, they can sit directly on the ground. Cantaloupes are less forgiving about sitting on moist ground. Have you considered berries?

I have a lot of berries already:)